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Egypt Prepares 40 Vaccination Centers, Plans For More

A man receives the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Al-Nozha Hospital in Cairo on Thursday. (AP)
A man receives the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Al-Nozha Hospital in Cairo on Thursday. (AP)
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Egypt Prepares 40 Vaccination Centers, Plans For More

A man receives the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Al-Nozha Hospital in Cairo on Thursday. (AP)
A man receives the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Al-Nozha Hospital in Cairo on Thursday. (AP)

Egypt on Thursday expanded its coronavirus vaccination rollout to include the elderly and people with chronic diseases after several weeks of vaccinating medical staff, the Cabinet said.
Nearly 153,000 people have applied for vaccinations since Sunday when the North African country opened online registration, the Cabinet said in a statement.

Egypt has prepared 40 vaccination centers and plans to increase that number after the arrival of more vaccine batches, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced.

The Arab world’s most populous country with more than 100 million, received 350,000 doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) in two batches since December, in addition to 50,000 doses of a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca in February.

It is hoping to receive vaccines through the COVAX facility, a global initiative aimed at providing equitable distribution of vaccines, in the coming weeks.

On Feb. 24, the Egyptian Drug Authority approved Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use.

Egypt’s Prime Speed Medical Services said it had obtained the right to provide Sputnik V in Egypt in a statement to the stock exchange, without giving details.

Egypt began vaccinating frontline medical staff against COVID-19 on Jan. 24 using the Chinese vaccine, Reuters reported.

Those getting the Sinopharm jab have a second dose after 21 days while those who receive the AstraZeneca vaccine wait 12 weeks for the second dose, said Health Minister Hala Zayed.

As of Wednesday, Egypt had confirmed 184,168 coronavirus cases, including 10,822 deaths, since the start of the pandemic.

However, health officials say the real number is likely far higher due to a relatively low rate of coronavirus testing and the exclusion of private test results.

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Arab World

Scramble for Ministries Threatens 'Honeymoon' between Al-Zaidi, Iraq's Political Blocs

This handout photograph released by the Iraqi Presidency Press Office on April 27, 2026 shows Iraq's President Nizar Amedi (4th L) shaking hands with newly Iraq's Prime Minister designated Ali al-Zaidi (4th R), surrounded by Iraqi political leaders, in Bagdad. (Iraqi Presidency / AFP)
This handout photograph released by the Iraqi Presidency Press Office on April 27, 2026 shows Iraq's President Nizar Amedi (4th L) shaking hands with newly Iraq's Prime Minister designated Ali al-Zaidi (4th R), surrounded by Iraqi political leaders, in Bagdad. (Iraqi Presidency / AFP)
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Scramble for Ministries Threatens 'Honeymoon' between Al-Zaidi, Iraq's Political Blocs

This handout photograph released by the Iraqi Presidency Press Office on April 27, 2026 shows Iraq's President Nizar Amedi (4th L) shaking hands with newly Iraq's Prime Minister designated Ali al-Zaidi (4th R), surrounded by Iraqi political leaders, in Bagdad. (Iraqi Presidency / AFP)
This handout photograph released by the Iraqi Presidency Press Office on April 27, 2026 shows Iraq's President Nizar Amedi (4th L) shaking hands with newly Iraq's Prime Minister designated Ali al-Zaidi (4th R), surrounded by Iraqi political leaders, in Bagdad. (Iraqi Presidency / AFP)

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi is facing an early test in forming a government as disputes over cabinet posts risk straining ties with political blocs, despite what observers describe as unprecedented US backing.

Al-Zaidi concluded a visit Saturday to the Kurdistan Region, where he met head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party Masoud Barzani in Erbil and lader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Bafel Talabani in Sulaymaniyah. He said he had secured strong Kurdish support.

Deep divisions persist between the two main Kurdish parties, particularly over the presidency — traditionally held by the PUK — and over the delayed formation of the regional government, stalled for more than a year. Those disputes could spill into Baghdad as parties negotiate ministries based on electoral representation.

Al-Zaidi’s reported breakthrough includes persuading the KDP to return its lawmakers to the federal parliament, paving the way for participation in government. But bargaining over ministries is expected to be the first major hurdle, as blocs seek to retain key portfolios or demand additional ones reflecting their gains in the elections.

Concerns have also emerged among Shiite factions, particularly within the ruling Coordination Framework, over al-Zaidi’s perceived US backing. US President Donald Trump was cited as saying al-Zaidi came “with American help,” heightening unease, especially among groups with armed branches.

US factor

A senior Iraqi source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Coordination Framework leaders, who had remained publicly silent about what appeared to be a lengthy call between Trump and al-Zaidi last week, later pressed him in a private meeting to disclose its details.

The source said al-Zaidi outlined the conversation clearly, prompting the bloc to encourage him to maintain balanced ties with Washington — avoiding provoking discontent while not fully yielding to US demands — and to leave contentious issues to be resolved over time.

The source added that this position followed briefings on the broad outlines of a US message, after which an initial shipment of US dollars was sent, seen as an incentive. Washington is said to be insisting on a government “free of terrorism,” referring to pro-Iran armed Iraqi factions.

