jerusalempost--2020-07-20--367 new coronavirus cases among Palestinians, 2 new cases in Gaza

Two new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the Gaza Strip .
The two cases were travelers in quarantine @ @ @ @ @ cases in Gaza in recent weeks .
The Palestinian Ministry of Health also reported that @ @ @ @ @ among Palestinians in east Jerusalem .
Some 40 Palestinians are in serious condition and three @ @ @ @ @ recoveries were reported in the past 24 hours as of Monday afternoon.The Palestinian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ were 101 new cases among Palestinians in east Jerusalem .

Two new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the Gaza Strip. The two cases were travelers in quarantine and are the first new cases in Gaza in recent weeks.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health also reported that there were 101 new cases among Palestinians in east Jerusalem. Some 40 Palestinians are in serious condition and three are on ventilators. No recoveries were reported in the past 24 hours as of Monday afternoon.The Palestinian Ministry of Health also reported that there were 101 new cases among Palestinians in east Jerusalem.
Some 367 new cases of the coronavirus and three deaths were reported in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Ministry of Health from Sunday to Monday, bringing the total number of active case to 8,360 and total death toll to 65. 135 of the new cases were reported in the Hebron district.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Indonesia reports second-highest daily increase in coronavirus deaths

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Indonesia reported on Monday its second-highest daily increase in coronavirus-related deaths with 96 fatalities, a day after registering a record daily jump in deaths, data presented by health ministry official Achmad Yurianto showed.The country also reported 1,693 new coronavirus infections, taking the total to 88,214, the highest in East Asia, with a total of 4,239 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Hong Kong reports 73 new coronavirus cases as local transmissions stay high

Hong Kong reported 73 new coronavirus cases on Monday, including 66 that were locally transmitted, as new restrictions took effect and authorities warned there was no indication that the situation was coming under control.The global financial hub reported more than 100 cases on Sunday, a record number as Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced that non-essential civil servants must work from home.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Philippines reports 4 new coronavirus deaths, 1,521 more infections

The Philippines' health ministry on Monday confirmed four new coronavirus deaths and 1,521 new cases, its fifth straight day of reporting over a thousand infections.In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have increased to 1,835 while confirmed cases have reached 69,898.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Russia reports almost 6,000 new coronavirus cases

Russia reported 5,940 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, pushing its total infection tally to 777,486, the fourth largest in the world.In a daily readout, officials said 85 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 12,427.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Egyptian foreign minister arrives in Palestinian territories

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry arrived in the Palestinian territories on Monday afternoon.He is expected to meet with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas during his visit.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Summer schools to remain open for time being

Pools, beaches, restaurants and schools are still open despite a government decision last week to close them.The Knesset coronavirus committee voted on Monday in favor of leaving them open even on the weekends, coinciding with what looks like a new government policy to allow for activities in open spaces and close events that take place inside.At the same time, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that schools will remain open at least until Thursday, pending further discussion at the end of the week.Also, the government was expected to meet late Monday to change its decision on restaurants, which were supposed to revert to takeout and delivery on Friday and then on Tuesday morning. The government was considering allowing restaurants to seat up to 50 people outside.However, even if the decision passes, the coronavirus committee is set to discuss restaurants on Tuesday, and it has other ideas. It wants to see restaurants seat patrons indoors and outdoors – but to limit indoor seating to 35% of capacity.On Tuesday, the committee will also discuss the fate of the country’s gyms, which have been closed since Friday.As the chaos around what should and should not be closed continues, more Israelis are getting infected with the novel coronavirus.At press time on Monday, the Health Ministry reported that an additional 1,008 people were diagnosed with the virus the day before. Although fewer than 20,000 tests were administered, making it appear that the number was falsely low, the infection rate dropped to 5% from 7% last week.Some 264 people are in serious condition. Also, the death toll continues to increase. So far, 415 Israelis have died from the virus.“The decision not to close public pools and beaches is right and justified,” MK Yifat Shasha-Biton (Likud), who heads the coronavirus committee, said after it was determined that the government had changed its policy. “Beaches and swimming pools are vital.”“We all are working together to fight the virus,” she said. “For all of us, economic, mental and physical health are extremely important.”Opposition leader Yair Lapid also celebrated the decision.“Congratulations to the chairman of the committee, MK Yifat Shasha-Biton, and to the members of the coronavirus committee, who fought for the State of Israel,” he said on Twitter.Also on Monday, a document published by the Civil Aviation Authority announced that entry of foreigners into the country would be banned until at least September.According to the document, anyone arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport without a special permit will be turned away.The Airports Authority clarified its statement soon after the document was shared by the media: “The skies are not closed, and Ben-Gurion Airport is open. However, until September 1, foreign passport holders will not be allowed in, and the 14-day isolation agreement remains as it has been in recentMeanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, Finance Minister Israel Katz and Economy Minister Amir Peretz on Monday agreed on how to handle the “check for every citizen” program and approved the NIS 6 billion stipend.Blue and White’s position to modify it in favor of helping the weaker members of Israeli society was accepted, and NIS 500 million will be provided for the needy.The program offers grants to almost all Israelis to get “the wheels of the economy spinning again,” Netanyahu said last week. It is expected to be presented to the government and Knesset for final approval on Tuesday.The cabinet agreed that NIS 750 will be added to the benefits currently offered to the disabled, those on welfare, the elderly, unemployed people over the age of 67 and new immigrants (olim). About 800,000 people will receive the grant.In addition, it was decided that state officials earning more than NIS 30,000 per month will not get it, nor will people who earn more than NIS 640,000 per year.According to the original plan, families with one child will receive NIS 2,000; families with two children, NIS 2,500; families of three or more, NIS 3,000; and individuals 18 and older will get NIS 750.Peretz said: “It’s very important that the message will be that the weaker groups in society are first [in the government’s] priority list at this time."The “check for every citizen” program was heavily criticized by the Finance Ministry, with Budget Department head Shaul Meridor telling Netanyahu: “This will turn us into Venezuela.” In response, Meridor was slammed on social media by Likud MKs for his alleged “sabotage” of government policy.Rossella Tercatin contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Border Authority thwarts weapons smuggling attempt

An Israeli vehicle that arrived at the checkpoint on Route 5 raised suspicion of a Border Authority agent .
The @ @ @ @ @ found wrapped in a blanket during a search of the vehicle .

An Israeli vehicle that arrived at the checkpoint on Route 5 raised suspicion of a Border Authority agent. The hunting rifle and ammunition were found wrapped in a blanket during a search of the vehicle.
Israel's Border Authority thwarted an attempt to smuggle a hunting rifle and ammunition through a West Bank checkpoint on Sunday night.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Daily coronavirus cases drops to 951; 259 patients in serious condition


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Knesset maintenance worker confirmed as infected with coronavirus

The worker was last in the Knesset building on Thursday .
This is the second case announced at the Knesset @ @ @ @

The worker was last in the Knesset building on Thursday. This is the second case announced at the Knesset since Sunday night.
A maintenance worker at the Knesset has been confirmed as infected with the coronavirus, the Knesset announced on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--2 terror suspects arrested, terrorist shot in Jenin

Undercover Border Police officers entered Jenin after receiving intelligence from the Shin Bet and arrested the two suspects from their @ @ @ @ @ one of the suspects was arrested after he attacked one of the officers .
As @ @ @ @ @ disturbances broke out and stones and explosives were thrown at the officers .
The officers @ @ @ @ @ injured one of the terrorists who threw an explosive .

Undercover Border Police officers entered Jenin after receiving intelligence from the Shin Bet and arrested the two suspects from their homes. The brother of one of the suspects was arrested after he attacked one of the officers.
As the forces left Jenin, disturbances broke out and stones and explosives were thrown at the officers. The officers responded by opening fire and injured one of the terrorists who threw an explosive.
A terrorist was shot and injured after he threw an explosive at Border Police who were arresting two Palestinians for involvement in terrorism in Jenin on Sunday night.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Knesset Channel employee confirmed as infected with coronavirus

An employee of the Knesset Channel was confirmed as infected with the coronavirus on Sunday night. The employee was last in the Knesset building on Tuesday.An epidemiological investigation is ongoing.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Municipality working to fight coronavirus in east Jerusalem

Community leaders will receive informative material in Arabic and will be responsible for distributing the material among residents .
New @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus patients , with the Gran Park and Rainbow Hotel expected to be used @ @ @ @ @ increase efforts to transfer more patients to coronavirus hotels from east Jerusalem .
Mobile coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ in Bet Hanina and Abu Tur in the coming days .

Community leaders will receive informative material in Arabic and will be responsible for distributing the material among residents.
New coronavirus hotels will be opened for coronavirus patients, with the Gran Park and Rainbow Hotel expected to be used. The municipality will also increase efforts to transfer more patients to coronavirus hotels from east Jerusalem.
Mobile coronavirus testing stations will be opened in Bet Hanina and Abu Tur in the coming days.
The Jerusalem Municipality announced new steps in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak in east Jerusalem on Monday, including information campaigns and new coronavirus hotels.As large events continue to be held in east Jerusalem, representatives of community administrations will work with residents and event hall owners to inform them about the virus. If the situation worsens, enforcement will be considered.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Mossad chief in the run for coronavirus czar - report

Cohen may have come up as an option due to continued arguments concerning the current candidates and their qualifications .

