Israeli strikes killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza on Saturday, including a child and Basir Al-Bursh, son of Gaza's health ministry director-general Munir Al-Bursh, who had already lost a daughter to a strike in 2023. Meanwhile, protesters in Tunisia rallied demanding the release of Gaza Flotilla activists still being held. The renewed violence comes as international pressure mounts, with several world leaders publicly voicing continued support for Palestinians amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.


Gaza under attack: Health chief's son killed in IDF strikes

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weeks before the October 7, 2023 attacks that Hamas could launch an attack, according to a new report by Haaretz. The report raises fresh questions over what Israeli leaders knew about the threat ahead of the devastating assault.

Report: MBZ had directly warned Netanyahu of Hamas attack 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused senior security officials of deliberately failing to wake him in the hours before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, claiming they feared he would order a full military alert. Netanyahu says the attack might have been prevented had he been informed earlier, shifting renewed attention to the security failures and accountability surrounding the assault.


Israeli PM Netanyahu blames security officials for leaving him asleep during Hamas attack 

An Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank killed Hamas operative Qais Bitawi and two others, according to the Israeli military. Hamas confirmed Bitawi was one of its members and condemned the strike, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad also claimed him as a member.

Israel says Hamas operative Qais Bitawi & 2 others eliminated 

Israeli authorities have seized kites from children in Gaza, arguing that the activity may be linked to Hamas-organized events. The move has generated debate over security measures and their impact on civilians, particularly children living in the territory. The incident underscores how everyday life in Gaza remains affected by the ongoing conflict, with even recreational activities becoming part of a wider security and political dispute.


Israel believes the kites are being organised by Hamas

Hamas has agreed in principle to a roadmap for decommissioning its weapons in Gaza under a U.S.-backed peace framework. The plan calls for phased and verifiable disarmament, with U.S. oversight and Israeli military withdrawal tied to progress on demilitarisation. Major disagreements remain over the timing and implementation of the process.

No Gaza reconstruction before Hamas disarms, says Israel 

Hamas weapons to be decommissioned under US oversight

US envoy Jared Kushner held a rare direct meeting with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt, pushing the group to take real, tangible steps toward disarmament under Trump's 15-point Gaza peace plan. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment, though it's asking the Board of Peace to "compel" Israel to accept the plan too, since PM Netanyahu rejected the roadmap just last week, calling it "unacceptable." Kushner is set to meet Netanyahu next to discuss what Israel must do in return.


Kushner meets Hamas chief in Egypt, presses for real steps on disarmament 

Support for Hamas continues to decline in the West Bank (33%) and Gaza (18%). Palestinians show little trust in the Board of Peace, while 32% prefer NCAG to retain governing responsibility.

Poll shows Palestinians backing Marwan Barghouti as leader 

A Hamas delegation held talks with the Egyptian Intelligence Chief in Cairo on Sunday, in an attempt to address Israeli violations and ensure implementation of an agreed roadmap in Gaza. The delegation is being led by Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, and the meeting was held in the Egyptian city of El-Alamein. This comes just ahead of US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner talking with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi about the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire.The Hamas official says talks will cover “the latest developments in the negotiations and the efforts being made to compel Israel to abide by the agreement, which includes the 15-point roadmap, and to begin its implementation.”“The delegation will brief Egyptian officials on Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, and Hayya will emphasise the movement’s commitment and readiness to implement the agreement as soon as Israel announces its commitment to it.”The meeting between the US President's envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner in the Mediterranean city of El-Alamein “emphasised the need for all parties to fulfil their obligations under the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement” reached in October 2025, says spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy in a statement.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kfc-mangaluru-raid-spoiled-chicken-expired-oil-1786879521760">KFC Mangaluru outlet sealed after complaint of spoiled and foul-smelling chicken</a>According to AFP, a meeting is also being arranged between the Hamas negotiating delegation, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, and US officials. This is likely to be held later in the week to discuss hurdles related to the agreement.&nbsp;"Mediators informed Hamas that US envoy Jared Kushner will hold a meeting with the Hamas leadership, in the presence of Egyptian and Qatari officials, before Kushner travels to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," said one of the Hamas sources, requesting anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy.Under the proposed US President Donald Trump's 15-point peace roadmap, Hamas previously indicated a readiness to hand over its weapons to a nascent technical committee tasked with governing Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the framework, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Conversely, Hamas negotiators have also stated they will not take steps toward disarmament before a complete Israeli military withdrawal.

Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is meeting Egyptian intelligence officials as US envoy Jared Kushner holds talks with President el-Sissi on the Gaza ceasefire.

A Hamas delegation held talks with the Egyptian Intelligence Chief in Cairo on Sunday, in an attempt to address Israeli violations and ensure implementation of an agreed roadmap in Gaza. The delegation is being led by Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, and the meeting was held in the Egyptian city of El-Alamein. This comes just ahead of US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner talking with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi about the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. The Hamas official says talks will cover “the latest developments in the negotiations and the efforts being made to compel Israel to abide by the agreement, which includes the 15-point roadmap, and to begin its implementation.” “The delegation will brief Egyptian officials on Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, and Hayya will emphasise the movement’s commitment and readiness to implement the agreement as soon as Israel announces its commitment to it.” The meeting between the US President's envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner in the Mediterranean city of El-Alamein “emphasised the need for all parties to fulfil their obligations under the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement” reached in October 2025, says spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy in a statement. Also Read: KFC Mangaluru outlet sealed after complaint of spoiled and foul-smelling chicken According to AFP, a meeting is also being arranged between the Hamas negotiating delegation, the Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, and US officials. This is likely to be held later in the week to discuss hurdles related to the agreement. "Mediators informed Hamas that US envoy Jared Kushner will hold a meeting with the Hamas leadership, in the presence of Egyptian and Qatari officials, before Kushner travels to Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," said one of the Hamas sources, requesting anonymity to discuss the sensitive diplomacy. Under the proposed US President Donald Trump's 15-point peace roadmap, Hamas previously indicated a readiness to hand over its weapons to a nascent technical committee tasked with governing Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the framework, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Conversely, Hamas negotiators have also stated they will not take steps toward disarmament before a complete Israeli military withdrawal.

Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya is meeting Egyptian intelligence officials as US envoy Jared Kushner holds talks with President el-Sissi on the Gaza ceasefire.

Hamas delegation meets Egyptian spy chief as US envoy Jared Kushner holds Gaza ceasefire talks

A growing rift has reportedly emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected proposals involving an Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, raising fresh doubts over ceasefire negotiations and the prospects for a lasting peace. The disagreement highlights deep divisions over the next phase of the Gaza conflict and regional security.

Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

Despite ongoing ceasefire efforts, a lasting peace in Gaza remains elusive. Israel has expanded its military presence to more than half of the Gaza Strip while remaining cautious about any agreement with Hamas, raising fresh concerns over the future of the conflict and regional stability.


Israel wary of Hamas deal, occupies more than half of Gaza

Fresh Israeli airstrikes have struck multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others, even as hopes rise for a new ceasefire agreement.

According to reports, an Israeli strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp after evacuation warnings were issued. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah also resulted in casualties. Meanwhile, families across Gaza continue searching for loved ones who remain missing amid the ongoing conflict.

The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as part of a proposed second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Trump said Israel was "very happy" with the agreement and described it as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Israel Strikes Gaza As Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Middle East Crisis

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Ukraine Strikes Russia | Spain Migrant Crisis | Europe Migrant Crisis | Hamas Agrees to Trump Deal

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability in the region.


Reports: Israel rejects disarmament plan

Trump: Israel to withdraw from Gaza Strip

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack fundamentally changed Israel's security doctrine. Israel now insists on maintaining buffer zones inside Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, arguing they are essential to prevent future attacks. While Israeli leaders say the policy is about national security, critics accuse Israel of prolonged military occupation and violating neighboring countries' sovereignty.

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

After nearly 20 years in charge, Hamas has announced it will dissolve its governing body in Gaza. The Palestinian movement says it’s making way for a technocratic committee to handle civilian administration in the territory. This comes months after the October ceasefire with Israel, and while Hamas has said before it’s ready to step back from day-to-day rule, the bigger question of disarmament is still on the table.

