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.

Hamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for 183 Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire
Hamas-led militants have released three gaunt, frail-looking Israeli civilian men held for the past 16 months and Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners as part of a fragile agreement that has paused the war in the Gaza Strip. 
Trump says the U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza and relocate its people. What does it mean?
It wasn’t immediately clear what legal authority Trump would have to execute his proposals, and they would likely be met by fierce resistance from Palestinians and from regional Arab countries.
Gaza ceasefire sees its smoothest exchange yet of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners
The ceasefire in Gaza saw its smoothest exchange yet of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, and the crucial Rafah border crossing reopened just days before discussions on the truce’s far more difficult second phase begin.
An unlikely symbol of cooperation, the barn owl brings Arab and Israeli scientists together
A cross-border conservation project centered on barn owls is fostering cooperation between Israeli and Arab scientists, offering a rare example of coexistence in the conflict-ridden Middle East. 
Israel blocks thousands of Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza over ceasefire dispute
Israel has prevented thousands of Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating the terms of a fragile ceasefire by changing the order of hostages it has released.