External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders here on Friday and discussed issues of mutual interests concerning both countries.

Jaishankar said he appreciated his Belgian counterpart's high regard for India to boost bilateral ties.

"A warm reception by Belgian Dy. PM and FM @dreynders. Appreciate his high regard for India and commitment to building our bilateral relations," he tweeted after the meeting.

Earlier, Jaishankar said that India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

He made the remarks during his meeting with European Union (EU) Commissioner Christos Stylianides after the latter reiterated the bloc's stance that New Delhi and Islamabad need to re-open dialogue through diplomatic channels for the de-escalation of tensions in the Kashmir region.

The two leaders further shared their expectations for better governance and greater development in the regions of Jammu&amp;Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as their perspectives on the recent developments about the situation in Afghanistan and Iran.

The External Affairs Minister also met EU's Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini.&nbsp;

Both leaders emphasised the need for renouncing hostility, terror, and violence by Pakistan to build normal neighbourly relations with India.

Jaishankar arrived in Belgium on Thursday following the successful completion of his three-nation tour to Russia, Hungary, and Poland.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders here on Friday and discussed issues of mutual interests concerning both countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders here on Friday and discussed issues of mutual interests concerning both countries. Jaishankar said he appreciated his Belgian counterpart's high regard for India to boost bilateral ties. "A warm reception by Belgian Dy. PM and FM @dreynders. Appreciate his high regard for India and commitment to building our bilateral relations," he tweeted after the meeting. Earlier, Jaishankar said that India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. He made the remarks during his meeting with European Union (EU) Commissioner Christos Stylianides after the latter reiterated the bloc's stance that New Delhi and Islamabad need to re-open dialogue through diplomatic channels for the de-escalation of tensions in the Kashmir region. The two leaders further shared their expectations for better governance and greater development in the regions of Jammu&Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as their perspectives on the recent developments about the situation in Afghanistan and Iran. The External Affairs Minister also met EU's Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini. Both leaders emphasised the need for renouncing hostility, terror, and violence by Pakistan to build normal neighbourly relations with India. Jaishankar arrived in Belgium on Thursday following the successful completion of his three-nation tour to Russia, Hungary, and Poland.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties with Belgian counterpart

The "militarisation" of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-reflect-political-reality-on-brexit-240580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivx_-EvuvjAhWlguYKHeKICEkQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PAaakwrM63BR3VlOdjNlx">European Union</a>'s top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

China&nbsp;has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich&nbsp;sea, sparking ire from other claimants.

On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area.

"We believe that this tension, this&nbsp;militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added.&nbsp;

Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the&nbsp;sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims.

The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the&nbsp;sea.

Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.

Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July.

Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The US,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region. China has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich sea, sparking ire from other claimants. On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area. "We believe that this tension, this militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added. Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims. The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the sea. Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves. Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July. Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence. It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment. The US, EU and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

European Union criticises 'militarisation' of South China Sea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-crushing-retaliation-after-hezbollah-chiefs-remarks-235756">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until <a href="Iranian missiles ">Iranian missiles </a>"land on European soil".

"It seems there are those in Europe who will not wake up until Iranian nuclear missiles land on European soil. By then it will be too late," Netanyahu said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

His comments came as European foreign ministers held crisis talks Monday on the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, after breaches by Tehran, including enrichment above the 3.67 percent ceiling set by the deal.

But EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the steps taken by Tehran were reversible and that the other parties to the deal did not regard Iranian breaches up to now as "significant non-compliance".

The deal promised economic benefits and sanctions relief to Iran, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against the Islamic republic.

Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work.

Last week, Netanyahu warned that Israeli fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran", his country's arch-foe.

