Israel Bans Non-Muslim Visitors to Al-Aqsa Mosque Until the End of Ramadan
Plus: Israeli Defense Minister reinstated, Syria and Saudi Arabia move to reopen embassies, Iran's executions surge, Saudi Ambassador visits Yemen's Houthi capital, and much more.
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Israel bans non-Muslim visitors to Al-Aqsa Mosque until the end of Ramadan
Israel bars non-Muslim visitors from the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex until the end of Ramadan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, decided to prohibit entry of Jewish visitors and tourists to the Temple Mount until the end of Ramadan. This decision was made following Israeli settlers and ultranationalists' recent storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Reinstated by Prime Minister Netanyahu
Israel's Netanyahu reinstates Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after controversial firing over criticism of the government's plan to overhaul the country's justice system. The move came amid efforts to project unity in Israel following widespread unrest and fears of emboldening enemies. Gallant had been dismissed on March 26, but the decision was reversed 15 days later.
Read more on The New York Times.
Syria and Saudi Arabia move to reopen embassies and flights
Syria and Saudi Arabia are moving towards reopening embassies and resuming flights for the first time in over a decade, following a joint statement on Thursday, April 13. The move towards rapprochement has increased since Syria's neighbors began taking steps towards reconciliation, particularly since Saudi Arabia re-established ties with Iran.
Read more on Associated Press.
Iran's Executions Surge by 75% in 2022 Amid Nationwide Protests, Say Human Rights Groups
Iran's executions surged by 75% in 2022, with at least 582 people executed, as protests erupted in the country. The increase is part of an "execution machine" aimed at spreading fear, according to human rights groups Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty. The figure is the highest since 2015 and well above the 333 executions in 2021. The protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old arrested for violating dress rules for women. The crackdown on protests resulted in four men being hanged, leading to an international outcry.
US Woman Gets 4-Year Prison Term for Aiding Foiled Iranian Plot to Kidnap Women's Rights Activist Masih Alinejad
Niloufar Bahadorifar, an Iranian-born US citizen, was sentenced to four years in prison for providing financial support to an Iranian plot to kidnap Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American author and women's rights activist. The authorities foiled the plot, and four Iranian nationals were also charged. Alinejad has been critical of the Iranian regime and fled Iran in 2009. Bahadorifar pleaded guilty to violating US sanctions against Iran but not for participating in the kidnapping conspiracy. Alinejad expressed that the surveillance had affected her and made her feel unsafe. In July 2022, a man was arrested near Alinejad's home with an AK-47 and rounds of ammunition.
Saudi Ambassador Visits Yemen's Houthi Capital to Strengthen Truce and Push for Peace Talks
Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Yemen traveled to the Houthi-held capital to strengthen a year-old truce and promote dialogue to end the eight-year war. The truce has significantly reduced hostilities, and the Saudis and Houthis have reportedly agreed on a new six-month truce to pave the way for talks on a two-year transition. The meetings in Sanaa aim to fulfill key Houthi goals, such as paying civil servant salaries and lifting operational restrictions on Houthi-controlled ports and airports. A deal on a new truce is expected to end a conflict that has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Bahrain and Qatar to Resume Diplomatic Ties After Over Two-Year Boycott
Qatar and Bahrain will restore diplomatic ties after a two-year boycott of Qatar, according to statements from both countries on Wednesday, April 12. The rift began in 2017, when four Arab countries, including Bahrain, cut ties with Qatar, citing its support for Islamist groups and close relationship with Iran and Turkey. Since then, Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in efforts to restore ties, with Egypt following suit. The move comes after a phone conversation between Bahrain's crown prince and Qatar's emir in January, indicating a move towards repairing relations.
Lebanese judge lifts travel ban for central bank governor ahead of French hearing
Lebanese central bank governor, Riad Salameh, has had his travel ban lifted by a judge, allowing him to attend a scheduled hearing with French prosecutors next month. Salameh was banned from traveling in January 2022 amid accusations of embezzlement and dereliction of duty during Lebanon's financial crisis. French prosecutors have opened their own investigation into alleged money laundering involving the governor. Salameh and his lawyer have not yet commented on whether he will attend the hearing. Salameh has faced increased scrutiny over his monetary policies in recent years as the country has experienced economic turmoil.
Read more on Associated Press.
MENA Growth to Slow in 2023, IMF predicts
IMF predicts slower growth of 3.1% in the MENA region in 2023, down from 5.3% last year. Non-hydrocarbon sector activities will drive growth, while low-income countries are forecast to lag at 1.3% due to macroeconomic instability and other factors. OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia, have recently announced surprise cuts to oil production, boosting global prices.
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My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
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Cover photo: Photo: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency - Middle East Monitor