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Daily case numbers in the European Union and United Kingdom this week reached record highs of more than 45,000 on a 14-day notification rate

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France have rolled out new measures to combat coronavirus amid reports of a flareup of COVID-19 across Europe.

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US officials claim that Hezbollah is storing caches of weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Hezbollah is facing a backlash over the Beirut blasts.

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Europe is now seeing a surge in Coronavirus cases forcing many contries to announce fresh restrictions. Infections have climbed steadly across most of Europe in the last two months.

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Large parts of Europe on Friday geared up for broad new restrictions to stop the coronavirus, after infections worldwide topped 30 million and the World Health Organization warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

Britain is limiting gatherings and France is set to roll out new curbs for major cities as governments across the continent battle fresh spikes of the disease.

More than 943,000 people have now died from COVID-19 since it first emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally, with Europe accounting for more than 200,000.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week — a new record.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-pence-aid-slams-trump-on-coronavirus-urges-people-to-vote-for-biden-328292">Also read|&nbsp;US elections: Pence aid slams Trump on coronavirus; urges people to vote for Biden</a>

"Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen.

The Spanish capital of Madrid said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for "decisive" action from the central government, which is set to unveil a raft of new restrictions Friday.

Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness.

Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas.

"It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-seek-emergency-authorization-if-vaccine-70-effective-moderna-328202">Also read|&nbsp;Will seek emergency authorization if vaccine 70% effective: Moderna</a>

"People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult."

In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections.

About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm.

The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May.

French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week.

Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille.

'Depressed'

Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon.

The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur.

"The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael.&nbsp;

"And all this for what? For nothing!"

The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home.

As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures.

A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said.

Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved.

Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode.

"They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus.

"Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Large parts of Europe on Friday geared up for broad new restrictions to stop the coronavirus, after infections worldwide topped 30 million and the World Health Organization warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

Large parts of Europe on Friday geared up for broad new restrictions to stop the coronavirus, after infections worldwide topped 30 million and the World Health Organization warned of "alarming rates of transmission". Britain is limiting gatherings and France is set to roll out new curbs for major cities as governments across the continent battle fresh spikes of the disease. More than 943,000 people have now died from COVID-19 since it first emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP tally, with Europe accounting for more than 200,000. WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week — a new record. Also read| US elections: Pence aid slams Trump on coronavirus; urges people to vote for Biden "Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen. The Spanish capital of Madrid said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for "decisive" action from the central government, which is set to unveil a raft of new restrictions Friday. Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness. Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas. "It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada. Also read| Will seek emergency authorization if vaccine 70% effective: Moderna "People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult." In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections. About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm. The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May. French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week. Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille. 'Depressed' Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon. The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur. "The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael. "And all this for what? For nothing!" The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home. As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures. A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said. Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved. Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode. "They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus. "Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Europe imposes fresh curbs as global cases top 30 million

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that coronavirus cases are surging alarmingly in Europe, as a "very serious situation" unfolds across the continent.

Fineprint: Coronavirus cases rise as European nations reopen

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000.

France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record.

"Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen.

Spain

Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday.

Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness.

Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas.

"It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada.

"People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult."

Britain

In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections.

About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm.

The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May.

France

French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week.

Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille.

A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said.

Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown

Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon.

The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur.

"The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael.&nbsp; 
"And all this for what? For nothing!"

The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home.

As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures.

China

Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved.

Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode.

"They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus.

"Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission". According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease. WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record. "Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen. Spain Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday. Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness. Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas. "It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada. "People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult." Britain In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections. About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm. The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May. France French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week. Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille. A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said. Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon. The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur. "The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael. "And all this for what? For nothing!" The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home. As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures. China Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved. Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode. "They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus. "Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning

WHO warns of a very serious situation unfolding in Europe

World Health Organisation's(WHO)&nbsp;Europe unit warned countries in Europe&nbsp;against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of&nbsp;transmission across Europe".

The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us."

"Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen.

WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus.

France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10.

"Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said.

The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures.

The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably.

COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday.