Netanyahu fiercely opposed the nuclear accord and had urged his ally Trump to withdraw from it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until Iranian missiles "land on European soil".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday slammed EU efforts to save the Iran nuclear deal, saying some would not realize the dangers until Iranian missiles "land on European soil". "It seems there are those in Europe who will not wake up until Iranian nuclear missiles land on European soil. By then it will be too late," Netanyahu said in a video posted on his Twitter account. His comments came as European foreign ministers held crisis talks Monday on the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, after breaches by Tehran, including enrichment above the 3.67 percent ceiling set by the deal. But EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the steps taken by Tehran were reversible and that the other parties to the deal did not regard Iranian breaches up to now as "significant non-compliance". The deal promised economic benefits and sanctions relief to Iran, but US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reimposed tough punitive measures against the Islamic republic. Angered that its beleaguered economy is not receiving the sanctions relief it believes it was promised under the deal, Iran has intensified sensitive uranium enrichment work. Last week, Netanyahu warned that Israeli fighter jets "can reach anywhere in the Middle East, including Iran", his country's arch-foe. Netanyahu fiercely opposed the nuclear accord and had urged his ally Trump to withdraw from it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasts European Union for trying to save Iran nuclear deal

European Foreign ministers meet to salvage Iran deal.

Europe leaders meet to save Iran Deal

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-stick-with-32-teams-for-2022-football-world-cup-in-qatar-220740">Qatar's football World Cup</a> infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses.

The gas-rich Gulf state has embarked on a huge construction programme to get ready for the 2022 tournament, drawing intense scrutiny from rights and labour campaigners.

Earlier this year Amnesty International warned that despite "nascent reforms", Qatar was running out of time to stamp out widespread and serious exploitation of tens of thousands of migrant labourers, many of them from South Asia.

There have been reports of wages going unpaid, passports being held by unscrupulous bosses and some labourers working up to 148 days in a row.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ready-to-hold-talks-with-new-indian-government-shah-mahmood-qureshi-221736">Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> welcomed Qatari plans to offer his countrymen up to 100,000 work permits but insisted World Cup workers' rights must be respected.

"Certainly we will ask our embassy and we will ask the recruiting agencies to give better terms," he told AFP during a visit to Brussels.&nbsp;

"Where we feel Pakistani labour is contributing, we feel they should be looked after as well." Qatar insists it is committed to labour reform.

Since it was chosen as World Cup host it has introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals ($206) and partially scrapped the exit visa system which required workers to obtain their employers' permission before leaving the country.

Qureshi welcomed the changes but said Pakistan would push for more.

"I think other facilities like health cover and stuff like that can be negotiated and we will talk with them about that," he said.

Qureshi's trip to Brussels comes as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks foreign investment, with the government forced to announce an austerity budget after securing a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

After talks with senior EU officials on Tuesday, the minister will sign a "strategic engagement plan" with the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini.

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on Qatar's football World Cup infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses.

Pakistan will insist on proper labour rights for an army of its citizens working on Qatar's football World Cup infrastructure, the country's foreign minister said Monday, after repeated reports of abuses. The gas-rich Gulf state has embarked on a huge construction programme to get ready for the 2022 tournament, drawing intense scrutiny from rights and labour campaigners. Earlier this year Amnesty International warned that despite "nascent reforms", Qatar was running out of time to stamp out widespread and serious exploitation of tens of thousands of migrant labourers, many of them from South Asia. There have been reports of wages going unpaid, passports being held by unscrupulous bosses and some labourers working up to 148 days in a row. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi welcomed Qatari plans to offer his countrymen up to 100,000 work permits but insisted World Cup workers' rights must be respected. "Certainly we will ask our embassy and we will ask the recruiting agencies to give better terms," he told AFP during a visit to Brussels. "Where we feel Pakistani labour is contributing, we feel they should be looked after as well." Qatar insists it is committed to labour reform. Since it was chosen as World Cup host it has introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals ($206) and partially scrapped the exit visa system which required workers to obtain their employers' permission before leaving the country. Qureshi welcomed the changes but said Pakistan would push for more. "I think other facilities like health cover and stuff like that can be negotiated and we will talk with them about that," he said. Qureshi's trip to Brussels comes as cash-strapped Pakistan seeks foreign investment, with the government forced to announce an austerity budget after securing a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. After talks with senior EU officials on Tuesday, the minister will sign a "strategic engagement plan" with the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini.