Israel-Gaza war: Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body after 20 years

After nearly 20 years in charge, Hamas has announced it will dissolve its governing body in Gaza. The Palestinian movement says it’s making way for a technocratic committee to handle civilian administration in the territory. This comes months after the October ceasefire with Israel, and while Hamas has said before it’s ready to step back from day-to-day rule, the bigger question of disarmament is still on the table.


Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body after 20 years 

One thousand days after the October 7, 2023 attack, families of victims gathered to remember their loved ones and renew calls for an independent inquiry into the events surrounding the tragedy. The attack, which claimed 1,195 lives, remains one of the most consequential moments in the region's recent history.


Families of victims mark 1000 days, demand independent inquiry 

The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to have serious economic consequences for Pakistan, with inflation projected to rise sharply to nearly 17%. Surging global oil prices, disrupted supply chains, and currency pressure are likely to worsen the country’s already fragile economic situation.

As energy import costs climb, essential goods and fuel prices could see a significant increase, impacting households and businesses alike. Economists warn that external shocks from geopolitical tensions are amplifying domestic vulnerabilities.

West Bank Sees Surge In Settler Violence: IDF Concerns Grow 

The Israeli military on Saturday (May 16, 2026) confirmed that Ezzedine Al-Haddad, chief of Hamas' armed wing, was killed in an air strike in Gaza the day before.


Israel Unleashes Airstrikes Across Gaza City Killing Hamas Armed Wing Chief in the Operation

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a long-serving Hamas commander who replaced Mohammed Sinwar as the head of Hamas' military wing, and played a key role in planning of Oct. 7 attacks in Israel was killed in a precision strike on Friday, Israeli officials said Saturday. Izz al-Din al-Haddad was the head of Hamas’ military wing, the Israel Defense Forces said in a post.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IDF said that al-Haddad “was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity” during the war in Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴ELIMINATED: Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Head of Hamas’ military wing and one of the last senior commanders involved in the planning of the October 7 massacre. Following the elimination of Mohammed Sinwar, Haddad assumed his role and worked to rebuild Hamas’ capabilities and planned… <a href="https://t.co/6TW7Wewt7m">pic.twitter.com/6TW7Wewt7m</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/2055589711737966778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Throughout the war, Haddad was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. Haddad managed Hamas’s hostage captivity system and surrounded himself with hostages in an attempt to prevent his elimination,” it added. Haddad had joined Hamas soon after its establishment and was working “to rehabilitate Hamas’ military wing capabilities,” the Israeli army said. <h2>‘An important closing of a circle’</h2> “This is an important closing of a circle. In all the conversations I had with the abductees who returned, the name of the master murderer, Iz al-Din Haddad ... came up time and time again,” IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said in a statement. The Israeli army said Haddad was killed in a “precise strike” in Gaza City. His funeral was held in Gaza City on Saturday.Two Israeli strikes were reported in Gaza City on Friday. One targeted a building and another a vehicle. Health officials in the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa hospital said seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded in the strikes. <h2>Haddad took over as Hamas military chief after killing of Moh Sinwar</h2> Haddad took over the role of military chief and leader of Hamas in Gaza following the killing of Mohammed Sinwar in May 2025.Haddad had been working to rebuild the capabilities of the terrorist organization’s military wing and to plan numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops, the IDF said. He was one of the longest-serving commanders in Hamas and played a central role in Hamas’s terrorist rule over the Strip.Haddad was one of the last senior commanders who directed the planning and execution of the October 7 massacre and the management of combat operations against IDF troops, it added.Nicknamed ‘The Ghost’, Haddad had survived ⁠multiple assassination attempts.

Izz al-Din al-Haddad was one of the longest-serving commanders in Hamas and played a central role in Hamas’s terrorist rule over the Gaza Strip. He was one of the last senior commanders who directed the planning and execution of the October 7 massacre and the management of combat operations.

