Topic: Ahmed Youssef

Al Qaeda's Zawahiri calls for war to oust Syria's Assad

In a video message, Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri called for Muslims to rally for a war to oust Syria's Bashar al-Assad.

Hamas popularity hits a new low after opposing UN statehood bid

The UN statehood bid, led by Hamas rival Mahmoud Abbas, has deepened the rift between Gazans and their Islamist rulers.

In Gaza, rise of Hamas military wing complicates reconciliation with Fatah

The rising clout of Al Qassam in Gaza dims prospects for mending the Hamas-Fatah rift. Reconciliation talks are slated to start Nov. 9.

Egyptians, though angry, see beyond the Quran-burning hype

While many Egyptian leaders spoke out about the Quran-burning event, Muslims here largely recognize that most Americans don't support such actions.

Israel eases Gaza blockade, allowing building supplies and ketchup

Israel says it will allow construction materials into Gaza for civilian projects only. In response to international pressure, Israel will ease the Gaza blockade on food, toys, and kitchen utensils.

After US dustup, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing challenges

Amid US and Palestinian anger over Israel expansion plans in East Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting skepticism on peace talks from Palestinians and splits within his ruling coalition.

Hamas fails to rein in Gaza rocket attacks, prompting Israel strike

After Gaza rocket attacks resulted in the first fatality since last year's war, Israeli warplanes carried out retaliatory air strikes on at least six targets overnight. Hamas is struggling to contain unaffiliated militants in Gaza.

Palestinian role Dubai assassination? Hamas blames Mossad

Hamas officials said they have evidence, which they refuse to release, that Israel and its Mossad intelligence agency dispatched the assassination team that killed Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai. They said reports of Palestinian involvement in his murder aren't true.

Israel air strikes in Gaza: Will Hamas rocket truce hold?

Gaza militants vowed counterattacks for Israeli air strikes, one day after Hamas-brokered deal to stop rocket attacks.

Hamas bends to pressure in Gaza and abroad

Its support base dropped to 19 percent after the war; many blame the Hamas-Fatah standoff for their plight. Egypt hosts the rivals for a final round of reconciliation talks July 25.

Why Israel and Hamas are meeting with Jimmy Carter

The former president met with Israeli settlers as well as top Hamas leaders on a week-long tour of the region that wrapped up Tuesday in Gaza.

US envoy's visit could ease Gaza blockade

Forced to rebuild using mud and animal-drawn carts, Gazans are increasingly frustrated with Hamas's hard-line policies.

Palestinians wonder: Will Obama make good on his promises?

Though pleased with Obama's meeting with Palestinian President Abbas Thursday, they are waiting to see if the US president will break from decades of failed US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In pummeled Gaza, Hamas recoups

Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Cairo Sunday in a bid to bolster the current cease-fire.

Meeting with a Hamas adviser in Gaza

In Gaza, a family wonders how to rebuild

Hamas calls for 'day of wrath' after senior official killed by Israel

The group says suicide attacks may begin again in response to Thursday's Israeli airstrike on the home of Hamas leader Nizar Rayan.

A year later: Hamas still defiant, but Gazans continue to struggle

The Islamist militant group has controlled the coastal strip for a year now and says it will not relent to international pressure.

Gazan exiles dubious about Palestinian unity

Fatah partisans driven from the Gaza Strip by Hamas reject Palestinian reconciliation.