Mahmoud Abbas in the news again as Palestinians debate leadership and death-penalty laws under his long-tenured rule. Born 1935, Abu Mazen.
Israel has approved security-cabinet measures that open private West Bank land purchases to Jewish Israelis, require publishing previously classified land registries, and transfer some building-permit and holy-site authority to Israeli bodies. Palestinian leaders, Arab states and the EU have called the moves de facto annexation; Israel says the steps will strengthen control and heritage protection.
MSF suspended non-critical operations at Nasser Hospital in Gaza due to reports of armed men and security threats. The hospital and authorities dispute allegations, with concerns over hospital neutrality amid ongoing conflict and Israeli restrictions. The situation highlights risks to medical neutrality in Gaza.
Ahead of a February 19 international conference in Washington, global pledges for Gaza's $70 billion rebuilding effort have surpassed $5 billion, with key donors including the US and UAE. The US aims to disarm Hamas and rebuild Gaza, but challenges remain amid ongoing conflict and political disagreements.
Israel's parliament approved a law making the death penalty the default for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks in the West Bank. The law, supported by far-right leaders, faces international criticism for discrimination and potential violations of international law. Implementation is set for 30 days, with legal challenges expected.
Israel's Knesset has approved a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, sparking protests and international criticism. The law targets Palestinians in the West Bank and is seen as a move towards harsher punitive measures, with critics warning of legal and human rights violations. The law was passed on April 12, 2026.
Palestinian protests have erupted across the West Bank and Gaza following Israel's passage of a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of terrorism. The law has drawn international condemnation, increased violence, and protests in Palestinian cities and abroad. Israeli military actions and settler violence continue to escalate.
Israel has enacted a law allowing the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, with executions to occur within 90 days. The law is criticized for its racial discrimination, undermining legal rights, and potential to escalate violence. International bodies condemn the move as a war crime.
French authorities have extradited suspects linked to the 1982 attack in Paris and the 1985 Frankfurt airport bombing. The suspects, detained in Palestinian territories, are believed to be connected to Palestinian groups. The extraditions follow France's recognition of Palestinian statehood and cooperation from Palestinian authorities. The cases highlight ongoing efforts to pursue justice for historic terror attacks.
On April 25–26, 2026, municipal elections have been held across 183 West Bank councils and in Gaza's Deir al-Balah. Turnout has reached about 56% in the West Bank but only 23% in Deir al-Balah. The vote has been described as a symbolic pilot to politically link Gaza and the West Bank while displacement, outdated registries and political disillusionment have limited participation.
Lebanese security agencies have detained former Palestinian ambassador Ashraf Dabbour upon arrival in Beirut, citing an Interpol Red Notice tied to corruption allegations. He faces questions and potential extradition issues as Lebanon navigates Palestinian governance links and its own judiciary.