The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am.

(With inputs from AFP)

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe".

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe". The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us." "Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen. WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus. France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10. "Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said. The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures. The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably. COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday. The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am. (With inputs from AFP)

WHO warns 'alarming rates of transmission' in Europe as UK imposes restrictions in northeast England

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies.

A few PandaDoc senior staff in Belarus were arrested and faced with criminal persecution on fraud charges after CEO Mikita Mikado vowed support to the pro-opposition protests and offered assistance to officers who chose to quit the law enforcement.

"The female protest movement in Belarus exists thanks to the strength, courage and political will of women in Belarus and does not receive funding from outside Belarus," the Coordination Council`s female arm said in a statement.

The women's march on Saturday comprised of about 10,000 women who marched through Minsk demanding resignation of president Alexander Lukashenko.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-of-women-protest-in-belarus-demanding-lukashenkos-resignation-327120">Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation</a> 
 
Huge protests broke out in Belarus since last month after presidential election on August 9 declared incumbent president Lukashenko victorious. This victory saw Lukashenko getting re-elected for a sixth term.

Although election authorities claimed that Lukashenko secured over 80 per cent of the vote, the Opposition insists that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an Opposition candidate, won the election.

More than 6,700 people were detained during the initial phase of the protest. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, three people died and several hundred others sustained injuries during that period, including more than 130 security officers.The Coordination Council was established on August 14 with the goal to carry out a peaceful transition of power.

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies.

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies. A few PandaDoc senior staff in Belarus were arrested and faced with criminal persecution on fraud charges after CEO Mikita Mikado vowed support to the pro-opposition protests and offered assistance to officers who chose to quit the law enforcement. "The female protest movement in Belarus exists thanks to the strength, courage and political will of women in Belarus and does not receive funding from outside Belarus," the Coordination Council`s female arm said in a statement. The women's march on Saturday comprised of about 10,000 women who marched through Minsk demanding resignation of president Alexander Lukashenko. Also Read | Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation Huge protests broke out in Belarus since last month after presidential election on August 9 declared incumbent president Lukashenko victorious. This victory saw Lukashenko getting re-elected for a sixth term. Although election authorities claimed that Lukashenko secured over 80 per cent of the vote, the Opposition insists that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an Opposition candidate, won the election. More than 6,700 people were detained during the initial phase of the protest. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, three people died and several hundred others sustained injuries during that period, including more than 130 security officers.The Coordination Council was established on August 14 with the goal to carry out a peaceful transition of power.

Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition

French President Emmanuel Macron called for the need for Europe to have a 'united and clear' voice on Turkey. His appeal has come even as European Union remained indecisive about its response to dispute between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. The countries are at an unease with each other ever sinced Turkey started drilling for natural resources in eastern Mediterranean Sea. These drilling activities have thrown up diputes of jurisdiction between the countries.

Macron's call for a 'united and clear voice' has come just when Europen Union is struggling to project a unified voice on foreign policy matters. Belarus is still witnessing large scale demoinstrations against Lukashenko.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/mediterranean-crisis-greece-to-boost-military-amid-tension-with-turkey-325793">Mediterranean crisis: Greece to boost military amid tension with Turkey</a> 
 
European Union's foreign policy needs a unanimous vote from 27 member states. However, Cyprus has been reluctant to give its nod to sanctions on Belarus unless strong measures are taken against Turkey.

However, there are different voices within European Union as to how Turkey should be dealt with. In spite of demand from Cyprus for tough measures against Turkey, countries like Germany are in favour of rsolution through dialogue.&nbsp;

