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.

Release of Palestinians follows Israelis and foreigners during temporary Gaza truce
After nearly seven weeks in captivity, 24 hostages seized by Hamas in its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel have been freed. Hamas released the captives late Friday afternoon at Egypt's Rafah crossing, Israel confirmed.
Israel-Hamas deal will go into effect when the first Israeli hostages are released
Hamas and Israel agreed to a four-day pause in fighting and to release at least 50 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and 150 Palestinians held by Israel, beginning as early as Thursday.
Israel and Hamas agree on truce to free hostages in swap, raising hopes of halting war in Gaza
Officials say that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day cease-fire in the devastating war in Gaza. The breakthrough will facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. 
Palestinians in Israel cite threats, firings and discrimination after Oct. 7
At least 20 percent of Israelis identify as Arab or Palestinian. Many say they have long felt like second-class citizens. The current war has worsened their position in the country, they say.
Israeli airstrike on south Lebanon kills 2 journalists of a pan-Arab TV station, official says
A Beirut-based pan-Arab TV station says an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon has killed two of its journalists who were covering the violence along the Lebanon-Israel border.
A deal for the release of Israeli hostages appears close, officials say
Talk of a possible deal comes as Palestinian health officials say Israeli fire hit another hospital in Gaza, and dozens of premature infants from Al-Shifa hospital are evacuated to Egypt.