Middle East

For the Patriarchate the new law betrays the UN Resolution on the birth of Israel and the Declaration of Independence. The Christian population worried together with other non-Jewish communities. "Where there is discrimination, there is no dignity".

Confirmed by Karroubi's son, Hossein. The decision must be submitted to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Aim to unite population in face of US sanctions. The rial devalued to historic lowest: 113 thousand to the dollar.

The 17-year-old girl who slapped an Israeli soldier in the West Bank was released yesterday. Back home, she declares: "My resistance continues until the occupation ends". Meanwhile, a ship with medicines and humanitarian aid to Gaza was seized by the Israeli Navy.

"Faced with the cry of hunger – all sorts of "hunger" – of so many brothers and sisters in every part of the world, we cannot remain indifferent and calm spectators,” said Francis during the Angelus. “Never throw away leftover food", Francis added. Instead, “use it again or give it to those who can eat it, to those who need it.” He called for prayers to the Virgin Mary so “that programmes dedicated to development, food, and solidarity in the world prevail, not those of hatred, armaments and war." Tomorrow is the UN-sponsored World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

The United States calls for the release of an imprisoned American Protestant pastor. The man is accused of espionage and terrorism for alleged ties with the PKK and Fethullah Gülen. Donald Trump threatens sanctions. Erdogan wants in turn the extradition of Gülen.

A 17-year-old Palestinian boy attacks three civilians armed with a knife, killing one, wounding two, one seriously. The Israeli army says it shot the assailant. Hamas had asked to avenge the killing of three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Most of the victims were civilians. IS fighers also penetrated into private homes, killing residents. The south-west area of the country still has jihadist pockets. Hundreds of White Helmets fled a few days ago from the same area with the help of Israel.

The Egyptian Jesuit is a great expert in the Arab Christian heritage. The Germany-based Stephanus Foundation recognised him it because he “paved the way to a new self-confidence of the oppressed and persecuted”. For Fr Samir, “A global peace without peace between religions is not possible.”

The number of suicides among 16-25 year-olds is growing. 90% of children have been subjected to a traumatic experience. "Inhuman" conditions in Gaza. Young people are depressed, hungry and hopeless. The "world of war" lives in the minds of children. There are no structures for psychological support. The situation is expected to get worse to turn to drug therapy. Personality disorders and traces of this suffering are destined to remain for "many years", even if there were peace. The story of a psychologist active in the Strip.

For many Iranians, the US president’s harsh words, as well as those of Rouhani and Zarif, are only "propaganda". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tries to get Iranian-Americans on board but an open letter slams the US administration’s "disastrous approach" on Iran, noting "If you truly wish to help the people of Iran, lift the travel ban, adhere to the Iran nuclear deal".

The cardinal has labeled the law as "ignoble, anti-democratic and anti-pluralist". An appeal to the UN to guarantee the rights of Palestinians according to international decisions.

At least 422 people, volunteers and their families, have been transferred to Jordan via the Israeli-occupied Golan area. Hence the fugitives will be relocated to several Western countries: Germany, Great Britain, Canada. The White Helmets are trained and supported by the United States and other Western countries. In 2016, they were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. But Syria and Russia accuse them of being supporters of the rebels and of also having ties with the jihadist groups.