Culture Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit. Lebanon
Interview International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen Speaking to a select group of reporters in Manama, the ICRC chief detailed the dire conditions in Gaza and the enclave's urgent humanitarian needs. Pierre Krahenbuhl Director-General of the International Committee
RSF hits Darfur hospital as cholera, dengue fever spread in war-torn Sudan A Sudanese medical organization said a dozen people were killed after the RSF shelled one of the last operating hospitals in El Fasher, as Sudan’s collapsing health system battles cholera and dengue fever. Sudan
Cholera kills 25 in two days in Sudan's Darfur amid deepening war The town of Tawila has been the hardest hit in Darfur, with 58 new cholera cases reported on Sunday alone. Sudan
Feature Trump's aid freeze forces war-battered Syrian hospitals to halt services By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis US aid freeze threatens Sudan’s lifeline as USAID support hangs in balance By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Algeria’s protesters say COVID-19 will not kill movement, just transform it Amid the spread of the coronavirus in Algeria, the country’s yearlong popular protest movement had to transform its tactics and launched online campaigns to raise awareness about the novel virus. Algeria
Coronavirus bursts Israeli ultra-Orthodox bubble With the number of coronavirus carriers in the ultra-Orthodox community exploding, it is important for this community to realize that anyone who keeps it from knowledge and information is keeping it from making educated decisions. Israel
IDF latest mission: saving Bnei Brak, Israel's most overcrowded city With rabbis and residents disobeying instructions over the coronavirus, Israeli paratroops were dispatched to the town of Bnei Brak to restrict entry and exit. Israel
Coronavirus drives opening of Turkish hospital in Gaza The Palestine-Turkish Friendship Hospital has finally opened in the Gaza Strip to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, which authorities fear will quickly become a humanitarian disaster. Palestine
Iranian officials send mixed signals on coronavirus fight Iran’s president once again projected a positive picture on his government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, contradicting alarms raised by health officials. Iran
Europe sends medical aid to Iran using sanctions workaround Iran has received medical equipment from France, Germany and Britain, under a trade mechanism that circumvents the US sanctions on the country, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. United States
Syrian Kurds hunker down amid fears of COVID-19 Most people in northeastern Syria seem to be obeying a lockdown imposed by the Kurdish autonomous administration to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but many are wondering how they will survive financially. Syria
As coronavirus spreads to Gaza, Israel can offer little The nightmare scenario of the coronavirus reaching the Gaza Strip has become a reality, with Israel and Palestinians fearing a mega-catastrophe in the most crowded spot on earth. Qatar
Arab legislator to chair Knesset committee, undeterred by incitement The appointment of Arab Knesset member Aida Touma-Suleiman to head the Welfare and Labor Committee generated racist reactions and incitement to hatred, but she is not upset. Israel
Iraqi government officials, clerics unite against COVID-19 Iraq's religious establishment is supporting and working closely with the government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic's spread, though a minority of clerics are disregarding precautions and spreading disinformation among the public. Iraq
Palestinians jailed in Israel fear coronavirus outbreak The Palestinian authorities are calling on Israel to release Palestinian inmates amid concerns of a potential coronavirus surge. Palestine
Why some Iranians are opposed to closing religious shrines to fight coronavirus The Iranian government's decision to close religious shrines in Qom, Mashhad and Greater Tehran to combat the spread of COVID-19 has caused an outcry among some who oppose the move for reasons of tradition or religion. Iraq
