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 and Hamas have agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
Israel and Hamas may be on the verge of a cease-fire. Here’s what we know right now
Negotiators in Qatar are close to a cease-fire deal that sees an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees, a six-week pause in fighting and eventual troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas and Israel are negotiating the release of 34 hostages from Gaza
The deal would secure release of a third of the approximately 100 hostages who remain in Gaza, including two dual U.S.-Israeli nationals. In return, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials say
An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, according to the Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants.
Bethlehem is set to mark a second subdued Christmas during the war in Gaza
Bethlehem is preparing for another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. 
Two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent ’friendly fire’ incident
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down Sunday over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident, the U.S military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in over a year of America targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
U of M students interrupt Board of Regents meeting in protest for divestment
A day after the Minneapolis City Council failed to pass a resolution supporting campus activists, a group of students interrupted a University of Minnesota Board of Regents meeting Friday. They’re continuing to demand that the school divest from Israel and weapons manufacturers. 
Missing American Travis Timmerman found wandering barefoot outside Damascus
The 29-year-old said he was detained earlier this year after crossing into Syria on foot from Lebanon and held in prison until the fall of Assad. Timmerman’s family called it a “Christmas miracle.”
Frey vetoes measure supporting pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied U of M building
Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution last week seeking to protect the 11 people arrested at a divestment occupation on Oct. 21. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed it “without hesitation.”