jerusalempost--2020-05-22--UK expects China to respect Hong Kong's autonomy, PM's spokesman says

Beijing has proposed new national security legislation that could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong with @ @ @ @ @ fear could potentially put rights and freedoms at risk .
`` We are monitoring the @ @ @ @ @ to respect Hong Kong 's rights and freedoms and high degree of autonomy .
As @ @ @ @ @ declaration , the UK is committed to upholding Hong Kong 's autonomy and respecting the @ @ @ @ @ model , '' Johnson 's spokesman said .

Beijing has proposed new national security legislation that could see mainland intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong with enforcement powers that foreign diplomats fear could potentially put rights and freedoms at risk.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and expect China to respect Hong Kong's rights and freedoms and high degree of autonomy. As a party to the joint declaration, the UK is committed to upholding Hong Kong's autonomy and respecting the one country, two systems model," Johnson's spokesman said.
Britain expects China to respect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong and is committed to ensuring the autonomy of the global financial hub, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Kinneret: Four beaches closed due to overcrowding

The Kinneret ( Sea of Galilee ) Authority said that ten thousand vacationers visited the Kinneret on Saturday , and @ @ @ @ @ more than 30,000 visitors on the sea 's beaches .
The Kinneret Authority also reported @ @ @ @ @ , Tsinbari , Shikmim and Amnon Bay are at full capacity , and will close @ @ @ @ @ with the `` purple badge '' occupancy and guidelines set by the Health Ministry .

The Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) Authority said that ten thousand vacationers visited the Kinneret on Saturday, and since Friday there have been more than 30,000 visitors on the sea's beaches.
The Kinneret Authority also reported that the beaches of Lebanon, Tsinbari, Shikmim and Amnon Bay are at full capacity, and will close and open alternately in accordance with the "purple badge" occupancy and guidelines set by the Health Ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Russia reports 9,434 new coronavirus infections

The country 's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before @ @ @ @ @ to 3,388 .

The country's coronavirus crisis response centre reported 139 new fatalities after a record of 150 deaths the day before, bringing the death toll to 3,388.
MOSCOW - Russia said on Saturday that 9,434 new cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in the last 24 hours, pushing its nationwide tally to 335,882.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--37-year-old man found lifeless in a residential building in Hadera

The lifeless body of a 37-year-old Netanya resident was found in a residential building on Bialik Street in Hadera on @ @ @ @ @ team which arrived at the scene found him lifeless , with bruises on his neck @ @ @ @ @ at the scene .
Following the incident , senior MDA medic Avi Bismut said `` @ @ @ @ @ building we saw the man lying in the stairwell unconscious , with no pulse and @ @ @ @ @ medical examinations but he was without signs of life and we have nothing left but @ @ @ @ @ ''

The lifeless body of a 37-year-old Netanya resident was found in a residential building on Bialik Street in Hadera on Saturday morning.
An MDA team which arrived at the scene found him lifeless, with bruises on his neck, and determined his death at the scene.
Following the incident, senior MDA medic Avi Bismut said "when we arrived at the building we saw the man lying in the stairwell unconscious, with no pulse and no breathing. We performed medical examinations but he was without signs of life and we have nothing left but to determine his death."


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Singapore's health ministry confirms 642 more coronavirus cases

Singapore 's health ministry said on Saturday it had confirmed 642 more coronavirus cases , taking its tally of infections @ @ @ @ @ majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories , the ministry @ @ @ @ @ Six are permanent residents .

Singapore's health ministry said on Saturday it had confirmed 642 more coronavirus cases, taking its tally of infections to 31,068.
The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Six are permanent residents.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Thailand reports three new coronavirus cases, no new deaths

BANGKOK - Thailand on Saturday reported three new coronavirus cases and no new deaths , bringing the country 's total @ @ @ @ @ 56 fatalities since the outbreak started in January .
The new cases are two Thai @ @ @ @ @ and under quarantine and a 49-year-old Italian man living in Phuket , said Panprapa Yongtrakul @ @ @ @ @ government 's coronavirus task force .
There are 2,916 patients who have recovered and returned @ @ @ @ @ , Panprapa said .

BANGKOK - Thailand on Saturday reported three new coronavirus cases and no new deaths, bringing the country's total to 3,040 confirmed cases and 56 fatalities since the outbreak started in January.
The new cases are two Thai nationals recently returned from overseas and under quarantine and a 49-year-old Italian man living in Phuket, said Panprapa Yongtrakul, a spokeswoman for the government's coronavirus task force.
There are 2,916 patients who have recovered and returned home since the outbreak started, Panprapa said.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 638 to 177,850 - RKI

BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 638 to 177,850 , data from the Robert @ @ @ @ @ for infectious diseases showed on Saturday .
The reported death toll rose by 42 to @ @ @ @ @

BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 638 to 177,850, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday.
The reported death toll rose by 42 to 8,216, the tally showed


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Mexico receives two flights of Mexican nationals returned from US

Two flights of Mexican nationals who were returned from the United States arrived in Mexico City on Friday , and @ @ @ @ @ sent to their states of origin , the Mexican government said .
One flight came @ @ @ @ @ other from Texas , Mexico 's interior ministry said .
The people were screened by @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus before being allowed to travel .

Two flights of Mexican nationals who were returned from the United States arrived in Mexico City on Friday, and the 189 passengers will be sent to their states of origin, the Mexican government said.
One flight came from California, and the other from Texas, Mexico's interior ministry said. The people were screened by US authorities for any signs of the coronavirus before being allowed to travel.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Australia calls on younger people to get virus tests as reopening accelerates

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Australia's most populous state said on Saturday it recorded just three new cases of the coronavirus the previous day and urged younger people to get tested as it prepares to further loosen restrictions on pubs and restaurants.New South Wales (NSW), which includes the city of Sydney, is home to nearly half Australia's roughly 7,100 coronavirus cases and plans to let pubs and restaurants host up to 50 seated patrons from June 1, from 10 now.That has prompted health officials to remind people to maintain social distancing measures and increase testing to prevent a "second wave" of infections."As we move forward and as we try to relax the restrictions that we have lived under for the past two months, it is ... absolutely crucial that people come forward for testing if they have the slightest hint of any respiratory issues," NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said in a televised news conference."As we are freeing up our restrictions, particularly around clubs and hotels and so on, we need (to send) a very powerful message ... that these young people who may think they are invincible are actually not invincible," he added.NSW has recorded a total of 3,086 coronavirus cases and has recorded nearly half the country's total deaths which local media reports said had risen by one to 102 on Saturday. Neighboring Victoria, where the latest death occurred, reported 10 new infections in the previous day.Australia's low number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, relative to many other countries, has been attributed mostly to a closure of national and state borders and a nationwide stay-home order now being unwound by states under a three-step federal plan.Opposition lawmakers meanwhile criticized the federal government after it revealed on Friday an administrative error had vastly overstated its forecast expenditure for a wage subsidy scheme for workers left unemployed by the shutdown.The Treasury Department said successful efforts to control the outbreak combined with errors on program applications by about a 1,000 businesses meant only 3.5 million workers would need to be covered, at a cost of A$70 billion ($46 billion), not 6 million people at a cost of A$130 billion.The Federal government has framed the error as a surprise benefit to the economy since it would likely reduce the forecast Budget deficit, while the opposition has called for the government to redirect the money to workers left out of the emergency welfare program."We need a calculation of what the figures are from this government on casuals, on the arts and entertainment sector, on other groups who have missed out, and some real figures on what the costings would be," said Labor Party opposition leader Anthony Albanese.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--US to exempt foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans

The United States will exempt some foreign athletes who compete in professional sporting events in the United States from entry bans imposed because of the novel coronavirus epidemic, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said on Friday."In today’s environment, Americans need their sports. It’s time to reopen the economy and it’s time we get our professional athletes back to work," Wolf said in a statement issued by the department announcing he had signed an order for the exemption.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Mexico reports another single-day record for coronavirus deaths

Mexico on Friday registered a record for coronavirus deaths on a single day, posting 479 more deaths along with 2,960 new infections, according to data from the health ministry.Authorities have now reported 62,527 total cases of the coronavirus and 6,989 deaths since detecting the first cases in Mexico in late February.The previous peak in fatalities was May 20, when authorities reported 424 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--First fuel tanker from Iranian flotilla reaches Venezuela's economic zone