Cohen may have come up as an option due to continued arguments concerning the current candidates and their qualifications.
Mossad chief Yossi Cohen is one of the options being considered as the government prepares to appoint a new coronavirus commissioner, according to Channel 12 news.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Saudi Arabia's King Salman hospitalized for medical checkup

The king has been admitted for inflammation of the gallbladder , Cholecystitis , the state news agency said .

Saudi Arabia's King Salman has been admitted to King Faisal Specialist hospital in the capital Riyadh for medical checkups, the state news agency reported early on Monday.
The king has been admitted for inflammation of the gallbladder, Cholecystitis, the state news agency said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--China threatens UK after Hong Kong extradition treaty suspended

SHANGHAI - China will resolutely respond to acts of interference in its internal affairs , a spokesman for the country @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom said on Tuesday , after Britain announced it would suspend its extradition treaty with @ @ @ @ @ said the UK has repeatedly violated international law and the basic norms of international relations @ @ @ @ @ the consequences if it insists on going down the wrong road '' .

SHANGHAI - China will resolutely respond to acts of interference in its internal affairs, a spokesman for the country's embassy to the United Kingdom said on Tuesday, after Britain announced it would suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
The spokesman said the UK has repeatedly violated international law and the basic norms of international relations, and will "bear the consequences if it insists on going down the wrong road".


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Mexico reports 5,172 new coronavirus infections and 301 more deaths

MEXICO CITY - Mexico 's Health Ministry on Monday reported 5,172 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 301 additional fatalities , @ @ @ @ @ country to 349,396 cases and 39,485 deaths .
The government has said the real number @ @ @ @ @ significantly higher than the confirmed cases .

MEXICO CITY - Mexico's Health Ministry on Monday reported 5,172 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 301 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 349,396 cases and 39,485 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--25-year-old man found drowned to death at Lake Kinneret

MDA medics and paramedics who were called to the scene attempted CPR after the unconscious man was pulled from the @ @ @ @ @ Tiberias , but had to determine his death shortly after .

MDA medics and paramedics who were called to the scene attempted CPR after the unconscious man was pulled from the water near the promenade in Tiberias, but had to determine his death shortly after.
A 25-year-old man was found drowned to death after an hours-long search in Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) on Monday night.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Senate confirms Trump nominee who defied subpoena to lead budget office

The vote was 51-45 to confirm Vought , as all of Trump 's fellow Republicans backed the nomination and every Democrat voted no .
Vought , 44 , has held the post of OMB director on an acting basis since January 2019 , when his predecessor , Mick Mulvaney , became acting White House chief of staff .
Mulvaney is now US special envoy to Northern Ireland .
Democratic lawmakers leading the impeachment effort last year had wanted Vought to testify to obtain information about why OMB froze military aid for Ukraine that had been approved by Congress .
Vought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Known for fierce loyalty to Trump , Vought , a former congressional aide and official at the conservative policy organization Heritage Action , was reviled by Democrats even before Trump 's impeachment .
When Trump nominated him as OMB deputy director in early 2018 , Vought received no Democratic support , so Vice President Mike Pence had to come to the Senate to cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm him .
Vought has been a champion of Trump 's efforts to cut regulations and the administration 's push to lower funding for US @ @ @ @ @ @

The vote was 51-45 to confirm Vought, as all of Trump's fellow Republicans backed the nomination and every Democrat voted no.
Vought, 44, has held the post of OMB director on an acting basis since January 2019, when his predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, became acting White House chief of staff. Mulvaney is now US special envoy to Northern Ireland.
Democratic lawmakers leading the impeachment effort last year had wanted Vought to testify to obtain information about why OMB froze military aid for Ukraine that had been approved by Congress. Vought dismissed the investigation as a sham.
Known for fierce loyalty to Trump, Vought, a former congressional aide and official at the conservative policy organization Heritage Action, was reviled by Democrats even before Trump's impeachment.
When Trump nominated him as OMB deputy director in early 2018, Vought received no Democratic support, so Vice President Mike Pence had to come to the Senate to cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm him.
Vought has been a champion of Trump's efforts to cut regulations and the administration's push to lower funding for US and international public health programs.
WASHINGTON - The US Senate voted along party lines on Monday to confirm Russell Vought as director of the Office of Management and Budget, eight months after Vought defied a congressional subpoena and refused to testify in President Donald Trump's impeachment.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Brazil coronavirus death toll tops 80,000 -health ministry

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil registered 20,257 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and the death toll rose above @ @ @ @ @ said on Monday .
Total cases in Brazil , the world 's second most affected @ @ @ @ @ , have now risen to 2,118,646 while the 632 newly-recorded deaths brought the total number @ @ @ @ @

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil registered 20,257 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and the death toll rose above 80,000, the health ministry said on Monday.
Total cases in Brazil, the world's second most affected country after the United States, have now risen to 2,118,646 while the 632 newly-recorded deaths brought the total number of fatalities to 80,120.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Coronavirus in Israel: Overall cases cross 52k, 1,507 added since midnight

The Health Ministry on Monday reported that 1,507 new coronavirus cases were diagnosed in Israel since midnight, bringing the total amount of cases diagnosed in the country since the beginning of the outbreak to 52,003.The Ministry also reported that four additional people had died of COVID-19, bringing the overall death toll to 415.In addition, the amount of patients in serious condition has dropped to 264 (7 fewer than yesterday) and the amount of intubated patients has risen to 80 (+6 more than yesterday).


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Shin Bet surveillance approved in second and third readings

Shit Bet surveillance was approved in second and third readings in the Knesset on Monday evening.The Knesset approved the continued Shin Bet surveillance as part of the effort of combating the spread of coronavirus.According to the proposed law, the government will be able to approve surveillance for a maximum of 21 days.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Education Minister guarantees next school year will start on schedule

Education Minister Yoav Galant told N12 on Monday evening that the next school year will start on schedule.In light of the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools because of the coronavirus pandemic, Galant discussed the challenges that need to be addressed, while being very clear when asked about the next school year."I want to turn to all Israeli citizens and say that the next school year will begin on September 1st, period," adding that he and Finance Minister Israel katz had reached certain agreements recently.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Tel Aviv municipality approved financial support to women's organizations

The Tel Aviv municipality unanimously approved designated financial aid packages for women's organizations, according to a report by Ynet on Monday.The decision also includes giving priority to women from excluded communities, including Arab women, asylum seekers, haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women, trans women, disabled women, Ethiopian women and women from the Commonwealth of Independent States.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Egypt parliament approves sending troops west to fight 'criminal militias'

Egypt's parliament on Monday approved the deployment of armed forces abroad to fight "criminal militias" and "foreign terrorist groups" on a "western front" - a likely reference to western neighbor Libya.It said the troops would be defending national security, without going into further details. It corrected an earlier statement which had referred to an "Arab," not a "western" front.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Gantz announces 'special' aide package to Bnei Brak

Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz declared that the aide package , tailored to the needs of the @ @ @ @ @ will include a special budget for public information and leasing buses for transporting the infected @ @ @ @ @

Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz declared that the aide package, tailored to the needs of the Haredi city of Beni Brak will include a special budget for public information and leasing buses for transporting the infected to the coronavirus hotels.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Knesset Plenum rejects no-confidence votes submitted by the opposition

The no-confidence vote , `` failure of the coronavirus government and the loss of control over the infection rate , @ @ @ @ @ , was rejected : 34 supported , 51 opposed .
Another no-confidence vote , submitted @ @ @ @ @ was rejected as well : 28 supported , 52 opposed .
The vote `` Netanyahu-Ganz @ @ @ @ @ an autocratic country , '' submitted by the Joint List was the last to be @ @ @ @ @ 52 opposed .

The no-confidence vote, "failure of the coronavirus government and the loss of control over the infection rate," submitted by Yesh Atid-Telem, was rejected: 34 supported, 51 opposed. Another no-confidence vote, submitted by Yamina and Yisrael Beytenu was rejected as well: 28 supported, 52 opposed. The vote "Netanyahu-Ganz government is turning Israel into an autocratic country," submitted by the Joint List was the last to be rejected: 25 supported, 52 opposed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Coronavirus: 1,183 new patients, total active cases at 29,201

There were 1,183 new coronavirus patients in Israel on Monday, bringing the total of active patients to 29,201, according to the Health Ministry.The number of dead reached 415.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Edelstein, Katz to reinforce health system with 2,000 nurses, 400 doctors

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Finance Minister Israel Ktaz have agreed on the addition of 2,000 nurses, 400 doctors, reinforcement of manpower and additional procurement for the health system to enable coping with the challenges of the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Government to vote on restaurants operating with up to 50 people outdoors

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein will bring to a vote at the government on Monday to allow restaurants to host up to 50 people outdoors.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Florida reports over 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 for sixth day in a row

Florida reported 10,347 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the sixth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections.Florida reported 92 new deaths on Monday, bringing the state's death toll to 5,183.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--US imposes sanctions on Chechen leader over human rights violations

The US Department of State on Monday imposed sanctions on the leader of Russia’s southern region of Chechnya, barring him from traveling to the United States over accusations of gross violations of human rights, including torture.US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement he was concerned that Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was using the novel coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to inflict further human rights abuses on people in the region.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Tel Aviv Mayor reassures business owners: "We'll do everything we can"

Mayor of Tel Aviv Ron Huldai wrote on Twitter that the city will allow restaurants to spread out to public areas, placing tables and chairs on the street.Reassuring restaurant owners in light of the latest restrictions proposed by the government, Huldai wrote: "We will allow restaurants to take out tables and chairs to public spaces beyond what is currently accepted," adding that "These times require us to do everything we can to help businesses."


