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The LeadYasser Abbas, son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has secured a seat on Fatah's highest leadership body, as initial results emerged from the movement's first Congress in the occupied West Bank in a decade.The Fatah Congress ResultsThe three-day Eighth General Conference in Ramallah, which began on Thursday and finished on Sunday, came as Fatah faces existential challenges following Israel's war on Gaza.Yasser Abbas, 64, a businessman who spends most of his time in Canada, joins the central committee after being appointed around five years ago as his father's "special representative".With several existing members retaining their seats, the Congress's outcome was already being criticised.Marwan Barghouti, a popular Palestinian leader held in Israeli prison since 2002, retained his seat on the committee with the highest number of votes, according to figures seen by the AFP news agency.Jibril Rajoub was re-elected as the committee's secretary-general, while Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh retained his position.Election Statistics and ProcessThe Congress had 2,507 voters and a turnout of 94.6 percent, organisers said.Fifty-nine candidates competed for 18 seats on the central committee, while 450 vied for 80 seats on the revolutionary council, the party's parliament.Counting for the revolutionary council is continuing.Political Context and Reform CallsMahmoud Abbas, who was re-elected as head of the movement on Thursday, vowed in his opening address to reform the Palestinian Authority (PA), and hold long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections.Abbas and the PA are under mounting international pressure to implement reforms and hold elections, amid widespread accusations of corruption and political stagnation, which have eroded their legitimacy among Palestinians.US President Donald Trump has demanded sweeping reforms as a condition for the PA to play any meaningful role in post-war Gaza.Fatah's Historical Position and Current ChallengesFatah was historically the dominant force within the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the sole representative of the Palestinian people in international forums. It groups most Palestinian factions, but excludes Hamas and Islamic Jihad.In recent decades, Fatah's popularity and influence have dwindled amid internal divisions and growing public frustration over the stagnation of the Israel-Palestine peace process.This led to a surge in support for rival Hamas, which won the 2006 legislative elections in the occupied West Bank, before expelling Fatah from Gaza almost entirely after factional fighting.Succession Dynamics and Future OutlookFatah's central committee is expected to play a decisive role in the post-Abbas era, with key figures, including Rajoub and Sheikh already jostling to succeed the 90-year-old leader.Yasser Abbas's election to the committee alone does not put him on a clear path to the presidency, said Ali Jarbawi, political science professor at Birzeit University."This may be seen as the beginning of a phase – if not of hereditary succession, then of securing a position in the future," he said.Jarbawi said the elder Abbas remained firmly in command, with the Congress failing to clarify who would lead the movement after him.

Assassination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad: Immediate FalloutThe Israeli dual‑strike on a Gaza City apartment and a fleeing vehicle on Friday, 16 May 2026 eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of the Qassam Brigades, and killed seven other Palestinians, including women and children, while wounding 50 more.How the Strike Unfolded and What It TargetedThe operation combined heavy munitions in a densely populated district of the Remal neighbourhood, aiming to neutralise al‑Haddad’s command centre. Despite the high civilian toll, Israeli officials claim the hit will cripple Hamas’ military capacity.Location: Remal neighbourhood, Gaza CityTargets: Residential apartment and a vehicleCivilian casualties: 7 dead, 50 injuredNumbers Behind the Conflict: Fighter Strength and CasualtiesBefore the war, the Qassam Brigades boasted roughly 50,000 fighters. Since the cease‑fire announced on 10 October 2025, Israeli actions have resulted in 871 Palestinian deaths, the majority civilians.Pre‑war Qassam strength: ~50,000 fightersCease‑fire period Palestinian deaths: 871Al‑Haddad’s command: Oversaw six battalions (~1,000 fighters each) plus 4,000 support personnelWhy Hamas May Absorb the ShockAnalysts such as Saeed Ziad argue that the Qassam Brigades are built on a parallel, decentralized model. Each unit operates autonomously with its own logistics and combat doctrine, meaning the loss of a single commander does not halt missions.Leadership succession protocols—first, second, and third deputies for every commander—allow rapid replacement, often within days rather than months.Implications for the Fragile Cease‑fire and Future OperationsThe Israeli leadership, represented by Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, frames the killing as a step toward “disarming Hamas,” hoping to pressure Washington and justify further strikes. Critics warn the tactic may provoke retaliation, risking the collapse of the cease‑fire and paving the way for a larger Israeli offensive dubbed “Gideon 2.”For Hamas, the assassination could become a rallying point, strengthening resolve among fighters who view the loss of leaders as a “blood covenant” rather than a defeat.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for Gaza’s Military LandscapeShort‑term, the Qassam Brigades are expected to reorganise command within days, maintaining operational tempo. Long‑term, the durability of Hamas will hinge on:Continued decentralisation and local autonomy of brigadesEffectiveness of Israeli assassination strategy versus civilian backlashInternational diplomatic pressure on the cease‑fire’s viabilityIf Israel escalates toward a full‑scale invasion, Hamas’ deep‑bench leadership may sustain resistance, but civilian casualties could further inflame regional tensions.

