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 Israeli hostages, Trump gets standing ovation in Israel’s parliament
Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages who had been captive for just over two years. In turn, Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Israel lays out plans for hostage release and prisoner swap expected on Monday
Israel says it expects all of the living hostages held in the Gaza Strip to be released Monday. The announcement on Sunday confirmed the next phase of the breakthrough ceasefire deal with Hamas, as Palestinians awaited a long-promised surge of aid deliveries into the enclave.
Trump sets off for the Mideast to mark a ceasefire deal and urge Arab leaders to seize the moment
President Donald Trump is setting off for Israel and Egypt to celebrate the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. He's also expected to urge Middle East allies to seize the opportunity to build a durable peace in the volatile region. Trump is stopping first in Israel to meet with hostage families and address the parliament. 
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Pakistan’s army gave lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops had died.
Palestinians return to ruins and U.S. troops land in Israel as ceasefire holds
Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are returning to neighborhoods in Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is in its second day. Israelis cheered U.S. envoys and President Donald Trump on Saturday at a weekly rally they hope will be the last. Israel’s military has said the 48 hostages still in Gaza will be freed Monday.
Once the Gaza ceasefire goes into effect, what happens next? Here's what to know
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the "first phase" of a plan promoted by President Trump to end the war in Gaza. A ceasefire is expected to go into effect after an Israeli Cabinet vote.