The first of five Iranian tankers carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela entered the South American country's exclusive economic zone on Saturday, despite a US official's warning that Washington was considering a response to the shipment.
The tanker, named Fortune, reached the country's waters at around 7:40 p.m. local time (1140 GMT) after passing north of the neighboring dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago, according to vessel tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon.
"The ships from the fraternal Islamic Republic of Iran are now in our exclusive economic zone," tweeted Tareck El Aissami, Venezuela's economy vice president and recently named oil minister.
Venezuelan state television showed images of a navy ship and aircraft preparing to meet it. The defense minister had pledged that the military would escort the tankers once they reached Venezuela's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) due to what authorities described as threats from the United States.
The tanker flotilla is carrying a total of 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela, according to both governments, sources and calculations by TankerTrackers.com.
The desperately needed shipments have caused a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran and Venezuela, which are under US sanctions. Gasoline is scarce in Venezuela due to a near-complete breakdown of the OPEC nation's 1.3 million barrel-per-day refining network.
Washington is considering measures in response, a senior US official said without elaborating.
The United States recently beefed up its naval presence in the Caribbean for what it called an expanded antidrug operation. A Pentagon spokesman said on Thursday he was unaware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes.
The shipment has drawn condemnation from Venezuela's opposition, which is concerned about growing ties between Iran and socialist President Nicolas Maduro, who has overseen a six-year economic crisis. The shipments are bringing enough fuel for just a month of consumption at current rates in the nation, once a prominent fuel exporter.
"(The ruling party) is trying to turn an embarrassment into an epic victory," said Oscar Ronderos, a lawmaker on the opposition-controlled National Assembly's energy commission.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned of retaliation if Washington caused problems for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the semi-official news agency Mehr reported.
"If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face trouble caused by the Americans, they (the US) will also be in trouble," Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with Qatar's Emir, Mehr reported.
The two OPEC nations have previously helped each other in the face of US sanctions. In 2010-2011, state-run oil company PDVSA sent fuel to Iran, which was under sanctions aimed at stifling its nuclear weapons program.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Kim Jong Un vows to further bolster North Korea's nuclear war deterrence

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted a meeting to discuss the country's nuclear capabilities, state media said on Sunday, marking his first appearance in three weeks after a previous absence sparked global speculation about his health.
Ruling Workers' Party officials wore face masks to greet Kim as he entered the meeting of the party's powerful Central Military Commission, state television showed, but no one including Kim was seen wearing a mask during the meeting.
Amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States, the meeting discussed measures to bolster North Korea's armed forces and "reliably contain the persistent big or small military threats from the hostile forces," state news agency KCNA said.
The meeting discussed "increasing the nuclear war deterrence of the country and putting the strategic armed forces on a high alert operation," adopting "crucial measures for considerably increasing the firepower strike ability of the artillery pieces," it said.
Kim has made an unusually small number of outings in the past two months, with his absence from a key anniversary prompting speculation about his condition, as Pyongyang has stepped up measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea says it has no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, but South Korea's intelligence agency has said it cannot rule out that the North has had an outbreak.
US-led negotiations aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programs have made little progress since late last year, especially after a global battle on the virus began.
The Chinese government's top diplomat, Wang Yi, expressed hope on Sunday that the United States and North Korea could resume meaningful dialog as soon as possible, "and not squander away the hard-earned results of (previous) engagement."
North Korea's pledge to boost its nuclear capabilities coincides with news reports that the United States might conduct its first full-fledged nuclear test since 1992, noted Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
"The intention in Washington for pondering such a move may be to pressure Russia and China to improve arms-control commitments and enforcement," Easley said. "But not only might this tack encourage more nuclear risk-taking by those countries, it could provide Pyongyang an excuse for its next provocation."


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--British lawmaker: UK must defend its companies against Chinese takeovers

Britain must defend its companies against overseas takeovers in the aftermath of the crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, a senior British lawmaker said, adding that China's state-owned companies have drawn on state banks to outbid rivals."Increasingly, China's state-owned enterprises have been able to draw on state banks to outbid rivals in Europe and America", Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and a Conservative Party lawmaker, wrote in the Financial Times newspaper."In a downturn, the difference between state-backed credit and the buying power of normal commercial investors will become starker, further strengthening the hand of state-owned enterprises with a voracious appetite to buy rather than build."Tugendhat wrote that while Britain has prided itself on being an open economy with few restrictions on foreign ownership for decades, the basis for that model has been changed by the "rise in state capitalism with deep pockets".Last month, Tugendhat said China was trying to exploit the global crisis triggered by the novel coronavirus outbreak by wresting control of companies such as Imagination Technologies and changing the way the internet works.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Taliban, Afghan president declare three-day Eid ceasefire from Sunday

The Taliban declared a three-day Eid ceasefire in Afghanistan starting Sunday, via a tweet on Saturday from the hardline Islamist group, and the country's president said the government would reciprocate.The move came as fighting between the two sides had intensified despite the coronavirus pandemic."Do not carry out any offensive operations against the enemy anywhere, if any action is taken against you by the enemy, defend yourself," Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, tweeted. He added that the ceasefire was declared solely for Eid festivities marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani welcomed the Taliban's ceasefire announcement and extended the offer of peace. "As Commander-in-Chief I have instructed ANDSF (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces) to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked," he said in a tweet.Last month, the Taliban rejected a government call for a ceasefire across Afghanistan for Ramadan, saying a truce was "not rational" as they ramped up attacks on Afghan forces. At least 146 civilians were killed and 430 wounded by the Taliban during Ramadan, Javid Faisal, a spokesman for the country's main intelligence and security office in Kabul, said on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Ukrainian lawmaker found shot dead in his office

KIEV - A Ukrainian lawmaker was found shot dead in his office on Saturday, the deputy interior minister Anton Gerashchenko said."The body of lawmaker Valerii Davydenko was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head," Gerashchenko wrote in a Facebook post, adding that police and prosecutors would investigate all possible reasons behind the death.The body was found in the toilet of Davydenko's office.From May 2013 to March 2014, Davydenko was Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. He ran as an independent in last year's parliamentary election.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--US CDC reports total of 1,595,885 coronavirus cases, 96,002 deaths

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Saturday reported 1,595,885 cases of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ cases from its previous count , and said the number of deaths had risen by @ @ @ @ @ CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , caused @ @ @ @ @ as of 4 p.m .
ET on May 22 , compared with its count a @ @ @ @ @ figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states .

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 1,595,885 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 24,268 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 1,852 to 96,002.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. ET on May 22, compared with its count a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Number of COVID-19 patients in France continues to decrease

The number of people in hospital with coronavirus in France fell by 205 to 17,178 on Saturday , continuing a @ @ @ @ @ more than five weeks since a high of 32,292 on April 14 .
The number @ @ @ @ @ fell by 36 or 2.1 % to 1,665 .
France did not publish a revised @ @ @ @ @ and said the COVID-19 toll will be updated on Monday .
As of Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ had died from the virus .

The number of people in hospital with coronavirus in France fell by 205 to 17,178 on Saturday, continuing a gradual decline that has lasted more than five weeks since a high of 32,292 on April 14.
The number of people in intensive care fell by 36 or 2.1% to 1,665.
France did not publish a revised number of deaths on Saturday and said the COVID-19 toll will be updated on Monday. As of Thursday, a total of 28,215 people had died from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Coronavirus update: 2,343 active cases in Israel, 36 intubated

The Health Ministry announced Saturday night that Israel had 2,343 active coronavirus cases, including just 36 people on ventilators. Additionally, Israel's death toll remained at 279.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Anti-coronavirus-lockdown protesters arrested in Berlin

Police arrested about 60 protesters on Saturday as part of city-wide demonstrations against restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ The protesters had violated official guidelines to keep the virus contained , and some had @ @ @ @ @ newspaper said , citing a police spokesman .
Two police officers were slightly injured , @ @ @ @ @ police were not immediately available to comment .
Protests against the measures Chancellor Angela Merkel @ @ @ @ @ down the coronavirus outbreak have become more vocal and demonstrators have filled the streets of @ @ @ @ @ third weekend in a row .
The number of confirmed cases in Germany rose by @ @ @ @ @ from the Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ by 42 to 8,216 , the data showed .

Police arrested about 60 protesters on Saturday as part of city-wide demonstrations against restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, German newspaper Tagesspiegel reported.
The protesters had violated official guidelines to keep the virus contained, and some had attacked police officials, the newspaper said, citing a police spokesman.
Two police officers were slightly injured, the paper added.
Berlin police were not immediately available to comment.
Protests against the measures Chancellor Angela Merkel insists are needed to slow down the coronavirus outbreak have become more vocal and demonstrators have filled the streets of the German capital for the third weekend in a row.
The number of confirmed cases in Germany rose by 638 to 177,850, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday. The reported death toll rose by 42 to 8,216, the data showed.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Italy's coronavirus death toll dips, new cases steady

Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before , the Civil Protection @ @ @ @ @ daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735 , the agency said @ @ @ @ @ the world after those of the United States and Britain .
The Civil Protection Agency @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases in Italy since the start of its outbreak now amounts to 229,327 , @ @ @ @ @ behind those of the United States , Russia , Spain , Britain and Brazil .
@ @ @ @ @ the illness dipped to 57,752 on Saturday from 59,322 the day before .

Italy recorded 119 new deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic on Saturday against 130 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose marginally to 669 from 652 on Friday.
The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,735, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The Civil Protection Agency said the total number of confirmed cases in Italy since the start of its outbreak now amounts to 229,327, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.
People registered as currently carrying the illness dipped to 57,752 on Saturday from 59,322 the day before.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--UK COVID-19 death toll rises 282 to 36,675

The United Kingdom 's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 282 to 36,675 , the government said @ @ @ @ @ people have now died , '' Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters at a Downing @ @ @ @ @ publishes the death toll based on those who definitely had COVID-19 ; broader figures based @ @ @ @ @ a bigger toll .

