Years-long tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia seem to be coming to an end, as the two West Asian nations are planning to hold direct talks.

Iran & Saudi Arabia to hold direct talks signalling a larger regional shift

The fighting in the Ethiopia Tigray conflict has reached the country's capital Addis-Ababa. The US envoy has said that any progress towards the diplomatic settlement was at risk of being overshadowed by the alarming developments on the ground.

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Prime Minister vows to go to frontline to lead battle

Ethiopia: Tigray rebels capture town just 200km from capital

Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

The spokesperson, Najwa Wahiba, confirmed the authenticity of a document circulating on social media ordering Mangoush's suspension for carrying out foreign policy without coordination with the council.

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Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord issued a statement early on Sunday rejecting the council's decision and lauding the minister's efforts, saying she would carry her duties normally.

The statement, issued on the government's Facebook page, said that the Presidency Council has "no legal right to appoint or cancel the appointment of members of the executive authority, suspend them or investigate them." It added that these powers are exclusive to the prime minister.

The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, a UN-selected assembly that set a roadmap for peace in Libya, chose a three-man Presidency Council headed by Mohamed Menfi until election are held.

Disagreement over the council's suspension of the foreign minister is likely to increase tensions between Libya's rival factions as they try to work together after years of conflict.

Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

Libya's Presidency Council has suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush for "administrative violations" and barred her from travelling, its spokesperson said on Saturday. The spokesperson, Najwa Wahiba, confirmed the authenticity of a document circulating on social media ordering Mangoush's suspension for carrying out foreign policy without coordination with the council. Also Read | 5 takeaways from the first days of the climate summit Libya's internationally recognised Government of National Accord issued a statement early on Sunday rejecting the council's decision and lauding the minister's efforts, saying she would carry her duties normally. The statement, issued on the government's Facebook page, said that the Presidency Council has "no legal right to appoint or cancel the appointment of members of the executive authority, suspend them or investigate them." It added that these powers are exclusive to the prime minister. The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, a UN-selected assembly that set a roadmap for peace in Libya, chose a three-man Presidency Council headed by Mohamed Menfi until election are held. Disagreement over the council's suspension of the foreign minister is likely to increase tensions between Libya's rival factions as they try to work together after years of conflict.

After Libya's Presidency Council suspends foreign minister, govt rejects decision

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said.

The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country.

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Two Mauritanian nationals also captured in the incident were freed 10 days later.

But the Chinese captives managed to stage a successful escape on Sunday, according to a Malian army statement.

Ground and air forces then located the men the following day, in a joint operation whose success was aided by "anonymous people of good will".

Beijing on Tuesday said the three men were in good physical condition and that the country's embassy in Mali was doing a "good job of comforting and caring for the rescued personnel."

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Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China would continue "further strengthening risk advisories and consular protections for Chinese citizens and enterprises in Mali."

Abductions have been frequent in Mali's brutal jihadist conflict, which has seen thousands killed, displaced hundreds of thousands and devastated the economy of one of the world's poorest countries since it broke out in 2012.

The operation comes only weeks after Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez -- kidnapped by jihadists in 2017 -- was freed in Mali on October 9.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombian nun kidnapped in 2017 freed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombian-nun-kidnapped-in-2017-freed-419879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted in northern Mali in April, said in a hostage video that the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) -- the largest jihadist alliance in the Sahel -- had kidnapped him.

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said. The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country.

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said. The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country. Also Read | China eases power crunch with boost to coal production Two Mauritanian nationals also captured in the incident were freed 10 days later. But the Chinese captives managed to stage a successful escape on Sunday, according to a Malian army statement. Ground and air forces then located the men the following day, in a joint operation whose success was aided by "anonymous people of good will". Beijing on Tuesday said the three men were in good physical condition and that the country's embassy in Mali was doing a "good job of comforting and caring for the rescued personnel." Also read | 'May God bless Mali': Colombian nun captured by jihadists released after 4 years Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China would continue "further strengthening risk advisories and consular protections for Chinese citizens and enterprises in Mali." Abductions have been frequent in Mali's brutal jihadist conflict, which has seen thousands killed, displaced hundreds of thousands and devastated the economy of one of the world's poorest countries since it broke out in 2012. The operation comes only weeks after Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez -- kidnapped by jihadists in 2017 -- was freed in Mali on October 9. Watch | Colombian nun kidnapped in 2017 freed French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted in northern Mali in April, said in a hostage video that the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) -- the largest jihadist alliance in the Sahel -- had kidnapped him.

Three Chinese hostages in Mali rescued after escape

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday.

"A Huthi ballistic missile hit the house of Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Qibli in Al-Jawba on Thursday evening during a meeting with tribal leaders fighting on the government's side," a government military official said.

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"Thirteen people, including a child, were killed," he said. The death toll was confirmed by a medical source in the area.

Marib, capital of the oil-rich province of the same name, is the internationally recognised government's last bastion in northern Yemen.

The Iran-backed Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they have renewed their offensive in recent weeks.

They claimed this week to have reached the vicinity of Marib city and to have nearly surrounded it.

As well as the child, Thursday evening's missile strike also killed four tribal leaders, said the military official.

Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Twitter that at least 12 people were killed, including two sons of Qibli, whose fate was unknown.

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The Huthi "militia continues to systematically and deliberately bombard villages and homes... in order to inflict max casualties among civilians" forcing hundreds of families and displaced to flee, he wrote.

The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government has been conducting a fierce air campaign since October 11 to prevent the rebels from reaching Marib city.

Since then, around 2,000 Huthi fighters have been killed in Al-Jawba about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Marib and two other districts, according to the coalition.

The rebels rarely comment on losses, and AFP could not independently verify the toll.

Fierce fighting has gripped Al-Jawba district in recent days, according to the military official.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

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Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Marib city had between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants before the war but its population ballooned to hundreds of thousands as Yemenis fled frontline cities for its relative stability.

But with about 139 refugee camps in the province, according to the government, hosting around 2.2 million people, many displaced civilians have become caught in the line of fire once again.

Tens of thousands have been displaced in the province this year, including nearly 10,000 in September alone, said the UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration.

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday.

A child was among 13 people killed when a missile fired by Yemeni rebels struck a tribal leader's home south of the strategic city of Marib, military and medical sources said Friday. "A Huthi ballistic missile hit the house of Sheikh Abdul Latif al-Qibli in Al-Jawba on Thursday evening during a meeting with tribal leaders fighting on the government's side," a government military official said. Also Read | Saudi-led coalition says killed over 260 Yemen rebels "Thirteen people, including a child, were killed," he said. The death toll was confirmed by a medical source in the area. Marib, capital of the oil-rich province of the same name, is the internationally recognised government's last bastion in northern Yemen. The Iran-backed Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they have renewed their offensive in recent weeks. They claimed this week to have reached the vicinity of Marib city and to have nearly surrounded it. As well as the child, Thursday evening's missile strike also killed four tribal leaders, said the military official. Yemen's Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said on Twitter that at least 12 people were killed, including two sons of Qibli, whose fate was unknown. Also Read | Yemen unrest: Two ex-soldiers arrested in Germany over bid to form paramilitary unit The Huthi "militia continues to systematically and deliberately bombard villages and homes... in order to inflict max casualties among civilians" forcing hundreds of families and displaced to flee, he wrote. The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government has been conducting a fierce air campaign since October 11 to prevent the rebels from reaching Marib city. Since then, around 2,000 Huthi fighters have been killed in Al-Jawba about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Marib and two other districts, according to the coalition. The rebels rarely comment on losses, and AFP could not independently verify the toll. Fierce fighting has gripped Al-Jawba district in recent days, according to the military official. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Also Read | Five dead in Yemen blast targeting Aden governor: security sources Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Marib city had between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants before the war but its population ballooned to hundreds of thousands as Yemenis fled frontline cities for its relative stability. But with about 139 refugee camps in the province, according to the government, hosting around 2.2 million people, many displaced civilians have become caught in the line of fire once again. Tens of thousands have been displaced in the province this year, including nearly 10,000 in September alone, said the UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration.

Child among 13 killed by Yemen rebel missile: military

At least 11 people were killed late Tuesday in an attack on a village in eastern Iraq blamed on the Islamic State group, security sources said.

The attack on Al-Rashad in Diyala province left "11 dead and 13 wounded", a local security source said.

Another said that civilians were among those killed by small arms fire in the village, home to many members of the security services.

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The area has been sealed off and reinforcements sent to hunt for the attackers, the first source said.

Both sources said most of the village's inhabitants belong to the same Bani Tamim tribe as the Diyala provincial governor.

IS surged to control large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, but its "caliphate" later crumbled under successive attacks.

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Iraq declared it defeated in 2017 and the group was smashed in neighbouring Syria in 2019.

But the jihadist threat remains and the group continues to carry out attacks.

A UN report published early this year estimated that around 10,000 IS fighters remained active across Iraq and Syria.

In early September, 13 Iraqi federal police officers were killed in an IS attack on their checkpoint near northern city Kirkuk.

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In July, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on a market in a Shiite district of Baghdad, Sadr City, in which around 30 people died.

