Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations dampened by coronavirus restrictions
Bethlehem ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land.
Middle East
Iran newspaper urges strike on Haifa if Israel killed scientist
An opinion piece published by a hard-line Iranian newspaper has suggested Iran should attack the Israeli port city of Haifa if Israel carried out the killing of a scientist linked to its disbanded military nuclear programme.
Iran’s president vows revenge over scientist’s murder
Iran’s president has vowed to exact revenge over the killing of a scientist linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme as he joined other officials in blaming Israel for the murder.
Iran shuts government offices as tighter coronavirus restrictions are imposed
Iran has announced that all government offices will effectively close and operate with only essential staff in a bid to contain its most widespread wave of coronavirus infection yet.
WHO warns of deadly second coronavirus wave across Middle East
The World Health Organisation has warned that the only way to avoid mass death across the Middle East is for countries to quickly tighten restrictions.
Long-standing Palestinian spokesman Saeb Erekat dies aged 65
Saeb Erekat, a veteran peace negotiator and prominent international spokesman for the Palestinians for more than three decades, has died weeks after being infected by the coronavirus. He was 65.
Maxine Peake cancels play to highlight plight of Palestinian actors
Maxine Peake has cancelled a play in London to highlight the plight of Palestinian playwrights and other artists targeted by the Israeli authorities.
Ramadan means fasting and Facebook for many in Middle East, data shows
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with its long days of fasting and prayer meant to draw worshippers closer to God and away from worldly distractions, is being reshaped by technology.
Jeremy Bowen reveals bowel cancer diagnosis
BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen has revealed he is suffering from bowel cancer but is staying positive.
Quest for Scottish Cup silverware begins for Aberdeen in the City of Gold
Aberdeen will make a 7,200-mile round trip to the Middle East to boost the bid to secure a 150-mile drive to Hampden for the Scottish Cup final in May.
Museum tells story of heroic north-east soldier chosen for daring secret WW1 mission
An army museum is highlighting the role played by a North-east soldier who was part of a handpicked team carrying out a daring secret mission during World War 1.
Sage Group shares plummet on sales downgrade
Shares in Sage Group tanked on Friday as the software firm revised down its forecast for annual sales following a poor first half.
Sage Group shares plummet on sales downgrade
Shares in Sage Group tanked on Friday as the software firm revised down its forecast for annual sales following a poor first half.
Sage Group shares plummet on sales downgrade
Shares in Sage Group tanked on Friday as the software firm revised down its forecast for annual sales following a poor first half.