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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

Palestinian shepherds tending to two sheep and a lamb in the occupied West Bank

Palestinian shepherds tending to two sheep and a lamb in the occupied West Bank

West Bank: Israeli settlers accused of stealing sheep

Sheep rustling is increasingly being used as a means to drive out Palestinians from the West Bank, rights groups say.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court in Tel Aviv for his hearing on corruption charges with members of the press in background

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the district court in Tel Aviv for his hearing on corruption charges with members of the press in background

Top advisers to Netanyahu arrested in corruption case

Two high-ranking Netanyahu aides have been arrested in an investigation into national security breaches.

Tents of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza are set up near destroyed buildings in Gaza City on 24 March 2025.

Tents of displaced Palestinians from northern Gaza are set up near destroyed buildings in Gaza City on 24 March 2025.

Netanyahu says Hamas leaders 'will be allowed to leave' Gaza

Israel's prime minister has said military pressure on Hamas is working, but that "cracks" were emerging in negotiations.

Palestinians shop for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr at a local market in Khan Yunis, two children hold balloons

Palestinians shop for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr at a local market in Khan Yunis, two children hold balloons

Palestinians in Gaza celebrate Eid amid ruins

In Gaza, this will be the second Eid al-Fitr since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

A man holds up a picture of a journalist who was killed during the war in Gaza

A man holds up a picture of a journalist who was killed during the war in Gaza

How reporting in Gaza is a deadly assignment for journalists

Gaza has become one of the deadliest places for Palestinian journalists to report, press freedom groups say.

Children carry signs reading in Arabic: "We refuse to die"

Children carry signs reading in Arabic: "We refuse to die"

Fact check: Were protests in Gaza 'anti-Hamas'?

Where exactly did this week's Gaza protests take place and how many people took part? Were they explicitly anti-Hamas?

A firefighter sprays water on the rubbles of a building at the site of an Israeli strike in southern Beirut on March 28, 2025

A firefighter sprays water on the rubbles of a building at the site of an Israeli strike in southern Beirut on March 28, 2025

Israel strikes Beirut for first time since ceasefire

The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a drone storage facility belonging to Hezbollah.

Palestinians gather on a street in Gaza to protest the Hamas leadership on March 25, 2025.

Palestinians gather on a street in Gaza to protest the Hamas leadership on March 25, 2025.

Palestinians chant anti-Hamas slogans at Gaza protest

In a rare show of protest, hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza marched against the Hamas militant group on Wednesday.

Jordan Bardella leaves a hotel to attend a conference in Jerusalem, Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Jordan Bardella leaves a hotel to attend a conference in Jerusalem, Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Israel's antisemitism conference kicks off amid criticism

A number of far-right politicians from Europe are taking part in an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem.

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a ceremony

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara attends a ceremony

Israelis fear for democracy just as much as for the hostages

Israeli government votes to pass a motion of no-confidence in Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara.

People stand on ruins of a Syrian army post

People stand on ruins of a Syrian army post

Renewed Israeli strikes in Syria stoke fear of escalation

Israel's alleged protection of minorities in Syria serves to boost its own security interests.

Israeli soldiers and detained filmmaker Hamdan Ballal standing next to illuminated vehicles at night

Israeli soldiers and detained filmmaker Hamdan Ballal standing next to illuminated vehicles at night

Palestinian director released from Israeli detention

Hamdan Ballal was detained by Israeli soldiers on Monday in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Hamas fighters are deployed in central Gaza City ahead of the planned release of four Israeli female hostages set to be handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

Hamas fighters are deployed in central Gaza City ahead of the planned release of four Israeli female hostages set to be handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

How strong is Hamas after nearly 18 months of war in Gaza?

How much of a threat does the Hamas militant group still pose to Israel after nearly 18 months of war in Gaza?

Kaja Kallas and Gideon Sa'ar visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial

Kaja Kallas and Gideon Sa'ar visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial

EU's top diplomat makes visit to Israel amid tensions

Kaja Kallas made a one-day visit to Israel on Monday. Could the bloc help to bring peace to the region?

Heavy black smoke billows over a hilly landscape with a settlement

Heavy black smoke billows over a hilly landscape with a settlement

Rockets fired between Israel, Lebanon 4 months into truce

Hostilities flared up after rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into Israel.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz

Israeli minister threatens to annex parts of Gaza

Israel's defense minister said that if Hamas did not release the hostages, Israel would annex Palestinian land.

Newly recruited Houthi fighters hold up a weapons and chanting slogans in a ceremony

Newly recruited Houthi fighters hold up a weapons and chanting slogans in a ceremony

Is war between Yemen's Houthis and the US inevitable?

Escalation between the US and the Houthis comes amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis, worsened by foreign aid cuts.

Israelis protesting against the decision to sack Ronen Bar and to resume the war in Gaza

Israelis protesting against the decision to sack Ronen Bar and to resume the war in Gaza

Israel's top court halts dismissal of security chief

The Supreme Court blocked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government's attempt to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

Protesters stand with umbrellas on the streets of Jerusalem

Protesters stand with umbrellas on the streets of Jerusalem

Israel: Netanyahu faces backlash over Gaza, security service

Protesters condemned Netanyahu's decision to resume the war in Gaza and dismiss the head of the security service.

