Middle East

The war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza directly impacts many Minnesotans. And while MPR News does not have journalists stationed in the region, we do have a responsibility to our audiences to report on how this ongoing conflict affects people here. Our goal is to provide MPR News audiences with a variety of perspectives, context and factual information. We are committed to using language that is as precise as possible.

As you will see here, the majority of the coverage on our air and our website is provided by our national and international news partners, NPR and the BBC. The language and terminology used to describe the conflict are changing. If you have questions or concerns about our coverage please reach out to us.

Israel strikes state-run Iranian TV during live broadcast while Trump issues warning to Tehran
Israel struck Iran’s state-run television station during a live broadcast, forcing a reporter to run off camera following an explosion, after Iran fired a new wave of missiles at Israel that killed at least eight people. 
Palestinians say at least five people killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza aid centers
Palestinian health officials and witnesses say at least five people were killed and others were wounded by Israeli fire as they headed to two aid distribution points in the Gaza Strip.
Their son joined ISIS. Then they learned he had kids in a Syrian detention camp
Years after their son left the U.S. to join ISIS, a Minnesota couple learned they had two young grandsons trapped in a Syrian desert camp. Bringing them home was complicated — and took years.
Israel says it will allow a ‘basic quantity’ of food into Gaza to prevent starvation
Israel blocked all supplies into Gaza for nearly three months, the longest blockade it has ever imposed on Gaza. But Israel is relenting amid international pressure to allow food into the territory.
Trump in Saudi speech urges Iran toward a 'new and a better path' as he pushes for nuclear deal
President Donald Trump in a speech in Saudi Arabia has urged Iran to take a “new and a better path” as he pushes for a new nuclear deal. At a U.S.-Saudi investment conference, Trump says he wants to avoid conflict with Tehran.
Federal judge orders release of Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi
A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University who was arrested at his U.S. citizenship interview and ordered deported.