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
Etihad Airways provides COVID-19 test with ticket The Abu Dhabi airline is including a COVID-19 test that can be taken before departure in the ticket price for travelers on outgoing flights. United Arab Emirates
Digital anti-Netanyahu demonstrations attract thousands of Israelis The Darkenu civil movement stages digital demonstrations that attract hundreds of thousands of viewers. Israel
Anti-Netanyahu groups stage ‘neighborhood protests’ Following restrictions on demonstrations, anti-Netanyahu groups are now staging “neighborhood protests’’ across the country. Israel
Netanyahu and Nasrallah at a standoff Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched another verbal confrontation against Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, but is unlikely to opt for a preemptive strike on Hezbollah missiles. Israel
Bedouins in Egypt retreat to more traditional way of life to face COVID-19 Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bedouin community in Egypt, mainly in southern Sinai, that heavily relied on tourism to make ends meet, is retreating deep into the mountains and the desert to live a more traditional life. Egypt
Syria resumes commercial flights out of Damascus The first international flight in six months departed today for Cairo. Syria
Turkish Health Ministry admits to posting partial COVID-19 data Turkey’s health minister acknowledged Wednesday that state records do not reflect the full number of COVID-19 cases in the country, drawing fire from medical groups that have long claimed infection rates were underreported. Turkey
Iran to issue fines for those not wearing masks Struggling to slow a third wave of the coronavirus, Iran is hoping issuing fines will help. Iran
Netanyahu’s government shaking over decision to ban demonstrations The Knesset adopted this morning more restrictions on demonstrations during the coronavirus lockdown, but some Blue and White members could not bring themselves to vote with the government on that. Israel
Emirates resumes flights to Muscat The Dubai-based airline is getting closer to resuming its pre-pandemic network, despite a new virus outbreak in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Iran tries to deescalate conflict between Armenia, Azerbaijan Iran has called for calm following the increase in tension between its northwestern neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan. Iran
Jordan reopens major border crossing with Syria to truck traffic The Jaber-Nassib crossing has reopened for the first time since it was closed in August. Jordan
