The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Lebanon's parliament approves army's broad state of emergency powers Under the state of emergency, civilians can be tried in military court for "breach of security." Lebanon
Eight children die in less than one week at Syria's al-Hol camp This rate is far above normal in the camp for Islamic State-affiliated families, where there are recent reports of escapes and COVID-19 cases. Syria
Egypt takes action against 'dangerous' materials after Beirut explosion Egyptian authorities have begun measures to transfer dangerous materials stored at airports near populous areas to prevent a catastrophe similar to the devastating Beirut port explosion. Egypt
Iranian official reveals claims of corruption at highest levels Accusations of corruption have led to speculation that a former Iranian official under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration may seek the presidency. Iran
Israel cuts off fuel to Gaza as balloon attacks continue Israel’s defense minister has closed off fuel imports to Gaza, adding to the list of goods prohibited from crossing into the Strip in response to the explosive-laden balloons from Gaza. Palestine
Turkey’s 'healthy tourism' efforts tested as foreign tourists trickle in Some 40,000 Russian holidaymakers have thrown a life jacket to Turkey’s main touristic hub of Antalya, while other coastal areas count on locals to keep afloat. Turkey
Greek foreign minister talks Turkey, tourism in Israel Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Danidas came to Israel bearing gifts — news that Israeli tourists will be able to enter the country — likely in return for Jerusalem's continued support for Athens in its conflict against Ankara. Israel
Gaza's balloon bombs spark new cycle of violence After a period of calm on the Gaza Strip borders with Israel, incendiary and explosive balloons spark another violent exchange. Palestine
In dramatic move, Iraqi PM visits prisons in response to protester appeals The Iraqi government is under pressure to reveal the fate of persons unaccounted for and those detained in secret prisons. Iraq
Egyptian families worry for fishermen detained in Libya As tensions escalate between Egypt and Libya, the fate of 35 Egyptian fishermen detained in Misrata remains unknown. Egypt
Netanyahu’s wife on the attack: blames protesters for sexual harassment Sara Netanyahu, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, is again on the attack, with a complaint filed by the police against demonstrators allegedly sexually harassing her and threatening her life. Israel
Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers protest pandemic of violence, crime Israeli-Arab bereaved mothers started marching this week from Haifa to Jerusalem, to raise awareness of violence in Arab society. Israel
