State of the World from NPR While the war in Iran gets attention, what’s happening in Gaza?
Mar 12, 2026
Aya Batrawy, NPR international reporter covering the Middle East from Dubai, narrates on-the-ground realities in Gaza. She walks through stalled ceasefire plans, how attention shifted after the Iran war, and daily life under occupation. Short reports highlight damaged infrastructure, restricted crossings, stalled negotiations, and the risk that the pause could collapse back into renewed fighting.
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Ceasefire Progress Stalled By Iran War
- Gaza's ceasefire progress stalled after the U.S. and Israel opened a war in Iran, diverting political attention and resources.
- President Trump had convened a Board of Peace and secured reconstruction pledges, but those efforts paused as focus shifted to the Iran conflict.
Gaza Cut Off Except For Minimal Aid
- Gaza remains effectively cut off with borders closed after the Iran war began, reopening only for limited food and fuel under U.S. pressure.
- Rafah had briefly opened, then closed, leaving hospitals dependent on scarce daily truck deliveries.
Resident Describes Rafah Closure As Prison
- Resident Rakan Al-Hurani described life under the locked Rafah crossing as a prison with people unable to come and go.
- Anas Baba reports constant drones, helicopter battles, and Iranian missiles passing over toward Tel Aviv, keeping the sky restless.