Middle East

The bombing of a hospital in Gaza sparks protests across the Middle East

5:09am October 18, 2023

by Jane Arraf

The bombing of the Gaza hospital has sparked anger across the Arab world — including on the streets. In Amman, Jordan, security forces tear gassed protestors trying to reach the Israeli embassy.

Israeli soldiers gather in a staging area near the border with Gaza Strip, in southern Israel Tuesday.

What Republican presidential candidates are saying about the Israel-Hamas war

5:00am October 18, 2023

by Jeongyoon Han

Israel is a cornerstone of GOP foreign policy and presidential hopefuls are seeking to stand out from the crowded field as they proclaim their views on Israel, Hamas and the Middle East.

Wounded Palestinians sit in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, central Gaza Strip, after arriving from Al-Ahli hospital following an explosion there, on Tuesday.

World News

Hundreds killed in explosion at a crowded Gaza hospital

9:13pm October 17, 2023

The cause of the explosion has not yet been confirmed. Protests broke out in Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Iran and Jordan in response to the blast, with crowds chanting against Israel.

Queue Listen Now

Some Palestinian Americans say they're afraid to mourn their loved ones out loud

5:34pm October 17, 2023

by Sandhya Dirks

Palestinian Americans are grieving over loved ones who have been killed, injured and trapped in Gaza amid Israel's bombardment. They also feel betrayed by the U.S. government's support of Israel.

World News

Israel turns to DNA and dental imprints to identify unrecognizable bodies

5:12pm October 17, 2023

The Israeli military is using DNA and dental imprints to identify victims of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. NPR's Ari Shapiro visits an Israeli Army base south of Tel Aviv where this work is taking place.

Blinken is making diplomacy efforts in the Middle East before Biden arrives in Israel

5:12pm October 17, 2023

by Michele Kelemen

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has crossed the Middle East trying to keep the war between Israel and Hamas from spreading.

Queue Listen Now

How U.S. synagogues have been thinking about their safety since the Hamas attacks

4:49pm October 17, 2023

by Jason DeRose

Synagogues in the U.S. have considerable security compared to many other houses of worship. The Hamas attacks have congregations refocused on the safety of worshipers.

Queue Listen Now

World News

The devastation after the Gaza hospital explosion that killed hundreds of people

4:43pm October 17, 2023

by Daniel Estrin

Hundreds of people have been killed in a huge explosion at a hospital in Gaza according to Palestinian officials and the World Health Organisation

Queue Listen Now

Survivors of the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be'eri describe the apocalyptic scene

12:28pm October 17, 2023

by Leila Fadel

People who lost their family and homes in the surprise incursion into Israel by Hamas reckon with the aftermath.

Queue Listen Now

President Biden is pictured at the White House on Oct. 10, giving remarks about the attack by Hamas on Israel.

World News

Up First briefing: Biden heads to the Middle East; how screen time changes your eyes

8:03am October 17, 2023

by Suzanne Nuyen

Biden is set to travel to the Middle East to reaffirm support for Israel and press for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Spending time indoors — often looking at screens — could be behind nearsightedness.

Queue Listen Now