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Israel and the crisis in the Middle East

Israel's war in Gaza has exacerbated regional tensions in the Middle East.

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All Content on this topic

Opinion: US Resorting to Heartless Tactics in the Middle East

Washington is sending hesitant signals to the Middle East, saying intervention at this time wouldn't be helpful. This is a callous delay tactic, which condones further casualties, says Deutsche Welle's Peter Philipp.

"Hezbollah Can't Do Much More Harm Than a Pin Prick"

While clear evidence exists that Iran supports Hezbollah militarily, the movement does not really pose a threat to Israel, Middle East expert Jochen Hippler told DW-WORLD.DE.

European Press Review: "Speed is of the Essence"

European newspapers continue to assess the Israeli-Lebanese conflict and critique their own country's involvement. They have also commented on what might -- and should -- happen when the dust settles.

UN Shapes Plans for Lebanon Force

UN chief Kofi Annan has said he expects European participation in a UN stabilization force in the Middle East. But for Germany, the issue is not yet on the agenda.

Experts: EU Mediation in Middle East Requires a Common Line

The Israeli army has said its offensive to defeat Hezbollah could last several weeks. Yet time is running out for international diplomatic intervention. What role could the European Union play in the negotiation process?

By Land and Sea, Europeans Flee Lebanon for Their Lives

Helicopters and warships, chartered ferries and passenger vessels have arrived in Lebanon to pick up tens of thousands of people in one of the biggest mass evacuations since World War II.

Former UN Investigator Says Hezbollah Has Syria's Approval

The escalation of violence in the Middle East has analysts speculating over those responsible behind the scenes. Detlev Mehlis, former UN inspector, told Deutsche Welle that Iran and Syria are definitely playing a role.

European Press Review: "An Act of War"

European newspapers have almost unanimously condemned Israel's retaliatory offensive against Lebanon as "out of proportion."

G8 Leaders Focus On Escalating Violence in Middle East

Leaders of the world's big powers gathered for summit talks in St Petersburg dominated by fears that the growing crisis in the Middle East, marked by a rising death toll, could explode into a regional war.

What Drives Hezbollah?

Who has what interests in the escalation of violence in the Middle East following a phase of relative quiet? An analysis by Deutsche Welle's Mideast expert Peter Philipp.

Governments Warn Citizens to Stay Clear of Lebanon

Amid spiraling Mideast violence, several governments, including Germany's, have warned their nationals to stay away from Lebanon. Members of a German-Lebanese family were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes.

"Israel Was Massively Provoked"

German historian Michael Stürmer talked to DW-WORLD.DE about Israel's motivations behind the attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, the background of the conflict, and what the recent crisis could mean for Germany.

EU: Israel Uses "Disproportionate Force" in Lebanon

The worsening situation in the Middle East has captured the world's attention, including the European Union's, which has accused Israel of "disproportionate use of force" in Lebanon. Violence continued into Friday.

Bush, Merkel Urge Restraint Amid Escalating Mideast Violence

Meeting in Germany for an informal visit, both German Chancellor Merkel and US President Bush have called for restraint as violence erupted on the Israel-Lebanon border following the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.

Q&A Gaza

One Palestinian was killed and four others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday.

Gaza

ISRAELI MILITARY OFFICIALS ADMIT THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHERE CORPORAL SHALIT IS BEING HELD – BUT ISRAELI IS CONTINING ITS MILITARY OPERATION IN THE GAZA STRIP TO FREE HIM.

q&a Israel Gaza

It’s been 7 days since Palestinian militants abducted an Israeli soldier. In just one week, Israel has put incredible pressure on the Hamas leadership calling for the return of the soldier

Israel Gaza

Israel is keeping up pressure on the Palestinians to free abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by widening its offensive in the Gaza strip.

Q&A Gaza

Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya has insisted that his Hamas-led government was working to free an Israeli soldier, but accused Israel of jeopardising their efforts by attacking Gaza.

Q&A Gaza Analyse

The hostage-takers are using the kidnapping of the soldier as a bargaining chip to get Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The action has prompted a strong military response from Israel.

Gaza Strip

Palestinian militants are taking up positions in the north of the Gaza strip, in anticipation of Israel extending its military operation to free a soldier captured by Palestinian militants.

Israel Gaza

Israel has ruled out the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for information on the whereabouts of an Israeli soldier who was abducted on the Israel-Gaza border on Sunday.

Hamas Israel Gaza

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and one is feared kidnapped after a Palestinian militant assault on an Israeli outpost on the Gaza Strip border. Two Palestinian insurgents also died in the Sunday morning attack.

