Hajj pilgrims pray for end to coronavirus pandemic
For the first time in modern history, Saudi Arabia has dramatically reduced the number of pilgrims allowed to visit Mecca to ensure that COVID social distancing measures can be maintained.
Palestinian Authority & Gaza Strip
World Bank grants Palestinians $30M in welfare aid
Funds earmarked for the creation of jobs and other welfare projects seeking to help the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Report: PA arrests Palestinians for backing Israeli sovereignty bid
Palestinian Authority detains several people who interviewed with Channel 13 News and expressed support for Israel's plan to extend sovereignty to large parts of Judea and Samaria, something Ramallah vehemently opposes.
Palestinians pressure Biden campaign to reverse Trump's pro-Israeli moves
"If Mr Biden is elected in November, we hope that it will be a totally different dynamic," Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh says amid organized effort to influence campaign policies.
'Palestinians more worried about pandemic than annexation'
"If Trump gave Israel Jerusalem and people didn't take to the streets to protest, they won't do it over the annexation, either," Ramallah resident says.
Poll: Most Palestinians expect sovereignty to proceed, despite protests
Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research finds 60% of Palestinians do not take Ramallah's threats to dissolve the PA seriously.
Palestinians fear displacement from Jordan Valley sovereignty bid
PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that while he will apply Israeli law to the valley, Palestinian communities will remain in an “enclave” under limited self-rule, with Israel maintaining security control. Few if any Palestinians would be given citizenship, leaving their legal status uncertain.
Palestinians mourn anonymously after Israeli friend is killed
Palestinian friends attest to their unique bond with murdered Israeli yeshiva student Dvir Sorek, who was part of their interfaith forum. “During each meeting, we talked about our daily lives and the future we want to build together," they write.