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.

The U.S. has again vetoed a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza
Tuesday’s vote marked the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. The Arab nations behind the plan hoped to show broad support for ending the Israel-Hamas war.
Israel rescues 2 hostages, but Gaza officials say dozens were killed in the operation
Israeli military strikes in Rafah were part of an operation to rescue two Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. There were initial reports that at least 50 Palestinians were killed in the raid.
As hunger stalks Gaza, humanitarian aid is politicized in Israel
Aid organizations warn pockets of people in Gaza are already starving. But, in Israel, a small movement of protesters have been trying to block aid trucks from entering the Gaza Strip.
Israeli military operation in Rafah 'cannot proceed,' U.S. ambassador to the U.N. says
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told NPR that under the current conditions, Israeli military operations in Rafah would "dramatically exacerbate the humanitarian emergency."