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
More than 10,000 health care workers in Iran infected with coronavirus, official says More than 100 health care workers have died from the virus in Iran, the epicenter of the pandemic in the Middle East. Iran
Global oil prices at highest since March following OPEC cuts Oil prices have fallen significantly this year as a result of the coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia price war, but Brent crude has now risen past $36. Saudi Arabia
Iran says coronavirus immunity is 'not certain' Iranian Health Ministry officials have warned against traveling during Eid al-Fitr. Iran
Intel: US sanctions Iran’s interior minister over deadly protests The United States slapped fresh sanctions and visa restrictions on 12 Iranian officials and entities, most accused of serious human rights abuses, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday. United States
Ankara unfolds Hagia Sophia card against COVID-19 crisis Erdogan’s government has signaled it could consider turning the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque as part of religious messages aimed at keeping its voter base intact under the strain of economic turmoil, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkey
Turkey to relax quarantine rules for citizens returning from abroad Instead of completing quarantine in dormitories across Turkey, arrivals from abroad will be allowed to isolate at home for two weeks. Turkey
Israel advances bill for Shin Bet tracking of coronavirus carriers' phones Israel’s government publishes a proposal for a law with a sunset date of three months that would enable the Shin Bet to track where the mobile phones of coronavirus carriers have been. Israel
Gulf countries increase virus-related restrictions after new cases The United Arab Emirates and Qatar registered more than 2,000 coronavirus cases between the two of them on Monday alone. Saudi Arabia
First commercial flight between UAE and Israel lands in Tel Aviv The Etihad Airways cargo plane brought COVID-19 aid to Palestinians via Ben Gurion airport. United Arab Emirates
Israeli soccer fans dream of returning to stadiums Israeli soccer players have resumed training sessions and might even play again, but the fans are still kept away from the stadiums. Israel
Dubai police test using surveillance cameras to detect coronavirus The CCTV cameras will also test the distance between individuals in shopping centers and public places. Originals
Intel: Pompeo, Cavusoglu discuss US-Turkey coronavirus cooperation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed US-Turkish COVID-19 cooperation during a phone call with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday. Turkey
