Lolwah al Khater on fighting Covid-19 in Qatar
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As many Middle Eastern countries begin to roll back restrictions against Covid-19, we examine the reasons for the relatively low death toll in the region. In Qatar, where cases climbed to almost 30,000, authorities managed to contain the death toll to under 20. We speak to foreign ministry spokeswoman, Lolwah al Khater, about Qatar's response to the virus and managing specific challenges while still under the constraints of a Saudi-led blockade.
These challenges include the potential for outbreaks of the virus in the capital's prison, as well as its labour camps. Around 95 percent of Qatar's labour force is made up of migrants and many live in poor and overcrowded conditions, according to rights groups.
In Israel lawmakers have approved Benjamin Netanyahu's new unity government — ending more than a year of political deadlock. The embattled prime minister will be sharing the office with former rival, Benny Gantz.
It paves the way for the controversial annexation of large parts of the West Bank, which many say is at the top of Netanyahu's agenda.
And in Turkey business is booming for streaming services, like Netflix, as fans of local TV series or dizis binge-watch their way through lockdown.
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