Middle East & North Africa

Israel MK threatens to destroy Iran nuclear program if US returns to deal

14 Jan 2021; MEMO: An Israeli minister in the ruling Likud party has warned that if the United States is to return to the Iran nuclear deal under the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden, then Israel will be forced to take action itself against Iran's nuclear programme.

udan army seized 9 Ethiopia camps inside Ethiopian territory

14 Jan 2021; MEMO: The Ethiopian Ambassador to Sudan Yibtalal Amero yesterday accused the Sudanese army of seizing nine camps inside Ethiopian territory, Anadolu Agency reported.

"We were surprised by the Sudanese army's attacks on Ethiopian territory, and the seizure of nine camps since November," Amero told representatives of international organisations and ambassadors of foreign countries in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

Israel: Hundreds protest against adjournment of Netanyahu's trial

14 Jan 2021; MEMO: Hundreds rallied in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house yesterday, protesting against the adjournment of his trial, Anadolu reported.

According to the Israeli Public Broadcaster Kan, the protesters held posters which read: "Go to the court, coward."

Emirates pilot suspended for refusing to fly to Israel

13 Jan 2021; MEMO: Emirates airline has suspended a Tunisian pilot for refusing to fly to Israel. Moneem Saheb Tabaa confirmed the suspension on his Facebook page, which he has since closed.

"God is [the] only [one] who takes care of me…" said Tabaa. "I do not regret it." The pilot is suspended pending a formal hearing.

Iran starts research to upgrade fuel for Tehran research reactor: official

TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the Vienna-based international organizations, said that the Islamic Republic has started research and development to upgrade fuel for its Tehran Research Reactor, Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported on Thursday.

Gharibabadi said on Wednesday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report informing member states of the agency that Iran has started upgrading fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor.

Turkey urges ‘review’ of US sanction decision over S-400s

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A top Turkish official is calling on the new U.S. administration to engage in a dialogue with Turkey and to review a decision to sanction the country over its purchase of an advanced Russian air defense system.

That request comes even though Washington has made clear that there can be no waiver of the sanctions until Ankara disposes of the Russian technology.

Lebanon begins all-day curfew as virus spins out of control

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese authorities began enforcing an 11-day nationwide shutdown and round the clock curfew Thursday, hoping to limit the spread of coronavirus infections spinning out of control after the holiday period.

For the first time, residents were required to request a one-hour permit to be allowed to leave the house for “emergencies,” including going to the bakery, pharmacist, doctor, hospital or airport.

Israeli Forces Shoot Palestinian Following Alleged Stabbing Attempt

HEBRON, Jan 13 (NNN-WAFA) – Israeli forces Wednesday morning shot and injured a Palestinian man following an alleged attempted stabbing in the Old City of Hebron, according to security sources.

They confirmed that Israeli forces opened fire at the young man outside the Hebron’s flashpoint Ibrahimi Mosque, wounding him purportedly for attempting to stab a soldier.

Israeli media claimed the alleged attacker, 22, was hit and moderately wounded in the leg.

Israel wants financial compensation from Tunisia for property left behind by Jews

13 Jan 2021; MEMO: A former Minister of State Property in Tunisia has warned that Israel intends to demand a huge amount of financial compensation from the government in respect of the property left behind by Jews who left the country to move to the Zionist state. Hatem El-Echi confirmed this on Facebook on Monday.

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