There are theories among Israelis and Palestinians about what has propelled the two sides towards their second war in four years.
African migrants chosen for deportation from Israel are nervously awaiting a knock on the door or a tap on the shoulder to begin their departure.
Israel has begun rounding up African migrants in the first stage of an "emergency plan" to deport thousands deemed a threat to the Jewish character.
Activists accuse Syrian troops of shelling two cities in an effort to weaken forces fighting Bashar al-Assad’s government before a ceasefire deadline.
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/ 3 December 2011
The main UN human rights forum condemned Syria’s crackdown on protests on Friday and Royal Dutch Shell shut down oil work there.
A major forest fire killed at least 40 people in northern Israel on Thursday, including prison guard cadets trapped in a bus.
Israel and the Palestinians accepted on Friday an invitation by the United States and other powers to restart direct talks on September 2.
Israel and the Palestinians were waiting on Friday to study the wording of a US statement inviting them to start direct talks on a peace treaty.
Mahmoud Abbas faced a wave of anger on Wednesday from Palestinians who accuse him of selling out the national cause in favour of Israel.
The first congress in 20 years of Fatah that would seal a future peace pact with Israel was in danger on Friday of fizzling out in discord.