The United Kingdom's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 282 to 36,675, the government said.
The government publishes the death toll based on those who definitely had COVID-19; broader figures based on suspected COVID-19 deaths give a bigger toll. "Tragically, 36,675 people have now died," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters at a Downing Street briefing.The government publishes the death toll based on those who definitely had COVID-19; broader figures based on suspected COVID-19 deaths give a bigger toll.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--Slain Navy base shooting suspect identified as Syrian-born US citizen

The suspect killed at the scene of Thursday’s “terrorism-related” shooting at a US naval air base in Texas has been identified as 20-year-old Adam Aalim Alsahli, a Syrian-born US citizen, federal law enforcement officials said on Friday.In the Thursday morning attack, the gunman opened fire at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, wounding one sailor, a member of the base security force, but the assailant was the only person killed, the FBI said.The suspect’s name and age were confirmed to Reuters in an email from an FBI official, and tweeted by the agency. No further official information about the suspect was immediately released.A US law enforcement official familiar with the investigation said Alsahli was a native of Syria possessing US citizenship.FBI agent Leah Greeves said on Thursday that the incident was being treated as “terrorism related,” but official details about the circumstances of the attack remained scant.The New York Times quoted a base spokeswoman as saying a man in a vehicle approached a gate to the installation and began firing at a guard, who was injured but managed to activate a “final denial barrier” that prevents entry. Base personnel returned fire, and the gunman was “neutralized,” the spokeswoman told the Times.Greeves said on Thursday that authorities were searching for “a potential second related person of interest” who remained at large in the community. A law enforcement official said that as of Friday afternoon, authorities had no updated information to release about the possible second suspect.The Justice Department said separately on Thursday that electronic media found at the scene was being analyzed as part of the investigation.


jerusalempost--2020-05-23--China's Wuhan says conducted 1,470,950 COVID-19 tests on Friday

The city of Wuhan , the original epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China , conducted 1,470,950 nucleic acid tests @ @ @ @ @ , the local health authority said on Saturday , compared with 1,000,729 tests the previous @ @ @ @ @ a campaign on May 14 to look for asymptomatic carriers - infected people who show @ @ @ @ @ - after confirming on May 9-10 its first cluster of COVID-19 infections since its lockdown @ @ @ @ @ .

The city of Wuhan, the original epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China, conducted 1,470,950 nucleic acid tests for the virus on Friday, the local health authority said on Saturday, compared with 1,000,729 tests the previous day.
Wuhan kicked off a campaign on May 14 to look for asymptomatic carriers - infected people who show no outward sign of illness - after confirming on May 9-10 its first cluster of COVID-19 infections since its lockdown was lifted on April 8.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Students to visit Jerusalem three times during their school years

The government has unanimously approved Education Minister Yoav Gallant's proposal to have each student of Israel visit Jerusalem at least three times throughout their years in the education system.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Malaysia reports 60 new coronavirus cases

Malaysia reported 60 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of known infections to 7,245, the health ministry said on Sunday.The number of fatalities remained unchanged at 115, it said.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--China says WHO chief has done a good job

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has done a good job and countries with decency will support the body, the Chinese government's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Russia reports 153 coronavirus deaths, highest daily toll yet

It also said 8,599 new cases had been documented , fewer than on the previous day , pushing the nationwide @ @ @ @ @ .

Russia on Sunday reported 153 coronavirus deaths over the previous 24 hours, the epidemic's highest daily toll, raising total fatalities to 3,541, the country's coronavirus crisis response center said
It also said 8,599 new cases had been documented, fewer than on the previous day, pushing the nationwide tally of infections to 344,481.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Gov't to cut down on phone surveillance of coronavirus patients

JERUSALEM - The Israeli cabinet limited on Sunday the involvement of the Shin Bet security service in the cellphone-tracking of people infected by the coronavirus, saying the measure would be a last resort where epidemiological investigation proves insufficient.
Circumventing parliament in March, as the coronavirus spread, the cabinet approved emergency regulations that enabled the use of the technology, usually deployed for anti-terrorism. Privacy watchdog groups have challenged the practice in court.
Citing waning contagion rates in Israel, the cabinet amended regulations so that the phone tracking is warranted "in specific and special cases only, where location ... cannot be completed with epidemiological investigation using other methods."
But, a cabinet statement said, the reduced scope of Shin Bet involvement could be reviewed if a coronavirus surge is feared.
Israel - with a population 9 million - has reported 16,712 coronavirus cases and 279 deaths. Schools and businesses have been reopening amid cautious optimism about health policies.
A parliamentary oversight panel and the cabinet have been conferring on legislation that would regulate the Shin Bet involvement.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Knesset speaker: Court hits nadir

Knesset speaker: Court hits nadir

The day that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial began will be remembered as one of the lowlights in the history of the Israeli legal system, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin wrote on Facebook on Sunday.Levin wrote that it was no wonder Netanyahu's cases have been criticized by international legal experts, a reference to Alan Dershowitz.The Knesset speaker wrote that he is sure Netanyahu's cases would collapse."I am standing on the side of the prime minister, the truth and justice," he wrote.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Singapore's health ministry confirms 548 more coronavirus cases

Singapore's health ministry said on Sunday it had confirmed 548 more coronavirus cases, taking its tally of infections to 31,616.The vast majority of the newly infected people are migrant workers living in dormitories, the ministry said in a statement. Three are permanent residents.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Lapid: Ministers who join Netanyahu at court are a national disgrace

Opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed the various ministers who will join Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his first court appearance at the beginning of his trial, on his official Twitter account Sunday morning."The ministers joining Netanyahu in court, even those in charge of the law enforcement, are a national disgrace. This is the real attempt at a coup."
הצטרפות שרים לנתניהו לבית המשפט, כולל שרים האחראים לאכיפת החוק, היא חרפה לאומית שלא תשכח. זה נסיון ההפיכה האמיתי. — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) May 24, 2020


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Rain and winds to drop temperatures throughout Israel

The rains will weaken during the day as temperatures continue to fall .
The forecast temperatures on Sunday are :

The rains will weaken during the day as temperatures continue to fall.
The forecast temperatures on Sunday are:
>Haifa: High: 68F (20C) Low: 64F (18C)
>Tiberias: High: 77F (25C) Low: 66F (19C)
>Tel Aviv: High: 72F (22C) Low: 68F (20C)
>Jerusalem: High: 66F (19C) Low: 55F (13C)
>Beersheba: High: 75F (24C) Low: 63F (17C)
>Eilat: High: 84F (29C) Low: 72F (22C)
After a week long heatwave and a pleasant weekend, rain showers and isolated thunderstorms, along with strong winds, are expected to cool down northern and central Israel even further on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Warren to host Biden fundraiser, despite decrying donor events

Democratic US Senator Elizabeth Warren has agreed to host a high-dollar fundraising event for Joe Biden's presidential campaign, the New York Times reported on Saturday, citing three people familiar with the plans.Warren will host the online event on June 15, reported the Times, saying the three spoke on condition of anonymity.The senator's promise to abstain from private fundraising events - or even phone calls with wealthy contributors - was a key feature of her own campaign to become the Democratic Party's nominee to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election.The lawmaker from Massachusetts frequently accused other candidates of kowtowing to rich donors and “selling access to their time for money.”Warren was one of the last in the previously wide field of Democratic candidates to drop out of the race before Biden became the party's presumptive nominee.A spokesman for Biden declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Warren did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday night.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--White House limits travel to US from Brazil due to coronavirus

The White House announced Sunday that it is prohibiting foreigners from traveling to the United States if they had been in Brazil in the last two weeks, two days after the South American nation became the world No. 2 hot spot for coronavirus cases.White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the new restrictions would help ensure foreign nationals do not bring additional infections to the US, but would not apply to the flow of commerce between the new countries.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--UK's Sunak authorises bailout plan for strategically important companies

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak has authorised a bailout plan to rescue companies that are seen as strategically important, with the state expected to buy stakes in crucial businesses that are facing acute financial problems, the Financial Times newspaper reported.Under the plan, which is named 'Project Birch', the finance minister has raised the UK Treasury's capacity to handle bespoke bailouts of "viable companies which have exhausted all options", including government loan schemes, the newspaper reported.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Kindergarten staff infected with COVID-19 forces 30 children to quarantine

It was also reported that the staff member wore a mask while in class at the kindergarten .

It was also reported that the staff member wore a mask while in class at the kindergarten.
A staff member at a private ultra-Orthodox kindergarten in Jerusalem was diagnosed with coronavirus Sunday, forcing 30 children who came into contact with the staff member to enter quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes New Zealand near capital city

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near New Zealand 's capital Wellington on Monday , government seismic monitor Geonet said .
@ @ @ @ @ deep and 25km northwest of Levin , according to Geonet .
A Reuters witness felt @ @ @ @ @ Emergency officials said there were no immediate reports of damage .

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near New Zealand's capital Wellington on Monday, government seismic monitor Geonet said.
The earthquake was 46 kms deep and 25km northwest of Levin, according to Geonet.
A Reuters witness felt strong shaking in Wellington. Emergency officials said there were no immediate reports of damage.
New Zealand lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," a 40,000-km arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Correction: Light flares fired along Israel-Syria border

It also detailed that explosions were reportedly heard in the vicinity .

