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
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. 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
Turkey's plans to mandate PCR tests for education, entertainment spark backlash Voices from both conservatives and liberals rise as the Turkish government slaps obligatory PCR tests on teachers and school staff to allay fears of a new wave of COVID-19 as schools resume in-person education. Turkey
Saudi Arabia sends oxygen tanks to Tunisia The Saudi government also sent medical aid to Tunisia in July during the country's COVID-19 outbreak. Daily virus cases have since gone down in Tunisia. News Brief
In Israel, campaign for vaccinating in schools becomes political Against the opinion of Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton, the Ministry of Health decided to open vaccination sites in schools. Israel
Iran's official COVID-19 death toll surpasses 100,000 Iran's Health Ministry has also recorded more than 4 million cases, although experts believe the figure is deceptively low. Iran
Turkey to offer Pfizer boosters for vaccinated travelers Turkey will begin providing additional Pfizer jabs to fully vaccinated travelers wishing to visit countries that don't accept the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine. Turkey
Concerns grow in Gaza over new coronavirus wave There are increasing warnings that a new coronavirus wave will reach the Gaza Strip amid concerns over a psychological crisis plaguing health workers due to Israeli restrictions. Palestine
Israel loosens restrictions on trade, travel from Gaza Israel is reopening the Erez pedestrian crossing to merchants and businesspeople after closing over coronavirus concerns last year. News Brief
Israel approves COVID-19 booster for ages 50+ Health care workers, prisoners and people with weak immune system are also eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Israel
Iran's supreme leader urges officials to acquire vaccines 'any way possible' Khamenei called on officials to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine any way they can. Iran
Turkey’s ruling 'White Party' turning gray, critics say Recent allegations stand in contrast to the ruling Justice and Development Party's pledges to rid Turkey of systemic corruption. Turkey
Israeli government's tight grip on pandemic slips Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had labeled himself as Mr. Coronavirus, but now that he is at the helm, the pandemic just keeps spreading. Israel
Iran official says fifth COVID-19 wave will be last While Iranian officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19, they hope vaccination efforts can prevent a sixth wave. Iran
