News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Gaza begins new five-day truce

The Israeli government and Palestinian factions have begun a new five-day ceasefire in Gaza, agreed by negotiators in Egypt at the end of a three-day truce. As the ceasefire was announced, Israel launched air strikes in response to alleged rocket fire from Gaza. There were no more reports of violence overnight, and the two sides are expected to continue indirect talks in Cairo.

Fears for trapped Yazidis ease

The US Defence Department says it is now unlikely that it´s forces will launch a mission to evacuate Iraqis trapped in the remote Sinjar mountain range by jihadists from the Islamic State group. A Special Forces team which flew to the mountain reportedly found fewer people than expected. Those remaining - the majority from the Yazidi sect - were also said to be in better condition than feared. The US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes says President Obama will consider other ways to help: "The people who are on the ground fighting ISIL are the Kurdish forces and the Iraqi security forces. We are taking action from the air on the objectives of protecting our people and providing a humanitarian space for the Yazidis, particularly on the mountain."

The UN steps up support for Iraqi refugees

The United Nations says it will increase support for refugees who've escaped Mount Sinjar and to 400, 000 other Iraqis who've taken refuge in the Kurdish province of Dahuk near the Turkish border.

Russian aid convoy nears Ukraine

The International Committee of the Red Cross says the delivery of aid into eastern Ukraine should not be politicised. The ICRC also says one of its senior officials will travel to the Ukrainian and Russian capitals for talks on the delivery of aid from Russia. Over 100 Russian aid lorries now appear to be heading towards Rostov, the Russian city near separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine. Russia has dismissed claims that the convoy is a pretext to send military supplies to the pro-Russian separatists.

Eurozone growth stagnant

The Eurozone's two largest economies both performed worse than expected in the second quarter of this year. Figures released today show German GDP contracted by 0.2% in the three months to the end of June, while the French economy saw no growth. France has now seen two quarters of zero growth.

Pope on first Asia trip

Pope Francis is in South Korea for a five-day visit, his first trip to Asia since he took over the papacy last year. He expressed hope for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

The weather

Mostly overcast with thundery showers in the southeast. Some sunshine in the Danube region and the east. Highs today from 14 to 22.

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