Algerian Music Icon Dies from Coronavirus

Algerian singer Hamdi Benani (APZ)
Algerian singer Hamdi Benani (APZ)
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Algerian Music Icon Dies from Coronavirus

Algerian singer Hamdi Benani (APZ)
Algerian singer Hamdi Benani (APZ)

Prominent Algerian singer Hamdi Benani passed away on Monday in Ibn Sina hospital in Annaba, where he had spent 10 days for treatment from the coronavirus.

Doctors at the hospital told journalists that the artist suffered from coronavirus and his health deteriorated in recent days, which necessitated his admission to the recovery room.

Benani is most known for the Malouf de Annabi song and always carrying a white violin.

Throughout his career, he was famous for his contribution to spreading Algerian culture in general, and Malouf in particular, through his participation in international events.

His successful career included over 30 songs, such as Adalah ya Adalah, Ya Lili, and Jani ma Jani.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed “great sadness for the loss of a master that was hugely considered a figure in Algerian culture,” adding that he was respected by his local and international audience throughout his whole career.

The number of coronavirus cases in Algeria climbed to over 50,000 cases with 1,672 deaths and about 35,000 recoveries.

At least seven deaths and 197 new infections were reported in the country over the past 24 hours, according to a statement by the Health Ministry.

Following the rise in infections, it has become certain that the school year will not resume on October 4 as previously determined by the government. This is due to its inability to prepare a plan to prevent a surge in infections, especially with regard to maintaining social distancing in overcrowded schools.

Authorities are considering delaying the school year till after the referendum on the constitution, scheduled for November 01.

Meanwhile, the syndicate of Imams mosques called for lifting the ban on Friday prayers, which the government excluded from its decision to reopen mosques issued in August.

Observers believe that the ban on Friday prayers is a political decision linked to the popular movement, as hundreds of thousands of protests used to occupy the streets after leaving the mosques on Fridays.

The authority wants to put an end to the Hirak movement, which was halted by its activists last March due to the outbreak of the pandemic.

On Saturday, Algerian Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid expressed his satisfaction with the results of the fight against COVID-19, APS news agency reported.

Benbouzid said there is a drop in new cases in recent weeks, which is due to “the effective participation of all sectors and all sections of society, despite the fact that some still do not respect the compulsory wearing of masks.”

He warned against another wave of high infections if the precautionary measures issued by authorities were not respected.



‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
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‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

A report published by The Wall Street Journal, and promoted by Israeli media on Sunday, has renewed focus on an Israeli plan dating back more than 60 years aimed at pushing for the creation of “emirates” or entities independent from the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The report focused on the Palestinian city of Hebron, and cited what it claimed were “21 tribal elders from Hebron,” who allegedly sent a letter in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for negotiations with them to join the Abraham Accords and consequently abandon the “two-state solution,” which Palestinians rely on to establish their state.

However, a Palestinian security source, in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, said: “What is happening is yet another Israeli attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.”

“This is a failed plan,” he said: “No one here would dare take this step and say: I am the spy... I am the alternative to the Authority ... Those who tried that are known and represent no one.”

Reportedly, the elders included a detailed proposed timetable for talks to join the Abraham Accords and for “a fair and decent arrangement that would replace the Oslo Accords, which only brought damage, death, economic disaster and destruction.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, the initiative was helmed by Wadee al-Jaabari, who local city residents and its political leadership claim is unknown to them, and backed by "four other leading Hebron sheikhs.”

Palestinian city residents, including Jaabari's extended family members, condemned the proposal, saying that its authors do not represent them.

Israeli sources said that Economy Minister Nir Barkat stands behind the letter, which was allegedly sent to him. Barkat met at his home with al-Jaabari and the other sheikhs; he has held more than 12 meetings with them since February, The Wall Street Journal said. They asked him to forward the letter to Netanyahu and are now waiting for his response.

The sheikhs reportedly proposed that Israel grant work permits to 1,000 workers from Hebron on a trial basis, and then extend this to another 5,000.

According to Maariv newspaper, the Israeli government is “seeking to promote this plan to destroy the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a Palestinian state.”