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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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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.

Aid trucks wait on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Aid trucks wait on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

Israel halts humanitarian aid to Gaza

Israel has cut off all humanitarian aid entering Gaza, demanding Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension.

People flee from the rubble of the the eastern districts of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis

People flee from the rubble of the the eastern districts of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis

Arab League to try to counter Trump's 'Gaza Riviera' plan

Egypt is hosting a summit to discuss Gaza's reconstruction. Could Arab efforts counter the "Gaza Riviera" proposal?

Palestinians sit at a large table surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings as they gather for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of Ramadan in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, March 1, 2025

Palestinians sit at a large table surrounded by the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings as they gather for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of Ramadan in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, March 1, 2025

Ramadan begins for Muslims worldwide

This holy fasting month feels different for Gazans in their second amid war and Syrians in their first post-Assad era.

Decorations for Ramadan can be seen in Khan Younis, which has been devastated by war.

Decorations for Ramadan can be seen in Khan Younis, which has been devastated by war.

Hamas releases new hostage video as Gaza truce set to expire

The footage comes as the first phase of the fragile Israel-Hamas truce runs out on Saturday.

A Palestinian family walk between tents in a sprawling tent camp adjacent to destroyed homes and buildings in Gaza City.

A Palestinian family walk between tents in a sprawling tent camp adjacent to destroyed homes and buildings in Gaza City.

First stage of Israel-Hamas ceasefire expires

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire expires today, but fighting is to remain suspended during further negotiations.

Friedrich Merz and Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands before flags (2024)

Friedrich Merz and Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands before flags (2024)

Merz invites Netanyahu to Germany despite ICC arrest warrant

Likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he will find "ways and means" for Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany.

Palestinians injured in Israeli bombardment sleeps on a hospital beds in a ward at Al-Shifa hopsital in Gaza City on November 3, 2023

Palestinians injured in Israeli bombardment sleeps on a hospital beds in a ward at Al-Shifa hopsital in Gaza City on November 3, 2023

Report: Gaza medical workers abused in Israeli detention

An Israeli rights group alleges abuse of Gaza medical staff in Israeli prisons. Israeli authorities reject the claims.

A women looks at photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip covering a wall in Tel Avid [FILE: May 1, 2024]

A women looks at photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip covering a wall in Tel Avid [FILE: May 1, 2024]

Israeli military admits failure to anticipate Hamas attack

The probe into the October 7, 2023, attack has shown the Israeli military's "complete failure" to prevent the assault.

Photos of dead hostages surrounded by candles

Photos of dead hostages surrounded by candles

Final swap of Gaza truce deal sees return of 4 dead hostages

Four bodies of hostages have been handed over to Israel in the final swap of the first phase of a ceasefire deal.

Israeli tanks are deployed during an ongoing army operation in the West Bank Jenin refugee camp, February 24, 2025.

Israeli tanks are deployed during an ongoing army operation in the West Bank Jenin refugee camp, February 24, 2025.

Israeli tanks roll into West Bank for first time in decades

Israeli tanks are have entered Jenin in the north of the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than two decades.

EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stands next to Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Brussels, Belgium, February 24, 2025.

EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stands next to Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Brussels, Belgium, February 24, 2025.

Were first EU-Israel talks since Gaza war business as usual?

Israel's foreign minister met EU officials amid concerns over violence in the occupied West Bank and Gaza's future.

German CDU party leader Friedrich Merz (right) is greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) in Kyiv in December 2024

German CDU party leader Friedrich Merz (right) is greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) in Kyiv in December 2024

Under Merz, Germany set for foreign, security policy shift

With the CDU's Friedrich Merz as presumptive next chancellor, what's next for the country's foreign and security policy?

The Kammergericht criminal court building in Berlin

The Kammergericht criminal court building in Berlin

Germany: Suspected Hamas cell members face terrorism trial

Four men suspected of belonging to a clandestine Hamas cell have been charged with preparing terror attacks in Europe.

A general view of the Israeli military prison, Ofer, on the day prisoners are set to be released from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, January 30, 2025.

A general view of the Israeli military prison, Ofer, on the day prisoners are set to be released from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, January 30, 2025.

Israel delays release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners

The Palestinian prisoners were due to be freed in exchange for six Israeli hostages released from Gaza on Saturday.

Palestinian residents of the area inspect buildings that sustained damage after Israeli attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 13, 2024

Palestinian residents of the area inspect buildings that sustained damage after Israeli attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Gaza City, Gaza, on December 13, 2024

Saudi Arabia hosts alternative summit on Gaza reconstruction

Arab states seek an alternative to US President Trump's plan to turn Gaza into "the Riviera" of the Middle East.

Posters of Shiri Bibas, center, and her sons Ariel, left, and Kfir, right, who were taken hostage by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, are displayed on empty chairs

Posters of Shiri Bibas, center, and her sons Ariel, left, and Kfir, right, who were taken hostage by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, 2023, are displayed on empty chairs

Hamas to investigate claims wrong body was exchanged

Militant group Hamas says the body retrieved from under rubble may have been incorrectly identified.

International bodies are talking about options to rebuild the Gaza Strip's infrastructure.

International bodies are talking about options to rebuild the Gaza Strip's infrastructure.

Gaza: Palestinians want to rebuild, reject relocation

Arab countries are working on a plan to reconstruct Gaza to counter Trump's "Riviera of the Middle East" plans.

Israeli soldiers in uniform in front of a vehicle

Israeli soldiers in uniform in front of a vehicle

Lebanon: Israel's troops put new government under pressure

The new government in Beirut sees Israel's ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon as an occupation.

Palestinians are seen living among the rubble of destroyed houses in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.

Palestinians are seen living among the rubble of destroyed houses in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.

What will Arab nations' plan for Gaza look like?

Arab nations want to come up with a new plan for reconstruction in Gaza, an alternative to Trump's Gaza "Riviera" idea.

Human rights lawyer Francesca Albanese pictured in 2023

Human rights lawyer Francesca Albanese pictured in 2023

Germany: Second talk by top UN official canceled

Outrage ensued after universities canceled talks by the UN independent expert on the Occupied Palestinian territories.

A Palestinian man sells fruit and vegetables amid the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on February 12, 2025.

A Palestinian man sells fruit and vegetables amid the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on February 12, 2025.

Palestinians strive to rebuild life amid Gaza's ruins

Israel says it will begin indirect talks with Hamas this week on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Ägypten Rafah 2024 | Ägyptischer Panzer am Grenzübergang zu Gaza

Ägypten Rafah 2024 | Ägyptischer Panzer am Grenzübergang zu Gaza

Making sense of Egypt's alleged military buildup near Israel

A war of words has broken out between Egypt and Israel. Israel accuses Egypt of moving more troops into border areas.

A group of Israelis looks very happy as they follow the latest release of three Hamas hostages on a mobile phone.

A group of Israelis looks very happy as they follow the latest release of three Hamas hostages on a mobile phone.

Relief in Israel after sixth hostage-prisoner swap

After Israelis had to fear that Hamas would suspend another hostage release, they are relieved that it took place.

Tel Aviv, Israel | Menschenmenge wartet auf freilassung Geiseln

Tel Aviv, Israel | Menschenmenge wartet auf freilassung Geiseln

Next stage of hostage release takes place in Gaza

Hamas released three Israeli hostages in Gaza and Israel freed some 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Palestinians cross back to their homes, with two children looking out of a red wagon being pulled by a car

Palestinians cross back to their homes, with two children looking out of a red wagon being pulled by a car

Can Arab nations stop Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plans?

Arab states have ways to stop Trump's plan for Gaza. They likely won't use them — except for one worst-case scenario.

Firefighters extinguishing a burning UNIFIL vehicle outside the airport in Beirut, Lebanon

Firefighters extinguishing a burning UNIFIL vehicle outside the airport in Beirut, Lebanon

Lebanon: UN vehicle torched as Hezbollah supporters protest

Dozens of Hezbollah supporters blocked the road to Lebanon's only civilian airport.

An army jeep drives into the empty streets of the center of Tulkarem

An army jeep drives into the empty streets of the center of Tulkarem

Fears grow that West Bank could become second Gaza

An Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank means more death and destruction for those in refugee camps.

Relatives of hostages, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, protest outside of Israel's Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Relatives of hostages, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, protest outside of Israel's Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Gaza ceasefire: Hamas says to free 3 hostages this weekend

The Palestinian militant group had threatened not to release more hostages, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire.

A group of people sit on a cart pulled by a donkey along a dirt road in Jabiliya refugee camp on February 7, 2025. A man sits on the side of the road selling goods from a counter made of mismatching bricks. Behind them are giant mounds of rubble.

A group of people sit on a cart pulled by a donkey along a dirt road in Jabiliya refugee camp on February 7, 2025. A man sits on the side of the road selling goods from a counter made of mismatching bricks. Behind them are giant mounds of rubble.

Residents of Gaza's Jabaliya camp return to rubble and ruin

Residents of the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza have returned to destroyed homes and a lack of shelter and food.