Earlier this month, authorities announced two significant arrests outside Iraq: of the planner of a 2016 IS-claimed attack that killed 320 in Baghdad, and of IS's suspected finance chief, Sami Jasim al-Jaburi.

At least 11 people were killed late Tuesday in an attack on a village in eastern Iraq blamed on the Islamic State group, security sources said. The attack on Al-Rashad in Diyala province left "11 dead and 13 wounded", a local security source said.

At least 11 people were killed late Tuesday in an attack on a village in eastern Iraq blamed on the Islamic State group, security sources said. The attack on Al-Rashad in Diyala province left "11 dead and 13 wounded", a local security source said. Another said that civilians were among those killed by small arms fire in the village, home to many members of the security services. Also Read | Car bomb kills six in Syria's Afrin: Monitor The area has been sealed off and reinforcements sent to hunt for the attackers, the first source said. Both sources said most of the village's inhabitants belong to the same Bani Tamim tribe as the Diyala provincial governor. IS surged to control large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, but its "caliphate" later crumbled under successive attacks. Also read | 'Hardship of Life': Heartbreaking photo of Syrian father & son wins SIPA awards 2021 Iraq declared it defeated in 2017 and the group was smashed in neighbouring Syria in 2019. But the jihadist threat remains and the group continues to carry out attacks. A UN report published early this year estimated that around 10,000 IS fighters remained active across Iraq and Syria. In early September, 13 Iraqi federal police officers were killed in an IS attack on their checkpoint near northern city Kirkuk. Also Read | Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin In July, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on a market in a Shiite district of Baghdad, Sadr City, in which around 30 people died. Earlier this month, authorities announced two significant arrests outside Iraq: of the planner of a 2016 IS-claimed attack that killed 320 in Baghdad, and of IS's suspected finance chief, Sami Jasim al-Jaburi.

11 dead in Iraq attack blamed on IS group: Security sources

The Taliban will hold joint face-to-face talks with European and US envoys, the EU said on Monday, as the hardline Islamists pursue their diplomatic push for international support.

Afghanistan's new rulers are seeking recognition, as well as assistance to avoid a humanitarian disaster, after they returned to power in August following the withdrawal of US troops after 20 years of war.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to donate more money to Afghanistan to head off its economic collapse, but also slammed the Taliban's "broken" promises to Afghan women and girls.

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EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said officials from the US and Europe would meet representatives of Afghanistan's new authorities for talks facilitated by Qatar in Doha on Tuesday.&nbsp;

She said the meeting would "allow the US and European side to address issues" including free passage for people wanting to leave, access for humanitarian aid, respect for the rights of women and preventing Afghanistan becoming a haven for "terrorist" groups.

"This is an informal exchange at technical level. It does not constitute recognition of the 'interim government'," she said.&nbsp;

The Taliban badly need allies as Afghanistan's economy is in a parlous state with international aid cut off, food prices rising and unemployment spiking.

The regime, still yet to be recognised as a legitimate government by any other country, is also facing a threat from the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), who have launched a series of deadly attacks.

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A meeting with the EU was announced earlier by the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, days after he led its first in-person talks with United States officials since the American pullout.&nbsp;

"We want positive relationships with the whole world. We believe in balanced international relations. We believe such a balanced relationship can save Afghanistan from instability," Muttaqi said in translated remarks at an event in Qatar.

Ahead of the talks, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was looking to bolster its direct aid to the Afghan people in an effort to stave off "collapse".

"We cannot 'wait and see'. We need to act, and act quickly," Borrell said after discussions with EU development ministers.&nbsp;

The international community is facing a tough balancing act trying to get urgently-needed aid to Afghans without endorsing Taliban rule.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-try-to-destabilise-regime-taliban-warns-us-in-first-face-to-face-talks-after-withdrawal-419514">Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal</a>

Guterres underscored discontent with the Taliban over its treatment of women despite vows it would not repeat its earlier hardline rule.

"I am particularly alarmed to see promises made to Afghan women and girls by the Taliban being broken," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Without the participation of women "there is no way the Afghan economy and society will recover", Guterres said.

Security warning&nbsp;

Afghanistan's boys were allowed to return to secondary schools three weeks ago, but girls have been told to stay at home along with women teachers in much of the country, though they can attend primary school.

Asked about the exclusion of girls, Muttaqi said schools had been closed because of COVID-19 -- a threat he said had lessened.

"Covid&nbsp;has been controlled and incidences are very few, and with the reduction of that risk, opening of schools has already started and every day it is increasing," he said.&nbsp;

Muttaqi also insisted there was no discrimination against the Shiite community and also claimed that IS-K was being tamed.

"Whatever preparations they had made have been neutralised 98 per cent," he said.

IS-K claimed a bombing of a Shiite mosque that killed more than 60 people on Friday, the deadliest attack since the Taliban regained power.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-condemns-terror-attack-on-kunduz-mosque-in-afghanistan-420008">&nbsp;India condemns terror attack on Kunduz mosque in Afghanistan</a>

Underlining the shaky security situation, the US and Britain warned their citizens on Monday to avoid hotels in Afghanistan, and singled out one hotel in Kabul.

"US citizens who are at or near the Serena Hotel should leave immediately," the US State Department said, citing "security threats" in the area.

The Serena, a luxury facility popular with business travellers and foreign guests, has twice been the target of attacks by the Taliban.

In 2014, just weeks before the presidential election, four teenage gunmen with pistols hidden in their socks managed to penetrate several layers of security, killing nine people, including an AFP journalist and members of his family.

The Taliban will hold joint face-to-face talks with European and US envoys, the EU said on Monday, as the hardline Islamists pursue their diplomatic push for international support.

The Taliban will hold joint face-to-face talks with European and US envoys, the EU said on Monday, as the hardline Islamists pursue their diplomatic push for international support. Afghanistan's new rulers are seeking recognition, as well as assistance to avoid a humanitarian disaster, after they returned to power in August following the withdrawal of US troops after 20 years of war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to donate more money to Afghanistan to head off its economic collapse, but also slammed the Taliban's "broken" promises to Afghan women and girls. Also Read | As Taliban prepares to meet EU representatives, UN chief slams Taliban over 'broken promises' EU spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said officials from the US and Europe would meet representatives of Afghanistan's new authorities for talks facilitated by Qatar in Doha on Tuesday. She said the meeting would "allow the US and European side to address issues" including free passage for people wanting to leave, access for humanitarian aid, respect for the rights of women and preventing Afghanistan becoming a haven for "terrorist" groups. "This is an informal exchange at technical level. It does not constitute recognition of the 'interim government'," she said. The Taliban badly need allies as Afghanistan's economy is in a parlous state with international aid cut off, food prices rising and unemployment spiking. The regime, still yet to be recognised as a legitimate government by any other country, is also facing a threat from the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), who have launched a series of deadly attacks. Also Read | Doha talks 'candid', Taliban to be judged based on its actions: US A meeting with the EU was announced earlier by the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, days after he led its first in-person talks with United States officials since the American pullout. "We want positive relationships with the whole world. We believe in balanced international relations. We believe such a balanced relationship can save Afghanistan from instability," Muttaqi said in translated remarks at an event in Qatar. Ahead of the talks, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc was looking to bolster its direct aid to the Afghan people in an effort to stave off "collapse". "We cannot 'wait and see'. We need to act, and act quickly," Borrell said after discussions with EU development ministers. The international community is facing a tough balancing act trying to get urgently-needed aid to Afghans without endorsing Taliban rule. Also Read | Don't try to 'destabilise' regime, Taliban warns US in first face-to-face talks after withdrawal Guterres underscored discontent with the Taliban over its treatment of women despite vows it would not repeat its earlier hardline rule. "I am particularly alarmed to see promises made to Afghan women and girls by the Taliban being broken," he told reporters. Without the participation of women "there is no way the Afghan economy and society will recover", Guterres said. Security warning Afghanistan's boys were allowed to return to secondary schools three weeks ago, but girls have been told to stay at home along with women teachers in much of the country, though they can attend primary school. Asked about the exclusion of girls, Muttaqi said schools had been closed because of COVID-19 -- a threat he said had lessened. "Covid has been controlled and incidences are very few, and with the reduction of that risk, opening of schools has already started and every day it is increasing," he said. Muttaqi also insisted there was no discrimination against the Shiite community and also claimed that IS-K was being tamed. "Whatever preparations they had made have been neutralised 98 per cent," he said. IS-K claimed a bombing of a Shiite mosque that killed more than 60 people on Friday, the deadliest attack since the Taliban regained power. Also Read | India condemns terror attack on Kunduz mosque in Afghanistan Underlining the shaky security situation, the US and Britain warned their citizens on Monday to avoid hotels in Afghanistan, and singled out one hotel in Kabul. "US citizens who are at or near the Serena Hotel should leave immediately," the US State Department said, citing "security threats" in the area. The Serena, a luxury facility popular with business travellers and foreign guests, has twice been the target of attacks by the Taliban. In 2014, just weeks before the presidential election, four teenage gunmen with pistols hidden in their socks managed to penetrate several layers of security, killing nine people, including an AFP journalist and members of his family.

Under-pressure Taliban to meet EU, US in diplomatic push

A car bombing in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Monday killed six people, including at least one Turkey-backed rebel fighter, a war monitor said.

