In the ‘favourable’ climate created by the war, the Israeli authorities yesterday demolished the Al Bustan Centre, in the neighbourhood close to the Suleiman Walls. An area that for years they have wanted to clear of Arab families in order to expand the infrastructure of the tourist park that is bringing to light all the remains of ancient Jewish Jerusalem.

The changes ordered by the emir cover seven ministries, including the posts of deputy prime minister and minister of state for defence (and intelligence). Elected seats in the Shura Council have been abolished while new Qataris will be eligible for appointment. A foreign ministry  spokesperson calls  "inaccurate" reports that Qatar will no longer mediate, but Hamas’s presence in the emirate appears to be on hold.

For the Israeli activist, who mediated the release of Gilad Shalit after five years of Hamas captivity, Israel’s prime minister is using antisemitism to cover up domestic scandals and exploiting the war for his own self-interest. He also criticises the Palestinian side, which must  prepare the ground for elections postponed for far too long. Qatar's step back should be used to restart negotiations.

Khaled Abu Ajwa, executive director of the non-profit organisation, received the award at yesterday's ceremony in Mumbai. The award recognises the children who “inspire us every day in Lebanon, across the Levant, and around the world,” he told AsiaNews. The event was an opportunity to focus on the Syrian war, which has now lasted for 13 years. Ratan Tata, the Indian tycoon who died a few weeks ago, was also awarded.

The war waged by the Jewish state on Hezbollah has rendered nine facilities unusable and caused 178 deaths and 292 injuries among health workers alone. Almost USD 120 million will be needed to cover at least the basic expenses in the sector within the next six months. The commitment of the interim government and Minister Abiad to try to meet the needs of public and private healthcare.

In Rome, the pope and the catholicos of the Assyrian Church of the East hold an historic meeting, following in the footsteps of the Common Christological Declaration signed on 11 November 1994 by Saint John Paul II and Mar Dinkha IV. Isaac the Syrian, who stressed that holiness overcomes separations, is added to the Roman Martyrology. Speaking about Mideast Christians, the pontiff said: “may the Christians of the Middle East always bear witness to the Risen Christ in those war-torn lands.”