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.

U.S. and U.K. strike Houthi targets in Yemen
The airstrikes on multiple Houthi targets in Yemen follow more than two months of attacks by the Iran-backed militants against cargo ships and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.
Israelis are increasingly questioning what war in Gaza can achieve
Israel's prime minister has vowed to fight until the "definitive victory over Hamas." But Israelis are wrestling with the question of what kind of military victory can be achieved.
A top U.N. court opens hearings on genocide charges against Israel
Judges at the International Court of Justice on Thursday opened two days of legal arguments in a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in its Gaza war. Israel rejects the allegation.
As conflict on Israel's northern border grows, residents agonize over whether to stay
The pace of attacks across the Lebanon border has quickened since a strike in Beirut killed a Hamas official. Some residents have vowed to stay. Others wonder whether it’s time to move away for good.
New Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne on cease-fire resolution, encampments
The Minneapolis City Council appointed Elliott Payne as its new president at its first meeting of the new year. He spoke with Morning Edition about the council’s resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, the future of policing in Minneapolis and how the city should handle homeless encampments.
Israeli strike kills elite Hezbollah commander as fears of another regional war grow
Wissam al-Tawil is the most senior militant in the secretive armed group Hezbollah killed since Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. The killing in southern Lebanon is the latest Gaza-linked escalation.
Minneapolis City Council to call for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war
On Friday, several council members announced their intent to introduce a resolution next week calling for a cease-fire and the end of military aid to Israel. Mayor Frey denounced the proposal.