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's map and evacuation messages for Gaza are adding to the chaos
The U.S. said Israel should create safe zones to minimize civilian deaths from Israeli airstrikes. But Palestinians and international aid groups say the zones have been inadequate or nonexistent.
A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip has surfaced a wide spectrum of emotions for Jews. Some know where they stand, others are changing their perspectives, and some are unsure where to even begin. But people are guarded. Amid the tension, Jews are seeking opportunities to come together and they’re looking for guidance.
The Pentagon says U.S. warship, commercial ships attacked in Red Sea
The Pentagon says an American warship and multiple commercial ships came under attack in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi rebels later claimed attacks on two ships they described as being linked to Israel, while not acknowledging targeting a U.S. Navy vessel.
The shadowy Hamas leader behind the war against Israel
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is widely believed to have helped mastermind the unprecedented Hamas attack that changed the course of Israeli-Palestinian history.