Abbas Seeks EU Help to Keep Palestinians From Abyss

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas appealed on Tuesday to the European Union to resume aid to his impoverished people, who face escalating violence and a Hamas-led government near financial collapse.

Opinion: Window-Dressing in the Middle East

A decision by the Middle East diplomatic quartet to create a temporary mechanism to deliver aid to the Palestinians will not help ease the desperation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, says DW's Peter Philipp.

CLASHES BETWEEN GUNMEN FROM RIVAL PALESTINIAN FACTIONS IN THE GAZA STRIP

THIS IS THE MOST SERIOUS OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE IN GAZA SINCE ISLAMIC MILITANTS HAMAS TOOK POWER IN THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY.

Mohammed Cartoon Conflict Gets Even Hotter

The controversy over Danish editorial cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed has widened, escalating into an armed standoff in the Gaza Strip. Now, Jordan has stepped into the fray -- in favor of the editorials.

Opinion: Dealing With Hamas

Depending on the extent of Hamas' influence on the next Palestinian government, the West could be in an unprecedented situation when it comes to continued mediation in the Middle East conflict, writes DW's Peter Philipp.

EU Could Increase Palestinian Aid Despite Hamas Victory

Radical Islamist group Hamas is likely to do well in Wednesday's Palestinian parliamentary elections. EU officials have not revealed whether they would cut the bloc's massive aid should the group gain power.

After Sharon, What Future for the Middle East?

Doctors are fighting to save Ariel Sharon after a brain hemorrhage. Peter Philipp considers what will happen assuming the Israeli prime minister fails to return to the political stage.

Germany Releases Hezbollah Hijacker Wanted by US

Germany has quietly released a jailed Hezbollah member wanted by the US for killing an American Navy diver. The timing -- just days after the freeing of a German hostage in Iraq -- has raised uncomfortable questions.

"Germans Should Invest in the Gaza Strip"

As Germany and Israel celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, DW-WORLD spoke to former ambassador Avi Primor about the two countries' business ties.

A Manifestation of German-Israeli Dialogue

Israeli writer Amos Oz will receive the Goethe Prize from the city of Frankfurt on Sunday. DW-WORLD spoke with him about his work, his ties to Germany and his political activities.

Germany Praises Israel's Gaza Pullout

Hezbollah Official Forced Out of Germany

German Press Review: In Arafat's Wake

The health of the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat sparked a plethora of comment in German editorials Friday.

European Press Review: Better Than Nothing

European papers on Wednesday discussed the decision by Israel to pull out of the Gaza Strip.

German Press Review: Sharon's Goals

Many German papers on Wednesday commented on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans to evacuate Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip. Others considered Germany's budget deficit problems.

Opinion: No Historic Decision

Israel's parliament approved a pull-out plan from Gaza on Tuesday. Premier Sharon had to rely on opposition votes for this precedent-setting decision. But it can't be called historic, says DW's Peter Philipp.

European Press Review: An Air of Desperation

European papers commented on the next EU Commission and also analyzed the internal problems Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is facing over his proposed Gaza withdrawal plan.

Homeless Palestinians Get EU Support

For the second time this year the European Commission will give aid to Palestinians who lost their homes during Israeli incursions to the Gaza Strip.

German Press Review: Gaza on Fire

Friday's editorial pages in German papers are concerned primarily with the explosive situation in the Gaza Strip.

European Press Review: U.N. Vote Against Israel

Today’s European editorials focused on the passage by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution condemning Israel’s actions in Rafah.

Opinion: Israel Faces a Growing Barrage of Criticism

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel's killing of civilians and demolition of homes in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. abstained -- a sign that its normally staunch support for Israel is fading.

In Berlin, Rice Criticizes Israel Demolitions in Gaza

National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice criticized Israel for bulldozing homes in Gaza in response to the killing of 13 Israeli soldiers last week. Rice held talks with Palstinian PM Qureia in Berlin on Monday.

Bush and Blair Support a UN Plan for Iraq

British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday. The two presented a united front on Iraq and shed more light on their plans for the country's future.

EU Leaders Grow More Critical of Israeli Peace Plans

Officially, EU foreign ministers concluding a meeting on Saturday dismissed allegations they are at odds with the U.S. over Bush's decision to back Israel's unilateral peace plan. But is that really the case?

EU Skeptical About Israeli Plan

European reaction to U.S. support for Israel's West Bank plans was reserved on Thursday. The EU and the German government warned that both Israelis and Palestinians must agree to any border changes.

EU May Consider Peacekeeping Role in Gaza

German Hezbollah Fighter to Remain in Germany