Dario Salvi

Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi is back in the governing fold after a meeting yesterday with the deputy premier and local officials. Strong pressures got her to reverse her decision. Meanwhile Prime Minister Bennett lost a second close aide, while some lawmakers threaten to quit. With 60 out of 120 seats in the Knesset, the government’s fate is uncertain.

The proposal by some Shura Council members within the plan to reform the Civil Transitions Law. A change aimed at equalizing Saudi Arabia with other Gulf monarchies in terms of rights. Proposal illustrates support for reform found in passages of the Quran.

Today's headlines: at least seven die in a fire on a ferry in the Philippines; week of prayer for China and its people; first case of monkeypox confirmed in Israel; in Afghanistan, female journalists and TV anchors forced to cover their faces at the behest of the Taliban; Russian gas sales to Europe will exceed 100 billion in 2022; still no agreement between Yerevan and Baku on borders.

After the Marian prayer, the pontiff spoke about the Day of Prayer instituted by Benedict XVI and celebrated on 24 May. He urged the faithful to pray “for freedom and tranquility" a few days after the arrest of Card Joseph Zen. Peace was the main theme in today's Gospel, a gift from God “in the form of the Holy Spirit”.

The outposts are designed to monitor shipping and boost security. But they are also a deterrent against China’s territorial claims. Meanwhile, ASEAN and China are trying to renew talks to develop a “Code of Conduct” after the pandemic.

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) held its 12th General Assembly from 16 to 20 May. For the first time, the meeting took place in Egypt. Catholic, Evangelical and Orthodox leaders call for action against “violence and fanaticism”, renewed dialogue with Islam and protection of creation. They also appealed for the release of the archbishops of Aleppo who have been missing since 2013.

The number has grown by 900 in the past three months. The steady increase linked to the escalation of arrests by police in the Arab community. And by greater restrictions imposed by the Knesset to obtain release earlier than the deadline. Forty percent of the prison population consists of people in pre-trial detention.

As experts feared, Erdogan’s decision to repurpose the building might lead UNESCO to reconsider its world heritage status. Those in charge of the building have minimised the incident in which the “Imperial Door” was vandalised. Without proper precautions, the dome might collapse on worshippers by mid-century.

UN delegation visits the Islamic Republic for first time since 2005. Meetings with government officials, economic and health experts, members of civil society on the agenda. Alena Douhan: A plan to "develop a collaborative programwith Tehran" being studied.

S-300 missiles were fired for the first time in response to an Israeli attack that killed five causing damage. So far this year, Israel has carried out 12 operations in Syria, on top of scores more in previous years. Analysts link Russia’s response to Israeli criticism of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

UNICEF report: over 6.5 million in Syria and another 2.8 million abroad depend on aid. In the first three months of the year 213 children died or were injured, since the beginning of the war 13 thousand children have been killed. AsiaNews shares the stories of everyday poverty and struggling families for whom food is a luxury good.

Tehran violently represses new wave of popular discontent over price escalation and the drastic reduction in subsidies. The demonstrations promoted by young people and citizens, without political affiliations. Ayatollah Khamenei and President Raisi target of criticism.