Pakistan insists on workers' rights for its citizens working on Qatar World Cup

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-rich-poor-divide-widens-but-still-a-worldwide-low-217922">European Union </a>fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

"We will continue to support it as much as we can with all our instruments and all our political will," Mogherini told reporters before a meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, who are signatories to the deal.

United States Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-to-visit-brussels-monday-to-discuss-iran-official-218245">Mike Pompeo</a> is also expected to meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to talk about Iran.

Mogherini said she was informed during the night of Pompeo's arrival to Brussels where EU foreign ministers are gathered for a regular monthly meeting.

"We will be here all day with a busy agenda. So we will see during the day how and if will manage to arrange a meeting. He's always welcome obviously, but there are no precise plans at the moment," Mogherini said.

Pompeo is on his way to the Black Sea resort of Sochi where he plans to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday to discuss Iran.

European countries said last week they wanted to preserve Iran's nuclear deal and rejected "ultimatums" from Tehran, after Iran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened moves that might breach the 2015 international pact.

Iran's move was in response to US sanctions imposed following Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with Tehran a year ago.

The European Union fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

The European Union fully supports the international nuclear accord with Iran and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. "We will continue to support it as much as we can with all our instruments and all our political will," Mogherini told reporters before a meeting with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, who are signatories to the deal. United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is also expected to meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to talk about Iran. Mogherini said she was informed during the night of Pompeo's arrival to Brussels where EU foreign ministers are gathered for a regular monthly meeting. "We will be here all day with a busy agenda. So we will see during the day how and if will manage to arrange a meeting. He's always welcome obviously, but there are no precise plans at the moment," Mogherini said. Pompeo is on his way to the Black Sea resort of Sochi where he plans to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday to discuss Iran. European countries said last week they wanted to preserve Iran's nuclear deal and rejected "ultimatums" from Tehran, after Iran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened moves that might breach the 2015 international pact. Iran's move was in response to US sanctions imposed following Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with Tehran a year ago.

European Union supports Iran nuclear deal, may talk to US' Pompeo: Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-france-germany-give-embattled-venezuelan-leader-nicolas-maduro-an-ultimatum-192997">European Union</a> "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Her statement came after the United States, Canada and major South American governments recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president in a challenge to Maduro.

"In the absence of an announcement on the organisation of fresh elections with the necessary guarantees over the next days, the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country's leadership," Mogherini said.

Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom on Saturday also gave Maduro an ultimatum&nbsp;of eight days to call new elections or they would recognise Guaido as president.

The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries after the 28-member bloc struggled to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela.

However, the ultimatum has been rejected by Venezuela's finance minister&nbsp;insisting that Nicolas Maduro remained the legitimate president despite US-led pressure.

"Nobody is going to give us deadlines or tell us if there are elections or not," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told a special session of the United Nations Security Council.

Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the South American OPEC nation's powerful military.

Guaido, who is chief of the elected National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week.

"The EU reiterates its full support to the National Assembly, which is the democratic legitimate body of Venezuela," the Mogherini statement said. "We reaffirm our deep belief that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political impasse."

