*) China orders closure of US consulate
We begin with the political rift between the US and China.
Beijing has ordered the closure of the US consulate in Chengdu in a growing spat.
It comes a day after the US ordered the closure of China’s consulate in Houston, Texas.
Tensions between the two nuclear powers have been soaring amid an array of conflicts ranging from trade to accusations of spying.
US President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of the Republican party’s national convention in Florida.
It comes after the number of Covid-19 cases in the US crossed four million.
The convention was relocated after North Carolina enforced strict social distancing restrictions.
*) Thousands of Israelis protest against Netanyahu
At least 50 people have been arrested in Israel’s West Jerusalem.
Thousands of people gathered to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his corruption cases and handling of the pandemic.
Police used water cannons to try and break up the demonstrations.
*) Hagia Sophia opens for Friday prayers
In Turkey, President Recip Tayyip Erdogan has formally opened the Hagia Sophia ahead of Friday prayers in Istanbul.
He unveiled a nameplate on Thursday that reads “Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque”.
Prayers will be held inside the building for the first time in 86 years since it was converted into a museum.
And finally
*) Costa Rica reopens borders
Costa Rica is reopening its borders and welcoming tourists from the EU, the UK and Canada starting next week.
It will be operating five flights a week after four months of denying any international visitors.
Americans are still banned from entering the country.