After 3 years in which pandemic limited attendance and long waiting lists swelled further, Muslims from Gaza, Indonesia and the US prepare for once-in-a-lifetime visit to Mecca

Obligatory home isolation for those with the virus to end in May, rule requiring masks in medical facilities and retirement homes discontinued this week

Official warns of 'countermeasures' to restrictions as country faces huge wave of infections after ending strict quarantine measures

Measure does not apply to Israeli citizens, who have been advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to China amid surge in virus cases as Beijing lifts zero-COVID policy

Beginning January 5, America-bound passengers must test for virus no more than two days before flying, as cases in China jump following end of zero-COVID policy

Protests held in Shanghai and elsewhere after demonstrations in western Xinjiang region against draconian measures in place for months, blamed for making Urumqi blaze worse

Israelis and Palestinians among those hoping for a rebound from COVID woes, but the recovery is likely to take time

Salman Zarka says current spike being fueled by Omicron subvariant, is not as serious as previous outbreak; also urges Israelis to mask indoors

Number of seriously ill patients continues to rise, reaching 180; COVID czar says he believes verified cases are only 'tip of the iceberg' due to low testing rates

Health Ministry reports 168 people in serious condition, a rise of 95% from last week; health officials tell hospitals to prepare for reopening of dedicated COVID-19 wards