At the same time, al-Zaidi has drawn backing from civil and political groups. A meeting hosted by former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi discussed political developments and endorsed efforts to form a government based on competence, integrity and broad representation.

Participants urged political forces to prioritize national interests, overcome divisions and meet constitutional deadlines.

However, pressure is mounting. Political blocs are pressing for specific ministries, seeking to rotate portfolios, or proposing new posts, including deputy prime ministers, to accommodate party figures, even in roles with limited authority.

Political observers in Baghdad warned that if these demands persist, the current “honeymoon” between al-Zaidi and the blocs could unravel.

The prime minister-designate is seeking to form a government free of armed factions, bureaucratic bloat and partisan dictates, buoyed by broad regional and international support that gives him room to maneuver.

Arab World

Syrian FM’s Visit to Egypt Aims to Revive Relations

A handout picture released by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on May 3, 2026 shows Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani (L), in the new administrative capital of Cairo. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry / AFP)
A handout picture released by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on May 3, 2026 shows Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani (L), in the new administrative capital of Cairo. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry / AFP)
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Syrian FM’s Visit to Egypt Aims to Revive Relations

A handout picture released by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on May 3, 2026 shows Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani (L), in the new administrative capital of Cairo. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry / AFP)
A handout picture released by Egypt's Foreign Ministry on May 3, 2026 shows Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meeting with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani (L), in the new administrative capital of Cairo. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry / AFP)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani was in Egypt on Monday, the first by a Syrian FM since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.

He held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in what observers said were efforts to “ease strains in relations”. They expected broader cooperation between them in the future, especially in economic fields.

Shaibani and Abdelatty had first contacted each other in a telephone call on December 31, 2024. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Cyprus last month on the sidelines of an Arab-European consultative summit.

Damascus and Cairo had moved cautiously in reviving relations since the ouster of the Assad regime due to Egyptian security concerns that were gradually erased by growing economic cooperation. An Egyptian trade delegation had visited Damascus in early 2026 for the first time in 15 years. The two sides eventually signed an energy cooperation agreement.

Syrian television said Shaibani’s visit on Sunday was part of efforts to revive relations with Egypt.

Egyptian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar issued an order for the formation of the Syrian-Egyptian business council.

Member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and former assistant foreign minister Mohamed Hegazy told Asharq Al-Awsat that Shaibani’s visit, days after the “friendly meeting between Sisi and Sharaa, was a positive sign that relations between Egypt and Syria were being revived.”

“Raising the level of diplomatic representation hinges on tangible results in security and institutional files in Syria,” he added.

The economy will be the gateway through which more cooperation will be established between them, especially given the opportunities that are available, such as in reconstruction, energy, and trade, he went on to say.

Syrian political analyst Abdullah al-Hamad told Asharq Al-Awsat that Shaibani’s visit “put to rest” Cairo’s concerns over the new Syrian authorities and “will be an opportunity for rapprochement with Egypt, given its political weight in the region.”

An Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement on Sunday said Shaibani and Abdelatty held expanded talks that tackled bilateral relations and coordinating stances over regional developments.

Abdelatty underscored Cairo’s ongoing support for Damascus and the depth of the historic, popular and cultural relations between them.

Egypt’s position towards the Syrian crisis has firmly called for restoring security and stability and preserving the country’s unity, he added.

He expressed his rejection of foreign meddling in Syrian affairs, called for more intense efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and addressing the issue of foreign fighters in Syria.

He also underlined Egypt’s “categorical rejection of Israel’s flagrant violations of Syrian sovereignty.”

Shaibani and Abdelatty also discussed regional developments amid the conflict between the US and Iran, and they exchanged views over the situation in Lebanon.

Arab World

Israeli Raid in the West Bank Leaves 1 Palestinian Dead and 4 Wounded

Israeli soldiers take positions during clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Israeli soldiers take positions during clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
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Israeli Raid in the West Bank Leaves 1 Palestinian Dead and 4 Wounded

Israeli soldiers take positions during clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Israeli soldiers take positions during clashes with Palestinians in the West Bank city of Nablus, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

One Palestinian man was killed and four others seriously wounded during an Israeli military raid in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Sunday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said the man’s wife was in labor at a local hospital when she was informed of his death.

The Red Crescent said five people were hit by gunfire during an Israeli military operation. Nayef Firas Ziad Samaro, 26, was killed, according to the Health Ministry, and his body was brought to the hospital where his wife was giving birth. Additionally, a 12-year-old was shot in the shoulder, according to the Red Crescent, The AP news reported.

The raid took place as schools were letting out for the day, in an area crowded with civilians, witnesses said.

Israel's military in a statement said it responded to a confrontation in the Nablus area in which several “terrorists” threw rocks toward soldiers. Soldiers fired and “several hits were identified.”

Palestinians, rights groups and international observers are warning about the worsening violence, where young Palestinian men are being killed with increasing regularity amid a broader climate of arson, vandalism and the displacement of farming communities near Jewish settlements and outposts in the West Bank.

At least 42 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the year, according to the United Nations humanitarian office. Armed settlers were responsible for at least 11 of those fatalities.