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.

September 10, 2024 2:10 PM

An Israeli strike on a Gaza humanitarian zone kills at least 19

The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hamas command and control center in al-Muwasi, west of Khan Younis, and killed three Hamas commanders in the strike. Hamas did not confirm the deaths.

by Anas Baba and Hadeel Al-Shalchi

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September 5, 2024 8:50 AM

Twin Cities Jewish community gathers to mourn hostage deaths

Dozens gathered at the JCC Sabes Center in St. Louis Park. The congregation of nearby Beth El Synagogue has ties to one of the hostages who was found dead Sunday.

by MPR News Staff

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September 3, 2024 4:09 PM

5 things to know about the U.K.’s suspension of some arms exports to Israel

The U.K. exports explosive devices, guns and fighter jet components to Israel. But it's suspending some arms shipments, fearing Israel could used them in violation of international law.

by Lauren Frayer and Fatima Al-Kassab

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September 3, 2024 9:00 AM

Minnesota goes back to school: Here are 5 stories we‘re watching this year

This school year is expected to bring new school cell phone policies, school closure talks in Minneapolis, more campus protests, absenteeism solutions and — for one district — a new four-day schedule.

by MPR News Staff

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September 1, 2024 8:13 AM

Israel recovers the bodies of 6 hostages in Gaza

Israel on Sunday said it had recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, including a young Israeli-American man who became one of the most well-known captives held by Hamas as his parents met with world leaders and pressed for his release.

by The Associated Press

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August 31, 2024 12:35 PM

As polio vaccinations begin in Gaza, U.N. says success hinges on a pause in fighting

Health care workers plan to reach more than 640,000 Palestinian children in a matter of days while Israel has agreed to staggered pauses in fighting.

by Juliana Kim and Aya Batrawy

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August 31, 2024 8:50 AM

7 US troops hurt in raid with Iraqi forces targeting Islamic State group militants that killed 15

The United States military and Iraq launched a joint raid targeting suspected Islamic State group militants in the country’s western desert that killed at least 15 people and saw seven American troops hurt. The U.S. military’s Central Command alleged Saturday that the militants were armed with “numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive ‘suicide’ belts” during the attack, which Iraqi forces said happened on Thursday in the country’s Anbar Desert.

by The Associated Press

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August 29, 2024 10:49 AM

The U.S. urges major changes to Israel’s evacuations in Gaza, a leaked memo says

In an internal memo obtained by NPR, U.S. officials warn that Israel’s “drastically increased” evacuation orders in Gaza have further displaced Palestinians and could debilitate aid efforts.

by Kat Lonsdorf, Daniel Estrin and Hadeel Al-Shalchi

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August 27, 2024 12:26 PM

U of M votes against Israel divestment and future divestment proposals

The resolution commits the Board of Regents to “neutrality” in its investments. The university will consider only financial reasons — not social or political ones — when deciding where to invest its $2.27 billion endowment.

by Estelle Timar-Wilcox