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.

UN peacekeepers say Israeli drone crashed into their headquarters without inflicting casualties
The U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon says an Israeli drone has crashed into their headquarters near Israel’s border, but didn’t cause any casualties. The force, known as UNIFIL, says that by flying drones over Lebanon Israel was violating a U.N. Security Council resolution that helped end the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.
More experts see genocide in Israel’s wartime conduct in Gaza
A growing number of experts have said Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip amounts to genocide, deepening Israel’s isolation and risking untold damage to the country’s standing even among allies.
Israeli troops press forward into Gaza City as Palestinians flee
Israeli troops and tanks are pushing deeper into Gaza City, marking the second day of a ground offensive. The move has faced international condemnation as Palestinians flee the devastated area.
Israel’s military says its expanded operation in Gaza City has begun and warns residents to leave
The Israeli military says its expanded operation in Gaza City has begun and warned residents to move south. The military said its intensified operation “to destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure” has started. 
‘Don’t be complicit’: Protests over Israel’s war in Gaza disrupt Minnesota agencies
A relatively unknown board overseeing St. Paul’s water services has gotten a lot more attention recently, as it’s come under scrutiny from pro-Palestinian protesters for its ties with an Israeli cybersecurity company.
Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ of Gaza hostages release with strike on Doha, Qatar PM says
Qatar’s prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying hopes for hostage releases in Gaza. This follows an Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha. 
Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of expanded military operation
The Israeli military has urged a full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of its planned expanded military operation in the city in northern Gaza. The announcement Tuesday morning was the first warning for a full evacuation of the city in the current round of fighting.
Palestinian gunmen open fire at Jerusalem bus stop, killing 6, Israeli officials say
Palestinian attackers have opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem during the morning rush hour, killing six people and wounding 12. An Israeli soldier and civilians shot and killed the two attackers, and police later arrested a third person.