This has led to absence of the 'united' voice Emmanuel Macron is appealing for. 
&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron called for the need for Europe to have a 'united and clear' voice on Turkey. His appeal has come even as European Union remained indecisive about its response to dispute between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for the need for Europe to have a 'united and clear' voice on Turkey. His appeal has come even as European Union remained indecisive about its response to dispute between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. The countries are at an unease with each other ever sinced Turkey started drilling for natural resources in eastern Mediterranean Sea. These drilling activities have thrown up diputes of jurisdiction between the countries. Macron's call for a 'united and clear voice' has come just when Europen Union is struggling to project a unified voice on foreign policy matters. Belarus is still witnessing large scale demoinstrations against Lukashenko. Also Read | Mediterranean crisis: Greece to boost military amid tension with Turkey European Union's foreign policy needs a unanimous vote from 27 member states. However, Cyprus has been reluctant to give its nod to sanctions on Belarus unless strong measures are taken against Turkey. However, there are different voices within European Union as to how Turkey should be dealt with. In spite of demand from Cyprus for tough measures against Turkey, countries like Germany are in favour of rsolution through dialogue. This has led to absence of the 'united' voice Emmanuel Macron is appealing for.

Europe needs 'united and clear voice' on Turkey: Macron

A massive fire at Europe's largest migrant camp in Lesbos has displaced thousands of refugees. Did the fire happen by mistake, or did the migrants burn their own houses deliberately?

Gravitas: Europe's largest Migrant Camp burnt to ashes

An Austrian sportsman kept his cool on Saturday (September 5) and set a new world record for standing in a box full of ice cubes, lasting a teeth-chattering two hours, 30 minutes and 57 seconds.

Chilling out: Austrian breaks record for standing in box of ice

Dozens of mask-wearing music enthusiasts in a church in an eastern German town on Saturday (September 5) witnessed the first note change in seven years in the world's longest lasting pipe organ performance.

As slow as possible: German organ changes note for first time in years

Thousands of Islamist protestors rallied in anti-france demonstrations across Pakistan against French satirical paper.

Charlie Hebdo protest across Pak as French paper reprints Prophet's caricatures

From behind the large windows of Barcelona's Centre Parc nursing home, elderly residents blow kisses, give virtual hugs and speak to loved ones on the other side of the glass using mobile phones.

Virtual hugs and kisses for Spain's care home residents

After one of the most intense lockdowns, Spain is now experiencing one of the most intense surges in COVID-19 cases.

Sharp surge of COVID-19 cases in Spain

Today, there are more than 20 million Muslims in Europe. Most of them are second and third-generation immigrants. Muslims make up for nearly 6% of the continent's population. This is according to the pew research centre.&nbsp;

Germany alone is home to 4.76 million Muslims. France has 4.71 million Muslims and Britain has 2.96 million Muslims.&nbsp;

The immigration of Muslims has not been coupled with their integration to European society.Generations later, most of them still live in ghettos or what is called 'parallel communities'.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-europes-deepening-divide-324601/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Most of them do not go to the same schools as other Europeans. They are politically and economically marginalized. The divide is real and it is deepening.

Extremism and Islamophobia are the two main reason behind this. There's no politically correct way to tell this story. Europe has seen a rise in Islamic terror between 2014 and 2016, there were several terror attacks inspired by the Islamic State.&nbsp;

From the Bastile day attack at Nice, France to the Berlin Christmas Market Attack, according to Europol, 62 people were killed in Jihadist attacks in 2017, in 2018, the number was 13 and last year, it was 10.

These incidents painted a negative image of Islam. Which quickly snowballed into hate. Muslims were rejected and vilified in Europe. Their religion was lampooned.

In 2018, Islamophobic incidents increased by 52% in France, in Austria, by 74%. These numbers translate into votes for the far-right. 
&nbsp; 
European political parties are cashing in on this 'Us vs Them' divide. European far-right parties have been built around Islamophobia, and are deepening this divide.

From Phlams Belanj in Belgium to Sweden democrats parties are gaining electorally by spewing hate. Centre-right political leaders too — are not shy of attacking Muslim immigrants.&nbsp;

German chancellor Angela Merkel warned against 'Islamic terrorism'. France- under President- Emmanuel Macron has banned Muslim veils in public spaces. Face coverings have also been banned in parts of Denmark and Belgium. European leaders often highlight the difference in the cultural and social values between Muslims and Christians.

&nbsp;The memoir of former chancellor of West Germany — Helmut Schmidt — was published in 2004. He said he regretted allowing Muslim immigrants into Germany.

