Middle East

At least 244 students and school employees have tested positive for the coronavirus in recent weeks, according to the education ministry. At least 130 cases occurred in a single school in Jerusalem.

"Our religion teaches us that saving lives is an obligation. That is the consideration in this policy," Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi says.

While UNESCO and the Vatican agree the site is in Jordan, a spot across the Jordan River, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, draws more visitors.

With its health care system already in dire condition, conflict-ridden Yemen faces what Doctors Without Borders is calling a potential "catastrophe" as COVID-19 spreads.

Forty comedians came together for 2 hours of stand-up to celebrate a socially distant Eid-al-Fitr. They cracked wise about everything from smelly burps to parents who share misinformation on WhatsApp.

The Israeli prime minister is due in court Sunday for corruption charges, including that he allegedly offered a media company regulatory favors for positive coverage.

The writer's eldest son, Saleh, tweeted Thursday, "If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah."