Middle East

Will the brokered cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas have lasting impact?

5:05am November 24, 2023

NPR's A Martinez speaks with former U.S. intelligence officer Jonathan Panikoff about the role of Qatar in the Israel-Hamas hostage deal, and how it could impact future negotiations.

The Israel-Hamas war could impact the 3-year-old Abraham Accords

5:05am November 24, 2023

by Jackie Northam

The Israel-Hamas war has complicated Israel's relations with some Arab countries that had begun to formally normalize relations with the Jewish state.

Smoke and fire rise above buildings during Israeli strikes on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Nov. 23, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement.

World News

A temporary cease-fire in Gaza appears set to begin Friday

10:25pm November 23, 2023

A deal to pause the fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners would begin Friday morning, according to the foreign ministry in Qatar.

World News

The role that Qatar played in the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas

5:10pm November 23, 2023

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Bader Al-Saif, a history professor at Kuwait University, about the role that Qatar is playing as a broker in the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas.

World News

What's set to happen during Friday's temporary cease-fire between Hamas and Israel

4:08pm November 23, 2023

by Greg Myre

Israel's national security chief announced a one-day delay to pause fighting to facilitate the exchange of 50 Israeli hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow for delivery of aid to Gaza.

We came to the Hitten refugee camp in Jordan to ask how people were feeling.

World News

We visited a camp for Palestinians and heard despair for Gaza — and anger at America

8:28am November 23, 2023

We came to a refugee camp in Jordan to ask what is on people's minds, as war and violence unfold in places that may be miles away, but that feel central to their identities.

Queue Listen Now

The first phase of hostages held by Hamas could be released starting on Friday

7:19am November 23, 2023

NPR's A Martinez speaks with Palestinian Human Rights Lawyer Diana Buttu about the upcoming exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli Jails.

Queue Listen Now

Friday is the soonest the deal with Hamas would take effect, Israeli official says

6:56am November 23, 2023

Israel's national security adviser said in a statement that the release of hostages held by militants in Gaza, in return for a release of Palestinians held by Israel, won't start before Friday.

Queue Listen Now

National

Morning news brief

5:17am November 23, 2023

by A Martínez

Israeli official says Friday is the soonest the deal with Hamas would take effect. Black Friday remains the busiest day for U.S. stores. Protests continue over a police training facility near Atlanta.

Women prepare a symbolic dinner table during a rally in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Tuesday, demanding the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants.

World News

Israeli official says Friday is the soonest the deal with Hamas would take effect

6:21pm November 22, 2023

Hamas and Israel agreed to a four-day pause in fighting and to release at least 50 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and 150 Palestinians held by Israel. The official said negotiations "are progressing."