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a long-serving Hamas commander who replaced Mohammed Sinwar as the head of Hamas' military wing, and played a key role in planning of Oct. 7 attacks in Israel was killed in a precision strike on Friday, Israeli officials said Saturday. Izz al-Din al-Haddad was the head of Hamas’ military wing, the Israel Defense Forces said in a post. The IDF said that al-Haddad “was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity” during the war in Gaza.

Izz al-Din al-Haddad was one of the longest-serving commanders in Hamas and played a central role in Hamas’s terrorist rule over the Gaza Strip. He was one of the last senior commanders who directed the planning and execution of the October 7 massacre and the management of combat operations.

Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks killed, says Israel

Disclaimer:&nbsp;&nbsp;The most comprehensive account of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 was released by The Civil Commission on Tuesday (May 12). It describes them acting like "animals", laughing while raping both men and women and then killing them, while continuing to commit sexual atrocities on them. The 2023 massacre left nearly 2,000 dead, with survivor accounts showing the grave nature of their actions. The terrorists stripped the women, assaulted them, killed them and then paraded their bodies as trophies. The most grave account is of people telling how they forced people of the same families to perform sexual acts on one another. “There was laughter. There were jokes. They were passing them from one to another. It wasn’t — it was done for fun,” a survivor of the Nova festival told October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, an Israeli non-profit. The body investigated the sexual crimes committed by Hamas on the day that shocked the world.&nbsp;“This is not rape as it is usually understood. I don’t know what ‘regular rape’ is, but what was heard there was not that.” The survivor added, “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams — screams you have never heard anywhere. It’s between silence and screams, between pain and wanting to die." Then, they shot her, the person said. The report titled "Silenced No More" carries testimonies of 430 witnesses, survivors, experts and medical staff gathered over two years, who urge the world not to avoid the accounts because of their gory nature.<h2>A man who was sexually abused describes what he went through</h2>It reveals that not only were the women degraded as a "deliberate tool of terror, humiliation, and control" but the men were also sexually abused. At Kibbutz Be'eri, nails, sharp objects, and pieces of metal and plastic were found embedded in a woman's. The hostages were not spared either and witnessed extreme and unspeakable atrocities. They were assaulted in front of their family members and were forced to perform sexual acts on one another. A male survivor recalled being treated like their "sex doll". "We went through abuse of every kind. They spat in our faces, humiliated us, and said things about Jews. There were no boundaries. I was completely naked. They did whatever they wanted to me. You feel dirty all the time," he said.&nbsp;One person who searched the Be’eri kibbutz on October 9 revealed the horrifying condition of the corpses. &nbsp;“In the room were knives, scalpels, a hammer, an axe, screwdrivers, tools, and tools from the household. All of those were embedded in the body. The body was completely mutilated," the survivor revealed while talking about a body on a hospital bed, which he understood was a woman. “Female bodies were found naked or partially naked, in some cases with aluminium cans, grenades, nails, blunt objects, rods, household tools and spike-like instruments, inserted into genitals and other parts of the body," the report stated.

A report on sexual atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 reveals unspeakable horrors. Survivors and others who witnessed the acts and saw the dead bodies have described in detail what unfolded on the day. They say the terrorists seem to have taken something and were acting like animals.