Israeli forces targeted the Remal neighbourhood of Gaza City on May 15, 2026, killing Qassam Brigades commander Izz al‑Din al‑Haddad, his family members and several civilians, a strike Hamas denounced as a treacherous assassination.Israeli Strike Eliminates Qassam Brigades Chief Izz al‑Din al‑HaddadThe strike hit a residential building and a civilian vehicle, killing seven Palestinians including three women and a baby. Hamas condemned the operation as “treacherous and cowardly,” labeling al‑Haddad “one of the architects” of the October 7 attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the target was al‑Haddad.Casualty Toll and Immediate Aftermath Figures3 Palestinians killed in a civilian‑vehicle strike4 killed in the residential‑building strikeDozens wounded; 13 bodies and 57 injured patients received by Gaza hospitals in the last 24 hoursSince the October cease‑fire, Gaza Health Ministry reports 870 deaths and 2,543 injuriesEscalation Risks and Regional Political RepercussionsThe killing is portrayed by Hamas as a breach of the cease‑fire agreement and an example of “ongoing aggression against innocent civilians.” The statement warned that the “cowardly assassination” will not weaken resistance resolve. The incident also drew reactions from the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement, which vowed continued struggle.Potential Trajectories for Gaza Ceasefire and Israeli OperationsAnalysts anticipate heightened Israeli military activity as it seeks to dismantle senior Hamas leadership, while Hamas may intensify rocket fire or guerrilla attacks in retaliation. International diplomatic pressure could increase, urging both sides to return to cease‑fire talks, but the recent high‑profile killing suggests a further widening of the conflict’s scope.

The LeadFalling seriously ill, like falling in love, can happen all of a sudden – although this film is not exactly about either. Ryusuke Hamaguchi's new movie, co-scripted with the Franco-Japanese screenwriter Léa Le Dimna and his first not set entirely in Japan, is a bold and high-minded if rather pedagogic work that spreads itself over three hours. It's tender and sometimes beautifully made, but also contrived and occasionally features some too-good-to-be-true caring characters. Frankly, it's rather precious.The Film's International VisionHamaguchi and Le Dimna have taken as their starting point the nonfiction book "You and I: The Illness Suddenly Get Worse" by Makiko Miyano and Maho Isono, a meditative correspondence between a philosopher and medical professional on the subjects of love and mortality. Hamaguchi has opened this out to create a drama set in Paris and Kyoto, and it's incidentally hard not to suspect that Hamaguchi, like many a celebrated movie director spending so much time on the international festival circuit, has been led to create an uneasy international mixture.Care Home Dynamics and CharactersMarie-Lou (Virginie Efira) is the director of a private care home in Paris called the Garden of Freedom, where they practise a care technique called "humanitude," a time-consuming patient-centred approach that exasperates old-fashioned nurse Sophie (Marie Bunel). It needs more staffing facilities than the home is prepared to provide and, in any case, Marie-Lou has a bad habit of being patronising to those who question her. For all that, there are some lovely scenes with caregivers and patients, and these observant, unfussily compassionate moments are where the film works best.Cross-Cultural ConnectionsMarie-Lou is stressed and overworked, and her life is upended when she encounters an autistic Japanese teen called Tomoki (Kodai Kurosaki) in the street, apparently lost; he is being looked after by his grandfather, Gorô (Kyōzō Nagatsuka), an actor in town performing in an experimental piece about psychiatric care in which Tomoki is encouraged to take part if he feels like it. The show is directed by Mari (Tao Okamoto), and her stylish calm and intelligence entrances Marie-Lou; they are clearly on the verge of an intense friendship and perhaps more, although the film is reticent on this last point.Philosophical Exchanges and Narrative ConcernsMarie-Lou comes to a performance, stays for the Q&A; afterwards and reveals herself to be fluent in Japanese, asking questions of Mari in that language which touch on Mari's very serious illness. Some in the audience rather plaintively – and understandably – call for the conversation to be in French, though this film comes close to being insufferable when Gorô solemnly tells everyone that their exchange was so intimate and meaningful that the audience should be content with simply sensing that.The Film's Strengths and WeaknessesAll of a Sudden works best entirely outside the exotically overwritten, overthought bond between Mari and Marie-Lou. The realist set pieces are very moving, showing us patients with dementia surrounded by their families, and also showing us, often with photos of their younger selves in demanding jobs, how these patients have changed. The film's high concept is a little self conscious.All of a Sudden screened at the Cannes film festival.