Afrin, like all areas held by pro-Turkish rebels, is the scene of regular targeted killings, bombings and shootings that largely remain unclaimed.

On Monday, an explosive-laden vehicle detonated in "an area crowded with civilians" in the centre of the rebel-held city, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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The explosion hit near a market and military outpost for the hardline Jaysh al-Islam rebel group, according to the monitor which relies on a network of sources inside Syria.

At least two civilians and one Jaysh fighter were among those killed, while 12 other people were wounded, the Observatory said.

"Hospitals in Afrin received charred corpses of unidentified persons," the monitor added.&nbsp;

According to the Observatory, a local police force in Afrin arrested two young men suspected of involvement.

Last month, Afrin was hit by 4 separate attacks using explosive devices, including one targeting the vehicle of a rebel commander.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-al-qaeda-figure-killed-in-drone-attack-in-syria-jihadist-sources-7077">Prominent al-Qaeda figure killed in drone attack in Syria: Jihadist sources</a>

Turkey and its Syrian proxies have seized territory inside Syria in several military operations since 2016 against the Islamic State (IS) group and the Kurdish YPG militia.

In March 2018, they seized the town of Afrin after pushing out Syrian Kurdish forces.

The conflict in Syria has killed nearly 500,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations.

A car bombing in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Monday killed six people, including at least one Turkey-backed rebel fighter, a war monitor said. Afrin, like all areas held by pro-Turkish rebels, is the scene of regular targeted killings, bombings and shootings that largely remain unclaimed.

A car bombing in the northern Syrian city of Afrin on Monday killed six people, including at least one Turkey-backed rebel fighter, a war monitor said. Afrin, like all areas held by pro-Turkish rebels, is the scene of regular targeted killings, bombings and shootings that largely remain unclaimed. On Monday, an explosive-laden vehicle detonated in "an area crowded with civilians" in the centre of the rebel-held city, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Also Read | Two killed in Israel strike on Syria base: Monitor The explosion hit near a market and military outpost for the hardline Jaysh al-Islam rebel group, according to the monitor which relies on a network of sources inside Syria. At least two civilians and one Jaysh fighter were among those killed, while 12 other people were wounded, the Observatory said. "Hospitals in Afrin received charred corpses of unidentified persons," the monitor added. According to the Observatory, a local police force in Afrin arrested two young men suspected of involvement. Last month, Afrin was hit by 4 separate attacks using explosive devices, including one targeting the vehicle of a rebel commander. Also Read | Prominent al-Qaeda figure killed in drone attack in Syria: Jihadist sources Turkey and its Syrian proxies have seized territory inside Syria in several military operations since 2016 against the Islamic State (IS) group and the Kurdish YPG militia. In March 2018, they seized the town of Afrin after pushing out Syrian Kurdish forces. The conflict in Syria has killed nearly 500,000 people since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations.

Car bomb kills six in Syria's Afrin: Monitor

Five people have been killed in a car-bomb attack targeting the governor of Aden, the seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government, security sources said on Sunday.

Governor Ahmed Lamlas and Salem al-Socotri, a government minister, both survived the blast which went off as their convoy passed, the sources said.

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"A car bomb&nbsp;on Al-Mualla Street exploded while the convoy of officials&nbsp;was passing," a Yemeni security source told AFP, adding that the victims were in the convoy.

The central government relocated to Aden from the capital Sanaa in 2014, forced out by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who continue to fight Saudi-backed Yemeni government loyalists in a grinding civil war.&nbsp;

Southern Yemen has separately been beset by periodic tensions between that internationally recognised government and southern separatists in recent years, including sporadic armed clashes.&nbsp;

In December 2020, officials from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were integrated into the cabinet in an uneasy power-sharing agreement.&nbsp;

Lamlas and Socotri are both STC personnel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isis-claims-responsibility-of-mosque-blast-that-killed-at-least-60-people-419339">ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people</a>

The STC has sought to restore the independence of South Yemen, a then country which was integrated into the north in 1990.&nbsp;

The central government and the separatists are, despite their own differences, aligned against the Huthis.&nbsp;

Yemen is also home to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which launches periodic attacks against fighters aligned with the country's authorities. &nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in Yemen's main conflict, dubbed the world's worst humanitarian disaster by the United Nations.

Five people have been killed in a car-bomb attack targeting the governor of Aden, the seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government, security sources said on Sunday.

Five people have been killed in a car-bomb attack targeting the governor of Aden, the seat of Yemen's internationally recognised government, security sources said on Sunday. Governor Ahmed Lamlas and Salem al-Socotri, a government minister, both survived the blast which went off as their convoy passed, the sources said. Also Read | At least 55 killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz mosque blast: Taliban official "A car bomb on Al-Mualla Street exploded while the convoy of officials was passing," a Yemeni security source told AFP, adding that the victims were in the convoy. The central government relocated to Aden from the capital Sanaa in 2014, forced out by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who continue to fight Saudi-backed Yemeni government loyalists in a grinding civil war. Southern Yemen has separately been beset by periodic tensions between that internationally recognised government and southern separatists in recent years, including sporadic armed clashes. In December 2020, officials from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were integrated into the cabinet in an uneasy power-sharing agreement. Lamlas and Socotri are both STC personnel. Also Read | ISIS claims responsibility of mosque blast that killed at least 60 people The STC has sought to restore the independence of South Yemen, a then country which was integrated into the north in 1990. The central government and the separatists are, despite their own differences, aligned against the Huthis. Yemen is also home to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which launches periodic attacks against fighters aligned with the country's authorities. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in Yemen's main conflict, dubbed the world's worst humanitarian disaster by the United Nations.

Five dead in Yemen blast targeting Aden governor: security sources

A vicious cycle linking the depletion of natural resources with violent conflict may have gone past the point of no return in parts of the world and is likely to be exacerbated by climate change, a report said on Thursday.

Food insecurity, lack of water and the impact of natural disasters, combined with high population growth, are stoking conflict and displacing people in vulnerable areas, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) think-tank said.

IEP uses data from the United Nations and other sources to predict the countries and regions most at risk in its "Ecological Threat Register".

Serge Stroobants, IEP director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa said the report identified 30 "hotspot" countries - home to 1.26 billion people - as facing most risks.

This is based on three criteria relating to scarcity of resources, and five focusing on disasters including floods, droughts and rising temperatures.

"We don't even need climate change to see potential system collapse, just the impact of those eight ecological threats can lead to this - of course climate change is reinforcing it," Stroobants said.

Afghanistan gets the worst score on the report, which says its ongoing conflict has damaged its ability to cope with risks to water and food supplies, climate change, and alternating floods and droughts.

Conflict in turn leads to further resource degradation, according to the findings.

Six seminars including governments, military institutions and development groups last year returned the message that "it is unlikely that the international community will reverse the vicious cycles in some parts of the world", IEP said.

This is particularly the case in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, which has seen more and worsening conflicts over the last decade, it said.

"With tensions already escalating, it can only be expected that climate change will have an amplifying effect on many of these issues," the report said.

A vicious cycle linking the depletion of natural resources with violent conflict may have gone past the point of no return in parts of the world and is likely to be exacerbated by climate change, a report said on Thursday.

A vicious cycle linking the depletion of natural resources with violent conflict may have gone past the point of no return in parts of the world and is likely to be exacerbated by climate change, a report said on Thursday. Food insecurity, lack of water and the impact of natural disasters, combined with high population growth, are stoking conflict and displacing people in vulnerable areas, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) think-tank said. IEP uses data from the United Nations and other sources to predict the countries and regions most at risk in its "Ecological Threat Register". Serge Stroobants, IEP director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa said the report identified 30 "hotspot" countries - home to 1.26 billion people - as facing most risks. This is based on three criteria relating to scarcity of resources, and five focusing on disasters including floods, droughts and rising temperatures. "We don't even need climate change to see potential system collapse, just the impact of those eight ecological threats can lead to this - of course climate change is reinforcing it," Stroobants said. Afghanistan gets the worst score on the report, which says its ongoing conflict has damaged its ability to cope with risks to water and food supplies, climate change, and alternating floods and droughts. Conflict in turn leads to further resource degradation, according to the findings. Six seminars including governments, military institutions and development groups last year returned the message that "it is unlikely that the international community will reverse the vicious cycles in some parts of the world", IEP said. This is particularly the case in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, which has seen more and worsening conflicts over the last decade, it said. "With tensions already escalating, it can only be expected that climate change will have an amplifying effect on many of these issues," the report said.

Climate change set to worsen resource degradation, conflict, report says

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule.&nbsp;

Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June.

But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict.

New hope

Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign.

Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality.

He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors.

But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office.&nbsp;

Peacemaker

In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war.

Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate.

Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over.

Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw.

State of unrest&nbsp;

The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime.

The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response.

Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia.

In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed.

Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region.

War in the north

In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join.

The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order.

Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces.&nbsp;

Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire.

Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions.

Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing.&nbsp;

Election woes

Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda.

The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks.

The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people.&nbsp;

Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power. &nbsp;

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests. Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule. Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June. But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict. New hope Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign. Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality. He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors. But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office. Peacemaker In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war. Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate. Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over. Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw. State of unrest The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime. The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response. Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia. In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed. Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region. War in the north In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join. The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order. Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces. Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire. Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions. Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing. Election woes Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda. The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks. The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people. Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power.

