Thursday, August 9, 2018

World News Briefs -- August 9, 2018



CNN: Israel and Hamas exchange fire in sudden Gaza escalation

Jerusalem (CNN)Israel launched scores of air strikes on Gaza as Hamas militants fired rockets and mortars into its territory, prompting warnings over the risks of escalation amid efforts to achieve a long-term ceasefire agreement.

The fighting Wednesday left three Palestinians dead in Gaza, including a pregnant mother and her young daughter, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with injuries reported in Israel and Gaza.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), more than 180 rockets and mortars were launched from Gaza toward Israel, with rocket alarms ringing into the early hours of the morning. Forty rockets were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome aerial defense system, while most others landed in open fields in southern Israel.

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MIDDLE EAST

'Terrifying night' as Israel and Hamas trade airstrikes and rocket attacks.

Syrian troops shell Idlib, drop leaflets ahead of assault.

Syria Kurds face tough talks to preserve autonomy.

Iran vows to continue oil exports despite Trump's threats.

China to ignore Trump sanctions, continue doing business with Iran.

US can't be trusted, Iran's Rouhani tells North Korea.

Airstrike on Yemen school bus kills dozens of children.

Lira falls to fresh record with no letup in Turkey-U.S. tensions.

ASIA

Officials deny that a US airstrike killed Afghan police officers.

North Korea rejects repeated US proposal to slash nuclear arsenal: report. N. Korea says US 'throwing cold water' on denuclearisation progress.

North Korea calls on U.S. to end 1950-53 Korean War.

Koreas to hold high-level talks to prepare for leaders' summit.

Faced with falling birth rates, China urges citizens to have more babies.

Report: Indonesia earthquake death toll close to 400.

Thai cave rescue: Coach and boys given citizenship.

AFRICA

Zimbabwe opposition figure arrested after deportation from Zambia. Zimbabwe police 'detain' MDC's Tendai Biti after deportation.

Zimbabwe: forced return of opposition figure ‘gravely concerning’ says UN.

South Sudan's Kiir grants rebel leader Machar, others amnesty.

Mauritanian presidential hopeful arrested amid fears of political foul play.

Kabila move in DR Congo triggers relief, but uncertainty remains.

Guinean opposition ends deadly post-election protests.

Niger floods leave 22 dead and thousands homeless.

EUROPE

Trump administration slaps more sanctions on Russia after Skripal poisonings.

Russia blasts new US sanctions as 'theatre of the absurd'. Russia vows to retaliate against new US sanctions.

Estonia halts NATO air drills after missile misfires.

Migrant rescue ship docks in Spain after Italy refusal.

Fury over asylum application by Rwandan who killed 10 Belgians.

Ukrainian hunger striker Sentsov 'near end' in Russian jail.

Death toll from Greek forest fire rises to 93, victims named.

AMERICAS

Assange considers offer to appear before U.S. Senate committee.

Pence outlines plan for new Space Force by 2020.

Ecuador declares state of emergency over Venezuela migrant influx.

Venezuela seeks US extradition of alleged drone attack mastermind.

Argentina's Senate rejects proposed bill to legalize abortion.

Colombia recognizes sovereign Palestinian state: reports.

Puerto Rico says hurricane death toll 20 times higher than first reported.

US forecasts even fewer hurricanes in Atlantic for 2018.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US suspect was 'training children to commit school shootings'.

EU plans online terrorist content crackdown.

Watchdog: Islamic State fighters numbers increase in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. built Mercedes-Benz SUV's held up by Chinese customs.

Apple removes 'wrong apps' in gambling purge.

Musk's Tesla buyout plan could test Wall Street's nerves.

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