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.

As a U.S. aid ship heads to Gaza, Biden again warns Netanyahu on civilian deaths
The U.S. ship left Virginia this weekend as part of an emergency mission to build a temporary pier in Gaza to facilitate aid. Biden criticized the Israeli prime minister over civilian deaths in Gaza.
A U.N. report finds 'reasonable grounds to believe' attacks in Israel included rapes
The report, which fell short of a full U.N. investigation, said rape likely occurred at at least three sites on Oct. 7. Some hostages held in Gaza were also subject to sexual violence, the team found.
Kamala Harris called for a cease-fire in Gaza. Here's what we know about the talks
Harris was due to meet Monday with a top official in Israel's war cabinet. She is calling for a cease-fire to facilitate an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Harris to meet Israeli minister Benny Gantz to discuss temporary Gaza cease-fire
The vice president seeks to reach a cease-fire deal to allow the flow of more aid into Gaza and to discuss the region's future. Gantz's trip to Washington has upset Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
St. Paul City Council remains unaligned on declaring resolution for a cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war
Council Member Nelsie Yang said she plans to introduce a resolution at next week’s meeting. The council isn’t aligned on the matter, and it’s facing increasing pressure to debate it publicly.
Scores killed trying to get food from an aid convoy during a chaotic scene in Gaza
Health officials in Gaza say over 100 are dead after Israeli troops fired on a crowd that was trying to pull food from the convoy. Israeli officials said the crowd had approached in a threatening way.