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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Uncommitted delegates upset by lack of a Palestinian-American speaker on DNC convention stage
Democratic national convention delegates withholding support for the party ticket over the U.S. posture toward the Israel-Hamas war didn’t succeed in getting a speaking role or a pledge for a significant change in course.
‘Vibes don’t save lives’: Minnesota uncommitted delegate wants Harris-Walz to promise cease-fire, arms embargo in Gaza
Minnesota uncommitted delegate Asma Mohammed says the Harris-Walz campaign is missing an opportunity to talk about the Israel-Hamas war.