Dario Salvi

All the priests in the capital have decided to donate the money to the neediest. The Chaldean patriarchate had already allocated US$90,000 to this end. Card Sako again urged respect for social distancing in churches and government health directives. Group activities remain suspended, but the use of the Internet and social media will be enhanced.

In Dubai, cafes and restaurants reopen, reduced hours for shops and shopping centers. From 26 April public transport is back in operation. Cairo reduces curfews, but the alert remains high with the country registering the highest number of infections. In Iran, efforts are being made to restore "breathing space to the economy". A "sad" sacred month in the West Bank and Gaza.

The coronavirus has re-launched "human and social solidarity" in fighting "for our common home". Christians distribute aid to Muslims, solidarity without religious distinctions. Thousands of people follow mass every evening broadcast through the patriarchate's social media. Best wishes to Muslims for the beginning of Ramadan.

Brussels in favor of approving an economic aid package. Among these, a sum in money paid by the IMF. For the United States, the "maximum pressure" policy against Tehran remains in place. In the Islamic Republic 86 thousand infections and 5400 victims, the first restrictions are skipped.

IS fighters use curfew and restrictions to target military assets. Operations are centred in the Kirkuk area. For Iraqi priest, jihadis carry out hit-and-run operations. The scope of violence is not comparable to the past. Although the situation is improving, focus remains on containing the outbreak.

The alarm raised by World Food Program experts. Nations already affected by war, economic crises and climate change such as Syria and Yemen are at risk. Up to 250 million people at risk of hunger; in a few months 30 million in the world could die if stocks and financing are not insured.

The Federation of Aramaeans in Switzerland recalls the kidnapping "which affected the hearts of all Christians". An event that "fomented the exodus" en masse of many faithful from Syria. Archbishop Georges: the hope, against all hope, that they are alive. The "spirituality" of Msgr. Boulos Yaziji and the "courage" of Msgr. Yohanna Ibrahim.

Netanyahu speaks of "step to save Israelis" and will have the first 18 months of government. A privileged position to stem the effects of the corruption trial. Gantz promises to "protect democracy". Criticism from the former allies of the centrist leader. Palestinian Prime Minister: an "annexation" government.

On Orthodox Easter, Lebanon’s Greek Orthodox Metropolitan slammed the country’s political leaders. The latter must revive the economy but ordinary Lebanese must not pay for their mistakes. Rumours that the authorities plan to take money from depositors have caused widespread anger. For Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi, ordinary people are paying the price of the tug-of-war between politicians and banks.

Yesterday, thousands of people rallied in Tel Aviv to “Save Democracy,” many of them young. Protesters followed distancing and other coronavirus restrictions. For Sobhy Makhoul, the emergency has revealed dirty political games and revived the centre-left, which has been on the political margins for some time. A coalition deal is a high-stake game.

Highest religious authority against gatherings to stem the pandemic of new coronavirus. For the holy month, the invitation is to ward off "the spread of the infection". Preserving people's lives "brings God closer". In Saudi Arabia, 9400 cases and 97 victims so far, the highest figure among the Gulf nations.

Up to 90,000 prisoners will be released, including paedophiles and sexual offenders. An organised crime boss is already free. The amnesty excludes people convicted or awaiting trial in connection with the failed 2016 coup or for criticising the country's leaders.