Middle East

Israeli and Hamas negotiators are meeting in Qatar to discuss a potential ceasefire in the 10-month old Gaza war. Hamas says it doesn’t have all the hostages and some were seized by families.

The Israeli hostages taken during the October 7th attacks and held in Gaza are a major sticking point in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A spokesperson for Hamas tells NPR not all those hostages are being held by his organization, some are being held by families in Gaza.

And in Israel, what Gaza will look like after major combat operations end is the subject of fierce debate, with military and political leaders so far failing to agree.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

The pier will be used to deliver long-stalled humanitarian aid. Will it finally live up to the Biden administration’s hopes?

We hear from an American who moved to Israel before the October 7th attacks and has served in the Israeli army in Gaza. Over a series of conversations with NPR, he wrestles with the war, his role there, and how much more he can give.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

At least three UN schools housing displaced people have been hit directly by Israeli airstrikes in less than a week. A fourth suffered damage after an airstrike hit a building next to it.

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Vali Nasr, Middle East Studies professor at Johns Hopkins University, about the election of a reformist president in Iran, and prospects for policy changes.

Israel and Hamas are trying again this week to reach a cease-fire deal. There are some encouraging signs: Hamas appears to have shifted its position on at least one key issue.