Transformation to conflict: Ethiopia under Abiy Ahmed

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory.

Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, but the Polisario -&nbsp;recognized internationally as the representative of the Sahrawi people - has long sought independence.

The "resumption of hostilities between Morocco and Frente POLISARIO is a major setback toward the achievement of a political solution," Antonio Guterres said in a report submitted to the Security Council.

"There remains a clear risk of escalation while hostilities persist," he added in the report, not yet published and obtained by AFP on Saturday.

"I therefore call on the parties to de-escalate the situation and immediately cease hostilities."

Guterres said the two sides must agree on the appointment of a UN envoy to restart political dialogue on Western Sahara.

The Polisario fought a war of independence with Morocco from 1975 until a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991.

The conflict has continued to simmer, and has been without an emissary since May 2019, with all candidates proposed by Guterres rejected by one side or the other.

In his report, Guterres noted that in November 2020, the Polisario had announced -- after incidents with Morocco -- that it no longer felt committed to the ceasefire.

In December 2020, then-president Donald Trump broke with previous US positions and recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the whole of Western Sahara.

President Joe Biden has yet to comment on that move.

At the end of August, Algeria -- Morocco's neighbor and rival, and a key backer of the Polisario -- broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat, particularly over Western Sahara.

Polisario wants a UN referendum on self-determination, while Morocco -- which controls more than two-thirds of the former Spanish colony -- has proposed a plan for Polisario autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory.

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory. Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, but the Polisario - recognized internationally as the representative of the Sahrawi people - has long sought independence. The "resumption of hostilities between Morocco and Frente POLISARIO is a major setback toward the achievement of a political solution," Antonio Guterres said in a report submitted to the Security Council. "There remains a clear risk of escalation while hostilities persist," he added in the report, not yet published and obtained by AFP on Saturday. "I therefore call on the parties to de-escalate the situation and immediately cease hostilities." Guterres said the two sides must agree on the appointment of a UN envoy to restart political dialogue on Western Sahara. The Polisario fought a war of independence with Morocco from 1975 until a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991. The conflict has continued to simmer, and has been without an emissary since May 2019, with all candidates proposed by Guterres rejected by one side or the other. In his report, Guterres noted that in November 2020, the Polisario had announced -- after incidents with Morocco -- that it no longer felt committed to the ceasefire. In December 2020, then-president Donald Trump broke with previous US positions and recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the whole of Western Sahara. President Joe Biden has yet to comment on that move. At the end of August, Algeria -- Morocco's neighbor and rival, and a key backer of the Polisario -- broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat, particularly over Western Sahara. Polisario wants a UN referendum on self-determination, while Morocco -- which controls more than two-thirds of the former Spanish colony -- has proposed a plan for Polisario autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

Western Sahara situation 'significantly deteriorated', UN chief says

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said.

The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said.

The inmates,&nbsp;five from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and one belonging to the armed branch of the Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction, had been held for attacks against Israel.

They escaped by digging a tunnel under a sink.

One of them, Mahmud Abdullah Ardah, said after he was recaptured that he had used spoons, plates and even the handle of a kettle to dig the tunnel.

The six -- hailed as heroes by Palestinians -- were recaptured in batches during a major Israeli manhunt in September.

In addition to Ardah, an Islamic Jihad member and the alleged mastermind of the escape, they include Zakaria Zubeidi who headed the Fatah armed wing.

The other four are Ayham Kamamji, Munadel Infeiat, Yaqub Qadri and Mohammad Ardah.

Lawyers for two of the prisoners said they had begun to dig the tunnel in December.

Israel has launched an investigation into how they pulled off their daring escaping. 
&nbsp;

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said. The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said.

Six Palestinian prisoners who made a daring escaping from an Israeli prison in September were formally indicted Sunday, Israel's justice ministry said. The men were charged with escaping from the high-security Gilboa prison in northern Israel while five others were accused of assisting them, a statement said. The inmates, five from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and one belonging to the armed branch of the Palestinian Authority's Fatah faction, had been held for attacks against Israel. They escaped by digging a tunnel under a sink. One of them, Mahmud Abdullah Ardah, said after he was recaptured that he had used spoons, plates and even the handle of a kettle to dig the tunnel. The six -- hailed as heroes by Palestinians -- were recaptured in batches during a major Israeli manhunt in September. In addition to Ardah, an Islamic Jihad member and the alleged mastermind of the escape, they include Zakaria Zubeidi who headed the Fatah armed wing. The other four are Ayham Kamamji, Munadel Infeiat, Yaqub Qadri and Mohammad Ardah. Lawyers for two of the prisoners said they had begun to dig the tunnel in December. Israel has launched an investigation into how they pulled off their daring escaping.

Israel indicts Palestinian jail breakers

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed. In most cases, both sides have claimed victory in the conflicts. &nbsp;

As a result, there have been loss of life and property. Even after suffering a lot in these clashes, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the hostilities in the future in any way as people of both sides may not be ready to reconcile. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let’s explore the issue in detail. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The conflict arose long time ago when the world leaders decided to come up with a Jewish state in the region to give the community a separate state to ensure their prosperity. This land, which was to be their homeland, was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. &nbsp;

Watch:

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The British carved out Israel from the region called as Palestine at that time as it was under their rule. For Jews, it was their ancestral home. And as Palestinian Arabs also claimed it, this did not go down well with them and gave birth to the conflict. The tension between the two sides seems to not reduce with time. &nbsp;

Several Jews fleeing Europe arrived in the region between 1920s and 1940s. After the Holocaust of World War Two, they sought a homeland. &nbsp;

The UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states in 1947. It also made Jerusalem, an international city. Violence between Jews and Arabs has begun since then. &nbsp;

The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side. So, it could not be implemented. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After being unable to solve the problem, the British left in 1948. And Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many Palestinians objected and a war followed after the troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/iran-training-terrorists-to-carry-out-attacks-israel-defence-minister-412554" hreflang="en">Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister</a>

By the time, fighting ended in a ceasefire, Israel controlled most of the territory. Several Palestinians were forced to flee in the Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". &nbsp;

Jordan occupied land known as West Bank while Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. &nbsp;

As there was no peace agreement, more wars followed. &nbsp;

In 1967, another war was fought and Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. It was a major win for Israel. &nbsp;

Most Palestinians live in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. &nbsp;

Israel has not allowed them to return to their homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel still occupies the West Bank and pulled out of Gaza but the UN still regards it as an occupied territory. &nbsp;

Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital and Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, which may come up in future. &nbsp;

In a nutshell, the conflict doesn’t seem to end any time soon as there are several issues both sides don’t seem to get on the same page. &nbsp;

These include the issue of Palestinian refugees, whether Jewish settlements in the West Bank should stay or be removed, can both share Jerusalem and should a Palestinian state be created alongside Israel. &nbsp;

For more than 25 years, peace talks have been taking place on and off but so far, the conflict seems to only grow.&nbsp;

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed.

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed. In most cases, both sides have claimed victory in the conflicts. As a result, there have been loss of life and property. Even after suffering a lot in these clashes, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the hostilities in the future in any way as people of both sides may not be ready to reconcile. Let’s explore the issue in detail. The conflict arose long time ago when the world leaders decided to come up with a Jewish state in the region to give the community a separate state to ensure their prosperity. This land, which was to be their homeland, was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Watch: × The British carved out Israel from the region called as Palestine at that time as it was under their rule. For Jews, it was their ancestral home. And as Palestinian Arabs also claimed it, this did not go down well with them and gave birth to the conflict. The tension between the two sides seems to not reduce with time. Several Jews fleeing Europe arrived in the region between 1920s and 1940s. After the Holocaust of World War Two, they sought a homeland. The UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states in 1947. It also made Jerusalem, an international city. Violence between Jews and Arabs has begun since then. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side. So, it could not be implemented. After being unable to solve the problem, the British left in 1948. And Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. Many Palestinians objected and a war followed after the troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. Also Read | Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister By the time, fighting ended in a ceasefire, Israel controlled most of the territory. Several Palestinians were forced to flee in the Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". Jordan occupied land known as West Bank while Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. As there was no peace agreement, more wars followed. In 1967, another war was fought and Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. It was a major win for Israel. Most Palestinians live in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Israel has not allowed them to return to their homes. Israel still occupies the West Bank and pulled out of Gaza but the UN still regards it as an occupied territory. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital and Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, which may come up in future. In a nutshell, the conflict doesn’t seem to end any time soon as there are several issues both sides don’t seem to get on the same page. These include the issue of Palestinian refugees, whether Jewish settlements in the West Bank should stay or be removed, can both share Jerusalem and should a Palestinian state be created alongside Israel. For more than 25 years, peace talks have been taking place on and off but so far, the conflict seems to only grow.

Will Israelis, Palestinians ever reconcile, bring conflict to an end  

Germany&nbsp;and the Netherlands said Wednesday they have stopped forced repatriations of Afghan migrants because of deteriorating security in&nbsp;Afghanistan, as the Taliban pressed on with its rapid advance in the country's north.