It also detailed that explosions were reportedly heard in the vicinity.
Syrian state television reported that light flares were fired along the Israel-Syria border area Sunday night, known as the Purple Line, according to a report released by Ynet news.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Food security project extended until the end of 2020

Eleven thousand families will continue to receive food support from the state in form of food coupons and monthly NIS @ @ @ @ @ press release on behalf of the Labor and Social Services Ministry reported on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ Itzik Shmuli said he is “ happy we were able to get funding to maintain @ @ @ @ @ end of the year.
” Funding for the program was not included in the budget @ @ @ @ @ Finance Ministry agreed to fund it at the sum of NIS 20 million .
“ @ @ @ @ @ will clutch their bellies as each time we ’ re looking for where the funding @ @ @ @ @ Shmuli said .
According to the data collected by the ministry , half the families @ @ @ @ @ project are working families .

Eleven thousand families will continue to receive food support from the state in form of food coupons and monthly NIS 500 food packages, a press release on behalf of the Labor and Social Services Ministry reported on Sunday.
Labor and Social Services Minister Itzik Shmuli said he is “happy we were able to get funding to maintain his important project until the end of the year.”
Funding for the program was not included in the budget of the ministry but the Finance Ministry agreed to fund it at the sum of NIS 20 million.
“It is impossible hungry children will clutch their bellies as each time we’re looking for where the funding might come from,” Shmuli said.
According to the data collected by the ministry, half the families which are supported by the project are working families.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--UK PM's adviser has been reported to police over lockdown journey

A spokesman at Johnson 's Downing Street did not offer an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters .
Durham police @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

A spokesman at Johnson's Downing Street did not offer an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters. Durham police could not immediately be reached for comment.
LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's aide Dominic Cummings, who is under pressure over a long journey made while coronavirus restrictions were in place, has been reported to police over an alleged breach of the lockdown, the Daily Mirror said.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--French coronavirus cases see lowest 24-hour increase since early March

PARIS - The number of confirmed new coronavirus infections in France increased by 115 , or 0.1 % , to @ @ @ @ @ lowest daily increase since the country went into lockdown on March 17 , the health @ @ @ @ @ .
But the number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 increased slightly by seven to @ @ @ @ @ without interruption since April 15 .
A health ministry official said that because of the @ @ @ @ @ hospitals were slower in reporting their data and people were also staying in hospital slightly @ @

PARIS - The number of confirmed new coronavirus infections in France increased by 115, or 0.1%, to 144,921 on Sunday, the lowest daily increase since the country went into lockdown on March 17, the health ministry said in a statement.
But the number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 increased slightly by seven to 17,185 after falling every day without interruption since April 15.
A health ministry official said that because of the long Ascension weekend in France hospitals were slower in reporting their data and people were also staying in hospital slightly longer.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Knesset to vote on Norwegian law this Wednesday

The Knesset will hold a preliminary discussion on the Norwegian law proposal and vote on it this Wednesday , The @ @ @ @ @ Maariv reported on Sunday .
The law will enable ministers to resign from their seats @ @ @ @ @ them filled by other members of their own party.As the current government is an emergency @ @ @ @ @ is suggested as a measure to ensure that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Alternate Prime @ @ @ @ @ replace ministers belonging to the other party with their own party members during their respective @ @ @ @ @ , Likud ministers could only be replaced by other Likud members and the same will @ @ @ @ @ ministers .

The law will enable ministers to resign from their seats in the Knesset and have them filled by other members of their own party.As the current government is an emergency unity government, the law is suggested as a measure to ensure that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz will not replace ministers belonging to the other party with their own party members during their respective tenures in office.Meaning, Likud ministers could only be replaced by other Likud members and the same will hold for Blue and White ministers.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Number of active coronavirus patients in Israel drops to 2,285

The number of active coronavirus patients in Israel continues to drop as the Health Ministry reported on Sunday that there are currently 2,285 patients.34 of the patients are intubated, while there were no new deaths reported.14,153 patients have already recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Trains to resume operation on June 8, Edelstein and Regev announce

In addition , they said Israel 's railways will return and be fully operational by June 8 .
The capacity of passengers which are allowed on intercity buses will increase from 23 passengers to 46 passengers so that , with the exception of the front row behind the driver , all bus seats can be used .
At the same time , the ban on standing during the ride will continue to prevent crowding .
On urban buses , the capacity of passengers which are allowed on will increase from 20 to 49 passengers .
Minibuses and service taxis will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they are allowed according to their vehicle license .
However , private taxis will only be allowed to carry up to two passengers in the rear of the car .
Edelstein said that the Health Ministry 's `` cooperation with Transportation Minister Miri Regev is important .
As of last week , we have been in the midst of opening up the economy to benefit public and business welfare . ''
However , he also warned of complacency bringing about a possible second wave , saying that `` the continued reopening depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – if they follow the Health Ministry guidelines .
Without strict adherence to the guidelines – the coronavirus could return with the closure of the economy . ''
Regev said she was pleased with the agreement , saying that `` This is the message that Israeli citizens have been waiting for .
I urge the public to assist us and take responsibility in following the Health Ministry 's guidelines . ''
Earlier on Sunday , the Transportation Ministry announced that it will installing protective partitions to its buses due to increasing demands by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the driver from potentially aggressive passengers , as well as protecting them from the risk of contracting the coronavirus , N12 reported .
To anyone unsure about the new bus capacity regulations , Minister Regev said `` I invite the public to direct questions to the Transportation Ministry and its digital platforms .
`` Earlier on Sunday , the Transportation Ministry announced that it will installing protective partitions to its buses due to increasing demands by the Bus Drivers ' Association to separate the driver from potentially aggressive passengers , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , N12 reported .

Buses will be raising the amount of people allowed on the vehicle at a time from 25% to 75% of their full capacity starting this Thursday, May 28, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Transportation Minister Miri Regev said in a joint statement on Sunday afternoon.
In addition, they said Israel's railways will return and be fully operational by June 8.
The capacity of passengers which are allowed on intercity buses will increase from 23 passengers to 46 passengers so that, with the exception of the front row behind the driver, all bus seats can be used. At the same time, the ban on standing during the ride will continue to prevent crowding.
On urban buses, the capacity of passengers which are allowed on will increase from 20 to 49 passengers.
Minibuses and service taxis will also begin operating at 75% of what they are allowed according to their vehicle license.
However, private taxis will only be allowed to carry up to two passengers in the rear of the car.
Edelstein said that the Health Ministry's "cooperation with Transportation Minister Miri Regev is important. As of last week, we have been in the midst of opening up the economy to benefit public and business welfare."
However, he also warned of complacency bringing about a possible second wave, saying that "the continued reopening depends on each and every one of us – if they follow the Health Ministry guidelines. Without strict adherence to the guidelines – the coronavirus could return with the closure of the economy."
Regev said she was pleased with the agreement, saying that "This is the message that Israeli citizens have been waiting for. I urge the public to assist us and take responsibility in following the Health Ministry's guidelines."


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Spain’s coronavirus death toll climbs by 70 on Sunday

MADRID - Spain 's overnight coronavirus death toll rose by 70 on Sunday to a total of 28,752 , the @ @ @ @ @ number of diagnosed cases rose to 235,772 from 235,290 .

MADRID - Spain's overnight coronavirus death toll rose by 70 on Sunday to a total of 28,752, the health ministry said.
The number of diagnosed cases rose to 235,772 from 235,290.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Baruch Padeh Medical Center closes coronavirus department

The Baruch Padeh Medical Center near Tiberias closed its coronavirus department on Sunday after its last patient , a foreign @ @ @ @ @ , recovered and was discharged , Walla reported .
The coronavirus department had been active @ @ @ @ @ months .

The Baruch Padeh Medical Center near Tiberias closed its coronavirus department on Sunday after its last patient, a foreign worker from Eritrea named Thomas, recovered and was discharged, Walla reported.
The coronavirus department had been active for two and a half months.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Netanyahu's next hearing to take place on July 19

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Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first hearing in his corruption cases trial, the court decided that the next hearing will take place on July 19.The court notified the prime minister that he will not have to be present during future hearings.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--US security adviser: China takeover of Hong Kong could lead to sanctions

China's proposed national security legislation for Hong Kong could lead to U.S. sanctions and threaten the city's status as a financial hub, White House National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday."It looks like, with this national security law, they're going to basically take over Hong Kong and if they do ... Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo will likely be unable to certify that Hong Kong maintains a high degree of autonomy and if that happens there will be sanctions that will be imposed on Hong Kong and China," O'Brien said on NBC's "Meet the Press."


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--Barak slams Netanyahu for 'mob-like' behavior

Former prime minister Ehud Barak slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday following Netanyahu ’ s speech in the Jerusalem @ @ @ @ @ he demanded that several documents concerning his trial will be made public and that the @ @ @ @ @ live .
“ 'There won ’ t by anything because nothing has happened ' became @ @ @ @ @ off the court , ” Barak wrote on Twitter .
“ This is mob-like behavior @ @ @ @ @ to pass.
” Netanyahu alleged that the allegations against him were fabricated and that state @ @ @ @ @ intimidated by police .
He is the first sitting prime minister to face criminal charges @ @ @ @ @ trust .

