In One Day: More Than 100 Coronavirus-Related Deaths in Tunisia

A Tunisian receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine (dpa)
A Tunisian receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine (dpa)
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In One Day: More Than 100 Coronavirus-Related Deaths in Tunisia

A Tunisian receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine (dpa)
A Tunisian receives a dose of the coronavirus vaccine (dpa)

Tunisia has reported 1,405 new coronavirus cases and more than 100 deaths, which indicates that the third wave continues.

The death toll from the virus rose by 101 to 11,016 in the country, the Tunisian Health Ministry said in a statement.

A week ago, Tunisia saw the highest-ever number of coronavirus-related deaths, 119.

The occupation of resuscitation and oxygen beds reached 90 percent and 70 percent respectively on May 3, the Ministry reported.

On its Facebook page, it tallied 512 patients in the ICU and 177 patients on ventilators.

Since the start of the national vaccination campaign on March 13, a total of 425,000 Tunisians received the vaccines, with more than 103,000 receiving the two doses.

The campaign is progressing at a slow pace, making it challenging to vaccinate around 5.5 persons this year (which is half the population).

Member of the Tunisian Scientific Committee Dr. Amanullah Al-Masadi said the Committee recommended a 2-day curfew on Eid al-Fitr.

The Committee further suggested a curfew among cities as of May 8, in addition to preventing gatherings and celebrations of all kinds, he added.

Masadi stressed that these restrictive measures aim to reduce the spread of the pandemic.



Qatar Foreign Ministry: Hamas Political Office in Doha Has Not Been Permanently Closed

A file photo of two Palestinian fighters from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, participating in a military parade near the border with Israel in central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023 (Reuters).
A file photo of two Palestinian fighters from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, participating in a military parade near the border with Israel in central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023 (Reuters).
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Qatar Foreign Ministry: Hamas Political Office in Doha Has Not Been Permanently Closed

A file photo of two Palestinian fighters from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, participating in a military parade near the border with Israel in central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023 (Reuters).
A file photo of two Palestinian fighters from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, participating in a military parade near the border with Israel in central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023 (Reuters).

The political office of the Palestinian Hamas group in Doha has not been permanently closed, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday.
Al-Ansari said leaders of the Hamas negotiating team were not in Doha, reported Reuters.
Qatar said last week it had told Hamas and Israel that it will suspend efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal until both show seriousness about resuming talks. Doha also said media reports that it had told Hamas to leave the Gulf Arab country were not accurate.

Qatar, which is home to a major US military base, has hosted Hamas's political leadership since 2012 with Washington's blessing.

During the talks after Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel last year, both Qatari and US officials indicated that the militant group would remain in Doha as long as its presence offered a viable channel of communication.