Gazans face dire conditions as they struggle with the aftermath of the latest round of strikes.

Gazans face dire conditions as they struggle with the aftermath of the latest round of strikes.

Gaza: Palestinians forced to move as Israeli strikes resume

New evacuation orders from Israel have forced more displacement within the Gaza Strip.

Palestinians leave Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip with their belongings following Israeli evacuation orders on March 19, 2025.

Palestinians leave Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip with their belongings following Israeli evacuation orders on March 19, 2025.

'Not a single safe area' for Palestinians in Gaza

As Israel ramps up its Gaza assault after weeks of relative peace, Palestinians are once again fleeing for their lives.

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Khan Younis

Dozens reported killed in overnight Gaza air strikes

At least 70 people have been reported killed following overnight strikes across Gaza.

View of an Israeli military tank arriving at a position along Israel's southern border with the northern Gaza Strip

View of an Israeli military tank arriving at a position along Israel's southern border with the northern Gaza Strip

IDF starts fresh ground operation in Gaza

Israel's PM says talks with Hamas will proceed "only under fire." Warning: Report contains distressing images.

A partially hidden view of a child sitting amid rubble as Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis

A partially hidden view of a child sitting amid rubble as Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Khan Younis

Israel, Hamas accuse each other of breaching truce

Reportedly, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed as war returns to Gaza. (Warning: Contains distressing images.)

A view of Palestinians inspecting the debris of destroyed buildings

A view of Palestinians inspecting the debris of destroyed buildings

Fears of a return to all-out war in Gaza

Gaza residents fear that fresh Israeli airstrikes in the territory could again escalate the conflict with Hamas.

People gather at the site of a house hit by a US strike in Saada, Yemen, March 16, 2025

People gather at the site of a house hit by a US strike in Saada, Yemen, March 16, 2025

Trump orders strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen

The strikes ordered by the US president killed at least 53 people, at the start of a campaign that could last for days.

Mourners gather around the body of a victim killed by Israeli bombardment, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip

Mourners gather around the body of a victim killed by Israeli bombardment, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip

Deadly Israeli strikes mar fragile Gaza truce

The Israeli military said in a statement that it had struck two individuals that it identified as terrorists.

Relatives of hostage Edan Alexander speak at a rally in New York, USA

Relatives of hostage Edan Alexander speak at a rally in New York, USA

US demands Hamas free hostages under ceasefire 'bridge' plan

The US has accused Hamas of making "impractical" demands while publicly backing a plan to extend the Gaza ceasefire.

A tent camp for displaced Palestinians is set up amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City

A tent camp for displaced Palestinians is set up amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City

UN accuses Israel of 'genocidal acts' in Gaza

Israel has rejected the allegations, accusing the UN Human Rights Council of antisemitism.

People gather in the neighborhood of Tal al Hawa in Gaza City for the iftar meal during the holy month of Ramadan

People gather in the neighborhood of Tal al Hawa in Gaza City for the iftar meal during the holy month of Ramadan

Gaza: 'Everything in crisis' as Israel, Hamas talks continue

With Gaza ceasefire talks deadlocked and aid not getting in, daily life is a struggle for Palestinians.

Demonstrators hold placards demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil in New York City

Demonstrators hold placards demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil in New York City

Trump administration seeks to deport Palestinian activist

Palestinian student activist Khalil has been arrested for his role in last year's protests at Columbia University.

Flags of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine line a street

Flags of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine line a street

Saudi Arabia rebrands as mediator for global crises

First Gaza, now Ukraine: Saudi Arabia is hosting talks on another conflict that's drawn global attention. Why?

Tent camp for displaced Palestinians, destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp

Tent camp for displaced Palestinians, destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp

Israel cuts electricity to Gaza, disrupting water supply

Hamas has condemned the cutting of power to Gaza, calling it a "starvation strategy."

Israeli soldiers walk behind a tank in the Jenin camp for Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank during a military operation on February 24, 2025.

Israeli soldiers walk behind a tank in the Jenin camp for Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank during a military operation on February 24, 2025.

Israeli raids on occupied West Bank displace thousands

Claiming to target militants, Israel's operation in the occupied West Bank has resulted in raids on refugee camps.

Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil is on the Columbia University campus in New York at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on April 29, 2024.

Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil is on the Columbia University campus in New York at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on April 29, 2024.

US: Pro-Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil arrested

The arrest comes after Trump vowed action against foreign students involved in the pro-Palestinian protest movement.

An aerial view of Palestinians sitting at a large table surrounded by tents and the rubble of destroyed buildings, as they gather for Iftar, the fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan

An aerial view of Palestinians sitting at a large table surrounded by tents and the rubble of destroyed buildings, as they gather for Iftar, the fast-breaking meal during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan

Israel, Hamas ready for talks on second Gaza ceasefire

Until a new agreement is reached, fears remain about a return to war — as well as the fate of Gazans and the hostages.

