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 is trying to arm more citizens with guns since the Hamas attack
Israel was already known for having lots of firearms. But since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the Israeli government has moved to loosen gun restrictions and fast-track permits for civilians.
More than 100 Gaza heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks
The nonprofit group Heritage for Peace's preliminary findings show 104 historic religious buildings, museums and archaeological sites have been destroyed or damaged.
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.
Israeli warplanes carry out strikes on Gaza after truce with Hamas collapses
Israel's military resumed combat operations in the Palestinian enclave after a seven-day cease-fire broke down. During the pause, Hamas freed some 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians.
In a vote late Wednesday, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers walked back a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war after acknowledging that the statement was harmful to Jewish members and students.