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8. April 2017, 21:58

Israel escalates air offensive in Gaza

The Israeli military has stepped up its bombing campaign in the Gaza strip, as Palestinian militants continue to fire rockets into southern Israel. The Palestinian Health Ministry says up to 20 people were killed in airstrikes overnight, including 5 children, bringing the overall death toll this week to at least 75. The United Nations Security Council is due to hold emergency talks on the situation later today. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has warned that the violence could get out of control. “Gaza is on a knife edge. The deteriorating situation is leading to a downward spiral, which could quickly get beyond anyone’s control. The risk of violence expanding further still is real.”

Seized nuclear material in Iraq poses low risk

The International Atomic Energy Agency says nuclear material seized by Sunni militants in Iraq does not pose a significant security risk, despite fears that it could be used to make weapons. The militants are believed to have obtained around 40 kilograms of uranium compounds from a research reactor in the city of Mosul.

Obama urges lawmakers to tackle border control

US President Barak Obama has urged Congress to approve his request for 3.7 billion dollars to improve security along the border with Mexico. More than 50 thousand unaccompanied children have been caught trying to cross the border since October, amid rumours that they would be allowed to remain in the US. Speaking in Texas, Obama urged parents to stop sending their children on the dangerous journey. “We intend to do the right thing by these children. Their parents need to know that this is an incredibly dangerous situation and it is unlikely that their children will be able to stay.”

Six die in Pakistan drone strike

Officials in Pakistan say 6 people have been killed in a US drone strike targeting suspected militants in the North Waziristan tribal region. The Pakistani military says it has taken control of the city of Miranshah, a key militant stronghold in the tribal belt.

UK to pass emergency data retention law

The British government is preparing to rush through special legislation to ensure law enforcement agencies can continue to access telephone and internet records. The European Court of Justice recently struck down existing data retention laws because of concerns about privacy. British Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters the powers were needed to fight terrorism.

Indonesia’s president urges calm

Indonesia's outgoing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged restraint, as counting continues in the country's presidential election. Both candidates - Jakarta governor Joko Widodo and former army general Prabowo Subianto - have claimed victory, based on unofficial results from Wednesday's poll.

The weather

Mostly overcast conditions will continue this afternoon with the chance of rain, particularly in the south. Top temperatures will range from 12 to 24 degrees.

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