"Due to current developments in the security situation, the interior minister has decided to suspend deportations to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;for the time being,"&nbsp;Germany's interior ministry spokesman Steve Alter wrote on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-the-taliban-take-over-afghanistan-heres-what-we-know-404730" hreflang="en">Could the Taliban take over Afghanistan? Here’s what we know</a>

Separately in The Hague, Dutch State Secretary for Justice and Security Ankie Broekers-Knol announced a "moratorium on (deportation) decisions and departures."

The halt "will apply for six months and will apply to foreign nationals of Afghan nationality," she wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament.

Wednesday's move by the Germans and Dutch marked a sharp U-turn from their previous position.

Officials had said as late as Tuesday that both governments had joined their counterparts in Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Greece to write to the EU's executive arm saying they should be allowed to press on with expulsions of Afghan migrants if their asylum bids fail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-afghanistans-neighbours-not-to-recognise-govt-imposed-by-force-as-taliban-capture-9th-provincial-capital-404659" hreflang="en">US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital</a>

Afghanistan&nbsp;urged the EU in July to cease forced deportations of Afghan migrants for three months as security forces battle the Taliban offensive ahead of the full US military pullout from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on August 31.

"We are now complying with this request, which I consider to be the right thing to do,"&nbsp;Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas said of Kabul's call.

As a deportation flight had to be stopped in recent days because of fighting in Kabul close to the airport, Maas said a decision had to be quickly made on whether to resume the flight.

Austria maintains expulsions&nbsp;

Neighbouring Austria however said it would press on with expulsions to&nbsp;Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Austria is keeping to its plans for deportations. A de facto suspension of deportations is currently not up for discussion," a spokesman for the interior ministry told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-capture-another-provincial-capital-several-afghan-soldiers-surrender-near-kunduz-404619" hreflang="en">Taliban capture another provincial capital, several Afghan soldiers surrender near Kunduz</a>

The Taliban have in recent days made huge advances in the north, capturing territory including provincial capital Kunduz -- where German soldiers had been deployed for a decade until the end of June.

German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer had voiced disappointment at the developments.

"The reports from Kunduz and from all over&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;are bitter and hurt a lot," she wrote on Twitter on Monday.

Northern&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Germany and the Netherlands said Wednesday they have stopped forced repatriations of Afghan migrants because of deteriorating security in Afghanistan, as the Taliban pressed on with its rapid advance in the country's north.

Germany and the Netherlands said Wednesday they have stopped forced repatriations of Afghan migrants because of deteriorating security in Afghanistan, as the Taliban pressed on with its rapid advance in the country's north. "Due to current developments in the security situation, the interior minister has decided to suspend deportations to Afghanistan for the time being," Germany's interior ministry spokesman Steve Alter wrote on Twitter. Also read | Could the Taliban take over Afghanistan? Here’s what we know Separately in The Hague, Dutch State Secretary for Justice and Security Ankie Broekers-Knol announced a "moratorium on (deportation) decisions and departures." The halt "will apply for six months and will apply to foreign nationals of Afghan nationality," she wrote in a letter to the Dutch parliament. Wednesday's move by the Germans and Dutch marked a sharp U-turn from their previous position. Officials had said as late as Tuesday that both governments had joined their counterparts in Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Greece to write to the EU's executive arm saying they should be allowed to press on with expulsions of Afghan migrants if their asylum bids fail. Also read | US wants Afghanistan's neighbours not to recognise govt imposed by force as Taliban capture 9th provincial capital Afghanistan urged the EU in July to cease forced deportations of Afghan migrants for three months as security forces battle the Taliban offensive ahead of the full US military pullout from Afghanistan on August 31. "We are now complying with this request, which I consider to be the right thing to do," Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas said of Kabul's call. As a deportation flight had to be stopped in recent days because of fighting in Kabul close to the airport, Maas said a decision had to be quickly made on whether to resume the flight. Austria maintains expulsions Neighbouring Austria however said it would press on with expulsions to Afghanistan. "Austria is keeping to its plans for deportations. A de facto suspension of deportations is currently not up for discussion," a spokesman for the interior ministry told AFP. Also read | Taliban capture another provincial capital, several Afghan soldiers surrender near Kunduz The Taliban have in recent days made huge advances in the north, capturing territory including provincial capital Kunduz -- where German soldiers had been deployed for a decade until the end of June. German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer had voiced disappointment at the developments. "The reports from Kunduz and from all over Afghanistan are bitter and hurt a lot," she wrote on Twitter on Monday. Northern Afghanistan has long been considered an anti-Taliban stronghold that saw some of the stiffest resistance to militant rule in the 1990s.

Germany, Netherlands halt migrant expulsions to Afghanistan

Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;President Alassane&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11&nbsp;conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind&nbsp;us".

"How are you, Laurent? Happy to see you,"&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;said as Gbagbo arrived at the presidential palace in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan.

At a joint news conference&nbsp;after&nbsp;their meeting,&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;said: "This crisis created differences, but that is&nbsp;behind&nbsp;us. What is important for&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;is peace in our country."

Gbagbo, for his part, called for the release of prisoners held since the crisis, which was sparked by his refusal to accept defeat at the ballot box to&nbsp;Ouattara.

Gbagbo, 76, has leapt into the spotlight since returning last month from Europe,&nbsp;after&nbsp;having been acquitted for crimes against humanity in a landmark case heard at the International Criminal Court.

The post-electoral&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;claimed more than 3,000 lives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-dead-in-ivory-coast-coach-and-minibus-crash-398348">Also read |&nbsp;25 dead in Ivory Coast coach and minibus crash</a>

After&nbsp;he was ousted, Gbagbo was flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity, of which he was eventually acquitted.

'Sign of healing'&nbsp;

Tuesday's meeting was closely watched for signs of whether the two former rivals have buried the hatchet, boosting hopes for national rapprochement&nbsp;after&nbsp;deadly clashes last year.

"The mere fact of seeing&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;and Gbagbo together is being seen as a sign of healing and a strong image for Ivorians in their quest for peace and national reconciliation," the opposition newspaper Notre Voie (Our Way) said.

But Gbagbo's spokesman Justin Katinan Kone urged the public "not to make too much" of the meeting.

"This is a courtesy visit to his elder... If it helps to ease the political atmosphere, so much the better," he said.

A onetime international banker,&nbsp;Ouattara, 79, won a landslide victory in the last elections on October 31. But the credibility of the win was undermined by an opposition boycott.

In the run-up to the vote, scores of people died in clashes with police&nbsp;after&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;unveiled his controversial bid for a third term.

In this context,&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;has officially welcomed Gbagbo's return, hoping it will ease tensions.

But the question is whether Gbagbo will stick to the script of statesman or prefer an active political role that may challenge&nbsp;Ouattara.

'Sustainable peace'

Gbagbo&nbsp;rose in the 1970s as a left-wing campaigner who helped end&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast's one-party system following independence from France in 1960.

His years in power were marked by rebellion, civil war, national divisions and repeatedly postponed elections, but he retains considerable grassroots support.

His defenders portray him as a champion of the poor and oppressed.

Commentators are also watching the interplay among&nbsp;Ouattara,&nbsp;Gbagbo&nbsp;and former president Henri Konan Bedie, 87, three men who have dominated the political stage for decades.

Bedie teamed up with&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;in the 2010 elections, but in 2018 his Democratic Party of the&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;(PDCI) joined the opposition.

In March, it forged an electoral alliance with Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party, and on July 11,&nbsp;Gbagbo&nbsp;and Bedie announced they were united in the goal of forging "final and sustainable peace".

"The PDCI welcomes the new disposition of the president towards dialogue," one of the party's directors, N'Goran Djedri, told AFP&nbsp;after&nbsp;the press conference, adding that&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;was following in Bedie and Gbagbo's footsteps by embracing "this spirit of inclusive dialogue".

"We believe that Ivorians can feel the ground shifting in favour of peace and reconciliation, and that benefits everyone."&nbsp;

One lingering matter is a 20-year jail sentence for Gbagbo, who was convicted in absentia of "looting" the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) during the 2010-11&nbsp;conflict.

Authorities have hinted that this sentence will be lifted.

Issiaka Diaby, who heads an association called the Collective of&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Victims, lashed out at "selective" decisions by the judicial system.

"We believe that reconciliation cannot be boiled down to a meeting between two citizens," he said on Tuesday at ceremonies in an Abidjan graveyard to honour fatalities in the 2010-11 crisis.

"We need truth, justice."

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11 conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind us".

