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.

Trump in Saudi speech urges Iran toward a 'new and a better path' as he pushes for nuclear deal
President Donald Trump in a speech in Saudi Arabia has urged Iran to take a “new and a better path” as he pushes for a new nuclear deal. At a U.S.-Saudi investment conference, Trump says he wants to avoid conflict with Tehran.
Federal judge orders release of Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi
A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University who was arrested at his U.S. citizenship interview and ordered deported.
Israeli jets strike Beirut's southern suburbs for the third time since a ceasefire began
Israeli jets have struck Beirut’s southern suburbs in the third such attack since a ceasefire began in late November. Israeli strikes have continued in southern and eastern Lebanon despite the ceasefire in late November.
Gaza’s Catholics mourn Pope Francis. ‘He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night’
Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. “Today we feel like we are orphans,” a spokesperson says.
Germany seeks to deport an American and 3 EU citizens after pro-Palestinian protest
The four individuals — from Ireland, Poland and the U.S. — face possible deportation but say German authorities haven't made clear what crimes they've committed. They're appealing the orders.
Gaza territory shrinks drastically as Israel seizes huge swaths of land
Israel’s military is expanding buffer zones inside the Gaza Strip and taking over more areas of the territory, shrinking land Palestinians can access by more than half.