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
Intel: Pompeo echoes Gantz by bashing Palestinians for refusal to negotiate on annexation Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted the Palestinians today for their refusal to negotiate over a looming Israeli annexation of the West Bank — one day after Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made similar comments, seemingly bringing him closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position. Palestine
UAE ends virus curfew Emirati authorities announced total freedom of movement today. United Arab Emirates
Saudi-led coalition in Yemen monitoring cease-fire in Abyan The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen deployed troops to the southern province of Abyan following a truce reached between the war's two nominal allies. Yemen
UN takes lead against Israel’s annexation plan UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres redoubles his efforts against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation proposal. Palestine
Turkish court releases three journalists on trial for revealing state secrets Journalists stood trial Wednesday for reporting on the funeral of a Turkish intelligence officer killed in Libya in a court case condemned by press freedom advocates. Turkey
Italian foreign minister says Libya a 'priority' in Tripoli visit Libya's Government of National Accord hosted an Italian delegation in the capital today. Libya
Intel: US sanctions Iranian ships for delivering oil to Venezuela The United States sanctioned the captains of five Iranian vessels today for delivering oil to Venezuela. Originals
Intel: US doubles reward for information on Islamic State leader The US government is offering $10 million for information leading to the location of Islamic State leader Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla. United States
Turkish drone strike kills three Kurdish women in Syria The leader of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces called on the United States and Russian to stop what he called Turkey's "policy of massacres against the Kurds" after last night's drone strike. Syria
Rouhani says talks with US possible any moment after ‘apology’ While Iran’s hard-liners have persistently warned against any compromise with the Donald Trump administration, President Hassan Rouhani said he is ready for talks even before the upcoming US presidential elections. Iran
Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit various locations in Syria Syria said it downed several missiles it says came from Israel, but there are also reports of casualties. Syria
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. Israel