The Deadly Air Strikes on Gaza At least seven Palestinians have been killed and dozens injured in two Israeli air strikes on a residential building and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City, according to medical sources. Targeting a Hamas Member Israel said it carried out a strike on Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of the armed wing of Hamas in Gaza, claiming he was one of the architects of the October 7 attacks. The Casualties and Damage Medical sources reported that three victims were killed in a strike on a civilian vehicle, and four others died in an attack on a building in the Rimal neighbourhood. Three women and a child were among the dead, with at least 45 others injured, several in critical condition. The Context of Nakba Day The deaths occurred on the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, a day of remembrance for the estimated 750,000 Palestinians expelled from their homes during the 1948 war due to the creation of Israel. The Ongoing Conflict Despite a ceasefire established last October, close to 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza's health ministry. The Future Outlook The continued violence raises concerns about the prospects for peace in the region, with many Palestinians feeling that the ceasefire has brought little relief.

Abbas Announces Reform Agenda at Fatah’s Eighth General ConferencePresident Mahmoud Abbas used the opening session of Fatah’s three‑day, eighth general conference in the occupied West Bank to reaffirm his commitment to overhauling the Palestinian Authority (PA) and to holding the long‑postponed presidential and parliamentary elections, though no specific timetable was given.Conference Milestones: Leadership Re‑election and Committee RestructuringDuring Thursday’s plenary, Abbas was unanimously re‑elected as leader of the Fatah movement, securing his continued role as head of the party’s central committee. The congress will also elect 18 new members to the central committee and 80 representatives to the revolutionary council, the movement’s parliament.Numbers at a Glance: Delegates, Seats, and Timeline Gaps~2,580 Fatah members attending the conference1,600 delegates in Ramallah; 400 in Gaza and Cairo each; 200 in Beirut18 central‑committee seats up for election80 revolutionary‑council seats up for electionLast central‑committee election held 10 years agoPolitical Stakes: Domestic Pressure and International ExpectationsThe reform pledge comes amid mounting pressure from the United States, the European Union and Arab states, which have criticised the PA for corruption, stagnation and a declining legitimacy among Palestinians. Rival factions, notably Hamas, have gained ground as Fatah’s popularity wanes, and key figures such as Jibril Rajoub and PA Deputy Hussein al‑Sheikh are being positioned as potential successors.Looking Ahead: Scenarios for Palestinian Governance Post‑AbbasAnalysts see three possible trajectories: (1) a swift transition to new leadership with credible elections, restoring PA credibility; (2) a protracted internal power struggle within Fatah that could further erode public trust; or (3) continued external pressure forcing a negotiated reform package that reshapes the PA’s relationship with Israel and the broader international community. The outcomes will heavily influence the Palestinian national movement’s ability to present a unified front for statehood negotiations.

