Health workers struggle to prevent an infectious disease 'disaster in waiting' in Gaza Public health experts say conditions in war-torn Gaza are ripe for the spread of infectious disease. Health workers are struggling to spot and contain outbreaks, even as the health system teeters. Ari Daniel
The Hamas attack left many Israeli farms abandoned — some worry forever In some of the farm communities hardest hit during the Oct. 7 attack, volunteers from Israel and around the world are arriving to fill the gap left by workers who are no longer there. Scott Neuman
Gaza health officials say Israel's offensive has now killed more than 20,000 people Just more than 10 weeks into the conflict, the number of people killed in Gaza is nearing 1% of the territory's pre-war population. The rising death toll has fueled calls for Israel to shift strategy. Frank Langfitt
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
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. Jason DeRose
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. Kat Lonsdorf
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. Kat Lonsdorf
'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
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
