Dario Salvi

The money raised will go to Gaza communities as a “sign of solidarity”, said Patriarch Pizzaballa, to meet the needs that emerged during the brief war. Gaza’s Fr Romanelli is grateful that no member of the community “was hurt”, but the damage and the shock run deep. Spiritual and economic support is “important”.

More than half are unemployed and unable to meet basic needs. According to a survey by the International Organisation for Migration, the crisis has exacerbated the “vulnerability” of workers. About 20 per cent suffer from chronic health problems, including mental health issues. Physical, psychological and sexual harassment are up.

The outgoing leader triumphed with 95.1% of the votes. Rivals Abdallah Salloum Abdallah and Mahmoud Mareï won 1.5% and 3.3% of the votes. The turnout figure is around 76%. Elections only held in the areas controlled by Damascus. In the province of Idlib, in the hands of the rebels, large protests. For the West, the vote was "neither free nor fair".

The Guardian Council has rejected the candidacy of the conservative Larijani and former president Ahmadinejad. The victory of the ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi, close to the state apparatus and the supreme leader Khamenei, is taken for granted. The outgoing president recalls that "the heart of the elections is competition".

Their story only came to light recently after Patriarch Sako found one of the two women still alive. Camilla Haddad and Mary Fathohi Weber were taken in and protected by Elias Abu Ahmed, who gave them a home along with his two wives and 14 children. The 98-year-old says she feels good, even if sometimes her “legs hurt”.

The outgoing president, in power since 2000, is looking for a fourth term. The only two rival candidates admitted by the electoral commission are almost unknown. Opposition abroad excluded from the vote. Polls open until 7 pm, there are 12 thousand seats scattered throughout the country. There is no vote in the Kurdish area and in Idlib, in the hands of the rebels.

The company plans to support families by paying medical expenses and children’s education as well. Other Indian companies have announced similar policies. Today India is the world epicentre of the pandemic with 26 million cases and more than 300,00 dead. Many states have run out of drugs and oxygen supplies.

Vietnam has sent two shipments of aid with ventilators, oxygen generators, cylinders and protective masks worth US$ 1.5 million. The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has led the way in raising funds and collecting material. India’s ambassador to Vietnam is grateful.

Director general Grossi confirms that the next deadline will expire on 24 June. A "buffer measure" to avoid "flying blind". Iranian ambassador: "Seize the extra opportunity provided" by Tehran for the lifting of sanctions. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “very significant progress” from Vienna.

Iran’s 13th presidential election is set for 18 June. The race is between former parliamentary speaker Larijani and Chief Justice Raisi. Ahmadinejad might be the spoiler. For many Iranians, not voting is the only option to make their voice heard. Poverty, corruption and nepotism are rising.

A report drawn up by the Eğitim-Sen school union reveals that 44% of teachers report attendance less than 20% of the total. Turkey is among the first four countries in the world to have closed schools for the longest period in 2020. 56% of teachers have not yet received the vaccine.

Israeli and Palestinian activists and scholars are critical of the escalation of the conflict, which leaves the main issues unresolved. For a Palestinian Catholic, “internal conflicts and tensions [in Israel and Palestine] mirror the failure of political leaders.” The two sides must change leadership. Israeli activist says military victory is no way “to achieve peace”.