Middle East Experience

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz underwent a successful operation on Thursday to remove his gallbladder, the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a Royal Court statement.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.SPA described the operation as a laparoscopic surgery, which is “a low-risk procedure that usually involves only small incisions and a small camera to aid the surgeons’ work,” according to the Associated Press.The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will spend some time in King Faisal Specialist Hospital as part of the medical team's recovery plan, according to SPA.King Salman “expressed his appreciation to everyone who called, asked or sent him well wishes from their majesties the leaders of the Arab and Muslim countries,” the Royal Court said in a statement carried by SPA.King Salman was admitted to the hospital in Riyadh for medical checks on Monday, the state news agency reported.Read more:Saudi Arabia’s King Salman admitted to hospital for medical checks: Royal Court Saudi Arabia, Iraq postpone PM Kadhimi’s visit due to King Salman’s hospitalization
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman undergoes successful gallbladder surgery: SPA

Saudi Arabia recorded 2,238 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, raising the total to 260,394, the health ministry announced on Thursday.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The Kingdom’s death toll increased to 2,635 after 34 people died due to COVID-19 complications.Meanwhile, the total number of recoveries rose to 213,490 after 3,092 individuals who had previously tested positive for the virus recovered.Saudi Arabia has administered 3 million coronavirus tests as of July 23, according to the health ministry.Health ministry spokesman Dr. Mohammed al-Abd al-Ali warned during a press conference against Eid al-Adha gatherings to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.“During these days, there will be several occasions and meetings, we don’t want this to be the cause of misfortune,” the spokesman said.As part of the Kingdom's plan to prevent the spread of the virus during the holiday, the Grand Mosque in Mecca will be closed to worshippers on the upcoming Arafat day and Eid al-Adha.Despite lifting several lockdown measures, there is no date set set for the resumption of international flights to and from Saudi Arabia as of July 23, according to Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.Read more:Emirates airlines offers free COVID-19 medical, quarantine coverageSaudi Arabia’s King Salman undergoes successful gallbladder surgery: SPA‘No date yet’ for international flights to, from Saudi Arabia, says GACA
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia reports 2,238 new COVID-19 cases, spokesman warns against Eid gatherings

Jerusalemites are preparing for another battle at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as Israel moves to close a prayer house worshippers forced open in 2019.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Jerusalem Muslims brace for Israel to shutter Al-Aqsa Mosque prayer house

The impact of Egypt’s social media campaigns promoting Egypt’s Nile water rights on decision-makers remains to be seen as Western countries have yet to openly back Egypt.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Can social media campaigns change course of Nile dam talks?

Google has created a new tool to translate hieroglyphics into English and Arabic at the stroke of a key.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Google presents new tool to decode hieroglyphics

Lebanon's central bank governor inflated the institution's assets by over $6 billion in 2018, its audited annual accounts show, underlining the extent of financial engineering used to help prop up the country's economy..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanese central bank governor inflated assets as liabilities grew

Since President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday that 25 million….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Confusion and fear as Iran says million may have virus

Palestinian leaders slammed the arrests as part of Israel's 'systematic campaign against Palestinians'..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Palestinian cultural leaders released 'under conditions' by Israeli police after brief detention

"In front of reporters, Representative Yoho called me, and I quote, 'a f**king b***h,'" Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on the House floor.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: AOC says Republican colleague called her profane, sexist slur

Three sources confirmed that Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi has not even decided yet whether to appoint a professional diplomat from within the ranks of ministry or an outsider.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: NY consul post to be left vacant due to Blue and White indecision