Qatar restored full diplomatic relations with Iran on Thursday, despite an ongoing feud with other Arab nations that accuse the tiny Gulf nation of supporting terror groups in Iran. In a statement released early Thursday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said its ambassador would return to Tehran to resume his diplomatic duties and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates in June launched an economic and travel embargo against Qatar over its close ties to Iran.

A Saudi-led airstrike on Wednesday killed at least 30 people after it hit a hotel north of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, the Houthi movement said. Witnesses said the strikes toppled the two-story hotel in the Arhab area and officials are still working to rescue survivors from the rubble. The armed Houthi movement controls Sanaa and northern Yemen as it fights the country’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. Houthi-run television station Almaseera said more than 30 people died in the attack.

Saudi Arabia on Thursday opened its airport and border with Qatar to allow Hajj pilgrims into the country after a monthslong rift that saw the countries sever ties. The announcement came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with a Qatari royal family on Wednesday, the first high-level public encounter since the rift began. Saudi Arabia closed its Salwa border crossing with Qatar at the same time that Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates also cut ties with the country. They accused Qatar of supporting Iran and Islamic militants—a claim Qatar denies.

IRAQ: This week marks the three-year anniversary of ISIS conquering Nineveh Plains in Iraq, forcing more than 150,000 Christians from their homes and emptying villages occupied by Christians for nearly 2,000 years. Here’s my recap of that final fall, and a look at what’s ahead for Iraqi Christians who hope to return to their villages after liberation this year from ISIS.

Sameer was expecting a visitor at his home in southern Yemen, so when he heard his name called outside his front door, he hurried to open it for his friend. Instead what greeted the prominent Christian leader was a truck loaded with gunmen. Before he had time to take cover, the armed men opened fire, shooting and killing Sameer while his wife and children watched.

SAUDI ARABIA:  Studying Saudi textbooks, used not only in Saudi Arabia but throughout the Muslim world, ought to be required reading for officials signing off on billions in weapons sales to the Sunni power.

An airstrike Tuesday by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen killed at least 20 civilians, government officials and the United Nations refugee agency confirmed. The afternoon air raid struck a group of internally displaced civilians in the village of al-Atera in the southwestern province of Taiz, according to the UNHCR. The agency said several of the causalities came from the same family, and other injured survivors have been taken to hospitals for treatment. Fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels has intensified in Taiz province.