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8. April 2017, 21:58

US authorises air strikes on Iraq

The US President Barack Obama says he is prepared to authorise air strikes against Islamist militants in northern Iraq if they move towards the city of Irbil, where the US has a consulate and military advisers. He said Islamic State fighters would be targeted to prevent the slaughter of religious minorities or if they threaten US interests. His statement comes amid concerns about the Yazidi community, many of whom have fled into the mountains following recent advances by the militants. Obama says US military aircraft have been dropping food and water for those who are trapped: "when we face a situation like we do on that mountain - with innocent people facing the prospect of violence on a horrific scale, when we have a mandate to help - in this case a request from the Iraqi government - and when we have the unique capabilities to help avert a massacre, then I believe the US cannot turn a blind eye."

Gaza ceasefire ends

Israel has resumed air strikes on Gaza in response to rocket fire coming into Israel. The development comes at the end of a 3-day cease-fire. In the first casualties reported since hostilities resumed, Palestinian medical officials said a 10-year-old boy was killed in an Israeli strike. Israeli officials said two people were injured by mortar fire from Gaza.

Ebola declared an international emergency

The World Health Organisation has announced that the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa is now an international health emergency. The disease has killed over 930 people with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia the worst affected. The WHO says a coordinated international response is essential in order to stop it spreading. Margaret Chan is the Director General of the agency: "countries affected to date simply do not have the capacity to manage an outbreak of this size and complexity on their own."

Malaysia Airlines faces overhaul

Malaysia's state investment company says it plans to make Malaysia Airlines fully government owned. The move would also involve an overhaul of the carrier which has suffered from two disasters this year: the disappearance of a plane in March with nearly 240 people on board and the downing of a Malaysia Airlines aircraft over eastern Ukraine last month.

Italy passes economic package

The Italian parliament has approved a package of measures designed to support the economy. Among them are a reduction in energy costs for small companies and new rules allowing insurers and credit funds to lend directly to businesses. Figures released this week showed that the Eurozone's third-biggest economy had fallen back into recession.

The Weather

It'll be mainly sunny with isolated showers and thunderstorms, especially in the west and south. Highs are ranging between 22 and 30 degrees.

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