Former prime minister Ehud Barak slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday following Netanyahu’s speech in the Jerusalem District Court, during which he demanded that several documents concerning his trial will be made public and that the proceedings too will be aired live.
“'There won’t by anything because nothing has happened' became a blunt attempt to scare off the court,” Barak wrote on Twitter. “This is mob-like behavior that should not be allowed to pass.”
Netanyahu alleged that the allegations against him were fabricated and that state witnesses against him had been intimidated by police. He is the first sitting prime minister to face criminal charges for bribery and breach of trust.


jerusalempost--2020-05-24--US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to step down

Robin Quinville , deputy chief of mission at the embassy , is expected to replace Grenell on an interim basis @ @ @ @ @ The news comes only days after the U.S. Senate confirmed Representative John Ratcliffe , like @ @ @ @ @ of President Donald Trump , as the permanent director of national intelligence ( DNI ) @ @ @ @ @ had named 53-year old Grenell as acting DNI .
An embassy spokesperson declined to comment @ @ @ @ @ It is our policy not to comment on travel or schedules , but Ambassador Grenell @ @ @ @ @ on Administration priorities on Germany while serving as the Acting Director of National Intelligence , @ @ @ @ @ `` As we said when he was appointed to that role , we continue to @ @ @ @ @ as part of a whole-of-government approach . ''

US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell is planning to step down in the coming weeks after little more than two years in the job, German news agency dpa reported on Sunday, without saying where it obtained the information.
Robin Quinville, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, is expected to replace Grenell on an interim basis, the report said.
The news comes only days after the U.S. Senate confirmed Representative John Ratcliffe, like Grenell a staunch political ally of President Donald Trump, as the permanent director of national intelligence (DNI).
In February, Trump had named 53-year old Grenell as acting DNI.
An embassy spokesperson declined to comment on dpa report.
"It is our policy not to comment on travel or schedules, but Ambassador Grenell has continued to actively engage on Administration priorities on Germany while serving as the Acting Director of National Intelligence," the spokesperson said.
"As we said when he was appointed to that role, we continue to aggressively pursue key policy objectives as part of a whole-of-government approach."
Grenell, who also serves as special envoy for peace talks between Kosovo and Serbia, did not immediately respond to a separate email sent by Reuters.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Cave of the Patriarchs to reopen on Tuesday

Prayer books , Psalms and Chumashim should be brought from home by worshipers .
No food or drink will be @ @ @ @ @ The complex will be open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m .

Prayer books, Psalms and Chumashim should be brought from home by worshipers. No food or drink will be allowed into the complex. The complex will be open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron will reopen on Tuesday after having been closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Kipa news. Up to 50 worshipers will be allowed into the complex at a time and will be required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Myanmar updates top UN court on measures to protect Rohingya minority

The Gambia filed a suit against Myanmar accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention .
A panel of 17 @ @ @ @ @ provisional measures on Myanmar to protect any evidence of crimes and prevent acts of violence @ @ @ @ @ update them every six months until a final ruling in the case .

Myanmar has filed a first report with the UN's highest court on its adherence to measures imposed in January to protect the Muslim minority Rohingya, the court said on Monday.
The Gambia filed a suit against Myanmar accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention. A panel of 17 judges unanimously supported imposing so-called provisional measures on Myanmar to protect any evidence of crimes and prevent acts of violence.
Judges instructed Myanmar to update them every six months until a final ruling in the case.
Details of the report were not immediately released by the court.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Malaysia reports 172 new coronavirus cases, most of them foreigners

Malaysia reported 172 new coronavirus cases on Monday, most of them foreigners held at immigration depots, and taking the total number of infections in the country to 7,417.The Ministry of Health said the number of deaths remained unchanged at 115.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Indonesia reports 479 new coronavirus cases

Indonesia reported 479 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, taking the total in the Southeast Asian nation to 22,750, Health Ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.Yurianto reported 19 more coronavirus deaths, taking the total to 1,391. Indonesia has the highest COVID-19 death toll in East Asia after China.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Philippines posts five new coronavirus deaths, 284 infections

In a bulletin , the ministry said total deaths have increased to 873 , while confirmed cases have risen to @ @ @ @ @ patients have recovered , bringing total recoveries to 3,323 .

The Philippines' health ministry on Monday reported five additional novel coronavirus deaths and 284 more infections, the largest daily increase of cases in two weeks.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths have increased to 873, while confirmed cases have risen to 14,319. But 74 more patients have recovered, bringing total recoveries to 3,323.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen

Defense Minister Benny Gantz met with Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen on Monday for their first work meeting. The two discussed regional and international issues and coordination going ahead.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Ben-Gurion airport expected to remain largely inactive until mid-July

Israeli officials remain wary of reopening the airport amid fears that increased travel could cause another coronavirus outbreak .

Israeli officials remain wary of reopening the airport amid fears that increased travel could cause another coronavirus outbreak.
Ben-Gurion Airport is expected to remain largely inactive until mid-July, with only a few flights expected to begin by the end of June, Managing Director of Ben-Gurion Airport Shmuel Zakai told Ynet on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Russia's coronavirus infections pass 350,000

It said the number of fatalities had risen by 92 overnight , taking the overall nationwide death toll from the @ @ @ @

Cases of the coronavirus in Russia climbed to 353,427 on Monday, having risen by 8,946 in the past 24 hours, the country's coronavirus crisis response center said.
It said the number of fatalities had risen by 92 overnight, taking the overall nationwide death toll from the virus to 3,633.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--French consortium begins production for saliva-based COVID screening test

The consortium said the test would be performed by a healthcare professional and involves collecting less than 1 millilitre of @ @ @ @ @ The sample is then deposited in two tubes heated to 65C , and a subsequent @ @ @ @ @ for the presence of the virus .

A French consortium announced on Monday the launch of the production phase for a saliva-based screening test to detect the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The consortium said the test would be performed by a healthcare professional and involves collecting less than 1 millilitre of saliva from a patient. The sample is then deposited in two tubes heated to 65C, and a subsequent reading screens the tested patients for the presence of the virus.
The consortium - comprised of French companies Vogo , SKILLCELL and the CNRS SYS2DIAG laboratory - hoped its 'EasyCov' product would enter the French market from mid-June onwards.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Thailand reports 2 new coronavirus cases, 1 more death

The new numbers brought the total number of cases in the Southeast Asian country to 3,042 and deaths to 57 @ @ @ @ @ January , said Taweesin Wisanuyothin , a spokesman for the COVID-19 Administration Centre .

Thailand confirmed two new coronavirus cases and one additional death on Monday, a health ministry spokesman said.
The new numbers brought the total number of cases in the Southeast Asian country to 3,042 and deaths to 57 since the outbreak began in January, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the COVID-19 Administration Centre.
More than 96% of the patients, or 2,928 people, have recovered, he said.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 289 to 178,570

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 289 to 178,570, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Monday.The reported death toll rose by 10 to 8,257, the data showed.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--20-year-old man killed in motorcycle accident in Ramat Gan

Magen David Adom staff provided medical treatment and transferred the man to Sheba Medical Center , where hospital staff later @ @ @ @

Magen David Adom staff provided medical treatment and transferred the man to Sheba Medical Center, where hospital staff later pronounced his death.
A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed early Monday after allegedly crashing into a street light post in Ramat Gan, according to a report by Walla news.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Syria lifts night-time coronavirus curfew starting Tuesday

CAIRO - Syria announced on Monday it will lift a night-time curfew , starting Tuesday evening , and will allow @ @ @ @ @ television said .
The government , which introduced a night-time curfew to curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ the door open to the possibility of re-imposing a total curfew , depending on developments @ @ @ @

CAIRO - Syria announced on Monday it will lift a night-time curfew, starting Tuesday evening, and will allow movement between governorates, state television said.
The government, which introduced a night-time curfew to curb the spread of the coronavirus, left the door open to the possibility of re-imposing a total curfew, depending on developments with the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--California opens places of worship, in-store retail businesses

California retail with in-store shopping and places of worship that were closed under one of the most restrictive coronavirus containment @ @ @ @ @ may now open , health authorities announced on Monday .
The California Department of Public @ @ @ @ @ churches , synagogues , mosques can reopen at 25 percent occupancy capacity , and with @ @ @ @ @ as each submits a plan to local health departments .

California retail with in-store shopping and places of worship that were closed under one of the most restrictive coronavirus containment rules in the United States may now open, health authorities announced on Monday.
The California Department of Public Health said that businesses and churches, synagogues, mosques can reopen at 25 percent occupancy capacity, and with other restrictions, as soon as each submits a plan to local health departments.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Five Palestinians detained after clashes with IDF forces near Qalqilya

Five Palestinians were detained by IDF forces after confrontations erupted on Monday night at the security check point north of Qalqilya, Walla News reported, citing Palestinian sources.The report further states that flash and smoke grenades were thrown during the altercation.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--US CDC reports 1,637,456 coronavirus cases, 97,669 deaths

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Monday reported 1,637,456 cases of the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ cases from its previous count , and said that the number of deaths had risen @ @ @ @ @ The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ , as of 4 pm ET on May 24 versus its previous report a day @ @ @ @ @ do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states .

