Thursday, July 31, 2014

World News Briefs -- July 31, 2014

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay attends a news conference at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Dec. 2, 2013.

UN: Israel, Hamas May Be Guilty of War Crimes -- Voice of America

GENEVA — The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, says the targeting of civilian infrastructure or the use of civilian structures for military purposes violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law. She warns both Israel and Hamas may be guilty of war crimes in breaching these humanitarian principles. U.N. figures show civilians, including many children and women, account for 74 percent of the more than 1,200 Palestinians who have been killed. Nearly 60 Israelis have been killed, including two civilians.

Civilians are bearing the brunt of the war in Gaza, which is now into its 24th day.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel vows to destroy Hamas tunnels. Israel vows to destroy tunnels before truce.

US supplies Israel with bombs amid Gaza blitz.

Israeli polls show overwhelming support for Gaza campaign.

With Mideast in turmoil, Palestinians feel less backing.

Syrian city of Homs shows signs of life amid moonscape of devastation.

Hezbollah man dies on 'jihad duty' in Iraq.

Six judges accused of leading role in Iranian crackdown on free speech.

Iranian President Rouhani: ‘This festering Zionist tumor has opened once again’.

Kurdish oil cargo unloaded at sea, destination a mystery.

ASIA

Asia on alert for Ebola outbreak.

Deadly clashes leave dozens killed, injured in China’s restless Xinjiang.

Afghan vote audit resumes Saturday, but troubles remain.

Thai junta gives security forces majority in interim legislature.

U.S. imposes sanctions on North Korean companies linked to Cuban arms shipment.

India says U.S. snooping 'completely unacceptable'.

AFRICA

Ebola crisis: WHO to announce $100m emergency response.

Sierra Leone declares emergency as Ebola death toll hits 729.

Sierra Leone declares a public emergency over Ebola and orders troops to quarantine infected areas as doctors say the virus is 'absolutely out of control'.

Heavy shelling, clashes resume in Libya's Tripoli. Heavy shelling, clashes resume in Libya's Tripoli.

Thousands flee to Tunisia to escape Libya fighting.

South Sudan talks on interim government delayed.

Kenya charges nine foreigners over 377-kg heroin haul.

African small farmers could be key to ending food insecurity.

EUROPE

Dutch, Australian experts reach MH17 crash site for 1st time. Foreign investigators reach MH17 crash site in Ukraine.

Ukrainian parliament declines resignation of Prime Minister Yatsenyuk. Ukraine's parliament refuses PM resignation.

Ukraine’s parliament introduces 1.5% military tax.

EU adopts toughest Russian sanctions yet, targets five Russian banks.

Marine Le Pen could knock out Socialists in French president race: poll.

Snowden's temporary asylum status expires in Russia.

Inquiry into death of ex-Russian agent Litvinenko opens in London.

AMERICAS

CIA admits to hacking Senate computers. CIA admits to spying on Senate staffers.

House clears way for lawsuit against Obama.

Argentina blames US, 'incompetent' judge for default. Argentina declared in default by S&P as talks fail.

Frustrated by rebels, Colombia's President calls emergency security meeting.

Venezuela seeks buyer for Citgo Petroleum refinery unit.

Deal to stop migrants from boarding La Bestia train.

China slams Canada for 'irresponsible' hacking accusations.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

What does four decades of terrorism in the U.S. look like? (Commentary)

ISIS is using an all-women brigade to enforce sharia law in Syria.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Islamic State's driving force.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US banks braced for large deposit outflows.

Russia ordered to pay $2.5bn to Yukos shareholders.

Adidas scales back in Russia and issues profit warning.

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