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Chief of Shaare Zedek Medical Center: Restrictions have proven themselves

Director General of Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Prof. Jonathan Halevy, spoke to Anat Davidov on the show "Where's the Money" on the 103FM radio channel, expressing optimism in light of the reports of a slight decrease in daily coronavirus morbidity rates."We are seeing the results of the restrictions," Halevy told his interviewer, while saying the population should keep following the guidelines.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--UK PM Johnson says AstraZeneca vaccine trial results "very positive news"

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described early stage clinical trial data on an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as very positive on Monday."This is very positive news. A huge well done to our brilliant, world-leading scientists & researchers at @UniofOxford," Johnson said, on Twitter, linking to a report on the data."There are no guarantees, we’re not there yet & further trials will be necessary - but this is an important step in the right direction."


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Governor Cuomo warns of rollback if New Yorkers continue partying

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that local governments and police departments were failing to disband parties that violated social distancing orders and warned that he might need to roll back the state's reopening if that continued.The warning came after a warm summer weekend when people across New York City were seen gathered in large groups and partying outdoors, often without masks."The police department is not there to inform them of mask compliance. Police departments have to enforce the law," Cuomo said at a news conference."We will have to roll back the bar and restaurant opening if the congregations continue, if the local governments don't stop it," he added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-20--Coronavirus committee votes pools, beaches to stay open

The coronavirus Knesset committee voted on Monday for pools and beaches to remain open. Restaurants and gyms will be voted upon later this week.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--18 Soroka Medical Center employees enter quarantine

Some 18 workers in Soroka Medical Center's maternity ward were put in quarantine after being exposed to a staff member who tested positive for coronavirus.The maternity ward, one of five at Soroka, will be operational again after all staff members finish their quarantine.No patient from the ward was required to enter quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Pentagon chief looking to visit China this year amid tensions

`` Before the year is out , I hope to visit the PRC for the first time as secretary in @ @ @ @ @ areas of common interest , establish the systems necessary for crisis communications and reinforce our @ @ @ @ @ the international system , '' Esper said , using an acronym for the People 's @ @ @ @

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday he hoped to visit China by the end of the year to improve "crisis-communications" channels and address other areas of mutual interest as he condemned China's maritime activity in the South China Sea.
Earlier this month, the United States rejected China's claim to offshore resources in much of the South China Sea, drawing criticism from China which said the US position raised tension in the region, highlighting an increasingly testy relationship.
"Before the year is out, I hope to visit the PRC for the first time as secretary in order to enhance cooperation on areas of common interest, establish the systems necessary for crisis communications and reinforce our intentions to openly compete in the international system," Esper said, using an acronym for the People's Republic of China.
It was unclear whether Esper's trip would be contingent upon securing special travel waivers given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has strained already fraught relations between the world's two largest economies.
International diplomatic and defense travel has been severely curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has added strain to US-China relations.
The United States has long opposed China's expansive territorial claims on the South China Sea and sent warships regularly through the strategic waterway, but recent comments reflect a harsher tone.
"We want to deter against coercive behavior," Esper said.
He said China had intensified its' "bad behavior" in the past six months.
China has built bases atop atolls in the region but says its intentions are peaceful.
The South China Sea is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which includes Beijing's increased pressure on Taiwan.
Esper said nobody in Taiwan believed China had any intention of living up to its "one country, two systems" principle.
He said China had carried out simulated exercises to take over a Taiwanese-controlled island, calling it a destabilizing activity that increased the risk of miscalculation.
Esper did not directly answer a question on whether the Pentagon was considering a reduction in US forces in South Korea amid stalled talks with Seoul about defense costs.
He said he had not given any orders to withdraw US troops from South Korea, but the Pentagon was looking at forces around the world.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Philippines reports two new coronavirus deaths, 1,951 infections

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths had increased to 1,837 , while confirmed cases had reached 70,764 @ @ @ @ @ threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a face mask or breaching social distancing guidelines amid @ @ @ @ @ and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June .

The Philippines' health ministry on Tuesday reported two more novel coronavirus deaths and 1,951 additional infections.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths had increased to 1,837, while confirmed cases had reached 70,764.
President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to arrest anyone not wearing a face mask or breaching social distancing guidelines amid a sharp rise in infections and deaths since a lockdown was eased in June.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Sudan's Bashir and allies on trial for leading 1989 coup

State TV broadcast the judge opening the trial without showing footage of Bashir , who has been jailed in Khartoum @ @ @ @ @ April last year following mass protests against his 30-year rule .
Other defendants include former @ @ @ @ @ military officers and Islamists , judicial sources said before the start of the trial .

Sudan started on Tuesday a new trial against ousted President Omar al-Bashir and some of his former allies on charges of leading a military coup that brought the autocrat to power in 1989.
State TV broadcast the judge opening the trial without showing footage of Bashir, who has been jailed in Khartoum since he was toppled in April last year following mass protests against his 30-year rule.
Other defendants include former allies of Bashir such as military officers and Islamists, judicial sources said before the start of the trial.
A Sudanese court handed Bashir a two-year sentence in December on corruption charges. He also faces trials and investigations over the killing of protesters.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Indonesia reports 1,655 new coronavirus infections, 81 deaths

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Indonesia on Tuesday reported 1,655 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 89,869, according to official data released by the government.The number of fatalities due to COVID-19 rose by 81 on Tuesday to reach a total of 4,320, the data showed, while 48,466 people have recovered from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Hong Kong reports 61 new coronavirus cases, mostly local transmissions

Hong Kong tightened social distancing measures in July after a rise in locally transmitted cases and as authorities warned about @ @ @ @ @ .

Hong Kong reported 61 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, including 58 that were locally transmitted, adding to a slew of new cases which have hit the global financial hub over the past two weeks.
Hong Kong tightened social distancing measures in July after a rise in locally transmitted cases and as authorities warned about a third wave of infections.
Since late January over 2,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 14 of whom have died.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Russia reports fewer than 6,000 new coronavirus cases

Russia reported 5,842 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, pushing its total infection tally to 783,328, the fourth largest in the world.The country's coronavirus response center said 153 people had died in the past 24 hours, bringing Russia's overall death toll from the virus to 12,580.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Knesset intern confirmed as infected with coronavirus

The intern was last in the Knesset building on Wednesday .

The intern was last in the Knesset building on Wednesday.
An intern at the legal bureau at the interior committee in the Knesset was confirmed as infected with the coronavirus Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Another 1,855 people diagnosed in the last day

The decision to leave restaurants open came on a day when the infection rate in Israel is among the highest since the start of the pandemic - close to 7 % .
The Health Ministry reported Tuesday that 1,855 people tested positive on Monday and that 260 were in serious condition .
More people have died as well , bringing the country ’ s death toll to 422 .
`` The government had brought an excellent compromise to the restaurateurs , we were working to help them work according to the circumstances , ” said coalition chairman Mickey Zohar in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Unfortunately , the committee chairwoman fell into the trap set by the opposition.
” He said Tuesday ’ s decision is “ tainted by populism , which defeated common sense .
I regret the dangerous decision and we will act to correct it soon.
” Restaurants were told that they had to close Tuesday at 5 a.m. since the government 's decision had not yet changed .
Now , of course , they can reopen .
Many restaurateurs are expected to attend a demonstration outside the prime minister 's residence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chaos .
Also on Tuesday , the committee is also expected to discuss the fate of the country ’ s gyms , which have been closed since Friday .

