israel

Record Israeli settlements in the West Bank

Record Israeli settlements in the West Bank

Israel’s right-wing government has overseen a record expansion of settlements in the West Bank in recent years. The settlements, which are illegal under international law, are driving the displacement of Palestinians. One proposal the government is now advancing is the controversial E1 settlement plan, which would effectively slice the West Bank in two and severely undermine Palestinian aspirations for a contiguous state.

Armed security personnel stand guard near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 19, 2026.

What We're Watching

Hormuz feud escalates ahead of ceasefire deadline, Saudi halts weapons shipment for Sudanese army, Venezuela’s Machado reiterates election call while in Spain

It’s unclear if the second round of US-Iran talks will go ahead in Pakistan after the US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship outside the Strait of Hormuz this weekend.

A crowd celebrates after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, in Sidon, Lebanon, on April 17, 2026.

What We're Watching

US-Iran ceasefire talks gain steam, Leading leftists meet in Barcelona, The EU may have a new Russia ally

The 10-day ceasefire negotiated between Israel and Lebanon took effect last night – one that the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah acknowledged but hasn’t said whether they’d abide by – has added some momentum to the US-Iran ceasefire talks.

Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026.

What We're Watching

Tehran tests Washington’s naval blockade, Spain’s leader visits China again, Ukrainian robots take back land

One day after US President Donald Trump announced that he had started a blockade of ships coming in and out of Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is already testing those US commitments.