Disclaimer: The most comprehensive account of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 was released by The Civil Commission on Tuesday (May 12). It describes them acting like "animals", laughing while raping both men and women and then killing them, while continuing to commit sexual atrocities on them. The 2023 massacre left nearly 2,000 dead, with survivor accounts showing the grave nature of their actions. The terrorists stripped the women, assaulted them, killed them and then paraded their bodies as trophies. The most grave account is of people telling how they forced people of the same families to perform sexual acts on one another. “There was laughter. There were jokes. They were passing them from one to another. It wasn’t — it was done for fun,” a survivor of the Nova festival told October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, an Israeli non-profit. The body investigated the sexual crimes committed by Hamas on the day that shocked the world. “This is not rape as it is usually understood. I don’t know what ‘regular rape’ is, but what was heard there was not that.” The survivor added, “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams — screams you have never heard anywhere. It’s between silence and screams, between pain and wanting to die." Then, they shot her, the person said. The report titled "Silenced No More" carries testimonies of 430 witnesses, survivors, experts and medical staff gathered over two years, who urge the world not to avoid the accounts because of their gory nature. A man who was sexually abused describes what he went through It reveals that not only were the women degraded as a "deliberate tool of terror, humiliation, and control" but the men were also sexually abused. At Kibbutz Be'eri, nails, sharp objects, and pieces of metal and plastic were found embedded in a woman's. The hostages were not spared either and witnessed extreme and unspeakable atrocities. They were assaulted in front of their family members and were forced to perform sexual acts on one another. A male survivor recalled being treated like their "sex doll". "We went through abuse of every kind. They spat in our faces, humiliated us, and said things about Jews. There were no boundaries. I was completely naked. They did whatever they wanted to me. You feel dirty all the time," he said. One person who searched the Be’eri kibbutz on October 9 revealed the horrifying condition of the corpses. “In the room were knives, scalpels, a hammer, an axe, screwdrivers, tools, and tools from the household. All of those were embedded in the body. The body was completely mutilated," the survivor revealed while talking about a body on a hospital bed, which he understood was a woman. “Female bodies were found naked or partially naked, in some cases with aluminium cans, grenades, nails, blunt objects, rods, household tools and spike-like instruments, inserted into genitals and other parts of the body," the report stated.

A report on sexual atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 reveals unspeakable horrors. Survivors and others who witnessed the acts and saw the dead bodies have described in detail what unfolded on the day. They say the terrorists seem to have taken something and were acting like animals.

New report on October 7 Hamas attack describes depraved acts, families forced into sexual acts with each other

#Gravitas From Israel to Gaza, the cost of war has left childhoods shattered.  A generation is growing up under the shadow of trauma, fear, and psychological collapse.


Israel-Hamas War Linked to Mental Health Struggles Among Kids

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion.<h2>Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there?</h2>Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza.&nbsp;In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it.&nbsp;In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-crisis-un-infections-pests-shelter-shortage-1776950108022">Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN</a><h2>UN deems the election as a "credible process"</h2>The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.&nbsp;

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion. Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there? Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza. In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it. In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza. Also Read: Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN UN deems the election as a "credible process" The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella. UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians vote in West Bank for first time since 2023, Gaza since 2006

US and Hamas held the first direct talks in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday night. According to a report by CNN, a delegation led by senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who was also joined by Nickolay Mladenov, the US-backed UN Secretary-General's High Representative for Gaza. During the negotiations, Al Haya pressed the need for Israel to implement phase one of the commitments, such as halting air strikes and letting more humanitarian aid, before discussing the next steps.&nbsp;The US advisor had previously met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Tuesday's meeting, where he reportedly committed to implementing the commitments of phase one if Hamas agrees to complete disarmament. However, under the current U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan, disarmament is officially the core component of phase two. Following this, there will be a deployment of an international force to Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated territory, the establishment of a technocratic administration and the reconstruction of Gaza.&nbsp;Hamas view the proposal as fundamentally unbalanced. A senior Hamas source said that the proposal “reduces the whole process to a single clause – disarmament – while other first phase obligations are postponed or marginalised.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pete-hegseth-impeachment-resolution-democrats-six-articles-explained-1776324002941">Democrats unveil six articles to impeach Pete Hegseth: What are the six articles?</a>“The proposed paper reflects a major imbalance in the ordering of priorities: Israel’s security first, while Palestinians’ humanitarian, political, and administrative rights are postponed,” said the source as reported by CNN. According to the report, Mladenov was relaying Israeli demand, which said that it would return to war if Hamas did not disarm.&nbsp;Israel has pulled back according to what the mediators call the “yellow line”, as decided in the 20-point peace proposal. Hamas and multiple international organisations have said that Israel is not holding up its end of the deal, since the brokering of the ceasefire. Hamas have carried out regular strikes which have resulted in the death of at least 765 people in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. But the US and Israeli side claim that phase two has begun since the return of the last hostage in January 2026, and now Hamas should agree to complete disarmament.&nbsp; &nbsp;

US and Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo. Disarmament, ceasefire commitments, and Gaza reconstruction remain key points of contention.