After four years of economic collapse that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

The European Union "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The European Union "will take further actions" if new elections are not called in Venezuela in the coming days, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday, as international pressure grows on embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Her statement came after the United States, Canada and major South American governments recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president in a challenge to Maduro. "In the absence of an announcement on the organisation of fresh elections with the necessary guarantees over the next days, the EU will take further actions, including on the issue of recognition of the country's leadership," Mogherini said. Spain, France, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom on Saturday also gave Maduro an ultimatum of eight days to call new elections or they would recognise Guaido as president. The coordinated announcements are the most explicit yet from EU countries after the 28-member bloc struggled to draft a joint statement with regards to its position on the crisis in Venezuela. However, the ultimatum has been rejected by Venezuela's finance minister insisting that Nicolas Maduro remained the legitimate president despite US-led pressure. "Nobody is going to give us deadlines or tell us if there are elections or not," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told a special session of the United Nations Security Council. Maduro's reelection last year was contested by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham -- but he has until now retained the loyalty of the South American OPEC nation's powerful military. Guaido, who is chief of the elected National Assembly, proclaimed himself acting president of Venezuela during massive street rallies this week. "The EU reiterates its full support to the National Assembly, which is the democratic legitimate body of Venezuela," the Mogherini statement said. "We reaffirm our deep belief that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political impasse." After four years of economic collapse that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee, Guaido is trying to oust Maduro following elections that saw the socialist leader sworn in for a second term.

EU to 'take further actions' if new elections not called in Venezuela: Diplomatic chief Mogherini

NATO defence ministers had a meeting with the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Friday (June 8) to discuss collaborating more closely on facilitating the movement of military personnel and equipment in Europe.

The meeting took place two months after the European Union announced its 'Action Plan on Military Mobility', which NATO sees as vital in the event of a conflict with Russia to overcome border delays and bridges too weak for tanks.

NATO has complained of conflicting regulations across the 28 EU countries and few special allowances for transfers of U.S. troops that make it difficult for the alliance to deploy its missions and react quickly when challenges arise.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that a cooperation declaration with the EU would be signed next month at a summit with NATO countries leaders.

The meeting took place two months after the European Union announced its 'Action Plan on Military Mobility'

NATO defence ministers had a meeting with the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Friday (June 8) to discuss collaborating more closely on facilitating the movement of military personnel and equipment in Europe. The meeting took place two months after the European Union announced its 'Action Plan on Military Mobility', which NATO sees as vital in the event of a conflict with Russia to overcome border delays and bridges too weak for tanks. NATO has complained of conflicting regulations across the 28 EU countries and few special allowances for transfers of U.S. troops that make it difficult for the alliance to deploy its missions and react quickly when challenges arise. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that a cooperation declaration with the EU would be signed next month at a summit with NATO countries leaders.

NATO, EU discuss increased coordination on military mobility

Israel rejected calls for an independent probe on Sunday after its soldiers killed 16 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more when a major demonstration led to clashes along the border with the Gaza Strip.

Israel's military has faced questions from rights groups over its use of live fire on Friday, the bloodiest day in the conflict since a 2014 war, while Palestinians accuse soldiers of firing on protesters posing no threat.

Both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini have called for an independent investigation.

On Saturday, the United States blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of the violence, diplomats said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised soldiers' actions for "guarding the country's borders," while Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the protests were not a "Woodstock festival".

Lieberman said calls for an independent investigation were hypocritical and on Sunday repeated his rejection of such an investigation.

"There will be no commission of inquiry," he told Israel's public radio.

"There will be no such thing here. We shall not cooperate with any commission of inquiry."

Netanyahu also hit back at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his sharp criticism of what he called Israel's "inhumane attack" in Gaza.

"The most moral army in the world will not be lectured to on morality from someone who for years has been bombing civilians indiscriminately," Netanyahu tweeted.

He has previously labelled Erdogan as someone who "bombs Kurdish villagers".

Hard to believe

On Friday Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians who strayed from a main protest camp attended by tens of thousands and approached the heavily fortified fence cutting off the blockaded Gaza Strip.

The military has defended the soldiers' action and said they opened fire only when necessary against those throwing stones and firebombs or rolling tyres at soldiers.

It said there were attempts to damage the fence and infiltrate Israel, while alleging there was also an attempted gun attack against soldiers along the border.

Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protest as cover to carry out violence.