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday reported 1,637,456 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 15,342 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 620 to 97,669.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of 4 pm ET on May 24 versus its previous report a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--UAE coronavirus cases rise past 30,000

UAE coronavirus cases rise past 30,000

The number of coronavirus cases in the United Arab Emirates rosd past 30,000 on Monday , the health ministry said @ @ @ @ @ 822 new cases , taking the cumulative total to 30,307 .
The death toll increased @ @ @ @ @

The number of coronavirus cases in the United Arab Emirates rosd past 30,000 on Monday, the health ministry said.
A ministry official reported 822 new cases, taking the cumulative total to 30,307. The death toll increased by three to 248.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Teacher's assistant from Yavne diagnosed with coronavirus

A teacher's assistant from the city of Yavne has been diagnosed with coronavirus on Monday, Kan reported.Six other teacher who were in her proximity were sent to self-isolation.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--WHO: clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients paused

The World Health Organization has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns , WHO @ @ @ @ @ said on Monday .
Hydroxycholoroquine has been touted by Donald Trump and others as a @ @ @ @ @ caused by the novel coronavirus .
The US President has said he was taking the @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within @ @ @ @ @ safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board , '' Tedros told an @ @ @ @ @ the other arms of the trial - a major international initiative to hold clinical tests @ @ @ @ @ virus - were continuing .
Dr. Mike Ryan , head of the WHO emergencies program @ @ @ @ @ suspend trials of hydroxychloroquine had been taken out of `` an abundance of caution .
@

The World Health Organization has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday.
Hydroxycholoroquine has been touted by Donald Trump and others as a possible treatment for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The US President has said he was taking the drug to help prevent infection.
"The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity trial while the safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board," Tedros told an online briefing.
He said the other arms of the trial - a major international initiative to hold clinical tests of potential treatments for the virus - were continuing.
The WHO has previously recommended against using hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent coronavirus infections, except as part of clinical trials.
Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies program, said the decision to suspend trials of hydroxychloroquine had been taken out of "an abundance of caution."


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--El Al set to renew its flights to the US after Shavuot – report

El Al announced on Monday that the company will renew its flights to the United States after Shavuot, KAN reported.The company stopped flying to the US two months ago as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Israel's active coronavirus patients drops to 2,146, 29 intubated

The number of active coronavirus patients in Israel dropped to 2,146 on Monday, the Health Ministry reported.There are currently 29 intubated patients and 281 have died from the virus.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Italy reports 92 coronavirus deaths on Monday, just 300 new infections

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 92 on Monday , against 50 the day before , the Civil Protection Agency said , while the daily tally of new cases dropped to just 300 from 531 on Sunday .
Sunday 's daily death toll did not include fatalities from the worst-affected Lombardy region , due to technical problems .
It was not immediately clear if Lombardy 's deaths from Sunday had been added on Monday , when the region reported 34 new fatalities .
Italy 's total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain .
The number of confirmed cases amounts to 230,158 , the sixth highest global tally behind those of the United States , Russia , Spain , Britain and Brazil .
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell on Monday to 55,300 from 56,594 the day before .
There were 541 people in intensive care on Monday , down from 553 on Sunday , maintaining a long-running decline .
Of those originally infected , 141,981 were declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy climbed by 92 on Monday, against 50 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases dropped to just 300 from 531 on Sunday.
Sunday's daily death toll did not include fatalities from the worst-affected Lombardy region, due to technical problems.
It was not immediately clear if Lombardy's deaths from Sunday had been added on Monday, when the region reported 34 new fatalities.
Italy's total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 now stands at 32,877, the agency said, the third highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.
The number of confirmed cases amounts to 230,158, the sixth highest global tally behind those of the United States, Russia, Spain, Britain and Brazil.
People registered as currently carrying the illness fell on Monday to 55,300 from 56,594 the day before.
There were 541 people in intensive care on Monday, down from 553 on Sunday, maintaining a long-running decline. Of those originally infected, 141,981 were declared recovered against 140,479 a day earlier.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Spain reports 50 coronavirus deaths, total at 26,834

Spain 's Health Ministry reported 50 new deaths from the coronavirus on Monday , marking nine straight days that the @ @ @ @ @ below 100 .
Cumulative deaths from the virus reached 26,834 in the hard-hit country , @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed , bringing the total number of cases up to 235,400 , the ministry said @ @ @ @ @ it was validating some cases , potentially leading to discrepancies with the previous days ' @ @

Spain's Health Ministry reported 50 new deaths from the coronavirus on Monday, marking nine straight days that the daily death toll has been below 100.
Cumulative deaths from the virus reached 26,834 in the hard-hit country, while 132 new cases were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases up to 235,400, the ministry said.
The ministry advised that it was validating some cases, potentially leading to discrepancies with the previous days' figures.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Ukrainian President Zelensky

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called to congratulate the formation of the Israeli government.The two spoke about the fulfillment of the free trade area agreement and how it might be expanded, as well as strengthening the economic ties between the countries.The Ukrainian president said that Israel is a good example for effectively fighting the coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Bank of Israel keeps interest rate unchanged at 0.1%

The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee decided on Monday to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.1%, citing unprecedented contraction in the scope of economic activity and a steep increase in the number of jobseekers.In April, the central bank cuts the rate from 0.25% to 0.1%, echoing similar measures taken by central banks worldwide to ensure the orderly functioning of financial markets amid the coronavirus outbreak.The bank's research department provided a more optimistic estimate as it updated its macroeconomic forecast published last month. GDP is now expected go contract by a total of 4.5% in 2020, compared with the 5.3% contraction detailed in the bank's April forecast. The economy is then expected to grow by 6.8% in 2021, compared with 8.7% in the bank's April forecast.The more moderate forecast was based on the bank's previous assumption that restrictions to contain the coronavirus outbreak would be lifted gradually by the end of June. Recovery is expected to be more prolonged than previously thought, however, due to the impact of social distancing restrictions that are "expected to create friction in economic activity."Unemployment is expected to reach 8.5% in the second half of 2020, and decline to approximately 5.5% toward the end of 2021.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Netanyahu says annexation set for July, 'a historic opportunity'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Likud faction on Monday that his new government would initially embark on six key goals.The goals are returning work lost due to the coronavirus, passing the state budget, preparing for a second wave of the virus, security threats from Iran, the International Criminal Court's false claims of war crimes and applying Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.Netanyahu called implementing US President Donald Trump's peace plan "a historic opportunity that we will not let be missed."


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--High Court cancels warrant to demolish house of Dvir Sorek killer

High Court judges have ruled that the warrant to demolish the house of one of the killers of IDF soldier Dvir Sorek must be canceled, according to the majority opinion.


jerusalempost--2020-05-25--Coronavirus death toll in Sweden tops 4,000

The death toll from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Sweden has topped 4,000 , statistics published by the @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
The data published on the agency 's website showed that deaths from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus , had risen to 4,029 from 3,998 a day earlier while the @ @ @ @ @ to 33,843 up from 33,459 .
Sweden has taken a soft-touch approach to fighting the @ @ @ @ @ , shops and restaurants open and relying on voluntary measures focused on social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ in the pandemic in Sweden have been many times higher relative to the size of @ @ @ @ @ Nordic neighbours , but still lower than in some hard-hit countries , such as Spain @ @ @ @ @ strict lockdowns .

The death toll from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Sweden has topped 4,000, statistics published by the Public Health Agency showed on Monday.
The data published on the agency's website showed that deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, had risen to 4,029 from 3,998 a day earlier while the number of confirmed cases amounted to 33,843 up from 33,459.
Sweden has taken a soft-touch approach to fighting the virus, leaving most schools, shops and restaurants open and relying on voluntary measures focused on social distancing and good hygiene.
Accumulated deaths in the pandemic in Sweden have been many times higher relative to the size of the population than in its Nordic neighbours, but still lower than in some hard-hit countries, such as Spain and Britain, that implemented strict lockdowns.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Global fundraising for COVID-19 vaccine, drugs exceeds $10 billion

`` Great result , reaching 1st milestone of GlobalResponse pledging marathon led by EU Commission , '' Ursula von der @ @ @ @ @

A global campaign to fund the development of vaccines and therapies against COVID-19 has so far raised 9.5 billion euros ($10.4 billion), the head of the European Commission said on Tuesday.
"Great result, reaching 1st milestone of GlobalResponse pledging marathon led by EU Commission," Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter.
The pledging campaign, which the United States shunned, raised $8 billion from global leaders and other institutions on May 4, when it was launched.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Hebrew Ulpans to reopen for new olim on Sunday

`` It is inconceivable that educational institutions have already been operating for weeks and this ulpans have remained closed without @ @ @ @ @ population that need them so much , '' said Tamano-Shata .
`` From my first @ @ @ @ @ was contacted by many new olim who felt in deep distress because of the consequences @ @ @ @ @ The language barrier among new olim brings many challenges that influence the acclimation in all @ @ @ @ @ halting of Hebrew-language studies harmed the first phase of the integration process , even though @ @ @ @ @ were conducted over the internet . ''

"It is inconceivable that educational institutions have already been operating for weeks and this ulpans have remained closed without any response to the oleh population that need them so much," said Tamano-Shata. "From my first day in office, I was contacted by many new olim who felt in deep distress because of the consequences of the coronavirus crisis. The language barrier among new olim brings many challenges that influence the acclimation in all aspects of life. The halting of Hebrew-language studies harmed the first phase of the integration process, even though in some cases the studies were conducted over the internet."
Hebrew Ulpans for new olim will reopen on Sunday after requests by the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Penina Tamano-Shata to Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and National Security Council head Meir ben Shabbat.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Afghan government will free 900 Taliban prisoners Tuesday

`` It is important to extend the ceasefire and , in order to avoid bloodshed , the Afghan government is @ @ @ @ @ '' Javid Faisal , the spokesman for the Afghan National Security Adviser , told a @ @ @

The Afghan government urged the Taliban to extend a three-day ceasefire which is due to end on Tuesday night and also announced that it would release 900 prisoners from the insurgent group on Tuesday.
"It is important to extend the ceasefire and, in order to avoid bloodshed, the Afghan government is ready to extend it," Javid Faisal, the spokesman for the Afghan National Security Adviser, told a news conference.
The Taliban announced the three-day ceasefire to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr that ends the holy month of Ramadan. It expires at midnight on Tuesday (1930 GMT).


