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
Iran officials weigh in on US protests In today's Iran media review, Iranian officials have called out the United States over its response to peaceful protests. United States
With children infected by coronavirus, Israel fears second wave Israelis have returned to an almost normal routine in recent days, only to discover the pandemic is far from over. Israel
Iraq returns to lockdown after surge in coronavirus cases Iraq registered more than 400 COVID-19 cases today, breaking the previously highest number from only a few days ago. Iraq
Iran admits at least 200 protesters killed in November crackdown Iran's interior minister has acknowledged that "sad things happened" during the unrest last year. Iran
Turkey deports 12 Islamic State-linked fighters to Finland The move comes after European governments have largely declined to take back detained citizens with links to the terror group. Syria
European allies of Israel against Hezbollah, but also against annexation Israel’s traditional allies in Europe promote resolutions against Hezbollah but also express clearly their objections to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s annexation plan. Israel
Israel apologies after police kill unarmed Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City Hundreds of mourners called for revenge during processions in East Jerusalem on Sunday. Palestine
Emirates airline reportedly cut jobs The Dubai-based carrier let go of pilots and flight attendants as it resumes flights during the crisis in global travel, Reuters reported. United Arab Emirates
Poverty could double in the West Bank as coronavirus takes toll, World Bank warns The bank estimates the percentage of poor households in the West Bank will increase from 14% to 30% in 2020. Palestine
Intel: COVID-19 forces AIPAC to cancel 2021 conference The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is cancelling its 2021 conference in Washington amid concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, Jewish Insider reported on Sunday. Israel
Turkey’s megaprojects threaten ‘mega’ financial havoc Turkey’s government might be forced to nationalize some megaproject investments, chief among them the new airport in Istanbul, which have hit dire straits under the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Turkey’s existing economic woes. Turkey
Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification. Oman
