News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Egypt proposes Gaza truce

Egypt has said it has yet to receive a response from the Palestinian factions to its proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas is reportedly discussing the plan. Its military wing earlier rejected the terms of the proposed truce saying it would amount to surrender. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas that Israel will intensify its campaign against militants in Gaza if it rejects the cease-fire. He was speaking after Israel’s security cabinet approved the proposed truce. Mark Regev is Netanyahu’s spokesman: “Now if Hamas rejects the Egyptian proposal, if Hamas continues to shoot rockets at Israeli cities, we are prepared to continue the military operation and to intensify it as need be to protect our people.” Nearly 200 Palestinians have died in a week of Israeli air raids, as Gaza militants continue to launch rockets into Israel.

Moscow train derailment

Russian officials say 12 people have died in an accident on the Moscow underground. Over 100 were injured, 50 of them seriously, when a train derailed. An investigation has been opened into the cause of the crash.

New fatalities in Ukraine conflict

The Ukrainian military says at least six soldiers have been killed in the latest fighting against pro-Russian rebels in the east of the country. It denied responsibility for an air strike which has reportedly killed four civilians.

Juncker faces parliament vote

The former Luxembourg prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker has called for a 300 billion euro public-private investment programme to revive the European economy, ahead of a vote in the European Parliament on his nomination as president of the European Commission. Juncker has the backing of 26 of the 28 EU government leaders for the post.

EU sceptic new British FM

The British foreign secretary William Hague has stepped down to be replaced by Philip Hammond as part of a major government reshuffle. Hammond has said he supports Britain leaving the EU if London can’t negotiate better membership terms.

Iraq claims advance against IS

The Iraqi government has claimed that the army has entered the city of Tikrit, which has been under the control of the Sunni extremist group Islamic State since early June. It said ground troops backed by air support began their offensive at dawn.

Libyan security deteriorates further

Libya’s government says it is considering calling for international forces to help re-establish security. At least one person has been killed and 12 planes damaged in fighting between rival militias at the main international airport in Tripoli.

Germany’s victorious team welcomed

Hundreds of thousands of German football fans have gathered in Berlin to welcome home the World Cup winning team from Brazil. It was Germany’s fourth World Cup in, the first since reunification in 1990.

The weather

Mainly sunny. Scattered rain and thundershowers in mountain areas. Top temperatures 22 to 31 degrees.

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