Palestinian Authority & Gaza Strip

The elections, the first in 15 years, are seen as an important step toward ending the Palestinians since Hamas usurped control of the Gaza Strip from the Palestinian Authority in a military coup in 2007.

Parliamentary elections are to be held on May 22, followed by a presidential vote on July 31. A December poll found that 52% of Palestinians think elections held under present conditions would not be fair and free.

Russian Direct Investment Fund reports that PA has approved Sputnik-5 vaccine for use without demanding additional clinical trials, and the first doses will be delivered by the end of January.

Unless the bank discontinues its involvement with terrorists' accounts, it will be subject to enormous legal and economic risks under to the 2016 Counter-Terrorism Law.

President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly told officials in the future Biden administration that he wants to "resume negotiations with Israel as soon as possible with American mediation and without preconditions."

Palestinian Airlines' activity has been growing increasingly limited for years. In September, the airline offered its two remaining Fokker 50 aircraft for sale.

Gaza is run by Hamas and also home to other militant groups, including Islamic Jihad. Israeli officials believe exercise was meant as a show of force organized by Iran.

Gaza's Religious Affairs Ministry's document, dated Dec. 15, called for “activities by the directorate of preaching and spiritual guidance to limit interaction with Christmas.”