Health standards will be the main determinant for selecting this year’s Hajj pilgrims amid the coronavirus outbreak, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Monday, according to official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Seventy percent of this year’s pilgrims will be non-Saudis residing in the Kingdom and 30 percent will be Saudis. However, only nationals who are healthcare workers and security forces who have recovered from the virus will be allowed to perform Hajj, as a way of showing appreciation for their efforts in fighting the virus in the country, SPA reported.Authorities will use a database of names of those who have were serving on the frontlines when they became infected with the virus then recovered.Priority will be given to non-Saudis – ages between 20 and 50 years old – residing in the Kingdom. However, they must meet the following criteria, as reported by SPA:- Do not have any pre-existing conditions- Must have a PCR test certificate showing negative results- Did not previously perform the Hajj pilgrimage- Must commit to abiding by the required quarantine period decided by the Ministry of Health before and after performing the Hajj pilgrimageNon-Saudis who meet the requirements may register for a spot using this link: localhaj.haj.gov.saThe registration process will be available for five days starting from Monday July 6 until Friday July 10, SPA reported.The ministry added that the non-Saudi participants will be randomly selected through an electronic system. Those selected must submit all required documents within a specified deadline upon notification.Saudi Arabia’s health ministry has developed high health standards and implemented precautionary measures for the Hajj pilgrimage, according to SPA.Saudi Arabia’s Center for Disease Prevention and Control issued on Sunday coronavirus-related safety measures and restrictions for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage season.Read more:Saudi Arabia sets COVID-19 protocols, restrictions for limited HajjSaudi Arabia daily recoveries exceed new cases, total now 213,716Saudi Arabia extends expat visas, residency permits for three months
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia reveals selection process for 2020 Hajj participants
US soldier accused of planning neo-Nazi attack on unit in Turkey pleads not guilty
The soldier allegedly sought to help recruit local jihadists in Turkey carry out an attack on a US military facility.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US soldier accused of planning neo-Nazi attack on unit in Turkey pleads not guilty
Qatar coronavirus cases top 100,000 as restrictions ease
The Gulf state announced 546 new cases and five more deaths from the virus on Monday.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Qatar coronavirus cases top 100,000 as restrictions ease
Dubai-based broadcaster uses computer game clip for 'Libya airstrike' footage
Activists close to the GNA believe that the strikes were carried out by Emirati Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets taking off from Egypt's Al-Barani airbase..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Dubai-based broadcaster uses computer game clip for 'Libya airstrike' footage
Israel, Egypt energy ties so far unaffected by coronavirus crisis, annexation plan
Despite the coronavirus crisis and the annexation plan, agreements to export Israeli natural gas to Egypt remain intact.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel, Egypt energy ties so far unaffected by coronavirus crisis, annexation plan
Jordan, Egypt, Germany and France warn against annexation
Such a move “could also have an impact on relations with Israel,” they warned.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Jordan, Egypt, Germany and France warn against annexation
US conducts military exercise in Baghdad to ready for future attack
Iraqi military sources in Baghdad revealed to The Arab Weekly that US Special Forces in charge of protecting the US Embassy carried out a live-fire training exercise in the Iraqi capital to test an air defence system over the Green Zone and its surrounding sites on Saturday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: US conducts military exercise in Baghdad to ready for future attack
Iraq armed groups expert Hisham al-Hashemi shot dead in Baghdad
Al-Hashemi was attacked by unknown gunmen near his home in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iraq armed groups expert Hisham al-Hashemi shot dead in Baghdad
Khashoggi's Saudi 'killers' sanctioned by UK government
The UK foreign office has designated sanctions against some of the officials involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Khashoggi's Saudi 'killers' sanctioned by UK government
Annexation can still happen in July – US official
The source said that sovereignty moves, in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, are “still possible” this month.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Annexation can still happen in July – US official