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Rocket siren in southern Israel was false alarm

The IDF confirmed that a rocket siren that sounded in southern Israel on Tuesday morning was a false alarm.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Philippines records 350 new coronavirus cases, 13 more deaths

In a bulletin , the ministry said total confirmed cases have risen to 14,669 and deaths have reached 886 .
@ @ @ @ @ 3,412 patients have recovered .

The Philippine health ministry on Tuesday reported 13 deaths and 350 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the largest single-day increase in infections in seven weeks.
In a bulletin, the ministry said total confirmed cases have risen to 14,669 and deaths have reached 886. It said a total of 3,412 patients have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Tiberias beaches closed due to bacteria

Tiberias beaches closed due to bacteria

The Rakat and Municipal - Parks beaches along the Kinneret coast in Tiberias were closed to swimmers on Tuesday due to exceptional bacterial results found in the water.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Another staff member, student infected with coronavirus

A 5th-grade student at the Torah Yeshayahu school in Bnei Brak was also confirmed as having been infected with the @ @ @ @ @ classmates were sent into quarantine as well .

A 5th-grade student at the Torah Yeshayahu school in Bnei Brak was also confirmed as having been infected with the coronavirus on Tuesday. His classmates were sent into quarantine as well.
An additional staff member at the Yitzchak Navon school in Rehovot was confirmed as infected with the coronavirus on Tuesday, with 22 students at the school being sent into quarantine.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Singapore's health ministry confirms 383 more coronavirus cases

Singapore's health ministry confirmed on Tuesday 383 more cases of the new coronavirus, taking the city-state's tally to 32,343.The lower number of cases on Tuesday was partly due to fewer tests being conducted, it added.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--France says relations with Iran tougher after citizen sentenced

`` This sentencing was founded on no serious elements and was politically motivated .
So we firmly say to the @ @ @ @ @ Adelkhah without delay , '' Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian authorities a lot more difficult . ''
Adelkhah , who has been in @ @ @ @ @ was this month sentenced to six years in jail on national security charges .

France's foreign minister said on Tuesday that relations with Iran had become more difficult after Tehran sentenced a French-Iranian academic to prison in what he said was a politically motivated decision.
"This sentencing was founded on no serious elements and was politically motivated. So we firmly say to the Iranian authorities to release Fariba Adelkhah without delay," Jean-Yves Le Drian told France Inter radio.
"This decision make our relations with the Iranian authorities a lot more difficult."
Adelkhah, who has been in prison for a year, was this month sentenced to six years in jail on national security charges.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Assassination attempt thwarted in Beit Shemesh

An attempted assassination was thwarted by Israel Police in Beit Shemesh on Tuesday morning, after four suspects were caught placing an explosive charge on the car of a local resident.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Thailand reports 3 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths

All three new cases were Thai nationals who recently returned from overseas and are currently in quarantine , Taweesin Wisanuyothin @ @ @ @ @ government 's coronavirus task force said .

Thailand on Tuesday reported three new coronavirus cases and no new deaths, bringing its total to 3,045 confirmed cases and 57 fatalities.
All three new cases were Thai nationals who recently returned from overseas and are currently in quarantine, Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government's coronavirus task force said.
There are 2,929 patients who have recovered.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Palestinian teen dies while working with explosive in Gaza Strip - report

A Palestinian teenager was killed when an explosive device he was working with exploded in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to Palestinian reports.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 432 to 179,002 - RKI

The reported death toll rose by 45 to 8,302 , the tally showed .

The reported death toll rose by 45 to 8,302, the tally showed.
BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 432 to 179,002, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Saudi Arabia to end curfew on June 21, except in Mecca

CAIRO - Saudi Arabia will revise curfew times this week , and lift it entirely across the Kingdom with the @ @ @ @ @ of Mecca starting June 21 , state news agency reported in a statement early on @ @ @ @ @ travel , holding prayers in mosques , and workplace attendance in both government and private @ @ @ @ @ starting May 31 , the statement added .
For Mecca , the curfew time will @ @ @ @ @ a.m and prayers will be allowed to be held in mosques from June 21 .

CAIRO - Saudi Arabia will revise curfew times this week, and lift it entirely across the Kingdom with the exception of the holy city of Mecca starting June 21, state news agency reported in a statement early on Tuesday.
Bans on domestic travel, holding prayers in mosques, and workplace attendance in both government and private sector will be lifted, starting May 31, the statement added.
For Mecca, the curfew time will be adjusted to 3 p.m-6 a.m and prayers will be allowed to be held in mosques from June 21.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--New Zealand hit by second earthquake in two days

New Zealand 's capital shook for a second consecutive day on Tuesday after a magnitude 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Wellington @ @ @ @ @ showed .
There were no initial reports of damage , according to news reports and @ @ @ @ @ slightly stronger 5.8 magnitude quake struck the capital on Monday while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern @ @ @ @ @ interview .
She calmly continued with the programme and later confirmed there had been no @ @ @ @ @ on the seismically active `` Ring of Fire '' , an arc of volcanoes and @ @ @ @ @ the Pacific Ocean .
The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude @ @ @ @ @ 185 people .

New Zealand's capital shook for a second consecutive day on Tuesday after a magnitude 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Wellington, data from monitor GeoNet showed.
There were no initial reports of damage, according to news reports and a Reuters witness.
A slightly stronger 5.8 magnitude quake struck the capital on Monday while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was doing a live TV interview. She calmly continued with the programme and later confirmed there had been no damage.
New Zealand lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", an arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean. The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--House Republicans to sue Pelosi over remote proxy voting rule

The lawsuit , to be filed in federal court in Washington , will seek to block the new system passed @ @ @ @ @ intended to allow the chamber to function while observing social distancing guidelines .
It will @ @ @ @ @ are unconstitutional , the Republican aides said .
The rules , passed earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ 3 trillion aid bill that the Republican-controlled Senate so far has not taken up , @ @ @ @ @ outside the Capitol by asking another member to vote for them .
Without them , @ @ @ @ @ can take hours as representatives file inside in small groups .
Pelosi condemned the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ it a `` sad stunt . ''

U.S. House of Representatives Republicans will sue Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi over rule changes that allow members to vote on each other's behalf during the coronavirus pandemic, Republican aides said on Tuesday.
The lawsuit, to be filed in federal court in Washington, will seek to block the new system passed by the Democratic-majority House and intended to allow the chamber to function while observing social distancing guidelines. It will argue that the rule changes are unconstitutional, the Republican aides said.
The rules, passed earlier this month as part of a $3 trillion aid bill that the Republican-controlled Senate so far has not taken up, allow members to vote from outside the Capitol by asking another member to vote for them.
Without them, votes in the 435-member chamber can take hours as representatives file inside in small groups.
Pelosi condemned the lawsuit in a statement, calling it a "sad stunt."
The House is not the only element of the federal government adapting its behavior to the pandemic. The Supreme Court this month for the first time heard arguments by telephone.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Nasrallah: Gantz is experienced with disappointment in Lebanon

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that the wars-between-wars between Israel and Lebanon 's Hezbollah is a total failure , @ @ @ @ @ Gantz is `` experienced with disappointment in Lebanon , '' Channel 12 reported .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ years since Israel 's withdrawal from Lebanon , Nasrallah said that Israel was planning on @ @ @ @ @ was reluctant to do so .
He elaborated , saying that Hezbollah 's reaction to @ @ @ @ @ Syrian border led to Israel refraining from taking any offensive activity against them .

