There are hopes of an imminent ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian forces after seven days of exchanging rocket fire. Diplomats have flown to the region after both sides signalled their willingness to end hostilities which killed more than 100.
Ancient art heist
Vandals in the United States have used power saws to damage ancient rock carvings in California. They were believed to have been thousands of years old. Some of the carvings were even cut out of the wall and stolen as part of the raid.
‘Islamist state’ call
Islamist rebel groups in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo have rejected the formation of a new opposition coalition backed by the West, calling for an “Islamic state” to be established. The coalition was designed to unite opposition groups.
Dispute settled
The International Court of Justice has ruled in favour of Colombia in a territorial dispute with nearby Nicaragua over a group of islands. However as a result of the decision Nicaragua has had its maritime borders extended.
Murder revenge
Kenyan soldiers have beaten and detained dozens of residents in Garissa to avenge the shooting death of three colleagues. The soldiers – part of the African Union operation in nearby Somalia – were reportedly killed while changing a tyre.
Bomb hoaxer jailed
A former banker who placed a fake bomb device around the neck of a Sydney schoolgirl in an extortion attempt has been jailed for at least 10 years.
Lawyers for Paul Peters claimed he was having a mental breakdown at the time of the incident.
France downgraded
In a further troubling sign for Europe’s ailing economy, France has lost its AAA credit rating. Ratings agency Moody’s said the continent’s second largest economy had an uncertain outlook, lack of competitiveness and was exposed to Greek debt.
Bridge tragedy
At least 18 women and children died when a rope bridge erected for an Indian Hindu festival collapsed. Thousands of pilgrims were visiting the Ganges river to pray when the incident occurred. Several people were unaccounted for.
Royal recovery
Dutch prince Johan Friso has begun to show small signs of improvement, eight months after slipping unconscious after an avalanche. However, doctors for Queen Beatrix’s second son remain “very concerned” about his prospects of recovery.
Hitman jailed
A South African man has been found guilty of shooting Swedish woman Anni Dewani on her honeymoon in 2010. A judge ruled Xolile Mngeni had been hired by her British husband. Mngeni, 25, was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Fraud accusation
Opposition groups in Sierra Leone have accused the government of electoral fraud after Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary poll. Leaked results indicate a government win. Observers say the election was well-organised and peaceful.
Abortion protest
An estimated 5,000 people have marched on the offices of Irish prime minister Enda Kenny to demand reform of abortion law. The protest comes days after a woman, who was refused a termination due to complications, died of infection.
Cruelty denials
The director of The Hobbit has been forced to deny dozens of animals were killed or injured in the making of the fantasy film in New Zealand. Animal activists claim at least 30 were harmed but Peter Jackson said most animals were digitally added.
Post published in: World News