In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded Friday, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, the health ministry in Gaza said.

No casualties were reported among Israelis.

The armed wing of Hamas said five of those killed were its members who were participating "in popular events side-by-side with their people".

The Israeli army alleges 10 of the dead had "documented terror backgrounds" in Hamas and other groups and were killed "whilst carrying out acts of terror".

Unverified videos being shared online have fuelled the debate, including one appearing to show a protester running with a tyre being shot while seeming to pose no threat.

Israel's army has issued a statement saying footage is being "edited and fabricated," without referring to specific videos.

Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticised Israel's use of live fire.

Israel had deployed troop reinforcements along the border, including more than 100 special forces snipers, saying it would prevent attempts to break through the fence.

"While some Palestinian demonstrators have thrown stones and other objects towards the fence, it's hard to believe how this would be an imminent danger to the lives of well-equipped soldiers protected by snipers, tanks and drones," Amnesty said.

More protests ahead

The protest, which includes tents erected at various areas, is designed to last six weeks, ending around the time the United States moves its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in mid-May.

The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see Jerusalem's annexed eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

But while tens of thousands attended Friday's start of the protests, demonstrations have since dwindled. Several hundred attended on Saturday, while on Sunday dozens milled around protest tents.

The protests may however again see large crowds after Friday's main Muslim prayers and for upcoming key dates.

May 14 will mark 70 years since the creation of Israel and is when the United States is expected to open its new Jerusalem embassy.

Palestinians will mark what they call the Nakba, or "catastrophe," the following day.

The Nakba commemorates the more than 700,000 Palestinians who either fled or were expelled from their homes in the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.

Gaza's protest is in support of refugees, including those in the Palestinian enclave who want to return to their former homes in what is now Israel.

Israel rejected calls for an independent probe on Sunday after its soldiers killed 16 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more when a major demonstration led to clashes along the border with the Gaza Strip

Israel rejected calls for an independent probe on Sunday after its soldiers killed 16 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more when a major demonstration led to clashes along the border with the Gaza Strip. Israel's military has faced questions from rights groups over its use of live fire on Friday, the bloodiest day in the conflict since a 2014 war, while Palestinians accuse soldiers of firing on protesters posing no threat. Both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini have called for an independent investigation. On Saturday, the United States blocked a draft UN Security Council statement urging restraint and calling for an investigation of the violence, diplomats said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised soldiers' actions for "guarding the country's borders," while Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said the protests were not a "Woodstock festival". Lieberman said calls for an independent investigation were hypocritical and on Sunday repeated his rejection of such an investigation. "There will be no commission of inquiry," he told Israel's public radio. "There will be no such thing here. We shall not cooperate with any commission of inquiry." Netanyahu also hit back at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over his sharp criticism of what he called Israel's "inhumane attack" in Gaza. "The most moral army in the world will not be lectured to on morality from someone who for years has been bombing civilians indiscriminately," Netanyahu tweeted. He has previously labelled Erdogan as someone who "bombs Kurdish villagers". Hard to believe On Friday Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians who strayed from a main protest camp attended by tens of thousands and approached the heavily fortified fence cutting off the blockaded Gaza Strip. The military has defended the soldiers' action and said they opened fire only when necessary against those throwing stones and firebombs or rolling tyres at soldiers. It said there were attempts to damage the fence and infiltrate Israel, while alleging there was also an attempted gun attack against soldiers along the border. Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, of using the protest as cover to carry out violence. In addition to the 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded Friday, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, the health ministry in Gaza said. No casualties were reported among Israelis. The armed wing of Hamas said five of those killed were its members who were participating "in popular events side-by-side with their people". The Israeli army alleges 10 of the dead had "documented terror backgrounds" in Hamas and other groups and were killed "whilst carrying out acts of terror". Unverified videos being shared online have fuelled the debate, including one appearing to show a protester running with a tyre being shot while seeming to pose no threat. Israel's army has issued a statement saying footage is being "edited and fabricated," without referring to specific videos. Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticised Israel's use of live fire. Israel had deployed troop reinforcements along the border, including more than 100 special forces snipers, saying it would prevent attempts to break through the fence. "While some Palestinian demonstrators have thrown stones and other objects towards the fence, it's hard to believe how this would be an imminent danger to the lives of well-equipped soldiers protected by snipers, tanks and drones," Amnesty said. More protests ahead The protest, which includes tents erected at various areas, is designed to last six weeks, ending around the time the United States moves its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in mid-May. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see Jerusalem's annexed eastern sector as the capital of their future state. But while tens of thousands attended Friday's start of the protests, demonstrations have since dwindled. Several hundred attended on Saturday, while on Sunday dozens milled around protest tents. The protests may however again see large crowds after Friday's main Muslim prayers and for upcoming key dates. May 14 will mark 70 years since the creation of Israel and is when the United States is expected to open its new Jerusalem embassy. Palestinians will mark what they call the Nakba, or "catastrophe," the following day. The Nakba commemorates the more than 700,000 Palestinians who either fled or were expelled from their homes in the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948. Gaza's protest is in support of refugees, including those in the Palestinian enclave who want to return to their former homes in what is now Israel.

