Saudi Arabia has confirmed 3,372 new coronavirus cases and 5,085 recoveries over the past 24 hours, the health ministry announced on Thursday.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The city of Riyadh had the highest number of infections where 333 were confirmed over the past 24 hours. However, the city saw a significant drop in detected cases compared to previous weeks where over 2,400 cases were confirmed in a single day.The Kingdom has confirmed a total of 170,639 cases since the virus was first detected in the country. Since then, 117,882 people have recovered and 1,428 have died due to complications, according to the health ministry.As of June 25, Saudi Arabia has 51,325 active cases with 2,206 in critical conditions.Despite Saudi Arabia having the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Gulf region, the Kingdom ranked in the top 20 safest countries during the ongoing pandemic, according to a comprehensive data analysis by Hong Kong-based Deep Knowledge Group.Last week, the Saudi Tourism Authority announced that is preparing to launch a summer vacation campaign in line with coronavirus preventative measures, giving citizens and residents the opportunity to explore the country amid the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.Authorities haven't yet approved the resumption of international flights, however, the decision is under review and will be made based on recommendations from special committees who are currently studying the coronavirus pandemic. Domestic flights resumed in the Kingdom on May 31 via Saudia Airlines.Read more:Infections in GCC surpass 400,000 COVID-19 cases, Reuters tally showsSaudi Arabia’s private sector to drive local tourism says ministerSaudi Arabia prepares summer holiday campaign with COVID-19 measures
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records 3,372 new cases, 5,085 recoveries
Tunisian rapper busted for marijuana revives debate on legalization
The arrest and pre-trial detention of a famous rapper in Tunisia for cannabis possession revived the debate over the legalization of cannabis use and calls to abolish one of the harshest laws penalizing users.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tunisian rapper busted for marijuana revives debate on legalization
Netanyahu's coalition divided over new conversion bill
Even his coalition partners are not enthusiastic over Interior Minister Aryeh Deri’s initiative for a new conversion law.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu's coalition divided over new conversion bill
Netanyahu's war on critical journalists threatens Israeli democracy
Photos of reporter Amnon Abramovich needing a police escort to escape a demonstration in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should sound an alarm for all Israelis.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu's war on critical journalists threatens Israeli democracy
Intel: Democrats stare down AIPAC with annexation warning
The majority of House Democrats united today to warn Israel against unilaterally annexing parts of the West Bank despite opposition from the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Intel: Democrats stare down AIPAC with annexation warning
Hagee: Gulf states should offer Israel normalized ties
Hagee and his 8.5-million-member Christians United for Israel support Trump's plan “in its entirety” and would back up Israel if it decides to apply sovereignty to the West Bank and Jordan Valley.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Hagee: Gulf states should offer Israel normalized ties
UN warns it cannot replace the Palestinian Authority
He referenced in particularly the permit system that allowed Palestinians in Gaza to leave the Strip, so they could receive emergency medical care in Israel.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: UN warns it cannot replace the Palestinian Authority
Egypt's saber-rattling on Libya raises eyebrows
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's warning of possible Egyptian military intervention in Libya drew mixed reactions both at home and from parties to the conflict.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt's saber-rattling on Libya raises eyebrows
UN envoy Mladenov: The region cannot afford another war
Mladenov cautioned that unilateral action by Israel in applying sovereignty to parts of the West Bank will radically change facts on the ground
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: UN envoy Mladenov: The region cannot afford another war
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia allows lectures, lessons in mosques with restrictions
Saudi Arabia allowed holding lessons and lectures after prayers in mosques across the Kingdom with coronavirus-related restrictions, according to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.The ministry said that that lessons must be presented immediately after prayer with a maximum duration of 10 minutes, meanwhile lectures should not exceed 30 minutes, according to a statement on the its website.Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.The ministry’s decision came into effect on Wednesday.The ministry stressed that all mosques must adhere to the coronavirus precautionary measures related to the re-opening of mosques.As for sessions for memorizing of verses from the Holy Quran, they will continue to be held remotely until further notice.Mosques in the Kingdom amid coronavirusSaudi Arabia had suspended prayer in mosques in mid-March as part of the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.However, the Kingdom had started at the end of May implementing its phased re-opening plan to eventually “return to normalcy.”In the second phase of its plan, starting from May 31, Saudi Arabia allowed Friday prayers and all congregational prayers (Jamaa'a) in the Kingdom's mosques, except mosques in the Holy City of Mecca.Starting from June 21, Saudi Arabia started reopening mosques in Mecca.All mosques had to implement precautionary COVID-19 measures and worshipers must adhere to them.The ministry advises the following when going to pray in a mosque in Saudi Arabia: Wash your hands and use sanitizers, the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases should pray at home, read the Quran from your phone or bring your own copy of the Quran, bring your own prayer mat and do not leave it after prayer, maintain a distance of two meters between you and other people, do not bring children under the age of 15, wear a mask or face covering, perform ablution (Wudu) at home, avoid shaking hands, and avoid crowds when entering and exiting the mosque.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read more:Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia holds ‘limited’ Hajj pilgrimage for various nationalitiesFear of catching coronavirus negatively impacts mental health: Saudi Health MinsterCoronavirus in Saudi Arabia: Deportation, fines up to $53,000 for workers’ gatheringsCoronavirus: Saudi Arabia continues ‘shisha’ ban, closure of restaurants’ play areas
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia allows lectures, lessons in mosques with restrictions