Bethlehem Nativity Church reopens after coronavirus closure

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem's storied Church of the Nativity reopened to visitors on Tuesday, after a nearly three-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The church, built over the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born, was closed on March 5 as the first cases of the virus were...

Israeli leader vows to push ahead with annexing West Bank

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday pledged to annex parts of the occupied West Bank in the coming months, vowing to move ahead with the explosive plan despite a growing chorus of condemnations by key allies. The Palestinians, with wide international backing, seek the...

Israel's Netanyahu attacks justice system as trial begins

JERUSALEM (AP) — To the sounds of his impassioned supporters chanting outside, a defiant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strode into a Jerusalem courtroom Sunday to face corruption charges in a long-awaited trial that has overshadowed three inconclusive elections and deeply divided the country....

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wearing blue mask, enters court for start of corruption trial.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at courthouse for start of corruption trial

Muslims celebrate major holiday amid curfews, virus fears

JERUSALEM (AP) — Muslims around the world on Sunday began celebrating Eid al-Fitr, a normally festive holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with millions under strict stay-at-home orders and many fearing renewed coronavirus outbreaks. The three-day holiday is usually a time of travel,...

Jerusalem's Holy Sepulcher reopens after coronavirus closure

JERUSALEM (AP) — Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher reopened to visitors on Sunday after a two-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The church, situated in Jerusalem's Old City, is the site where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, entombed, and resurrected. The Christian...

The Latest: Montana outbreak tied to Schwab country club

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. TOP OF THE HOUR: — Montana outbreak tied to golf and country club developed by...

Israel's Netanyahu, unbeaten in elections, is going on trial

JERUSALEM (AP) — After entering the record books last year as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu will once again make history when he becomes the country’s first sitting leader to go on trial. Surrounded by security guards, Netanyahu is set to march into...

Gaza reports 1st virus-related death amid fears of outbreak

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — The crowded Gaza Strip recorded its first death from the coronavirus on Saturday, officials said, amid fears an outbreak could paralyze the territory's already overstretched health care system. The Palestinian health ministry said the deceased was a 77-year-old woman who had...