Palestinian Hamas fighters escort(L-R) Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi on a stage before handing them over to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah

Palestinian Hamas fighters escort(L-R) Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi on a stage before handing them over to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah

Hamas says will free Israeli hostages as planned

The announcement follows mediation talks in Egypt, after a threatened delay to the releases.

Palestinians inspect the destruction after the Israeli army withdrew from the Netzarim corridor

Palestinians inspect the destruction after the Israeli army withdrew from the Netzarim corridor

'How can I leave?' Palestinians reject Trump's Gaza plans

Despite destruction and an uncertain future, many Gaza residents have rejected Donald Trump's plan to take over Gaza.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

What can Africa win or lose over Trump's ICC fallout?

Eddy Micah Jr. talks to legal expert Chris Kamau Waweru and DW correspondent Andrew Wasike in Kenya.

President Donald Trump (r) speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office

President Donald Trump (r) speaks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Oval Office

US and Jordan walk tightrope over Gaza relocation proposal

Jordan's king rejected Trump's call to take in Gazans but offered to accept 2,000 sick Gazan children.

After talks with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House, US President Donald Trump doubled down on his plan for the US to "take over Gaza"

After talks with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House, US President Donald Trump doubled down on his plan for the US to "take over Gaza"

Trump pushes Gaza plans in talks with Jordan's King Abdullah

Jordan's King Abdullah skirted the issue when asked by reporters about Trump's comments.

Back in 2017 US President Donald Trump (R) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman shook hands in Riyadh

Back in 2017 US President Donald Trump (R) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman shook hands in Riyadh

Could Trump's plans derail Saudi-Israel normalization?

US plans have rendered diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia unlikely. Palestinians are bearing the brunt.

Palestinians gather on a beach in the hope of getting aid air-dropped over Gaza, amid the ongoing the conflict between Israel and Hamas

Palestinians gather on a beach in the hope of getting aid air-dropped over Gaza, amid the ongoing the conflict between Israel and Hamas

Gaza: The Trump family's Middle East business interests

US President Donald Trump's comments about developing Gaza for real estate purposes are not new.

Palestinians inspect the destruction after the Israeli army withdrew from the Netzarim corridor, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza City, Gaza on February 9, 2025.

Palestinians inspect the destruction after the Israeli army withdrew from the Netzarim corridor, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza City, Gaza on February 9, 2025.

As part of ceasefire, Israel withdraws from Gaza corridor

The 6-kilometer militarized Netzarim corridor is open as hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians return north.

Palestinians cross the Netzarim corridor with ruins on both sides of the road

Palestinians cross the Netzarim corridor with ruins on both sides of the road

Israeli military pulls out of Gaza's Netzarim corridor

As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel withdrew from a strip of land it had used to split Gaza into two parts.

Fact check: Trump's team targets USAID with false claims

Donald Trump's plans to overhaul USAID have been marked by false claims amplified by some of his closest allies.

ICC Judge Tomoko Akane stands in a blue robe, next to the blue flag of the International Criminal Court

ICC Judge Tomoko Akane stands in a blue robe, next to the blue flag of the International Criminal Court

Where does Trump's sanction order leave the ICC?

The US president has picked up his old feud with the International Criminal Court, this time for prosecution over Gaza.

A general view shows damage and debris in the southern Lebanese village of al-Taybeh, near the border with Israel, on February 4, 2025

A general view shows damage and debris in the southern Lebanese village of al-Taybeh, near the border with Israel, on February 4, 2025

Lebanon ceasefire: Israel strikes target Hezbollah sites

The Israeli military said it had struck Hezbollah sites that were in "violation" of a ceasefire agreement.

A view of Palestinians evacuating the Jenin refugee camp amid an Israeli military operation

A view of Palestinians evacuating the Jenin refugee camp amid an Israeli military operation

Refugees flee Jenin as Israel expands offensive

DW's Emily Gordine traveled to the occupied West Bank to meet with Palestinian families displaced by the violence.

Reporters raise hands to ask questions as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump speak during a joint press conference

Reporters raise hands to ask questions as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump speak during a joint press conference

Trump's proposal to take over Gaza sparks global backlash

Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, called Trump’s proposal "destructive and criminal."

A Palestinian sits in an armchair among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive

A Palestinian sits in an armchair among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive

Trump plan to clear out Gaza draws criticism, confusion

The US president's plan has been rejected by international leaders and Palestinians themselves, but welcomed by Israel.

US President Donald Trump sits in front of an Israeli flag at his Mar-a-Lago estate

US President Donald Trump sits in front of an Israeli flag at his Mar-a-Lago estate

How Trump's Gaza plan reflects his overall Israel policy

Trump's plan to turn Gaza into a "Riviera of the Middle East" show a distinct disregard for Palestinian interests.