Dario Salvi

The Ministry for the Interior says it is ready to welcome 5,000 people fleeing the war and another 20,000 already "illegally" in the country, in addition to Ukrainian Jews who are entitled to citizenship under the Law of Return. Temporary permits and the possibility of seeking work. The mayor of Nof Hagalil, a former immigrant now in the front line in welcoming "olim" Ukrainians.

Head of delegation in Tehran for consultations. Pressure is growing for a breakthrough, perhaps a positive one, in the negotiations. EU says the ball is in the Islamic Republic's court, which must decide whether to finalise it. In the background is the invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's attempt to put the issue of sanctions on the balance of agreements.

This is Israel’s first military operation since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Heavy material damage was reported. Israeli raids are carried out with the tacit agreement of Moscow, an ally of Syrian President Assad. Russia has a substantial military presence in Syria. Bennett met Putin.

The measures concern the Hajj and the Umrah. The Saudis earn prestige and at least 11 billion euro a year from religious tourism. The obligation to have a swab at the entrance and quarantine for vaccinated people lifted. The requirement to wear a mask indoors in public places and mosques remains. Anticipation grows among Muslims around the world.

At the Angelus, Francis condemns the "rivers of blood and tears" caused by Moscow's conflict against Kiev, "madness". He recalls the "ever more numerous" victims and "mothers and children" fleeing. Assistance and humanitarian corridors are needed. The Holy See's mediation for peace. Commenting on today's Gospel, he warns: no dialogue or compromise with the devil, but "the Word of God".

Israel has reopened its borders welcoming the first groups of pilgrims after two years of closures due to Covid-19. The Latin Primate reflects on a time in which "we have come to terms with fragility and solitude", but the desire "to start again" defining "objectives and prospects" is strong. The importance of a "synodal path" of "participation and mission".

The Turkey Monitor survey by Aksoy Research shows a cautious attitude in public opinion. Only 2.4% take Russia's side, while 19.4% favour a NATO alignment. At least half of the voters of all parties show concern. Ankara's mediation attempts in the crisis.

Today's headlines: Ukrainian power plant staff in Zaporozhets, work under the threat of (Russian) weapons; Pakistan and Uzbekistan strengthen bilateral collaboration; Beijing may shelve its "zero Covid" policy in favour of a softer "coexistence" approach; Iranian court clears nine Christians of charges of threatening national security; in Thailand 33-year-old man convicted of lese-majesty; new missile test by Pyongyang.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a non-permanent member of the Security Council (2022-23), abstained from the resolution condemning Russia but voted in favour in the General Assembly, a symbolic gesture. The Gulf state has to protect its trade with Russia (US$ 4 billion) without antagonising the West. Catholics in the country pray for peace.

Today's headlines: protests against the war in Ukraine continue in St Petersburg and other Russian cities, with hundreds of arrests; Israel expropriates Jerusalem's Alexander Nevsky Church from the Russians; the majority party in Georgia wants to speed up its entry into the EU; the Pope will visit East Timor by the end of the year.

The dispute now passes to the Israeli Ministry of Justice, which will have to assess the validity of the ownership documents. A process that could take years, meanwhile the "tenants" will pay a symbolic annual sum. OCHA report: since Biden's ascension to the White House, the Israeli government has accelerated demolitions, leaving over 1,300 Palestinians, including children, homeless.

Today's headlines: dozens of arrests in Russia among those demonstrating against the war in Ukraine; Russian companies relocate to Armenia to escape sanctions, hundreds more are waiting; Armenian MPs donate blood for Ukrainian hospitals; an Indonesian priest who made an "invaluable" contribution to the development of liturgy has died at 84; new Israeli air raids in southern Syria.