Israel Closes Al Aqsa Mosque at Ramadan, Citing Wartime Safety Concerns
The temporary measure, during the holy Muslim fasting month, follows tensions as Jewish activists increasingly encroach on the contested religious site.
Jerusalem (Israel)
With Possible Iran Strike Looming, U.S. Says Staff Can Leave Israel, and Urges Speed
In an email to embassy workers Friday morning, Ambassador Mike Huckabee warned them that if they wanted to leave Israel, they “should do so TODAY.”
Israel Seizes UNRWA’s Jerusalem Headquarters
Bulldozers leveled some structures in a compound that belonged to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, escalating Israel’s crackdown on the organization.
All 187,460 Miles of Road That Led to Rome, Mapped
A digital atlas of ancient Rome’s highways and byways reveals a road network that was more extensive than thought.
Jerusalem Authorities Raid UNRWA Compound and Raise Israeli Flag
Municipal officials say the action was about unpaid taxes. The U.N. relief agency for Palestinians says it is exempt from taxes and should be immune from such a raid, calling it illegal.
Ultra-Orthodox Community Protests Israel’s Military Draft
Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated against the military draft in Israel.
Vance Says He’s Optimistic Gaza’s Cease-Fire Would Hold
Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in Jerusalem and said that he was optimistic the Gaza cease-fire will hold. Recent flare-ups of violence in Gaza underscored the fragility of the truce.
What Are the Abraham Accords, Trump’s 2020 Mideast Deals?
The diplomatic deals that opened ties between Israel and several Arab countries were hailed as a landmark moment, but have failed to bring peace to the Middle East.
Israelis and Palestinians Await Hostage-Prisoner Swap With Relief and Elation
Under the first phase of the new cease-fire deal, all of the living hostages in Gaza are expected to be released in the next 24 hours in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
World Leaders Express Hope and Relief After Gaza Deal
Leaders welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas, projecting optimism that an end to the war could be near.