The Knesset Coronavirus Committee pushed back against the government decision to limit restaurants to takeout and delivery on Tuesday.
The committee decided to allow restaurants to continue to operate according to the status quo. Seven committee members voted in favor, while three were opposed. Members of Blue and White abstained.
It became clear that the government was willing to open restaurants for outdoor seating only with up to 50 patrons at a time, committee chairwoman Yifat Shasha-Biton said Monday. The committee wanted to allow restaurants to operate inside seating, as well, at 25% to 35% occupancy, but the government would not budge.
“We need guidelines that the public can understand,” Shasha-Biton said. “The public is our key partner in the war against the virus… The committee recognizes the seriousness of its responsibility and believes in the importance of dialogue with the government.”
Coalition Chairman Mickey Zohar, who sits on the committee, said in response to the Knesset’s decision that it was “tainted by populism, which defeated common sense. I regret the dangerous decision, and we will act to correct it soon.”
Edelstein said the government was finding it difficult to pass minimal restrictions on the economy, which causes everyone to struggle.
“I understand the confusion that Israel’s citizens feel,” he said at Rambam Health Care Campus. “This is not due to the decisions of the Health Ministry. The confusion is created from the struggle between the government and the Knesset.”
Last Thursday at 2 a.m., the government announced that restaurants would close except for takeout and delivery. The next day at 4 p.m., the government said they could stay open until Tuesday at 5 a.m.
On Tuesday morning, they closed. By Tuesday afternoon, they were told they could open again.
The government is considering requesting a court order to limit the activity of restaurants and at the same time will try to get the Knesset to approve its directive on restaurants, bypassing the Coronavirus Committee.
Moreover, it is expected that the new coronavirus advisory board will meet on Thursday and potentially determine the need for a total lockdown.
This flip-flopping has also led the religious community to question the government’s directives.
Chief Rabbi David Lau called on the government to change its decision regarding worship in synagogues. The number of people allowed to pray in any given synagogue should be commensurate with its size, he said.
The government’s limit of 20 people in a prayer service was arbitrary, Lau said, adding that it was illogical that the same number of worshipers be permitted in both small and large synagogues.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Ukraine coronavirus cases exceed 60,000, 1,518 deaths reported

The total number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine has reached 60,166 and 1,518 people died as of July 21, Ukrainian health minister Maksym Stepanov said on Tuesday.President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last week Ukrainians were fed up with the coronavirus lockdown and the government should be cautious about extending it.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 14.73 million, death toll at 609,142

More than 14.73 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 609,142 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--IDF officer injured lightly from shrapnel near Egyptian border

The officer received treatment at the scene .
The incident is under investigation .

The officer received treatment at the scene. The incident is under investigation.
An IDF officer was lightly injured on Monday night after being hit by shrapnel from a bullet during routine activities along the Egyptian border, the IDF announced on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--IDF exercise to take place in western Galilee

Swimming will not be permissible on the coast between Rosh HaNikra and the Ziv Bridge during the exercise .

Swimming will not be permissible on the coast between Rosh HaNikra and the Ziv Bridge during the exercise.
An IDF exercise is planned to take place in the western Galilee on Tuesday evening and will continue until Wednesday morning. A considerable troop activity will take place as part of the exercise, as well as explosions and flare launches.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Abbas says ready to return to negotiations with Israel - report

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during a meeting in Ramallah on Monday that he @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with Israel , according to Asharq Al-Awsat .
Abbas asked Egypt to help deter @ @ @ @ @ promised annexation of parts of the West Bank .
Shukry stressed that Egypt is working @ @ @ @ @ lead to a two-state solution , with a Palestinian state along the '67 borders .

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during a meeting in Ramallah on Monday that he is interested in returning to negotiations with Israel, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Abbas asked Egypt to help deter Israel from carrying out a promised annexation of parts of the West Bank. Shukry stressed that Egypt is working to resume negotiations that will lead to a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state along the '67 borders.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Xi tells Abbas that China supports the 'just demands of Palestine'

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and made it clear that China supports a two-state @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday morning .
`` This is the right direction , '' Xi was quoted as @ @ @ @ @ agency , Xinhua .
The Chinese president also told Abbas that `` China supports the @ @ @ @ @ The country believes in dialogue and negotiations between the parties , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ take a fair stand as an effort to promote peace , '' Xi added .

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and made it clear that China supports a two-state solution, Ynet reported on Tuesday morning.
"This is the right direction," Xi was quoted as saying by the Chinese news agency, Xinhua.The Chinese president also told Abbas that "China supports the just demands of Palestine. The country believes in dialogue and negotiations between the parties," he said."The international community must take a fair stand as an effort to promote peace," Xi added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Australia's Victoria state reports 374 new cases of coronavirus

SYDNEY - Australia 's second most populous state of Victoria reported on Tuesday three deaths from the new coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ infections compared with 275 cases a day earlier .
A woman in her 100s , @ @ @ @ @ and a woman in her 80s have all died from the virus , Premier Daniel @ @ @ @ @ briefing in Melbourne .
The state so far has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed @ @ @ @ @ is nearly half of the total infections in Australia .
Victoria 's government has enforced @ @ @ @ @ the city of Melbourne and asked residents to wear face masks when they step outside @ @ @ @ @ to contain a flare-up in infections .

SYDNEY - Australia's second most populous state of Victoria reported on Tuesday three deaths from the new coronavirus and logged 374 daily cases of infections compared with 275 cases a day earlier.
A woman in her 100s, a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s have all died from the virus, Premier Daniel Andrews said in a media briefing in Melbourne.
The state so far has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is nearly half of the total infections in Australia.
Victoria's government has enforced a six-week partial lockdown in the city of Melbourne and asked residents to wear face masks when they step outside their houses or risk fines to contain a flare-up in infections.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 40,000 mark

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases .

Mexico 's Health Ministry on Tuesday reported 6,859 new confirmed coronavirus infections and 915 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 356,255 cases and 40,400 deaths
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Police arrest six demonstrators in Jerusalem protest

Naked woman on top of a menorah statue during Jerusalem protests , July 21 , 2020 ( IM TIRTZU )

Naked woman on top of a menorah statue during Jerusalem protests , July 21, 2020 (IM TIRTZU)
Thirty-four people, among the thousands who were protesting in Jerusalem on Tuesday night, were arrested due to alleged disruption of public order and assaulting police officers.Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government’s dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.Two different protests took place on Balfour street. One group demanded the resignation of Netanyahu over charges of breach of trust, accepting bribes and fraud. The other one, organized by restaurant owners , rallied against the government’s recent attempts to limit activities in restaurants in an attempt to combat the spread of the coronavirus.Restaurant owners demanded that the government devise a plan for properly compensating the businesses that suffered economic losses during the coronavirus pandemic.In an act of criticizing the government’s handling of the crisis, restaurant owners prepared various dishes to hand out “to any hungry person who will come.” The gesture was meant to “emphasize the importance of maintaining solidarity and being empathetic to others even in hard times like this, just as [they] would expect to be treated by the government,” they said. The “battered industry has not been getting clear answers since the crisis began,” they added.Some 61 residents from the Rehavia neighborhood, where the Prime Minister’s Official Residence resides, had petitioned the High Court of Justice in a request to prevent the protests which have become a norm in recent weeks “Children, elders and adults from all sectors and genders have found themselves in the position of hostages, in a protest that has become in part violent, unrestricted and completely ignoring the coronavirus pandemic,” the petition read.Police approved the protests despite the coronavirus restrictions, announcing that the adjacent streets and intersections will be blocked until protests end. These included Azza Road and the Paris Square, as well as the streets of Ben Tzvi, Ramban, King George, Keren Hayesod, Rupin and Kaplan.Protesters later continued to march all the way to the Knesset.While the protest remained relatively peaceful throughout the evening, several protests used the opportunity to publically disrespect one of Israel's most notable symbols - the menorah, a statue of which is located outside the Knesset. Raising red Antifa flags, one protester went as far as climbing the statue while exposing her chest.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Israel Katz meets with social workers' reps in an attempt to end strike

Finance Minister Israel Katz met with chairman of the worker's union Arnon Bar-David and Minister of Welfare Itzik Shmuli on Tuesday evening in an attempt to formulate the major principles for the agreement between the ministry and Israel's social workers.The meeting also included Deputy Finance Minister Yitzhak Cohen, president of Israel's union of social workers Inbal Hermoni and the relevant teams from the Finance Ministry dealing with this topic.Among the agreements reached during the meeting is the addition of NIS 200 million for raising the salaries of social workers as part of a wider reform for improving their working conditions.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Shots fired towards a hotel in Herzliya, no casualties reported

Shots fired towards the Ramat Yam 60 hotel in Herzliya on Tuesday evening, according to N12.No casualties have been reported at this time.Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Khameni: Iran to strike reciprocal blow against US for killing Soleimani

On January 3 , a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani , leader of the Revolutionary Guards ’ Quds @ @ @ @ @ Soleimani of masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region .