Israel rejects calls for independent probe of Gaza violence

The European Union will invite Iran&#39;s foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country, Germany&#39;s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday.

&quot;Together with the EU&#39;s foreign policy chief (Federica Mogherini), we agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week,&quot; Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF, without giving further details.&nbsp;

21 people have died and hundreds arrested since December 28 as protests over economic woes turned against the Iranian regime as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations.

&quot;We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this,&quot; Gabriel said.

At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin will not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians &quot;take back&quot; their government.

Trump also seized on the recent unrest to again slam a multiparty nuclear deal with Iran as deeply flawed.

Germany, as well as France, has &quot;warned against attempts at instrumentalising the domestic conflicts in Iran,&quot; said Gabriel.

The US on Friday took the Iran protests to the UN Security Council, where deep divisions emerged over the issue, with Russia arguing the demonstrations posed no threat to international peace and security.

21 people have died and hundreds arrested since December 28 as protests over economic woes turned against the Iranian regime

The European Union will invite Iran's foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country, Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday. "Together with the EU's foreign policy chief (Federica Mogherini), we agreed to invite the Iranian foreign minister, if possible next week," Gabriel told German public broadcaster ZDF, without giving further details. 21 people have died and hundreds arrested since December 28 as protests over economic woes turned against the Iranian regime as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations. "We very quickly affirmed that we support the freedom to demonstrate and that the state should support this," Gabriel said. At the same time, Gabriel said Berlin will not follow the lead of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to help Iranians "take back" their government. Trump also seized on the recent unrest to again slam a multiparty nuclear deal with Iran as deeply flawed. Germany, as well as France, has "warned against attempts at instrumentalising the domestic conflicts in Iran," said Gabriel. The US on Friday took the Iran protests to the UN Security Council, where deep divisions emerged over the issue, with Russia arguing the demonstrations posed no threat to international peace and security.

European Union to invite Iran Foreign Minister for talks over protests

Top US diplomat John Kerry will fly to Brussels and London on Monday for talks with Washington&#39;s key allies in the aftermath of Britain&#39;s vote to leave the European Union. 
 
US officials travelling to Rome with the secretary of state told reporters on the flight that two stops had been added to his European itinerary at the last moment. 
 
&quot;Tomorrow we&#39;ll go to Brussels and then on to London,&quot; one official said. 
 
Washington was dismayed last week when British voters chose to leave the European Union, a decision that triggered global economic uncertainty and fears other EU members will follow suit. 
 
President Barack Obama had made clear his concern about the Brexit referendum, and now US officials are scrambling to try to stop the political crisis harming Western unity. 
 
