Yan Boechat

Bethlehem Churches Cancel Christmas Celebrations in Protest of War in Gaza

Priests and patriarchs say no lights, no trees in Bethlehem this year, only religious ceremonies

Olive Harvest in West Bank Caught in Crossfire Between Jewish Settlers, Palestinians

The Palestinian Farmers' Union estimates that at least 50% of the farmers won't be able to harvest their olive groves this year

The Inside Story -Israel at War | Episode 117

This week on The Inside Story: Israel at War, in its fourth week with no signs of resolution. The UN Secretary-General has called the situation in Gaza a crisis of humanity. Join us for our continuing coverage of The Inside Story: Israel at War.

Israelis Who Left Gaza Settlements in 2005 Want to Return

Until 2005, some 9,000 Israelis lived in 21 settlements inside the Gaza Strip

The Inside Story - Israel at War | Episode 116

This week on The Inside Story, our continuing coverage of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Plus, Israel's Prime Minister has rejected calls for a cease-fire, while President Biden faces domestic pressure regarding his support for Israel’s retaliation.

Israeli Construction Sector Moves to Replace Palestinian Employees With Indian Workers

Israel’s construction sector says it has asked the government to allow companies to hire up to 100,000 workers from India to replace 90,000 Palestinians who lost their work permits since the start of the war. Yan Boechat reports from the West Bank.

Violence Escalates in the West Bank

With almost daily incursions by Israeli forces into Palestinian areas since October 7, more than 120 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank. Many of the deceased were members of armed groups, but nearly 30% of the victims were children, the U.N. says. VOA’s Yan Boechat has this report.

VOA on the Scene: Israeli Forces Storm Jenin Camp

Israeli forces on Monday stormed the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank as they searched for suspects linked to Hamas. Four people were killed, three of them Palestinian fighters who engaged the Israeli forces. Locals say one civilian was killed. Yan Boechat reports from Jenin.

The Inside Story - Israel at War | Episode 115

We examine the escalating military actions between Israel and Hamas, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Also, we focus on concerns from the White House administration about the potential spread of the conflict across the region. This week on the Inside Story, Israel at War

In Photos: More Than 100 Palestinians Killed in West Bank Since October 7

As Death Tolls Rise, So Does Hatred Among Israelis, Palestinians

Deaths are adding up by the thousands, and tragic images from both sides of the Gaza conflict are circulating on Palestinian and Israeli social media, fueling mutual hatred that is becoming more ingrained as the conflict deepens. Yan Boechat reports, with Marcus Harton narrating.

Palestinians Criticize Role of Palestinian Authority in Conflict

Palestinians in the West Bank are saying that the Palestinian Authority, in particular its president, Mahmoud Abbas, should take a more confrontational approach toward Israel. For many Palestinians here, decades of negotiation with Israel have amounted to nothing.

Facing International Criticism, Israel Reminds World of Hamas Attacks

With global criticism mounting over the attacks in Gaza, Israel’s leaders have invited foreign journalists to visit the scenes of the carnage and see for themselves what sparked the war. Yan Boechat reports from Tel Aviv. Warning: This report contains disturbing images.

West Bank Palestinians Protest for Second Day After Gaza Hospital Blast

Palestinians protested in the West Bank for a second day Wednesday following an attack on a hospital in the Gaza Strip that officials say killed hundreds of people. Palestinian security forces used tear gas to disperse rock-throwing protesters. Yan Boechat reports from Ramallah in the West Bank.

As Tourists, Pilgrims Flee, Jerusalem’s Old City Becomes a Ghost Town

The busiest place in the Holy Land is now quiet as the fears mount of a ground war in Gaza and an escalation of violence

VOA on the Scene: Northern Israeli Towns Evacuated Amid Fears of Hezbollah Attack

Some northern Israeli towns have been evacuated after reports of a potential Hezbollah attack. And as Yan Boechat reports for VOA from Metula, Israel, the border region is tense as Israel shoots down rockets over the city and soldiers prepare for what they fear could become a new front.

VOA on the Scene: Death Toll Soars as Attacks Continue in Israel-Hamas War

The death toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to soar to more than 2,300 on both sides as missiles pummel Gaza and more bodies of Israeli victims are found in their homes. For VOA, Yan Boechat reports that the battles appear to be only escalating.

Brazil's Amazon Region Faces Devastating Drought

The Amazon Region is experiencing one of the worst droughts in its history and rivers approaching their lowest levels on record are creating a situation that threatens the livelihood of approximately 200,000 and the lives of more than 500,000

Indigenous People in Brazil Protest Measure to Limit Land Rights

Critics say a bill approved by the lower house in Congress would curb tribal land rights and environmental protections

In Photos: Struggles in Turkey Divide Voters