Gendarmerie operation sparks controversy in Petra, Jordan Petra’s tribal entrepreneurs react to a security operation carried out inside Jordan’s most-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site with criticism and concern for their livelihoods. Jordan
Culture Despite war, thousands of Israeli Hasidim make pilgrimage to Ukraine Much like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine won’t stop thousands of Hasidim from reaching the city of Uman and the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov just before the Jewish New Year. Israel
Middle East airlines to suffer losses again in 2022 The International Air Transport Association said that airlines in the region will fare somewhat better financially due to the return of long-haul flights. Legacy: Gulf
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Report: Israel to purchase vaccines for Syria in prisoner exchange deal According to foreign publications, Israel has agreed to purchase Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines for Syria, as part of a Russia-mediated deal to release an Israeli woman who crossed the border into Syria. Palestine
Bahraini phone app launches vaccination certificate Users of the BeAware Bahrain mobile application can receive a certificate proving they have received the vaccine against COVID-19. Originals
Israeli mayors offer gifts, incentives for people to get vaccinated Some Israeli mayors offer gifts and benefits for residents getting vaccinated; others sanction those who refuse. Israel
Etihad flying with fully vaccinated crews The Abu Dhabi-based airline was the first in the world to vaccinate all of its pilots and cabin crew against the coronavirus. Originals
Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday. Oman
Israeli-developed coronavirus medicine shows promising results The coronavirus medicine developed by the Tel Aviv Ichilov Hospital shows promising results, thus offering hope to patients. Israel
Israel, Greece agree on 'green passports' for citizens vaccinated for COVID-19 Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed Feb. 9 to adopt a mutual tourism pact, which will enable those already vaccinated against the coronavirus to travel between the two countries freely. Israel
Netanyahu’s fate to be determined by COVID-19, not corruption trial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fears failure in dealing with Israel's coronavirus pandemic even more than his corruption trial. Israel
Alarming low vaccination rates among Israeli ultra-Orthodox, Bedouins Washed with fake news and conspiracy theories, anti-corona vaccination rates among the Bedouins and ultra-Orthodox are much lower than in the Jewish sector. Israel
Israel's Netanyahu postpones trip to UAE and Bahrain amid virus surge The prime minister cited Israel's suspension of flights for pushing back the historic trip to the Gulf. United Arab Emirates
Russian Sputnik V first vaccine to arrive in Iran Iran has officially received its first batch of the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia. Iran
Initial data from Israel unclear on preventing infections Data from Israel's vaccination campaign only shows the vaccine against COVID-19 prevents serious illness so far. Israel