Kerry arrived in Rome today on a planned visit to have lunch with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and a working dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 
 
But officials on his flight said that on Monday he would fly on to the EU headquarters in Brussels for crisis talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. 
 
Mogherini had been expected to meet Kerry in Rome today, but she was busy dealing with the fallout of the dramatic vote, which stunned European and world leaders. 
 
From Brussels Kerry will continue to London to see Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and other officials from outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron`s government. 
 
The two senior diplomats are expected to hold a joint news conference before Kerry leaves to return to Washington. 
 
Obama and Kerry have been at pains to insist the vaunted &quot;special relationship&quot; between Washington and London will survive what US officials view as the Brexit debacle.But Washington foreign policy experts are all but unanimous in assessing that the White House will increasingly turn to core EU allies to defend its interests on the continent. 
 
Obama himself, on a visit to London last month, warned British voters that their nation would go &quot;to the back of the queue&quot; for a US trade deal if they voted &quot;out.&quot; 
 
US officials are also keen to help London`s divorce from Brussels go through smoothly without further inflicting further damage on skittish world financial markets. 
 
But they, like many EU capitals, are also concerned not to allow Brexit to serve as an inspiration for eurosceptic forces in other members such as Italy or The Netherlands. 
 
The London visit will be the first by a senior US official since Thursday`s dramatic referendum, when voters demanded Britain leave the world`s richest trading bloc.&nbsp; 
 
Kerry&#39;s trip had originally been planned as an opportunity to meet Netanyahu and discuss regional security and the stalled Israel-Palestinian peace process. 
 
But US officials played down the chance of any concrete progress, insisting that the pair meet regularly and that no new initiative would be on the table.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

London visit will be the first by John Kerry after the referendum when voters demanded Britain leave the world's richest trading bloc

Top US diplomat John Kerry will fly to Brussels and London on Monday for talks with Washington's key allies in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union. US officials travelling to Rome with the secretary of state told reporters on the flight that two stops had been added to his European itinerary at the last moment. "Tomorrow we'll go to Brussels and then on to London," one official said. Washington was dismayed last week when British voters chose to leave the European Union, a decision that triggered global economic uncertainty and fears other EU members will follow suit. President Barack Obama had made clear his concern about the Brexit referendum, and now US officials are scrambling to try to stop the political crisis harming Western unity. Kerry arrived in Rome today on a planned visit to have lunch with Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and a working dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But officials on his flight said that on Monday he would fly on to the EU headquarters in Brussels for crisis talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. Mogherini had been expected to meet Kerry in Rome today, but she was busy dealing with the fallout of the dramatic vote, which stunned European and world leaders. From Brussels Kerry will continue to London to see Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and other officials from outgoing British Prime Minister David Cameron`s government. The two senior diplomats are expected to hold a joint news conference before Kerry leaves to return to Washington. Obama and Kerry have been at pains to insist the vaunted "special relationship" between Washington and London will survive what US officials view as the Brexit debacle.But Washington foreign policy experts are all but unanimous in assessing that the White House will increasingly turn to core EU allies to defend its interests on the continent. Obama himself, on a visit to London last month, warned British voters that their nation would go "to the back of the queue" for a US trade deal if they voted "out." US officials are also keen to help London`s divorce from Brussels go through smoothly without further inflicting further damage on skittish world financial markets. But they, like many EU capitals, are also concerned not to allow Brexit to serve as an inspiration for eurosceptic forces in other members such as Italy or The Netherlands. The London visit will be the first by a senior US official since Thursday`s dramatic referendum, when voters demanded Britain leave the world`s richest trading bloc. Kerry's trip had originally been planned as an opportunity to meet Netanyahu and discuss regional security and the stalled Israel-Palestinian peace process. But US officials played down the chance of any concrete progress, insisting that the pair meet regularly and that no new initiative would be on the table. (AFP)

Top US envoy Kerry heads to Britain amid Brexit crisis