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.

Blinken urges Israel to seek enduring deal, as officials say a limited cease-fire has been discussed
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel needs to pursue an “enduring strategic success” in Gaza after its tactical victories against Hamas. He urged it Wednesday to seek a deal that would end the war and bring back dozens of hostages.
Israel launches airstrikes on Beirut, saying it's targeting Hezbollah's financial arm
Israel's military said it was targeting a Hezbollah financial unit that's used to pay operatives and buy arms. The nonprofit provides financial services and is also used by ordinary Lebanese.
The U.S. is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents on Israel's attack plans
The United States is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents that assess Israel’s plans to attack Iran and note that Israel continues to move military assets in place to conduct a military strike in response to Iran’s blistering ballistic missile attack on Oct. 1.
Israel threatens to starve out northern Gaza, U.N. aid agencies say
Israel has allowed almost no food aid into north Gaza for two weeks. Humanitarian groups say it leaves 400,000 people with the choice of eventual starvation or fleeing their homes to the south.
4 Israeli soldiers killed in Hezbollah drone attack that leaves dozens injured
The Lebanese militant group targeted an Israeli army base near the central city of Binyamina, in one of the most serious mass casualty attacks the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group has caused in Israel.
Battle to shore up bases remains as Election Day nears
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guest talks about deadly conflicts in the Middle East and how those have factored into domestic politics. Plus, we follow up with two Generation Z voters about how they’re approaching the election.