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 of M says it's committed to combating antisemitism amid federal probes
The University of Minnesota says it’s working to address antisemitism on campus, amid federal investigations spurred by protests against Israel. Recent federal actions are raising alarms for pro-Palestinian and civil rights advocates, who say it’s a violation of free speech.
Hamas is offering a truce with Israel for five to ten years, a U.S. official says
President Trump’s hostage affairs envoy, Adam Boehler, says a new Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal could happen “within weeks,” as he defends his direct talks with Hamas.
As Trump cuts millions from Columbia, University of Minnesota urged to take action
The University of Minnesota joins Columbia University on a list of colleges facing federal investigation over pro-Palestinian protests, and now the man who called for that investigation is warning its regents to take action before the U of M faces similar funding cuts.
Trump issues ‘last warning’ to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza
President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group.
Trump’s social media video garners pushback from Arabs and Muslims in U.S. and Gaza
In a seemingly AI-generated video that the president posted on social media, images of destruction due to the war in Gaza are transformed into a glitzy resort called “TRUMP GAZA.”
Israel and Hamas agree on a new exchange, leaving a fragile ceasefire intact
The bodies of four Israeli hostages are to be returned late Wednesday and more than 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees freed during the last week of the current Gaza ceasefire deal.
Hundreds of thousands attend the funeral of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah 5 months after his killing
Hundreds of thousands of people have packed into a stadium in Beirut and the streets outside for the funeral of Hezbollah’s leader, nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a southern suburb of the capital.
Hamas releases the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including mother and young sons
Today’s release is the first time Hamas has handed over the bodies of hostages during the war, although several have been recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza and returned to Israel.