Iran will strike a reciprocal blow against the US for the killing of top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday in a meeting with Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, according to Khamenei's official website.
On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force. Washington had accused Soleimani of masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: 1,203 new diagnoses since midnight; 256 in serious condition

Some 1,203 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus since midnight on Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported. In addition, some 1,854 were diagnosed on Monday.The number of serious patients has hit 256, the report showed. Some 77 people are intubated and some 424 Israelis have died from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--886 IDF service members diagnosed with coronavirus

The IDF announced on Tuesday that 886 service members, including civilian employees, have been diagnosed with coronavirus and are in light condition. The military added that 7,558 service members are in at-home isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--PAHO: Coronavirus shows no sign of slowing down in the Americas

The novel coronavirus pandemic is showing "no signs of slowing down" in the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization director said on Tuesday, with the virus landing in Guianese shield countries on the continent`s northeastern coast and surges in Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.Carissa Etienne told a virtual briefing from PAHO's Washington base that some central American nations were seeing their highest weekly increase of cases since the virus landed, and that because of the high burden of infectious diseases and chronic conditions in the Americas, three out of ten people - 325 million - were at "increased risk" of developing complications from COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Gov't to limit restaurants, bypassing coronavirus committee

The government will issue a court order that will limit the activity of restaurants, according to a report by Channel 13.The government will try to get the Knesset to approve the new directive, while bypassing the coronavirus committee, after it voted on Monday in favor of leaving restaurants open even on the weekends.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Trump: Charging gun-brandishing St. Louis couple is abuse of power

President Donald Trump thinks the prosecutor who charged a Missouri couple with unlawful weapon use for pulling guns on protesters outside their home is abusing her power, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday.Trump told McEnany that "it is absolutely absurd what is happening to the McCloskeys," referring to the St. Louis couple, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, and that "this is an extreme abuse of power by the prosecutor," she said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Liberman: 'Netanyahu can't manage - has lost the public's trust'

Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman addressed the coronavirus pandemic on his Twitter account on Tuesday and criticized the government, while pointing at its eroded public support."I've met many people in the past few days. The most critical issue I've been hearing from everyone, besides the government's complete loss of control, is a complete lack of public support in the current government and in the prime minister's ability to drag the country out of the mud," Liberman wrote on Twitter, adding that "Benjamin Netanyahu may know how to do magic, but he surly can't manage."


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Nantes cathedral fire may be accidental – French minister

There is nothing to suggest at this stage that a fire in the 15-century cathedral in the western French city of Nantes was started deliberately, France's interior minister said on Tuesday."At this hour, nothing suggests that this is a criminal act," Gerald Darmanin told lawmakers in parliament. "An investigation has been opened. It could be that this was accidental."


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--France wants independent observers allowed into China's Uyghur regions

`` All of the practices in the area are unacceptable because they go against all the global human rights conventions @ @ @ @ @ , '' Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers in parliament .

France's foreign minister on Tuesday condemned the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China and said Paris wanted independent observers to be allowed into the area.
"All of the practices in the area are unacceptable because they go against all the global human rights conventions and we condemn them strongly," Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers in parliament.
"We ask that China allows access of international independent observers in this zone and the high commissioner for human rights to be allowed to freely enter this zone."


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Erdogan: Turkey to remain in Syria 'until Syrian people are free'

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkish forces, which have carried out several incursions into northern Syria since 2016, would remain in the country until Syrians can live in freedom and safety."Nowadays they are holding an election, a so-called election," Erdogan said of a parliamentary election on Sunday in Syria's government-controlled regions, after nearly a decade of civil war. "Until the Syrian people are free, peaceful and safe, we will remain in this country," he said in a speech in Ankara.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Thousands protest in Tel Aviv as social workers' strike reaches 16th day

Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to protest against the unfair employment conditions of social workers, according to Ynet.As the social workers' strike has reached its 16th day with no meaningful progress being made, thousands gathered to draw Finance Minister Israel Kat's attention and make some progress regarding their demands."The Finance Ministry has put all social services in Israel up for sale," said head of the social workers' union.


jerusalempost--2020-07-21--Former Jerusalem deputy mayor may be charged over alleged bribe

Former deputy mayor of Jerusalem Meir Turgeman allegedly received NIS 354,895 as a bribe and may be charged with receiving bribery, fraud, breach of trust, theft and tax evasion.The Taxation and Economics Department of the Jerusalem Attorney's Office is considering charging Turgeman along with other officials who are also suspected of receiving bribery.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Romania exceeds 1,000 new coronavirus cases in record daily high

The number of coronavirus infections in Romania rose by a record 1,030 new cases in a day, the government said on Wednesday, as the World Health Organization said spikes in southern Europe and the Balkans were worrying.Romania has confirmed 40,163 cases since the pandemic reached it in late February and 2,101 people have died. The government has extended a state of alert, in place since May 15, by another 30 days until the middle of August.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Coronavirus: Knesset Internal Affairs Committee worker tests positive

A woman who works at the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee tested positive for coronavirus , Knesset Guard head Yosef Grif @ @ @ @ @ moring .
According to Grif , the employee was last at the Knesset on July @ @ @ @ @ came in contact with the worker is to follow the Health Ministry 's instructions , @ @ @ @ @ epidemiological investigation .

A woman who works at the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee tested positive for coronavirus, Knesset Guard head Yosef Grif said in a statement Wednesday moring.
According to Grif, the employee was last at the Knesset on July 13. All those who came in contact with the worker is to follow the Health Ministry's instructions, as the ministry continues its epidemiological investigation.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Philippines records 6 new coronavirus deaths, 1,594 more cases

The Philippines' health ministry on Wednesday reported six new coronavirus deaths and 1,594 additional infections, the seventh straight day when confirmed cases have topped 1,000.In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths had reached 1,843, while confirmed cases rose to 72,269.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Indonesia reports 139 new coronavirus deaths, highest daily rise

Indonesia reported on Wednesday 139 new deaths from the coronavirus, the country's highest daily increase and bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,459, data from the country's Health Ministry website showed. The number of infections rose by 1,882 to bring the total number to 91,751 in Indonesia, which has the most confirmed cases in East Asia.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Hong Kong reports record daily rise in coronavirus cases

Hong Kong reported 113 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a daily record, including 105 that were transmitted locally, adding to a slew of new cases which have hit the global financial hub over the past two weeks.The city is expanding strict new social distancing measures from midnight Wednesday, mandating face masks in all indoor public areas including malls and markets, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Russia reports close to 6,000 new coronavirus cases

Russia reported 5,862 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, pushing its total infection tally to 789,190, the fourth largest in the world.The country's coronavirus crisis response centre said 165 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 12,745.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Alaska peninsula

An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck Alaska peninsula on Wednesday, the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences said.The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), GFZ said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Global coronavirus cases exceed 15 million

The total of 15,009,213 cases is at least triple the number of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually , according to @ @ @ @ @ while the death toll of more than 616,000 in seven months is close to the @ @ @ @ @ deaths .

Global coronavirus infections surged past 15 million on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally, with the pandemic gathering pace even as countries remain divided in their response to the crisis.
The total of 15,009,213 cases is at least triple the number of severe influenza illnesses recorded annually, according to World Health Organization data, while the death toll of more than 616,000 in seven months is close to the upper range of yearly influenza deaths.
The global tally reached the grim new milestone after India, which has the third largest number of infections in the world behind the United States and Brazil, reported almost 40,000 new cases in its daily update.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Social workers end strike after signing agreement with Finance Ministry

The Union of Social Workers agreed to end their 17-day strike after signing agreements with the Finance Ministry on Wednesday, according to Israeli media reports.According to the reports, the social workers will receive a raise and an additional payment listed as “ coronavirus benefits.”Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to protest against the unfair employment conditions of social workers, according to Ynet.After the social workers’ strike had reached its 16th day with no meaningful progress being made, thousands gathered to draw Finance Minister Israel Katz’s attention and make some progress regarding their demands. “The Finance Ministry has put all social services in Israel up for sale,” said the head of the social workers’ union. Katz met with chairman of the workers’ union, Arnon Bar-David, and Welfare Minister Itzik Shmuli on Tuesday evening in an attempt to formulate the major principles for the agreement between the ministry and the social workers.Among the agreements reached during the meeting is the addition of NIS 200 million for salary raises of social workers as part of a wider reform for improving their working conditions.The end of the strike means that an estimated 1.5 million people will now be able to get the social services they so desperately need during the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Protesters block all entrances to Knesset - report

All the entrances to the Knesset were blocked Wednesday morning by protesters lying on the road , N12 reported .
@ @ @ @ @ thousands gathered Tuesday night in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's residency on Jerusalem @ @ @ @ @ demanding his resignation .
According to police , some 34 protesters have been arrested overnight @ @ @ @ @ and assaulting police officers .
`` Several dozen demonstrators gathered near the Knesset Complex , @ @ @ @ @ the road , '' Israel Police Spokesperson 's Unit said Wednesday morning .
`` Police @ @ @ @ @ scene and are working on restoring the order and re-opening the roads . ''

All the entrances to the Knesset were blocked Wednesday morning by protesters lying on the road, N12 reported.
The die-in protest came after thousands gathered Tuesday night in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residency on Jerusalem's Balfour Street, some demanding his resignation.
According to police, some 34 protesters have been arrested overnight for allegedly disrupting public order and assaulting police officers.
"Several dozen demonstrators gathered near the Knesset Complex, disrupting vehicular movement and blocking the road," Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit said Wednesday morning.
"Police forces are currently at the scene and are working on restoring the order and re-opening the roads."


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Trump and Abu Dhabi crown prince discuss Libya in phone call

The crown prince is the de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates .
The UAE , alongside Egypt and @ @ @ @ @ commander Khalifa Haftar , whose fighters have been battling the forces of the country 's @ @ @ @ @ has stepped up support for the government in Tripoli .