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11 conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind us". "How are you, Laurent? Happy to see you," Ouattara said as Gbagbo arrived at the presidential palace in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan. At a joint news conference after their meeting, Ouattara said: "This crisis created differences, but that is behind us. What is important for Ivory Coast is peace in our country." Gbagbo, for his part, called for the release of prisoners held since the crisis, which was sparked by his refusal to accept defeat at the ballot box to Ouattara. Gbagbo, 76, has leapt into the spotlight since returning last month from Europe, after having been acquitted for crimes against humanity in a landmark case heard at the International Criminal Court. The post-electoral conflict claimed more than 3,000 lives. Also read | 25 dead in Ivory Coast coach and minibus crash After he was ousted, Gbagbo was flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity, of which he was eventually acquitted. 'Sign of healing' Tuesday's meeting was closely watched for signs of whether the two former rivals have buried the hatchet, boosting hopes for national rapprochement after deadly clashes last year. "The mere fact of seeing Ouattara and Gbagbo together is being seen as a sign of healing and a strong image for Ivorians in their quest for peace and national reconciliation," the opposition newspaper Notre Voie (Our Way) said. But Gbagbo's spokesman Justin Katinan Kone urged the public "not to make too much" of the meeting. "This is a courtesy visit to his elder... If it helps to ease the political atmosphere, so much the better," he said. A onetime international banker, Ouattara, 79, won a landslide victory in the last elections on October 31. But the credibility of the win was undermined by an opposition boycott. In the run-up to the vote, scores of people died in clashes with police after Ouattara unveiled his controversial bid for a third term. In this context, Ouattara has officially welcomed Gbagbo's return, hoping it will ease tensions. But the question is whether Gbagbo will stick to the script of statesman or prefer an active political role that may challenge Ouattara. 'Sustainable peace' Gbagbo rose in the 1970s as a left-wing campaigner who helped end Ivory Coast's one-party system following independence from France in 1960. His years in power were marked by rebellion, civil war, national divisions and repeatedly postponed elections, but he retains considerable grassroots support. His defenders portray him as a champion of the poor and oppressed. Commentators are also watching the interplay among Ouattara, Gbagbo and former president Henri Konan Bedie, 87, three men who have dominated the political stage for decades. Bedie teamed up with Ouattara in the 2010 elections, but in 2018 his Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast (PDCI) joined the opposition. In March, it forged an electoral alliance with Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party, and on July 11, Gbagbo and Bedie announced they were united in the goal of forging "final and sustainable peace". "The PDCI welcomes the new disposition of the president towards dialogue," one of the party's directors, N'Goran Djedri, told AFP after the press conference, adding that Ouattara was following in Bedie and Gbagbo's footsteps by embracing "this spirit of inclusive dialogue". "We believe that Ivorians can feel the ground shifting in favour of peace and reconciliation, and that benefits everyone." One lingering matter is a 20-year jail sentence for Gbagbo, who was convicted in absentia of "looting" the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) during the 2010-11 conflict. Authorities have hinted that this sentence will be lifted. Issiaka Diaby, who heads an association called the Collective of Ivory Coast Victims, lashed out at "selective" decisions by the judicial system. "We believe that reconciliation cannot be boiled down to a meeting between two citizens," he said on Tuesday at ceremonies in an Abidjan graveyard to honour fatalities in the 2010-11 crisis. "We need truth, justice."

Conflict 'behind us', Ivory Coast's Ouattara says after greeting rival

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, &nbsp;Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country".

He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday.

The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time".

"Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added.

Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.&nbsp;

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated. In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country". He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday. The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time". "Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added. Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.

Taliban leader 'favours political settlement' to Afghan conflict

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Moving to head off further violence in&nbsp;Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements.

In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/35-killed-in-gaza-5-in-israel-as-violence-escalates-384412">35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates&nbsp;</a>

"We have lost control of the city and the streets,"&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested.

Scores of other people have been arrested in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said.

In&nbsp;Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad.

"The sight of the pogrom in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-woman-killed-in-israel-was-struck-by-rocket-strike-during-a-video-call-with-husband-384415">Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband</a>

Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation.

Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services.

Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning.

Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle,&nbsp;Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs.

In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-violence-escalates-49-palestinians-6-israelis-killed-384595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them.

"We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm.

Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said.

In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case.

Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City.

A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza. Moving to head off further violence in Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements. In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents. Also read | 35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates "We have lost control of the city and the streets," Lod Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested. Scores of other people have been arrested in Lod and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said. In Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad. "The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence". Also read | Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation. Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services. Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning. Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the Lod municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle, Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs. In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home. In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them. "We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm. Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including Lod and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of Lod and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said. In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case. Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City. A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Israel declares curfew in city of Lod, an Arab-Jewish town hit by violence

Arab countries, including four that last year agreed to normalise relations with Israel, have condemned a weekend of violence after hundreds of Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces.

The violence around east Jerusalem's revered Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the Old City is the worst since 2017, fuelled by a years-long bid by Jewish settlers to take over Palestinian homes.

Criticism of Israeli conduct has poured in from Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, all nations that last year agreed to normalise, or normalised, relations with the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Khartoum labelled Israeli measures in Jerusalem against Palestinians as "repression", and "coercive action" in a foreign ministry statement late Saturday.

It called on the Israeli government "to refrain from taking unilateral steps that diminish the chances for resuming peace negotiations."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-clashes-pope-francis-calls-for-end-to-violence-in-jerusalem-383901">'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem</a>

The UAE and Bahrain condemned Friday's storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli security forces, and the ensuing crackdown on worshippers seeking to access the site.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi urged Israeli authorities to "take responsibility for de-escalation" of violence at the holy site, while Manama called on the Israeli government "to stop these rejected provocations against the people of Jerusalem."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-nightly-violent-encounter-injures-178-palestinians-and-6-police-officers-383586">Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers</a>

Meanwhile, Morocco expressed "deep concern" over the violence saying King Mohammed VI "considers these violations... (are) likely to fuel tensions."&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said it "rejected" Israeli plans to evacuate Palestinian households from Jerusalem, and called for the reinstatement of the pre-1967 borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-calls-israel-terror-state-over-palestinian-clashes-at-al-aqsa-383800">Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel 'terror state' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa&nbsp;</a>

Israel occupied east Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it, in a move not recognised by most of the international community. &nbsp;

Arab countries, including four that last year agreed to normalise relations with Israel, have condemned a weekend of violence after hundreds of Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces.

Arab countries, including four that last year agreed to normalise relations with Israel, have condemned a weekend of violence after hundreds of Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces. The violence around east Jerusalem's revered Al-Aqsa mosque compound and the Old City is the worst since 2017, fuelled by a years-long bid by Jewish settlers to take over Palestinian homes. Criticism of Israeli conduct has poured in from Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, all nations that last year agreed to normalise, or normalised, relations with the Jewish state. Khartoum labelled Israeli measures in Jerusalem against Palestinians as "repression", and "coercive action" in a foreign ministry statement late Saturday. It called on the Israeli government "to refrain from taking unilateral steps that diminish the chances for resuming peace negotiations." Also read | 'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem The UAE and Bahrain condemned Friday's storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli security forces, and the ensuing crackdown on worshippers seeking to access the site. Abu Dhabi urged Israeli authorities to "take responsibility for de-escalation" of violence at the holy site, while Manama called on the Israeli government "to stop these rejected provocations against the people of Jerusalem." Also read | Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers Meanwhile, Morocco expressed "deep concern" over the violence saying King Mohammed VI "considers these violations... (are) likely to fuel tensions." Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said it "rejected" Israeli plans to evacuate Palestinian households from Jerusalem, and called for the reinstatement of the pre-1967 borders. Also read | Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel 'terror state' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa Israel occupied east Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it, in a move not recognised by most of the international community.

Arab nations hit out at Israel over Jerusalem violence

The US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has departed for Turkey and the nearby region, the US State Department said on Saturday, in a push to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict in the country.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden is deciding whether to meet a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of the last 3,500 American troops in Afghanistan that was set in a February 2020 accord struck with the Taliban under former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Biden's administration has sought to build international pressure on the Taliban and US-backed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government to reach a peace agreement and a ceasefire before the deadline.&nbsp;

"He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace," the State Department said in a statement, adding that Khalilzad departed for the talks on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Taliban on Friday said it would resume hostilities against foreign forces - which ended under the US-Taliban deal - if they remain beyond the deadline.&nbsp;

Biden on Thursday said it would be hard to comply with the deadline, which also requires the departure of some 7,000 allied forces.&nbsp;

The Taliban has said it was committed to the agreement, which it has termed the 'most sensible and shortest path' to end 20 years of war in Afghanistan - America's longest foreign conflict.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has departed for Turkey and the nearby region, the US State Department said on Saturday, in a push to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict in the country.