US and Hamas held the first direct talks in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday night. According to a report by CNN, a delegation led by senior US advisor Aryeh Lightstone met Chief Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who was also joined by Nickolay Mladenov, the US-backed UN Secretary-General's High Representative for Gaza. During the negotiations, Al Haya pressed the need for Israel to implement phase one of the commitments, such as halting air strikes and letting more humanitarian aid, before discussing the next steps. The US advisor had previously met the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before Tuesday's meeting, where he reportedly committed to implementing the commitments of phase one if Hamas agrees to complete disarmament. However, under the current U.S.-brokered 20-point peace plan, disarmament is officially the core component of phase two. Following this, there will be a deployment of an international force to Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated territory, the establishment of a technocratic administration and the reconstruction of Gaza. Hamas view the proposal as fundamentally unbalanced. A senior Hamas source said that the proposal “reduces the whole process to a single clause – disarmament – while other first phase obligations are postponed or marginalised.” Also Read: Democrats unveil six articles to impeach Pete Hegseth: What are the six articles? “The proposed paper reflects a major imbalance in the ordering of priorities: Israel’s security first, while Palestinians’ humanitarian, political, and administrative rights are postponed,” said the source as reported by CNN. According to the report, Mladenov was relaying Israeli demand, which said that it would return to war if Hamas did not disarm. Israel has pulled back according to what the mediators call the “yellow line”, as decided in the 20-point peace proposal. Hamas and multiple international organisations have said that Israel is not holding up its end of the deal, since the brokering of the ceasefire. Hamas have carried out regular strikes which have resulted in the death of at least 765 people in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. But the US and Israeli side claim that phase two has begun since the return of the last hostage in January 2026, and now Hamas should agree to complete disarmament.

US and Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo. Disarmament, ceasefire commitments, and Gaza reconstruction remain key points of contention.

US-Hamas hold first direct talks in Cairo, Hamas pushes Israel for implementing ceasefire commitments

At least 10 people have been killed in fresh Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip, including children as young as three. A 14-year-old was also killed in a separate attack in Jabalia, while a strike on a police vehicle in Gaza City left several dead and others critically injured. As the violence intensifies, reports suggest Hamas has rejected a proposed disarmament plan, further complicating hopes for de-escalation.


Israel-Hamas War: At Least 10 Killed In Israeli Strikes In Gaza

Trump's board of peace sets a 'deadline' for Hamas to disarm.
The board is also set to meet the Hamas delegation 'soon'.

Trump Board of Peace Sets 'Deadline' For Hamas To Disarm

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Gaza under attack: Health chief's son killed in IDF strikes

Report: MBZ had directly warned Netanyahu of Hamas attack

Israeli PM Netanyahu blames security officials for leaving him asleep during Hamas attack

Israel says Hamas operative Qais Bitawi & 2 others eliminated

Israel believes the kites are being organised by Hamas

No Gaza reconstruction before Hamas disarms, says Israel

Hamas weapons to be decommissioned under US oversight

Kushner meets Hamas chief in Egypt, presses for real steps on disarmament

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Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

Israel wary of Hamas deal, occupies more than half of Gaza

Israel Strikes Gaza As Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Middle East Crisis

Ukraine Strikes Russia | Spain Migrant Crisis | Europe Migrant Crisis | Hamas Agrees to Trump Deal

Reports: Israel rejects disarmament plan

Trump: Israel to withdraw from Gaza Strip

Trump: Israel to withdraw from Gaza Strip

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

Israel-Gaza war: Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body after 20 years

Hamas dissolves Gaza governing body after 20 years

Families of victims mark 1000 days, demand independent inquiry

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Israel Unleashes Airstrikes Across Gaza City Killing Hamas Armed Wing Chief in the Operation

Israel Unleashes Airstrikes Across Gaza City Killing Hamas Armed Wing Chief in the Operation

Hamas chief who replaced Mohd Sinwar and helped plan Oct. 7 attacks, killed: IDF

New report on Oct 7 describes depraved acts, families forced into sexual acts