Middle East
Israel’s latest war plans: To occupy Gaza and rule Palestinians
Occupying Gaza and establishing military rule there would go beyond Israel's stated war goals to end Hamas rule and free hostages captured in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
Israeli military cites ‘fundamental misunderstanding’ of Hamas ahead of Oct. 7 attack
The report is the Israeli military's first official account of mistakes that preceded the 2023 attack, which launched Israel's subsequent war against Hamas in Gaza that killed more than 48,000 Palestinians.
Israelis hold a mass funeral for Shiri Bibas and her two sons killed in Gaza
Crowds gathered in Israel for the funeral procession of the Bibas family, a mother and two young sons killed while being held hostage in Gaza. The story of their killing has enraged Israelis, and Israeli government representatives were not invited to the funeral.
Hamas to hand over 4 Israeli hostages’ bodies Thursday and 6 living hostages Saturday
Hamas says it has agreed to Israel's request to speed up release of Israeli hostages, including two men held around a decade. The bodies of members of a young family are among those it will hand over.
Israel defense minister tells army to prepare to relocate Palestinians from Gaza
He says the military should prepare exit options by land, sea and air so that anyone who wishes to can leave for "any country willing to accept them."
Trump says the U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate its people. What does it mean?
It wasn't immediately clear what legal authority Trump would have to execute his proposal, and they would likely be met by fierce resistance from Palestinians and from regional Arab countries.
Syria’s new leader denounces Iran, calling its proxies a regional threat
Syria's interim president says the now departed Iranian forces were damaging to his country and also posed a threat to the wider Middle East.
NPR photos around the world that moved us in 2024
There have been touching moments — sometimes away from the headlines, and the front lines — that have moved the world this year.