The US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad has departed for Turkey and the nearby region, the US State Department said on Saturday, in a push to encourage Afghan parties to accelerate negotiations to end conflict in the country. President Joe Biden is deciding whether to meet a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of the last 3,500 American troops in Afghanistan that was set in a February 2020 accord struck with the Taliban under former President Donald Trump. Biden's administration has sought to build international pressure on the Taliban and US-backed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government to reach a peace agreement and a ceasefire before the deadline. "He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace," the State Department said in a statement, adding that Khalilzad departed for the talks on Thursday. The Taliban on Friday said it would resume hostilities against foreign forces - which ended under the US-Taliban deal - if they remain beyond the deadline. Biden on Thursday said it would be hard to comply with the deadline, which also requires the departure of some 7,000 allied forces. The Taliban has said it was committed to the agreement, which it has termed the 'most sensible and shortest path' to end 20 years of war in Afghanistan - America's longest foreign conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy to Afghanistan heads to Turkey, region to push talks to end conflict 

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials.&nbsp;

In a parliamentary address, he also acknowledged for the first time that atrocities like rape had been committed during the fighting, and promised perpetrators would be punished.&nbsp;

Fighting erupted in Tigray after forces loyal to the then-governing party there - the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - attacked army bases across the region overnight and in the early hours of November 4.&nbsp;

The attacks initially overwhelmed the federal military, which later launched a counter-offensive alongside Eritrean soldiers and forces from the neighbouring region of Amhara.&nbsp;

The TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's government for nearly three decades until Abiy came to power in 2018, has long been an archenemy of Eritrea.&nbsp;

Abiy said Eritrean troops had crossed the border because they were concerned they would be attacked by TPLF forces, but the Eritreans had promised to leave when Ethiopia's military was able to control the border. The TPLF repeatedly fired rockets at Eritrea after the conflict began.&nbsp;

The governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia repeatedly denied Eritrea's involvement in the war, despite reports from rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Annesty International, which documented the killings of hundreds of civilians by Eritrean soldiers in the holy city of Axum.&nbsp;

The journalists on a trip to Tigray last week saw hundreds of men wearing Eritrean uniforms in buses with Eritrean plates on the main road between the regional capital Mekelle and Shire, and on the main streets of Shire.&nbsp;

Abiy quoted the Eritreans as saying to Ethiopian authorities: "You left the trenches while searching for the enemy in central Tigray. So, while you attacked them, they might come to us. We controlled areas along the border because we have our national security concerns. But if your army can control the trenches, we will leave the next day."&nbsp;

He said the Ethiopian government had also raised accusations of widespread looting and rights abuses by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray.&nbsp;

"The Eritrean government has highly condemned it and said they will be accountable if any of their army participated in this," he said.&nbsp;

Dozens of witnesses in Tigray said that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted civilian households and crops. Some provided images of Eritrean trucks loaded with household goods.&nbsp;

Eritrea's minister of information was not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials. In a parliamentary address, he also acknowledged for the first time that atrocities like rape had been committed during the fighting, and promised perpetrators would be punished. Fighting erupted in Tigray after forces loyal to the then-governing party there - the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - attacked army bases across the region overnight and in the early hours of November 4. The attacks initially overwhelmed the federal military, which later launched a counter-offensive alongside Eritrean soldiers and forces from the neighbouring region of Amhara. The TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's government for nearly three decades until Abiy came to power in 2018, has long been an archenemy of Eritrea. Abiy said Eritrean troops had crossed the border because they were concerned they would be attacked by TPLF forces, but the Eritreans had promised to leave when Ethiopia's military was able to control the border. The TPLF repeatedly fired rockets at Eritrea after the conflict began. The governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia repeatedly denied Eritrea's involvement in the war, despite reports from rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Annesty International, which documented the killings of hundreds of civilians by Eritrean soldiers in the holy city of Axum. The journalists on a trip to Tigray last week saw hundreds of men wearing Eritrean uniforms in buses with Eritrean plates on the main road between the regional capital Mekelle and Shire, and on the main streets of Shire. Abiy quoted the Eritreans as saying to Ethiopian authorities: "You left the trenches while searching for the enemy in central Tigray. So, while you attacked them, they might come to us. We controlled areas along the border because we have our national security concerns. But if your army can control the trenches, we will leave the next day." He said the Ethiopian government had also raised accusations of widespread looting and rights abuses by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray. "The Eritrean government has highly condemned it and said they will be accountable if any of their army participated in this," he said. Dozens of witnesses in Tigray said that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted civilian households and crops. Some provided images of Eritrean trucks loaded with household goods. Eritrea's minister of information was not immediately available for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian PM confirms Eritrean troops entered Tigray during recent conflict 

To Black Americans in the 1960s who were targeted and harassed by the police, 21-year-old Fred Hampton was an empowering figure.

To the FBI and its director, J. Edgar Hoover, Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was a radical threat.

Hampton was killed by Chicago police officers early on the morning of Dec. 4, 1969, during a raid on his West Side apartment, which was a block south of the Black Panther Party’s Chicago headquarters. The ambush, and the months of FBI surveillance of Hampton and the Panthers that preceded it, are dramatized in Shaka King’s film “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which began streaming Friday on HBO Max.

 
At the time of Hampton’s death, Chicago was the site of political protests and violent clashes with law enforcement. The infamous trial of the Chicago 7, a court battle that involved seven Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiring to incite riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention (a saga chronicled in Aaron Sorkin’s recent film “The Trial of the Chicago 7”), had been underway for a little over two months.

King, who co-wrote the script with Will Berson, drew mostly from fact while taking viewers inside the Black Panther Party in the months leading up to Hampton’s death, though they took a few dramatic liberties. For instance, the film’s star, Daniel Kaluuya, is a decade older than the 21-year-old Hampton was when he was killed.

Here is a guide to the real-life people, groups and events that feature in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Be warned, there are spoilers, if such a thing is possible when speaking of history.

Who were the Black Panthers?

The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, by a pair of Black college students, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, to oppose police brutality and racism in local neighborhoods. The Panthers, who were known for their military-style black berets, leather jackets and raised-fist salute, believed in removing abusive officers from communities by any means necessary, including armed resistance.

The FBI viewed the Panthers as a radical group capable of galvanizing a militant Black nationalist movement. (Hoover, the bureau’s first director, called the Black Panther Party “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country”). But the Panthers also launched a number of social initiatives: Members ran medical clinics, provided free transportation to prisons for family members of inmates, and started a free breakfast program that fed thousands of schoolchildren.

Who was Fred Hampton?

The charismatic community organizer enjoyed a meteoric rise that took him from campaigning for an integrated community pool and recreational center in his hometown, Maywood, Illinois, to preaching to thousands as the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party.

In 1969, a few months after helping to found the party’s Illinois chapter, the 20-year-old Hampton brokered an alliance he called the Rainbow Coalition, which united the Black Panthers, the Young Patriots (Southern white leftists) and the Young Lords (a Puerto Rican civil and human rights organization) in an effort to combat poverty and racism in their Chicago communities.

Hampton’s rapid ascent through the ranks of the Black Panther Party landed him in the cross hairs of a secret FBI counterintelligence program, known as Cointelpro, that Hoover formed to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit or otherwise neutralize the activities of Black nationalist, hate-type organizations.” Targets included both the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Ku Klux Klan. Hoover declared in an internal memo that he sought to prevent the “rise of a ‘messiah’ who could unify and electrify the militant Black nationalist movement.”

Under Cointelpro, the FBI tried a number of tactics to sow discord within the Black Panther Party at the national and local levels, including sending bogus letters to two of its leaders, Eldridge Cleaver and Huey Newton, which claimed that each sought to depose the other. Authorities also arrested Hampton and several other Panthers in an effort to publicly discredit the group.

In the months before the raid on Hampton’s apartment, the Panthers and the police also faced off in two gunbattles: One in July 1969 at the party’s West Side headquarters in which five police officers and three Panthers were injured, and a South Side fight that November that left two officers and one Panther dead.

 
Who was William O’Neal?

At 17, O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield in the movie) already had a criminal record when the FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) tracked him down after he stole a car in 1966. But O’Neal soon took on a new role: FBI informant. Given the choice between facing felony charges or agreeing to infiltrate the Panthers, he opted for the latter: as a security captain in the Illinois Black Panther Party, he infiltrated Hampton’s inner circle.

In 1969, O’Neal sketched a floor plan of Hampton’s West Side apartment, including where everyone slept, which the FBI then shared with the Chicago Police Department, the agency that conducted the fatal raid. But unlike the character in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” the real O’Neal did not see his actions as a betrayal of Hampton or the Panthers. “I had no allegiance to the Panthers,” he recalled in an interview for the PBS docuseries “Eyes on the Prize,” which chronicled the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

What happened the morning Fred Hampton was killed?

Fourteen Chicago police officers showed up before dawn on Dec. 4, 1969, at Hampton’s apartment, acting on the orders of Edward V. Hanrahan, the Cook County state’s attorney. Over the course of about 10 minutes, more than 80 shots were fired. When the smoke cleared, Hampton, 21, and another party leader, Mark Clark, 22, were dead, and four other Panthers and two police officers were wounded.

At first, the police claimed they killed Hampton in self-defense after people in the apartment began firing shotguns at them as they tried to execute a search warrant for illegal weapons. But ballistics experts determined that only one of the bullets was probably discharged from a weapon belonging to an occupant of the apartment. A federal grand jury investigation also revealed that the “bullet holes” in the apartment’s front door, which officers had cited as evidence that the Panthers had shot at them, were in fact nail holes created by police.

Though the Chicago Police Department had led the raid, the grand jury concluded that it had been coordinated by the FBI as part of Hoover’s mission to cripple the Black Panther Party — and an FBI memo later revealed that the bureau had authorized a bonus payment to O’Neal.

The first federal grand jury declined to indict anyone involved in the raid, and though a subsequent grand jury indicted Hanrahan and the police officers who participated in the shootings, all the charges were dismissed. In 1982, without admitting any wrongdoing, the federal government, the city of Chicago and Cook County agreed to pay $1.85 million to the families of Hampton and Clark and to survivors of the raid.

