Violence has escalated in the occupied territory over the last year and a half, as Israel conducts raids targeting armed fighters with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

© Zain Jaafar/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

President-elect Donald J. Trump said “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if hostages captured in the Hamas-led attacks were not freed before he takes office.

© Abdel Kareem Hana/Associated Press

Readers discuss a guest essay about the aging of two presidents. Also: A peaceful Jan. 6; the Palestinians’ future; mind-altering drugs.

The fall of the Syrian regime and loss of Iranian influence opens the door for the Lebanese to finally take their fate into their own hands.

Israeli accountability, a powerful protest movement and an emerging generation of leaders could bring a better future for Palestinians.

Readers discuss lawsuits against The Des Moines Register and ABC News. Also: Violence in school; a Mideast bridge; cash and the disabled; murder is wrong.