US President Donald Trump and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan discussed regional security issues including the "importance of de-escalation in Libya through the removal of foreign forces" during a phone call on Tuesday, the White House said.
The crown prince is the de facto leader of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, alongside Egypt and Russia, backs eastern Libya commander Khalifa Haftar, whose fighters have been battling the forces of the country's internationally recognized government. Turkey has stepped up support for the government in Tripoli.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Prof. Gabi Barbash gives up nomination as coronavirus 'czar'

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein appointed Sourasky Medical Center CEO Ronni Gamzu Israel’s “coronavirus czar” after midnight Wednesday night.Netanyahu praised Gamzu, a former Health Ministry director-general, for developing a strategic plan for protecting Israel's senior living facilities from the virus. Gamzu's Magen Avot Ve'imahot program is still being used today.The move came after Prof. Gabriel Barbash, who Gamzu had praised as the right person for the role hours before, rejected Netanyahu's offer following a battle over the mandate of the new post in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.“The appointment of Prof. Gabi Barbash as the coronavirus project manager is excellent,” Gamzu said in a Facebook post. “This is the right man in the right place! This is the best decision the government has made since the start of the crisis.”Gamzu described Barbash as “determined,” “detail-oriented” and a person who does not take no for an answer. He said he knows how to give respect, but also how to get angry.Barbash had demanded that both Netanyahu and Edelstein come to an agreement about his mandate by late Wednesday, or he would refuse the position.Senior insider sources said that the hold up in formalizing Barbash’s contract was infighting between Netanyahu and Edelstein, as well as negotiations over certain aspects of his role. It was unclear whether Barbash would report to Edelstein or the coronavirus cabinet, meaning the prime minister.In an interview with Israeli media on Wednesday, Edelstein joked that the public was waiting “for a messiah and not a project manager.”It was also being determined what specific authoritative powers Barbash would have and how he would work with newly appointed Health Ministry director-general Chezy Levy, who has already said in interviews with Israeli media that he is looking forward to collaborating with Barbash.Netanyahu had not even officially named the former CEO of Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center and former director-general of the Health Ministry, before experts and politicians began to evaluate the choice, asking whether Barbash the right man for the job.The role of the czar, or project manager, is to oversee an emergency coronavirus authority that would be given the necessary tools to take responsibility for the pandemic and remove the oversight and implementation of testing and contact tracing from the public health services. This person is also meant to be responsible for the management of real-time data, logistics and procurement, as well as orchestrating coordination between the health funds, hospitals, police, Home Front Command, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and anyone else that plays a role in fighting the pandemic.“The prime minister needs somebody who will be able to share with him how to handle the coronavirus,” said Hadassah Medical Center chief Zeev Rotstein.Rotstein said that Barbash has “extreme academic achievements” and left Sourasky a “modern and sophisticated” hospital.Even MK Naftali Bennett, who himself wanted the role of coronavirus czar, praised the prime minister’s choice: “Gabi Barbash’s appointment is excellent. He is just the right person.”Barbash is a graduate of Hadassah Medical School of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1969-1975). He did his residency in internal medicine at Sourasky and passed his board examinations summa cum laude in 1984.He holds a master’s degree in public health from Harvard’s School of Public Health.As director-general of the Health Ministry (1996-1999), he orchestrated all four health funds to cooperate in controlling the re-emergence of tuberculosis in Israel, after a surge of new cases broke out in the country with the arrival of a large number of immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia.He then served as CEO of Sourasky until 2015.Barbash has published more than 80 original peer reviewed papers in his field.“Professor Barbash is one of Israel’s premier physicians,” Prof. Dan Ben-David, president and founder of the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research said.But he said that this new position will require dealing with tremendous bureaucratic black holes and bringing a different operational culture to the otherwise extremely inefficient, unorganized and often unprofessional system.Since Edelstein announced his intention to create such a role, several people were considered for the job and many of them declined because they understood that they might not be given the authority needed for success.“By the Health Ministry not moving the management to an authority that can handle the crisis, it is putting our health at risk,” Prof. Eli Waxman, who was the prime minister’s No. 1 consultant on the coronavirus crisis during the first wave, told The Jerusalem Post.“The most important thing is that the manager will have all the responsibility and authority he needs to manage the pandemic,” he said. “I am very worried about the fact that you had very good candidates who had all the required qualifications and they were not interested because the government refused to transfer to them the required responsibility.“Barbash has not even been formally appointed yet and I think we are dealing with this same issue again,” he said.Waxman was among the most outspoken voices for appointing an army general or commander to head the authority. He said that he believes the main challenges facing the country now are not medical – “medical should remain with the Health Ministry” – but operational.“A medical doctor is not crucial for the job,” Waxman said. “But it is an advantage.”Barbash, however, does have a military background. He served as flight surgeon, deputy surgeon general and physician of the Combined Air-Ground Operations Command in the Israeli Air Force from 1976 to 1984.And since the start of the pandemic, Waxman said that Barbash has “made some of the right comments.”“I identify with the things that I have heard him say on the coronavirus,” said Ben-David.In his near-nightly coronavirus commentaries on N12 and during interviews with the Post, Barbash has been among the harshest critics of the government’s handling of the pandemic.On April 6, he called out the Health Ministry for “not planning enough” in an interview with the paper. At the time, Israel’s screening capabilities were limited because the country was lacking swabs and then reagents – supplies that would have been available at the beginning of the outbreak.“This has damaged our capability to understand the situation and have a clear picture of what we are fighting, where we are fighting it and to what extent the enemy is there,” he told the Post.He condemned the Health Ministry again later in the month when it chose to hand over molecular testing from Magen David Adom to the health funds, just as the country was reopening.“I would not dare do something like that, to transfer the torch exactly when we are taking such a big step in the community and we need to continually follow up,” Barbash said. “This, in my mind, endangers the whole process.”But perhaps his most prophetic statement came the weekend before Israel prepared to open its schools under the Health Ministry’s new directives – guidelines that the schools themselves said they would not be able to follow. Barbash said on N12 that night that he did not think the schools were ready to take in children.“If it were my kid, I would not send him to school,” he said.Waxman said that if Israel uses the right tools, the country will be able to live with the pandemic “almost normally for a long time.”“It is up to us to build the tools, and the government needs to make the decision to do that,” he said.“Can Barbash lead these efforts?” Rotstein asked, responding: “I believe he can.”


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Islamist militants execute four aid workers in northeast Nigeria

Islamist militants in northeast Nigeria have executed four aid workers and a private security guard, according to a video seen by Reuters on Wednesday.International Rescue Committee and Action Against Hunger, both aid groups, confirmed the killing of their colleagues and other humanitarian workers in statements condemning the executions. Last month, the militants released a video in which the hostages identified themselves."You that are working for infidel organizations, you are working to deliver their mandate but they do not care about your plight," said a man wearing a balaclava in the video, with the five captives wearing red blindfolds and kneeling in a row in front of him. "This is why whenever we abduct you, those organizations do not show any form of concern," he said.When the man finished his speech, he and four other men in balaclavas and military fatigues shot the captives.The execution underscores the increasing risk for aid workers in northeast Nigeria, where a decade-long conflict with Boko Haram and Islamic State's regional ally has fueled one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Since Nigeria's military withdrew into garrison towns they call "super camps," the northeast has become deadlier for many civilians, leaving previously safe major roads, much of the countryside and smaller towns unprotected.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Netanyahu ‘Check for All’ plan may expand, now estimated at NIS 7 billion

The "Check for All" plan championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz might expand to NIS 7 billion as further benefits are considered for Holocaust survivors, those who became disabled during their military service and families with more than three children, Channel 13 reported on Wednesday evening.The changes are due to the Prime Minister’s Office modifying the program, originally estimated at NIS 6 billion, after the Knesset’s Finance Committee head UTJ MK Moshe Gafni voiced his support to offer more aid to families that have more than three children, the report said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 45 civilians, Taliban members - officials

Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar , the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat , said at least eight civilians were among the dead .
`` Forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area , Taliban were among those killed , '' he said .
It was unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban .
Habib Amini , a local official in neighbouring Guzara district , confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately respond to a request for comment .
A spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan said they had not taken part in Wednesday 's airstrikes .
The United States is winding back troops under an agreement with the Taliban struck in February , which was meant to pave the way to formal peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government .
However , disagreement over the release of prisoners demanded by the Taliban and rising violence around the country have hampered progress , and talks have yet to start .
Qari Muhammad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement that two airstrikes in Heart had killed eight civilians and wounded 12 .

Airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 45 people, including civilians and Taliban, local officials said on Wednesday.
Ali Ahmad Faqir Yar, the governor of Adraskan District in the eastern Afghanistan province of Herat, said at least eight civilians were among the dead. "Forty-five people had been killed so far in airstrikes by security forces in the Kham Ziarat area, Taliban were among those killed," he said.
It was unclear how many of the remaining 37 were civilians and how many were members of the Taliban.
Habib Amini, a local official in neighbouring Guzara district, confirmed the incident and that 45 were killed and more injured.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan said they had not taken part in Wednesday's airstrikes.
The United States is winding back troops under an agreement with the Taliban struck in February, which was meant to pave the way to formal peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government. However, disagreement over the release of prisoners demanded by the Taliban and rising violence around the country have hampered progress, and talks have yet to start.
Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said in a statement that two airstrikes in Heart had killed eight civilians and wounded 12.
Two local officials confirmed there had been two rounds of airstrikes.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--China says bomb, death threats made against its Washington embassy

`` As a result of smears & hatred fanned up by the # US gov , the Chinese embassy has @ @ @ @ @ DeathThreats , '' she posted on Twitter after the United States told China to close @ @ @ @ @ widespread accusations Chinese officials have been involved in spying .

