Why Hezbollah and Israel haven't plunged into all-out war The Iran-backed Lebanese militia and Israeli forces have been fighting across their border since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, but analysts say they want to avoid a war. Jane Arraf Play AudioListen 5 mins
U.S. defense secretary arrives in Israel as pressure mounts to end the war in Gaza Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Tel Aviv meeting with top officials to discuss Israel's combat operations in Gaza, including efforts to protect civilians there. Scott Neuman
Israel's military says hostages waved a white flag before being killed by a soldier The three Israelis held by Hamas were shot and killed after an Israeli soldier misidentified them as a threat as they exited a building in Gaza, according to a preliminary report by Israel's military. Scott Neuman
There's no Christmas in Bethlehem this year. With war in Gaza, festivities are off In a city synonymous with the birth of Jesus, Christmas is typically a time when Bethlehem is full of visitors. But with war raging, the city's Christian leaders have canceled public celebrations. Scott Neuman
'Fear rather than sensitivity': Most U.S. scholars on the Mideast are self-censoring The war between Israel and Hamas is testing the limits of free speech across college campuses. And it's also affecting those who study the Middle East. Manuela López Restrepo Play AudioListen 5 mins
WHO resolution on the Israel-Hamas conflict hopes for 'health as a bridge to peace' The health organization's director-general says needed humanitarian aid isn't possible without a cease-fire but the resolution provides a platform to build from. Ari Daniel
Biden says Congress must approve Ukraine aid this month: 'We can't let Putin win' The White House has warned it would run out of money for weapons and aid by the end of the month to support Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion. Lexie Schapitl
Israel is trying to arm more citizens with guns since the Hamas attack Israel was already known for having lots of firearms. But since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the Israeli government has moved to loosen gun restrictions and fast-track permits for civilians. Scott Neuman
Israel is expanding its offensive in Gaza, forcing more Palestinians to flee south The apparent drive to encircle Gaza's second-largest city of Khan Younis, a Hamas stronghold, was forcing people to flee further south to escape the fighting. Scott Neuman
At Israeli rave site attacked by Hamas, DJs play music to honor the dead and missing The memorial event, at which five DJs played, took place at the site where Hamas killed hundreds attending a rave on Oct. 7. "This is the first time I've been able to cry," says one attendee. Eleanor Beardsley Play AudioListen 4 mins
