Israel Headed for Clash With ICC Over West Bank Settlements

Jerusalem, Israel (AP) Israel appears to be heading for a showdown with the international community over its half-century-old settlement enterprise in the West Bank. Emboldened by a supportive White House, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to move ahead with the potentially explosive annexation of large parts of the occupied West Bank, including its…

Despite Setbacks, Hamas’ Grip on Gaza Has Never Been Tighter

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Over the weekend, Gaza’s Hamas rulers marked a year of bloody, weekly protests that have failed to break the Israeli blockade. Rocket attacks brought a wave of Israeli airstrikes and unprecedented protests broke out against the Islamic militants’ increasingly unpopular rule. And yet Hamas’ control over Gaza is tighter…