Bomb and death threats have been made against the Chinese embassy in Washington, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday, blaming the U.S. government.
"As a result of smears & hatred fanned up by the #US gov, the Chinese embassy has received #bomb & #DeathThreats," she posted on Twitter after the United States told China to close its consulate in Houston amid widespread accusations Chinese officials have been involved in spying.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--IDF reports 922 active cases of coronavirus, all in light condition

The IDF also reported that as of Wednesday , 7,480 servicemembers are currently in home isolation .

The IDF also reported that as of Wednesday, 7,480 servicemembers are currently in home isolation.
The IDF reported that as of Wednesday evening, 922 soldiers and IDF employees were diagnosed with active cases of the novel coronavirus, and all are in a light condition.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--FBI says it has evidence linking anti-feminist lawyer to another murder

The FBI said on Wednesday it had evidence linking Roy Den Hollander, the suspect in the shooting of the son and husband of federal judge Esther Salas in New Jersey, to a separate murder earlier this month in California.The FBI said in an emailed statement it was working with the sheriff's office in San Bernardino, California and had evidence linking Hollander to the July 11 death of Marc Angelucci, who like Hollander was a men's rights activist.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--IDF sets up team of safety experts after tragic car accident in Jaffa

The military police investigation into the matter is still open .

The military police investigation into the matter is still open.
Following a tragic car accident that took place on Tuesday in the parking lot of the IDF Army Radio station in Jaffa, in which a reserve officer from the unit was critically wounded, the commander of the IDF's Manpower Directorate, Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz, instructed on Wednesday for the establishment of a team of experts headed by a colonel to review the unit's safety norms.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Jerusalem police to allow weekend protests in front of PM's residence

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the police , @ @ @ @ @ been planned for Thursday and Friday will take place in front of Prime Minister Benjamin @ @ @ @ @ Street in Jerusalem , as planned .
The movement said it `` thanked the district @ @ @ @ @ and creativity on the way to finding a solution '' and added that it `` @ @ @ @ @ fears for Israel 's economic and democratic future to join the demonstrations and exercise their @ @ @ @ @ . ''

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the police, and the demonstrations which had been planned for Thursday and Friday will take place in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem, as planned.
The movement said it "thanked the district chief for his full cooperation and creativity on the way to finding a solution" and added that it "calls on every citizen who fears for Israel's economic and democratic future to join the demonstrations and exercise their right to protest without fear."


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--UK concerned over Chinese hacking allegations, foreign minister says

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said on Wednesday Britain was concerned by evidence published by the United States showing that China was involved in cyberattacks against medical and academic institutions in 11 countries including the UK."I am deeply concerned by the evidence announced yesterday that China is engaged in malicious cyberattacks against commercial, medical and academic institutions, including those working to respond to the coronavirus pandemic," Raab said in a statement.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--Coronavirus: Brazil's Bolsonaro tests positive for third time

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has had another positive result for the novel coronavirus in the third test he has taken since falling ill on July 7, a secretariat of the Communications Ministry said on Wednesday."The test carried out on the president yesterday, on the 21st, showed a positive result," a statement said. "President Bolsonaro is still in good condition, accompanied by the presidency's medical team," it added.


jerusalempost--2020-07-22--UK details path to citizenship for Hong Kong applicants

`` We are planning to open the Hong Kong BN ( O ) ( British National Overseas ) Visa for @ @ @ @ @ '' Patel said in a written statement to parliament .
`` There will be no @ @ @ @ @ requirements , economic needs tests or caps on numbers .
I am giving BN ( @ @ @ @ @ to acquire full British citizenship .

Britain's route to citizenship for almost three million people in Hong Kong will open in January 2021, and applicants will not need a job to come to the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday.
"We are planning to open the Hong Kong BN(O) (British National Overseas) Visa for applications from January 2021," Patel said in a written statement to parliament.
"There will be no skills tests or minimum income requirements, economic needs tests or caps on numbers. I am giving BN(O) citizens the opportunity to acquire full British citizenship.
"They do not need to have a job before coming to the UK – they can look for work once here. They may bring their immediate dependents, including non-BN(O) citizens."


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Severe heat wave expected next week

Severe heat wave expected next week

The Health Ministry recommends avoiding exposure to the sun and heat , avoiding strenuous activities , drinking plenty of water @ @ @ @ @ to be .
The ministry stressed that masks should still be worn and social distancing @ @ @ @ @ .
On Sunday , the forecast temperatures are :

The Health Ministry recommends avoiding exposure to the sun and heat, avoiding strenuous activities, drinking plenty of water and finding air conditioned places to be. The ministry stressed that masks should still be worn and social distancing regulations should still be followed.
On Sunday, the forecast temperatures are:
>Tiberias: High: 107°F (42°C) Low: 73°F (23°C)
>Haifa: High: 82°F (28°C) Low: 73°F (23°C)
>Tel Aviv: High: 86°F (30°C) Low: 73°F (23°C)
>Jerusalem: High: 99°F (37°C) Low: 70°F (21°C)
>Beersheba: High: 99°F (37°C) Low: 70°F (21°C)
>Eilat: High: 104°F (40°C) Low: 84F (29°C)
A severe heat wave is expected beginning at the end of this week until the end of next week, with temperatures reaching around 90 F (32 C) around the country.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Romania coronavirus cases hit new record daily high

Other countries in southern Europe and the Balkans saw spikes in new cases in recent days , raising alarm with the World Health Organization .
Romania announced 1,112 new cases , taking confirmed cases to 41,275 since the pandemic reached the country in late February .
Some 2,126 people have died .
The European Union member has extended a state of alert until the middle of August and several European countries have reinstated travel restrictions for Romanians .
A legislative void that enabled thousands of infected people to walk out of hospitals or not be treated at all for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hike .
The void has since been solved through a new parliamentary bill .
Another reason was a relative lack of compliance with social distancing rules and wearing protective masks in closed spaces .
On Wednesday , Health Minister Nelu Tataru criticised attempts to make light of the pandemic and mislead people into not following the rules .
`` We are going through a difficult moment .
As long as we have these negationist trends , this slighting of the three-four months during which everybody followed some rules ... it will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The number of coronavirus infections in Romania rose by a record amount for a second consecutive day, the government said on Thursday, and local authorities said they could place dozens of small towns under localized quarantine.
Other countries in southern Europe and the Balkans saw spikes in new cases in recent days, raising alarm with the World Health Organization.
Romania announced 1,112 new cases, taking confirmed cases to 41,275 since the pandemic reached the country in late February. Some 2,126 people have died.
The European Union member has extended a state of alert until the middle of August and several European countries have reinstated travel restrictions for Romanians.
A legislative void that enabled thousands of infected people to walk out of hospitals or not be treated at all for most of July was in part responsible for the hike. The void has since been solved through a new parliamentary bill.
Another reason was a relative lack of compliance with social distancing rules and wearing protective masks in closed spaces.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Nelu Tataru criticised attempts to make light of the pandemic and mislead people into not following the rules.
"We are going through a difficult moment. As long as we have these negationist trends, this slighting of the three-four months during which everybody followed some rules ... it will remain difficult," Tataru told reporters.
Earlier this month, the former ruling Social Democrat Party accused the government of failing to contain the pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--UK pledges 100 million pounds to scale up COVID-19 vaccine production

`` This new Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centre , alongside crucial investment in skills , will support @ @ @ @ @ millions of doses of a coronavirus vaccine while ensuring the UK can respond quickly to @ @ @ @ @ Business Secretary Alok Sharma said in a statement .

Britain said on Thursday it will provide 100 million pounds ($127 million) of funding for a facility to scale up the manufacturing of vaccines for COVID-19.
"This new Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Manufacturing Innovation Centre, alongside crucial investment in skills, will support our efforts to rapidly produce millions of doses of a coronavirus vaccine while ensuring the UK can respond quickly to potential future pandemics," Business Secretary Alok Sharma said in a statement.
($1 = 0.7860 pounds)


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--4 prison staff members infected with coronavirus

All those infected are in quarantine and in good condition .
An epidemiological investigation is being conducted .

All those infected are in quarantine and in good condition. An epidemiological investigation is being conducted.
Four staff members of the Israel Prison Service were confirmed as infected with the coronavirus on Thursday, including a commander at the Ofer Prison, a soldier from the Nahshon unit, a prison warden from the Rimon Prison and a warden from the Tzalmon Prison.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Philippines confirms 2,200 more coronavirus cases, 28 deaths

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths have increased to 1,871 and infections have risen to 74,390 .

