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.

Top UN court orders Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza; stops short of ordering cease-fire
The United Nations’ top court has ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. But the panel stopped short Friday of ordering Israel to end the military offensive that has laid waste to the Palestinian enclave.
Friendly fire and accidents have killed a lot of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Here's why
Nearly 1 in 5 Israeli casualties since the invasion of Gaza were caused by friendly fire or accidents. Experts say it's one of the highest such percentages in recent military history.
Minneapolis City Council advances cease-fire resolution for Israel-Hamas war
A Minneapolis council committee on Tuesday moved forward a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The council voted 9-3 with one abstention to send the resolution on to the full council meeting on Thursday. 
A school in Jerusalem brings Arab and Jewish kids together to boost understanding
Jewish and Arab children learn alongside each other at the Hand in Hand school. They're taught in Hebrew and Arabic, in a program unusual in Israel for integrating students of different backgrounds.
2 Navy SEALs who went missing off Somalia's coast are dead, the U.S. military says
After a 10-day search, the SEALs have not been found and their status is now deceased, U.S. Central Command said. They went missing during a U.S. operation to seize weapons headed for the Houthis.