Clarence M. Kelley, who succeeded Hoover as head of the FBI in 1973, issued a public apology three years later for the bureau’s abuse of power in the “twilight” of Hoover’s career. “Some of those activities were clearly wrong and quite indefensible,” Kelley said. “We most certainly must never allow them to be repeated.”

To Black Americans in the 1960s who were targeted and harassed by the police, 21-year-old Fred Hampton was an empowering figure. To the FBI and its director, J. Edgar Hoover, Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was a radical threat.

To Black Americans in the 1960s who were targeted and harassed by the police, 21-year-old Fred Hampton was an empowering figure. To the FBI and its director, J. Edgar Hoover, Hampton, the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was a radical threat. Hampton was killed by Chicago police officers early on the morning of Dec. 4, 1969, during a raid on his West Side apartment, which was a block south of the Black Panther Party’s Chicago headquarters. The ambush, and the months of FBI surveillance of Hampton and the Panthers that preceded it, are dramatized in Shaka King’s film “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which began streaming Friday on HBO Max. At the time of Hampton’s death, Chicago was the site of political protests and violent clashes with law enforcement. The infamous trial of the Chicago 7, a court battle that involved seven Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiring to incite riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention (a saga chronicled in Aaron Sorkin’s recent film “The Trial of the Chicago 7”), had been underway for a little over two months. King, who co-wrote the script with Will Berson, drew mostly from fact while taking viewers inside the Black Panther Party in the months leading up to Hampton’s death, though they took a few dramatic liberties. For instance, the film’s star, Daniel Kaluuya, is a decade older than the 21-year-old Hampton was when he was killed. Here is a guide to the real-life people, groups and events that feature in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Be warned, there are spoilers, if such a thing is possible when speaking of history. Who were the Black Panthers? The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, by a pair of Black college students, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton, to oppose police brutality and racism in local neighborhoods. The Panthers, who were known for their military-style black berets, leather jackets and raised-fist salute, believed in removing abusive officers from communities by any means necessary, including armed resistance. The FBI viewed the Panthers as a radical group capable of galvanizing a militant Black nationalist movement. (Hoover, the bureau’s first director, called the Black Panther Party “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country”). But the Panthers also launched a number of social initiatives: Members ran medical clinics, provided free transportation to prisons for family members of inmates, and started a free breakfast program that fed thousands of schoolchildren. Who was Fred Hampton? The charismatic community organizer enjoyed a meteoric rise that took him from campaigning for an integrated community pool and recreational center in his hometown, Maywood, Illinois, to preaching to thousands as the chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party. In 1969, a few months after helping to found the party’s Illinois chapter, the 20-year-old Hampton brokered an alliance he called the Rainbow Coalition, which united the Black Panthers, the Young Patriots (Southern white leftists) and the Young Lords (a Puerto Rican civil and human rights organization) in an effort to combat poverty and racism in their Chicago communities. Hampton’s rapid ascent through the ranks of the Black Panther Party landed him in the cross hairs of a secret FBI counterintelligence program, known as Cointelpro, that Hoover formed to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit or otherwise neutralize the activities of Black nationalist, hate-type organizations.” Targets included both the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Ku Klux Klan. Hoover declared in an internal memo that he sought to prevent the “rise of a ‘messiah’ who could unify and electrify the militant Black nationalist movement.” Under Cointelpro, the FBI tried a number of tactics to sow discord within the Black Panther Party at the national and local levels, including sending bogus letters to two of its leaders, Eldridge Cleaver and Huey Newton, which claimed that each sought to depose the other. Authorities also arrested Hampton and several other Panthers in an effort to publicly discredit the group. In the months before the raid on Hampton’s apartment, the Panthers and the police also faced off in two gunbattles: One in July 1969 at the party’s West Side headquarters in which five police officers and three Panthers were injured, and a South Side fight that November that left two officers and one Panther dead. Who was William O’Neal? At 17, O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield in the movie) already had a criminal record when the FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) tracked him down after he stole a car in 1966. But O’Neal soon took on a new role: FBI informant. Given the choice between facing felony charges or agreeing to infiltrate the Panthers, he opted for the latter: as a security captain in the Illinois Black Panther Party, he infiltrated Hampton’s inner circle. In 1969, O’Neal sketched a floor plan of Hampton’s West Side apartment, including where everyone slept, which the FBI then shared with the Chicago Police Department, the agency that conducted the fatal raid. But unlike the character in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” the real O’Neal did not see his actions as a betrayal of Hampton or the Panthers. “I had no allegiance to the Panthers,” he recalled in an interview for the PBS docuseries “Eyes on the Prize,” which chronicled the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. What happened the morning Fred Hampton was killed? Fourteen Chicago police officers showed up before dawn on Dec. 4, 1969, at Hampton’s apartment, acting on the orders of Edward V. Hanrahan, the Cook County state’s attorney. Over the course of about 10 minutes, more than 80 shots were fired. When the smoke cleared, Hampton, 21, and another party leader, Mark Clark, 22, were dead, and four other Panthers and two police officers were wounded. At first, the police claimed they killed Hampton in self-defense after people in the apartment began firing shotguns at them as they tried to execute a search warrant for illegal weapons. But ballistics experts determined that only one of the bullets was probably discharged from a weapon belonging to an occupant of the apartment. A federal grand jury investigation also revealed that the “bullet holes” in the apartment’s front door, which officers had cited as evidence that the Panthers had shot at them, were in fact nail holes created by police. Though the Chicago Police Department had led the raid, the grand jury concluded that it had been coordinated by the FBI as part of Hoover’s mission to cripple the Black Panther Party — and an FBI memo later revealed that the bureau had authorized a bonus payment to O’Neal. The first federal grand jury declined to indict anyone involved in the raid, and though a subsequent grand jury indicted Hanrahan and the police officers who participated in the shootings, all the charges were dismissed. In 1982, without admitting any wrongdoing, the federal government, the city of Chicago and Cook County agreed to pay $1.85 million to the families of Hampton and Clark and to survivors of the raid. Clarence M. Kelley, who succeeded Hoover as head of the FBI in 1973, issued a public apology three years later for the bureau’s abuse of power in the “twilight” of Hoover’s career. “Some of those activities were clearly wrong and quite indefensible,” Kelley said. “We most certainly must never allow them to be repeated.”

'Judas and the Black Messiah': What to know about this much-talked about film

Ukraine has banned coronavirus vaccines produced by rival Russia despite struggles to launch its vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

A resolution passed by the government on February 8 and posted on its website on Wednesday banned the registration of vaccines from 'aggressor states', a designation Ukraine has applied to Russia since 2015.&nbsp;

Ukraine's pro-Western leadership has repeatedly rejected calls from pro-Moscow politicians to approve Russia's Sputnik V jab, denouncing the vaccine as a geopolitical tool.&nbsp;

Ukraine has been fighting separatists backed by Russia in its Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.&nbsp;

The ban on Russian vaccines came despite criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky for failing to source Western-made jabs. Not a single dose of any vaccine has yet arrived in the ex-Soviet country.&nbsp;

Zelensky said this week that Ukraine, one of the poorest countries in Europe, would begin the first phase of the vaccination campaign later this month.&nbsp;

The country of some 40 million is awaiting delivery of eight million doses promised under the United Nations' Covax programme and up to five million doses of the Chinese CoronaVac jab.&nbsp;

It has also secured 12 million doses of vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Novavax, but that is still not enough to meet the country's needs.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Ukraine said it launched an investigation into the country's purchasing of coronavirus vaccines, highlighting the country's struggle to end systemic graft.&nbsp;

Sputnik V has, meanwhile, been rolled out in the breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists.&nbsp;

Ukraine has recorded more than 1.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 24,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Ukraine has banned coronavirus vaccines produced by rival Russia despite struggles to launch its vaccination campaign. A resolution passed by the government on February 8 and posted on its website on Wednesday banned the registration of vaccines from 'aggressor states', a designation Ukraine has applied to Russia since 2015.

Ukraine has banned coronavirus vaccines produced by rival Russia despite struggles to launch its vaccination campaign. A resolution passed by the government on February 8 and posted on its website on Wednesday banned the registration of vaccines from 'aggressor states', a designation Ukraine has applied to Russia since 2015. Ukraine's pro-Western leadership has repeatedly rejected calls from pro-Moscow politicians to approve Russia's Sputnik V jab, denouncing the vaccine as a geopolitical tool. Ukraine has been fighting separatists backed by Russia in its Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014 following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The ban on Russian vaccines came despite criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky for failing to source Western-made jabs. Not a single dose of any vaccine has yet arrived in the ex-Soviet country. Zelensky said this week that Ukraine, one of the poorest countries in Europe, would begin the first phase of the vaccination campaign later this month. The country of some 40 million is awaiting delivery of eight million doses promised under the United Nations' Covax programme and up to five million doses of the Chinese CoronaVac jab. It has also secured 12 million doses of vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Novavax, but that is still not enough to meet the country's needs. On Wednesday, Ukraine said it launched an investigation into the country's purchasing of coronavirus vaccines, highlighting the country's struggle to end systemic graft. Sputnik V has, meanwhile, been rolled out in the breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists. Ukraine has recorded more than 1.2 million coronavirus cases and more than 24,000 deaths.

Ukraine bans Covid-19 vaccines from 'aggressor' Russia

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