Mahmoud Abbas is in the news for his leadership amid Israel’s controversial new death law targeting Palestinians. He’s been Palestinian president since 2005.
Palestinian leaders are progressing with plans to formalize statehood through a constitutional draft, including upcoming elections for the PLO and local bodies. The move aims to bolster legitimacy but faces opposition from Israel, which may block referendums and elections. The process reflects internal reforms and political tensions.
Israel is moving forward with legislation to implement the death penalty for Palestinians, including Hamas members, with plans to establish execution facilities in East Asia. The bill has faced international criticism and aims to apply to Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin, raising concerns over discrimination and legal duality.
Senior officials warn that the Gaza war is accelerating the erosion of international norms, reshaping regional power balances, and bringing the Palestinian cause back to global diplomacy. Iran calls for sanctions against Israel amid regional instability, while global governance weakens amid ongoing violence.
On February 16, 2026, Israel approved restarting land registration in Area C of the West Bank for the first time since 1967, enabling state registration of land and easing Jewish land purchases. The move, led by far-right ministers, is widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab states, and international bodies as de facto annexation and a violation of international law, intensifying tensions and threatening the two-state solution.
Israel announced new measures allowing greater control over the West Bank, including land purchases by Israelis and management of religious sites. Several Muslim-majority countries condemned the move, calling it illegal and a step toward annexation. The UN and Palestinian authorities expressed grave concern, warning of destabilization and the erosion of a two-state solution. The measures do not require further approval and are set to impact property rights and governance in Palestinian territories.
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, 2026, Palestinians have held municipal elections across the West Bank and in Gaza's Deir al-Balah, marking Gaza's first vote since 2006. Nearly 1.5 million West Bank residents and 70,000 in Deir al-Balah have voted to elect local councils amid ongoing conflict, political division, and infrastructure challenges. The vote aims to restore local governance and assert Palestinian unity.