A tented camp for displaced Palestinians is set up amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City pictured on March 3, 2025

A tented camp for displaced Palestinians is set up amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City pictured on March 3, 2025

France, Germany, Italy, UK hail Arab-backed Gaza plan

The four countries have praised the Arab-backed plan's "realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza."

View of a Palestinian girl with bandaged head and legs, lying on a stretcher. Three carers stand next to it; one of them is holding the girl's hand.

View of a Palestinian girl with bandaged head and legs, lying on a stretcher. Three carers stand next to it; one of them is holding the girl's hand.

Children injured in Gaza arrive in Jordan for treatment

DW met some of the young patients in Amman. Warning: Some viewers may find the images in this report distressing.

Gazans sit at a table in piles of rubble

Gazans sit at a table in piles of rubble

Hamas says Trump threats endanger ceasefire with Israel

The US president has issued an ultimatum as the second phase of a ceasefire has yet to move forward.

Palestinians wait in line to receive hot food, at Jabalia refugee camp on March 4, 2025.

Palestinians wait in line to receive hot food, at Jabalia refugee camp on March 4, 2025.

Germany, Britain and France urge 'unhindered' Gaza aid

The three European countries called on Israel to lift its restrictions, warning against using aid as a political tool.

camp for displaced Palestinians amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp

camp for displaced Palestinians amid destroyed buildings in the west of Al-Shati camp

Palestinians, Israel eye Arab League plan for postwar Gaza

With the ceasefire shaky, the Arab League's postwar proposal has built-in challenges, and reactions so far are mixed.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty laughs during his meeting with Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif Al-Zayani at the Al Tahrir palace to discuss details of the Gaza reconstruction plan, ahead of the emergency Arab summit organised by Egypt this week, in Cairo, Egypt March 3, 2025

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty laughs during his meeting with Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif Al-Zayani at the Al Tahrir palace to discuss details of the Gaza reconstruction plan, ahead of the emergency Arab summit organised by Egypt this week, in Cairo, Egypt March 3, 2025

Arab leaders back plan to keep Palestinians in Gaza

At the Arab summit, UN chief endorses Egypt's post-war plan to rebuild Gaza without displacing roughly 2 million Gazans.

Palestinians walk past the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive

Palestinians walk past the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive

Arab leaders, UN endorse Egypt's $53 billion Gaza plan

Egypt's alternative to Trump's "Gaza Riviera" plan is expected to cost $53 billion and take five years.

Syrians lift placards as they demonstrate in the central Karama Square of the southern city of Suwayda on February 25, 2025, in rejection of statements made by Israel's premier on the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on February 23 that southern Syria "including the Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda provinces" must be completely demilitarised.

Syrians lift placards as they demonstrate in the central Karama Square of the southern city of Suwayda on February 25, 2025, in rejection of statements made by Israel's premier on the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on February 23 that southern Syria "including the Quneitra, Daraa and Suwayda provinces" must be completely demilitarised.

What is Israel doing in Syria, and why?

Israel wants to "defend" minorities in Syria, moved troops into Syria and also regularly bombs the war-torn country.

A Jordanian man talks to DW

A Jordanian man talks to DW

Jordanians wary of Trump's Gaza 'relocation' plan

In February, Donald Trump proposed relocating 2 million Gazans to neighboring Arab states and taking control of Gaza.

Israeli rescue and security forces investigate the scene of a knife attack in Haifa

Israeli rescue and security forces investigate the scene of a knife attack in Haifa

Israel: First fatal attack since Gaza ceasefire began

The stabbing left at least one person dead. The perpetrator was killed in what police called a "terror attack."

Two children pass each other trays of food for iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan. They are surrounded by rubble.

Two children pass each other trays of food for iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal during Ramadan. They are surrounded by rubble.

Gazans fearful after Israel's blocking of humanitarian aid

Israel halted aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas to accept its proposal for the next phase of the ceasefire.

Trucks carrying aid move, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 13, 2025

Trucks carrying aid move, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 13, 2025

Arab world, aid groups slam Israel's block on Gaza aid

Egypt and Saudi Arabia criticized Israel's decision to stop food and other supplies from entering the Gaza Strip.

A view of displaced Palestinians filling jerry cans with water distributed by an improvised water tanker truck

A view of displaced Palestinians filling jerry cans with water distributed by an improvised water tanker truck

UNICEF: Gaza humanitarian situation 'very, very dire'

Israel has again halted aid deliveries into Gaza. DW asked UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen what effect it could have.

Family members and friends of the lost and kidnapped gather at the site of the Nova Festival to mark the one year anniversary of the attacks by Hamas, on October 7, 2024 in Re'im, Israel

Family members and friends of the lost and kidnapped gather at the site of the Nova Festival to mark the one year anniversary of the attacks by Hamas, on October 7, 2024 in Re'im, Israel

IDF admits grave failures over Hamas' October 7 attack

An Israeli military report finds serious mistakes were made in the lead-up to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.