The Patriarch of Jerusalem visited the Gulf country, which is part of the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia. Accompanied by Bishop Berardi, the cardinal met with local communities and leading figures of the kingdom. The cardinal led the Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia and took part in a conference at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.

At least seven deaths in a border area. The fragility of a frontier that has long been a free zone for trafficking and illicit trade. Fears of an escalation with the Jewish state and US manoeuvres for ‘normalisation’. In the spirit of the Abu Dhabi declaration, Christians and Muslims celebrate the feast of the Annunciation today.

In a dramatic open letter, more than 40 Israelis kidnapped on 7 October 2023 and returned home from the tunnels of the Strip warn Prime Minister Netanyahu, who wanted the resumption of hostilities against Hamas: ‘Return immediately to negotiations for an agreement that will end the war. Otherwise the blood of our comrades will be on your hands’.

Fr Romanelli bears witness to the tragic escalation of Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas. The clergyman reports that more than 300 people were killed and more than a thousand wounded. His parish church was spared so it continues “to provide our service to everyone,” especially children and senior citizens. Gaza Catholics “pray for peace” with Pope Francis.

Middle East Eye investigation: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are linked through Kushner's Affinity Partners to UN blacklisted companies. Involved are banks and companies in telecommunications, transportation, energy, engineering and retail. Business in settlements stronger than solidarity with Palestinians.

Kurdish and Druze conditional reintegration is an important sign for Ahmed al-Sharaa's Syria, despite great fragility. However, the draft constitution recognises Islamic law as the basis of legislation. Meanwhile, Israel tries to temp Druze in Suwayda. Alawite massacres cast a dark shadow.