He wrote that 'Muslims and Christians cannot co-exist, except in despotic countries, like Singapore'.

&nbsp;44% of Germans see a 'fundamental contradiction between Islam and German culture and values’. In Finland, the number is 62%, in Italy, it becomes 53%.

Some estimates say Muslims will make up about 20% of the European population by 2050.

Contributing to the deepening divide is also the lack of proper integration policies.

In France, for example, everyone is expected to adopt the French secular culture, French values and the French language. It leaves no scope for pluralism, or for the Muslims to preserve their identity. In Germany, you have the so-called 'Kultur Muslims'.

A Muslim who has abandoned his or her identity in exchange for the European identity. Integration policies like these crush every scope of co-existence.

They highlight the religious differences and end up contributing to the deepening divide. As for the immigrants, they too need to abide by the law of the land they live in.

The law of Sharia cannot overshadow the sovereign laws. Co-existence is a two-way street.

Today, there are more than 20 million Muslims in Europe. Most of them are second and third-generation immigrants. Muslims make up for nearly 6% of the continent's population.

Today, there are more than 20 million Muslims in Europe. Most of them are second and third-generation immigrants. Muslims make up for nearly 6% of the continent's population. This is according to the pew research centre. Germany alone is home to 4.76 million Muslims. France has 4.71 million Muslims and Britain has 2.96 million Muslims. The immigration of Muslims has not been coupled with their integration to European society.Generations later, most of them still live in ghettos or what is called 'parallel communities'. Most of them do not go to the same schools as other Europeans. They are politically and economically marginalized. The divide is real and it is deepening. Extremism and Islamophobia are the two main reason behind this. There's no politically correct way to tell this story. Europe has seen a rise in Islamic terror between 2014 and 2016, there were several terror attacks inspired by the Islamic State. From the Bastile day attack at Nice, France to the Berlin Christmas Market Attack, according to Europol, 62 people were killed in Jihadist attacks in 2017, in 2018, the number was 13 and last year, it was 10. These incidents painted a negative image of Islam. Which quickly snowballed into hate. Muslims were rejected and vilified in Europe. Their religion was lampooned. In 2018, Islamophobic incidents increased by 52% in France, in Austria, by 74%. These numbers translate into votes for the far-right. European political parties are cashing in on this 'Us vs Them' divide. European far-right parties have been built around Islamophobia, and are deepening this divide. From Phlams Belanj in Belgium to Sweden democrats parties are gaining electorally by spewing hate. Centre-right political leaders too — are not shy of attacking Muslim immigrants. German chancellor Angela Merkel warned against 'Islamic terrorism'. France- under President- Emmanuel Macron has banned Muslim veils in public spaces. Face coverings have also been banned in parts of Denmark and Belgium. European leaders often highlight the difference in the cultural and social values between Muslims and Christians. The memoir of former chancellor of West Germany — Helmut Schmidt — was published in 2004. He said he regretted allowing Muslim immigrants into Germany. He wrote that 'Muslims and Christians cannot co-exist, except in despotic countries, like Singapore'. 44% of Germans see a 'fundamental contradiction between Islam and German culture and values’. In Finland, the number is 62%, in Italy, it becomes 53%. Some estimates say Muslims will make up about 20% of the European population by 2050. Contributing to the deepening divide is also the lack of proper integration policies. In France, for example, everyone is expected to adopt the French secular culture, French values and the French language. It leaves no scope for pluralism, or for the Muslims to preserve their identity. In Germany, you have the so-called 'Kultur Muslims'. A Muslim who has abandoned his or her identity in exchange for the European identity. Integration policies like these crush every scope of co-existence. They highlight the religious differences and end up contributing to the deepening divide. As for the immigrants, they too need to abide by the law of the land they live in. The law of Sharia cannot overshadow the sovereign laws. Co-existence is a two-way street.

Cause and effect of the Ethno-religious conflict in Europe

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech.

Trial of suspected Charlie Hebdo attack accomplices begins

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