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said that the wars-between-wars between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah is a total failure, and that Defense Minister Benny Gantz is "experienced with disappointment in Lebanon," Channel 12 reported.
Speaking in an interview marking 20 years since Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, Nasrallah said that Israel was planning on launching attacks into Lebanon but was reluctant to do so. He elaborated, saying that Hezbollah's reaction to attacks in Lebanon near the Syrian border led to Israel refraining from taking any offensive activity against them.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--WHO: clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients paused

The World Health Organization has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns , WHO @ @ @ @ @ said on Monday .
Hydroxycholoroquine has been touted by Donald Trump and others as a @ @ @ @ @ caused by the novel coronavirus .
The US President has said he was taking the @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within @ @ @ @ @ safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board , '' Tedros told an @ @ @ @ @ the other arms of the trial - a major international initiative to hold clinical tests @ @ @ @ @ virus - were continuing .
Dr. Mike Ryan , head of the WHO emergencies program @ @ @ @ @ suspend trials of hydroxychloroquine had been taken out of `` an abundance of caution .
@

The World Health Organization has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday.
Hydroxycholoroquine has been touted by Donald Trump and others as a possible treatment for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The US President has said he was taking the drug to help prevent infection.
"The executive group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity trial while the safety data is reviewed by the data safety monitoring board," Tedros told an online briefing.
He said the other arms of the trial - a major international initiative to hold clinical tests of potential treatments for the virus - were continuing.
The WHO has previously recommended against using hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent coronavirus infections, except as part of clinical trials.
Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies program, said the decision to suspend trials of hydroxychloroquine had been taken out of "an abundance of caution."


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--IDF, Mossad end involvement with National Coronavirus Center

The full list of medical supplies, including some 80 million surgical masks, that the Mossad hunted down and brought to Israel during the coronavirus crisis was revealed by the Hebrew website Ynet on Tuesday.Information about the supplies the Mossad secured for the Jewish state came on the same day that Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, outgoing Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov and other top officials attended a ceremony marking the end of the IDF’s involvement with the National Coronavirus Control Center at Sheba Medical Center.There are 14 million more masks on their way to Israel, Ynet said.In addition, the Mossad brought 180 million pairs of gloves and hundreds of millions of medical drugs to help ailing persons and 1,300 ventilators. Another 4,700 ventilators have been ordered and are expected to arrive in the country by October, in time for a potential second wave.Finally, the spy agency brought around two million coronavirus test kits.At the parting ceremony, Cohen said that while he and his agents "don’t have any medical expertise,” they were able to bring “the spirit of the Mossad” into the daily operations undertaken to curb the the coronavirus health threat.On Tuesday, the responsibility over coordinating the delivery of supplies to Israel was transferred from the Mossad to the Health Ministry.Earlier in the day, the Knesset Intelligence Subcommittee extended the Shin Bet’s surveillance of coronavirus infected citizens for an additional three weeks as the government closes in on passing a new law to regulate the issue.By a vote of 2-1, the committee gave the government until June 8 to submit its proposed bill and until June 16 before another oversight hearing on the issue.According to the schedule outlined by government representatives, they would hope to fast-track the new bill and pass it into law by early or mid-July.The committee continued a dynamic of extending the program for a limited period in order to try to keep the government motivated to come forward with the proposed bill and avoid stalling.While the committee chairman switched since the last hearing from Blue and White’s Gabi Ashkenazi to the current chair, Derech Eretz’s Zvi Hauser, the tone of the hearing was mostly the same.Hauser and Likud MK Gideon Sa’ar showed lukewarm support, Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked voiced strong support, Yisrael Beytenu MK Eli Avidar condemned the program and other MKs asked pointed questions about the programs developing details.One of the strongest defenses of the program has been the statistic that around one third of the more than 16,000 persons infected were tracked down by it, while a major criticism has been that 93% of the people who the Shin Bet told to go into isolation were found to be healthy and that only 7% were determined to be infected.Two significant differences at the hearing were that the government announced in recent weeks that it has self-reduced the use of the Shin Bet to track people following the country’s initial success in emerging from the corona disaster, and fewer MKs attending the hearing.The 2-1 vote was down from a previous vote of 6-3 in which many more MKs participated.It was unclear if the reduced attendance stemmed from less attention to the issue, a reduced role for the program or the sense that the next hearings on the bill itself would be more decisive than this one.Avidar continued to loudly oppose the program, lashing out at the Health Ministry’s officials, “why, with only 20 infected persons per day, can’t you do your job? You have 400 nurses…and you cannot do enough tests – and you want to go into telephones? Increase the number of tests!...Why do you want to use dictatorial methods which are not fitting for our democracy?”In late March, late April and early May, the committee extended the program, but under threat that progress needed to be made with the new proposed law.Ashkenazi said at the time that the hearing schedule was designed to give the government time to decide whether it would try to pass new full-fledged legislation so that the program complies with a High Court requirement to do so, and can continue to run for a longer-term, while ensuring that the government makes a quick decision.Consistently, Shaked has said the program should continue, while Avidar has said that the government had misled the committee by underplaying alternative options for following corona trends such as those being used by other countries.On Tuesday, Health Ministry technology official Rona Kaiser gave the most comprehensive review yet of alternate technologies and what other countries are doing technologically to follow infection trends.Addressing replacing the Shin Bet program with the “Shield” application that can be downloaded voluntarily on citizens’ cellphones, she said that one problem was that in most countries less than a quarter of the population was downloading the application.Kaiser warned many might ignore government calls to download the application because the average citizen believes the corona crisis is over.Head of Public Health Prof. Sigal Sadetsky said that there is likely to be second wave of coronavirus by winter and that it could come even sooner if the Shin Bet program does not remain as an option to contain future outbreaks before they spread too far.Essentially, Health Ministry officials appeared ready to opt for a two-tiered system by which they would hope that people use the Shield application to report on infection trends, but that the Shin Bet option would be maintained and held in reserve should infection rates suddenly spike again.The surveillance started in mid-March when the coronavirus crisis hit a peak and ran for around two weeks before the Knesset asserted any serious oversight of the program.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--32 new coronavirus cases in Israel - Health Ministry

The Health Ministry announced on Tuesday night that Israel's number of coronavirus cases rose to 16,757, an increase of 32, which is the largest increase since Israel began lifting the coronavirus restrictions. Of the more than 16,700 cases, just 2,019 are considered active cases, including 33 patients on ventilators - four more than previously reported.The nation's death toll stands at 281.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Israel Nature and Parks Authority to reopen six parks for Shavuot

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced it will reopen six parks for Shavuot , which starts on Thursday evening @ @ @ @ @ .
The parks that will re-open are Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve , Tel Be ’ @ @ @ @ @ Park , Nimrod Fortress National Park , Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center and Bio Ramon Living @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak , many parks were closed to prevent the virus from spreading .

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced it will reopen six parks for Shavuot, which starts on Thursday evening, Ynet reported on Tuesday.
The parks that will re-open are Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve, Tel Be’er Sheba, Avdat National Park, Nimrod Fortress National Park, Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center and Bio Ramon Living Desert Museum.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many parks were closed to prevent the virus from spreading.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman meets with Derech Eretz faction

US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman chose Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel as the first minister in the new government with whom he held a meeting.The unusual choice of a lower-level minister from Derech Eretz, a faction with only two seats, for Tuesday’s meeting was likely due to US efforts to warn allies against using Chinese companies to build their 5G internet networks.Sources in Derech Eretz confirmed that the matter of 5G and Chinese technological investments in Israel came up in the meeting.Friedman invited Hendel to Washington to meet with government officials in his field and deepen cooperation between the countries on communication technologies.The US has argued that Chinese companies will use their involvement in building 5G networks for espionage or possibly sabotage of communications infrastructure. US Attorney-General William Barr said earlier this year that Chinese dominance in this sphere would be a "monumental danger" because of its use for spying, and that America's "economic future is at stake."The meeting with Hendel and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Zvi Hauser, also of Derech Eretz, came on the same day that Israel chose local company IDE technologies to construct the world's largest desalination plant, rather than a Chinese company, thus preventing another undesirable showdown with the Trump administration over Chinese participation in major infrastructure projects.The US has asked its allies, including Israel, in recent weeks to sever ties with China – Israel’s third-largest trading partner - in areas with security risks, a US official with knowledge of talks on the matter said last week.The Trump administration specifically flagged Hutchison's possible involvement in the construction of the desalination plant, which will be in Kibbutz Palmachim and cost more than NIS 5 billion. In addition to being an important infrastructure project for Israel, the plant is near the Sorek Nuclear Center and the Palmachim airbase.The US concern about Chinese companies’ involvement in major infrastructure projects in Israel in recent years, is due partly to the ability of Chinese operatives to gather intelligence while working on them, as well as the massive economic, social and environmental losses, and even casualties, that could be inflicted if that infrastructure is damaged.The official statement from the Finance Ministry, Energy Ministry and Water Resources Ministry does not mention Hutchison or China and simply states that Kadima-headquartered IDE Technologies, which partnered with Bank Leumi, submitted the winning PPP bid, promising desalinated water at the cost of approximately NIS 1.45 per cubic meter (cu.m.) - some 65 agorot cheaper than all desalination solutions today.


jerusalempost--2020-05-26--Infant care center in Tel Aviv closed due to coronavirus

An infant care center in north Tel Aviv closed on Tuesday after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ ’ amat reported in a press release .
In accordance with the Health Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ who worked or stayed in the center were placed under home quarantine for two weeks @ @ @ @ @ to re-open on June 7 .

An infant care center in north Tel Aviv closed on Tuesday after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus, Israeli women's organization Na’amat reported in a press release.
In accordance with the Health Ministry’s instructions, all those who worked or stayed in the center were placed under home quarantine for two weeks.
The center is expected to re-open on June 7.