The Philippine health ministry on Thursday reported 2,200 new coronavirus infections and 28 new deaths.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have increased to 1,871 and infections have risen to 74,390.
The Southeast Asian nation's coronavirus task force on Thursday reimposed a ban on non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos, two weeks after it lifted it.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Indonesia reports 1,906 new coronavirus cases, 117 deaths

Indonesia reported 1,906 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing its total infections to 93,657, data from the country's COVID-19 taskforce showed.The number of COVID-19 deaths in the Southeast Asian nation rose by 117 on Thursday to bring the total to 4,576, the data showed.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Hong Kong reports new daily record of coronavirus cases

Hong Kong reported 118 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, a daily record, including 111 that were locally transmitted, adding to a deluge of new cases that have hit the global financial hub over the past two weeks.
Hong Kong extended strict social distancing measures on Wednesday as authorities reported 105 locally transmitted infections.
Since late January more than 2,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 14 of whom have died. Authorities have warned the city faces a critical period in containing the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Russia's coronavirus tally nears 800,000

Russia reported 5,848 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, pushing its national tally to 795,038, the fourth largest in the world.In their daily readout, officials said 147 people had died in the last 24 hours, pushing Russia's official death toll to 12,892.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 18 in Xinjiang

Of the new infections , 18 were in the far western region of Xinjiang and one was in Dalian city @ @ @ @ @ , according to a statement by the National Health Commission .
The other three were @ @ @ @ @ case involved a 58-year-old man working at a seafood processing company .
Multiple samples collected @ @ @ @ @ frozen food , processing workshop , canteen and office building also tested positive , state @ @ @ @ @ 31 new asymptomatic patients , or those showing no symptoms , up from 22 a @ @ @ @ @ , Dalian reported two new locally transmitted cases and 12 asymptomatic ones , all close @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , state media said citing Dalian government .
Earlier this month , customs in @ @ @ @ @ the packaging of frozen shrimps imported from Ecuador .
China suspended imports from three Ecuadorean @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Dalian , with a population of nearly 7.0 million , plans to conduct @ @ @ @ @ people in the city , state media said .

China reported 22 new coronavirus cases in the mainland for July 22, up from 14 cases a day earlier, the health commission said on Thursday.
Of the new infections, 18 were in the far western region of Xinjiang and one was in Dalian city in the northeastern Liaoning province, according to a statement by the National Health Commission. The other three were imported cases.
The Dalian case involved a 58-year-old man working at a seafood processing company. Multiple samples collected from the company, including frozen food, processing workshop, canteen and office building also tested positive, state media said.
China reported 31 new asymptomatic patients, or those showing no symptoms, up from 22 a day earlier.
On Thursday, Dalian reported two new locally transmitted cases and 12 asymptomatic ones, all close contacts of the case from Wednesday, state media said citing Dalian government.
Earlier this month, customs in Dalian found the coronavirus in the packaging of frozen shrimps imported from Ecuador. China suspended imports from three Ecuadorean shrimp producers after detecting the virus.
Dalian, with a population of nearly 7.0 million, plans to conduct nucleic acid testing for 190,000 people in the city, state media said.
As of Wednesday, mainland China had 83,729 confirmed coronavirus cases, the health authority said. The COVID-19 death toll remained at 4,634.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Israel tops 2,000 daily new cases - 295 in serious condition

Israel topped 2,000 new coronavirus patients in one day, according to statistics by the Health Ministry.As of Thursday morning, there are 295 patients in serious condition, including 79 on ventilators.Some 44 people have died.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Knesset coronavirus committee to decide the fate of Israel's gyms

The Knesset Coronavirus Committee convened on Thursday to discuss the future of Israel's gyms after the government ruled that gyms must close to combat the coronavirus spread.The Knesset Coronavirus Committee has the ability to overturn the government's decision.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Japan's capital sets new daily record of 300 coronavirus infections

More than 300 new coronavirus infections have been reported in Japan's capital of Tokyo, domestic media said on Thursday.The daily figure was a record, topping the previous high of 293 cases reported last week, Kyodo news agency said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Blue and White does not intend to further support conversion therapy bill

Members of Blue and White signaled that they did not intend to continue to vigorously promote the bill to ban psychologists from practicing conversion therapy, due to the understanding that violating coalition agreements could lead to the collapse of the government, reported KAN news on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-24--Federal agents sent to Seattle for similar role as Portland

The Trump administration is sending a tactical team of Border Patrol agents to Seattle , expanding on controversial deployment to Portland that has provoked an uproar and sparked an investigation by a justice department watchdog, the New York Times reported on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Trump and Saudi crown prince discuss economic recovery from coronavirus

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and "re-energizing global economies" during a telephone call on Thursday, the White House said.The two leaders also discussed regional and bilateral issues and the prince "reaffirmed the strong United States-Saudi defense partnership," a White House spokesman said.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Sudan finds grave believed to have bodies of officers executed by Bashir

The officers were executed in mysterious circumstances after a quick military trial one year after Bashir himself took the power in a military coup in 1989 .
There burial site was not disclosed for decades .
`` The public prosecution managed to find a mass grave that data indicates that it is most likely the graveyard where the bodies of the officers who were killed and buried in a brutal manner , '' the public prosecutor said in a statement .
A team of 23 experts reached this result after an effort that lasted for three weeks , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the site , the statement added .
The public prosecutor assured the families of the executed officers that `` such crimes will not pass without a just trial . ''
Bashir appeared in court on Tuesday at the opening of his trial for leading the military coup that brought him to power in 1989 .
He was ousted by the army in April 2019 , after months of mass protests .
Bashir 's attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment .
Local media reports said earlier this month that prosecutors questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution has not publicly commented on the matter .
Last month , Sudan 's public prosecutor announced the discovery of a mass grave east of Khartoum suspected to contain the remains of students killed in 1998 as they tried escaping military service at a training camp .
Bashir already was handed down a two-year sentence by a court in December on corruption charges .
Bashir also faces trials and investigations over the killing of protesters .

Sudan has found a mass grave that most likely contains remains of 28 army officers executed in 1990 for plotting an attempted coup against the former President Omar al-Bashir, the public prosecutor office said late on Thursday.
The officers were executed in mysterious circumstances after a quick military trial one year after Bashir himself took the power in a military coup in 1989. There burial site was not disclosed for decades.
"The public prosecution managed to find a mass grave that data indicates that it is most likely the graveyard where the bodies of the officers who were killed and buried in a brutal manner," the public prosecutor said in a statement.
A team of 23 experts reached this result after an effort that lasted for three weeks, and more forensic and investigative measures will be taken in the site, the statement added.
The public prosecutor assured the families of the executed officers that "such crimes will not pass without a just trial."
Bashir appeared in court on Tuesday at the opening of his trial for leading the military coup that brought him to power in 1989. He was ousted by the army in April 2019, after months of mass protests.
Bashir's attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.
Local media reports said earlier this month that prosecutors questioned Bashir over the 1990 executions. The prosecution has not publicly commented on the matter.
Last month, Sudan's public prosecutor announced the discovery of a mass grave east of Khartoum suspected to contain the remains of students killed in 1998 as they tried escaping military service at a training camp.
Bashir already was handed down a two-year sentence by a court in December on corruption charges. Bashir also faces trials and investigations over the killing of protesters.
He is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued arrest warrants against him in 2009 and 2010 on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s restive Darfur region.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--Iranian passenger plane approached by US fighter jets lands back

An Iranian passenger plane that was approached by US fighter jets in Syrian airspace has landed back in Tehran , the Fars news agency reported on Friday.The approach of the fighter jets caused the pilot of the passenger plane to change altitude quickly which injured several passengers, the official IRIB news agency reported.


jerusalempost--2020-07-23--West African leaders to hold extraordinary summit on Mali crisis

West African leaders will hold a virtual extraordinary summit on Monday to propose measures to end the deepening political crisis in Mali after five heads of state met with the government and the opposition in the country's capital city Bamako on Thursday. The presidents from five West African countries held talks all day with various parties to an end to the political stalemate that has rocked the country and raised fears it could undermine a regional fight against Islamist militants."We have decided that we will report back to all the heads of state during an extraordinary meeting on Monday July 27," said Mahamadou Issoufou, Niger's President and current chair of the 15-member regional ECOWAS bloc."ECOWAS will take strong measures that will contribute to the resolutions of the crisis," Issoufou told journalists after the meetings.Infuriated by corruption, disputed local election results and army losses to jihadists, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in recent weeks, sparking clashes with police in which the United Nations says at least 14 protesters have died this month.The opposition, a group called M5-RFP whose figurehead is Saudi-trained Muslim cleric Mahmoud Dicko, has said it will not quit until President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita steps down, raising concerns in neighboring countries of a protracted crisis.Dicko told journalists after a final meeting late on Thursday that there had been no progress, and nothing had been offered at the moment that was acceptable to them."M5-RFP demands the resignation of Keita or the satisfaction of our demands," which include the establishment of a committee of inquiry into civilian deaths and a transitional government, the group's spokesman Nouhoum Togo had told Reuters on Thursday.Niger's Issoufou said however that ECOWAS drew a red line on the demand for President Keita to resign."There will be no unconstitutional change of power in the ECOWAS region," Issoufou said.