The Legal Battle Over Palestinian Abuse AllegationsThe Israeli government has announced it is taking the extraordinary step of suing The New York Times after the newspaper published an article detailing rape allegations by Palestinian detainees against Israeli forces. The Prime Minister's Office made the announcement three days after the release of the article by longtime New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, which was based on accounts from 14 male and female Palestinian victims.Israel's Response to the Controversial ArticleIsrael had previously condemned The New York Times report as "blood libel," but went further on Thursday, stating that Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar "have instructed the initiation of a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times." The government called the report "the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel in the modern press, which also received the backing of the newspaper."Media Standards and Double StandardsThe New York Times has faced criticism for potentially applying different standards to allegations of sexual abuse by different parties. Critics have questioned why Kristof's article was published under the "opinion" section, while stories on alleged abuses against Israelis have been published as "news." This includes a December 28, 2023, report detailing allegations of sexual abuse during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on southern Israel, whose integrity has been heavily questioned.Evidence Supporting the Abuse ClaimsThe article cited multiple sources supporting the allegations of systematic sexual abuse. These included a UN report that found Israel's security apparatus had become a system under which sexual violence is "standard operating procedures" and "a major element in the ill treatment of Palestinians." A Committee to Protect Journalists report found nearly a third of Palestinian journalists detained by Israel had faced sexual violence. Specific accounts included that of Sami al-Sai, a Palestinian journalist who said he was sexually assaulted with a rubber baton and carrot while in Israeli detention.International Implications of the Legal ActionWhile a foreign government can technically sue a US media company, the prospect raises several legal questions, particularly over jurisdiction. If the suit is brought in a US court, it is likely to face a steep legal climb due to US media's broad constitutional protections, particularly when challenged by government authorities. The Israeli government's planned lawsuit represents an escalation in its efforts to counter negative international media coverage.Future Outlook for Media Coverage of the ConflictThe lawsuit signals a continued hardening of positions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides increasingly using legal and media channels to advance their narratives. Netanyahu has stated he wants the lawsuit to send a message beyond its legal scope, saying "Under my leadership, Israel will not be silent. We will fight these lies in the court of public opinion and in the court of law." This approach may lead to further polarization in media coverage and potentially impact press freedom in reporting on the conflict.

Defence Minister Condemns Yamal’s Flag GestureIsrael Katz, Israel’s defence minister, blasted Lamine Yamal after the 18‑year‑old waved a large Palestinian flag from an open‑top bus during Barcelona’s victory parade, labeling the act as "inciting hate" while Israeli forces combat Hamas.Flag Wave During Barcelona Victory ParadeThe flag was displayed on Monday, May 12, 2026, as Barcelona celebrated clinching the Spanish league title. Yamal posted photos of himself holding the flag on Instagram, sparking immediate backlash from Israeli officials.Scale of Public Turnout and Political BackdropApproximately 750,000 spectators lined the streets for the parade, according to local authorities.The Gaza conflict has already claimed more than 72,000 Palestinian lives, fueling worldwide criticism of Israel.Spain is one of five nations boycotting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel’s participation.Repercussions Across Sports and International RelationsThe incident adds to a growing pattern of sports‑related protests, from disrupted cycling events in the Spanish Vuelta to calls for boycotts of Israeli‑backed teams. It highlights the increasing pressure on athletes to navigate geopolitical tensions while representing their clubs and countries.What Lies Ahead for Yamal and Spanish FootballYamal is slated to feature for Spain at the 2026 World Cup in North America. How the Spanish federation and sponsors respond could set a precedent for handling political expression on the field, potentially influencing future disciplinary policies across European football.

The Lead A new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will take place on Thursday and Friday to save a fragile ceasefire – repeatedly ignored by Israel – which is set to expire on Saturday. The Event Details The process has deeply divided Lebanon, a country which does not recognise Israel, with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam supporting direct negotiations. Hezbollah and their allies, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, prefer indirect talks. Some of the same officials who attended the previous negotiations will be at the third round – including the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee – with diplomatic and military representation from both sides expected, according to Lebanese media. The Key Players Involved Lebanon is set to be led by Simon Karam, a Lebanese diplomat appointed by Aoun, while Lebanon’s ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Deputy Chief of Mission Wissam Boutros, who were both in previous meetings, will also likely attend. A new addition to the negotiators’ list will be Lebanon’s Military Attache to Washington, General Oliver Hakme. Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, will be joined by Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the Israeli army’s Strategic Division, and Deputy Advisor to Israel’s National Security Council, Yossi Draznin. The Impact Analysis The country is divided over the prospect of direct negotiations, all the way up to the governmental level. “The country’s president, prime minister and speaker of parliament – all hailing from different religious sects according to Lebanon’s confessional system – cannot agree upon a framework, or even an ultimate objective to the talks,” Souhayb Jawhar, a Lebanese journalist and analyst, wrote for the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. Analysts say that ultimately, Israel is trying to use its power and influence in order to force Lebanon to bend towards its regional goals and interests. The Prediction Israel is expected to reject the proposal of a ceasefire as wants to continue attacks on Hezbollah assets in Lebanon, resulting in four children killed or injured a day since another ostensible truce was declared on April 16. It also seeks the disarmament of Hezbollah, while some Israeli officials are seeking the annexation of southern Lebanon.