Israel - Hamas war: France calls for 'immediate and durable' Gaza truce
France has called for an "immediate and durable truce" in the Israel-Hamas war, saying that it is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna added that too many civilians were being killed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said a ceasefire would be an error, describing it as a gift to Hamas.
The UK and Germany earlier called for a "sustainable ceasefire", but stopped short of saying it should be immediate.
Ms Colonna arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday for a meeting with her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen. read more
France has called for an "immediate and durable truce" in the Israel-Hamas war, saying that it is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna added that too many civilians were being killed.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said a ceasefire would be an error, describing it as a gift to Hamas.
The UK and Germany earlier called for a "sustainable ceasefire", but stopped short of saying it should be immediate.
Ms Colonna arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday for a meeting with her Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen. read more
Israel Gaza: Hostages shot by IDF put out 'SOS' sign written with leftover food
Three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by soldiers in Gaza on Friday had used leftover food to write signs pleading for help, Israel says.
The men had been staying at the building next to where they were shot "for some period of time", according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Officials have admitted that killing the men who were holding a white flag was a breach of "rules of engagement".
Israel is under increasing pressure for a deal to free more hostages. read more
Three Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by soldiers in Gaza on Friday had used leftover food to write signs pleading for help, Israel says.
The men had been staying at the building next to where they were shot "for some period of time", according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Officials have admitted that killing the men who were holding a white flag was a breach of "rules of engagement".
Israel is under increasing pressure for a deal to free more hostages. read more
Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon's trial begins
Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai is facing a Hong Kong court in a long-awaited trial over charges that he "colluded with foreign forces".
Mr Lai, 76, denies the charges. Jailed since December 2020, he faces life in prison if he is found guilty.
He was arrested under the National Security Law, which China has been accused of wielding to crush dissent.
His case has caused international uproar and is widely seen as a test of Hong Kong's judicial independence. read more
Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai is facing a Hong Kong court in a long-awaited trial over charges that he "colluded with foreign forces".
Mr Lai, 76, denies the charges. Jailed since December 2020, he faces life in prison if he is found guilty.
He was arrested under the National Security Law, which China has been accused of wielding to crush dissent.
His case has caused international uproar and is widely seen as a test of Hong Kong's judicial independence. read more
Gazans trapped in church fear being shot, says relative
Civilians trapped in a church in Gaza City are living in an "unreal" sense of fear, a relative of one of those confined there has said.
Fifi Saba, whose sister is trapped inside the Holy Family Church, said people were scared to move out of fear of being shot.
Two women were killed inside the church by sniper fire on Saturday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.
Israel's army said it found no evidence its soldiers were involved. read more
Civilians trapped in a church in Gaza City are living in an "unreal" sense of fear, a relative of one of those confined there has said.
Fifi Saba, whose sister is trapped inside the Holy Family Church, said people were scared to move out of fear of being shot.
Two women were killed inside the church by sniper fire on Saturday, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.
Israel's army said it found no evidence its soldiers were involved. read more
Egypt election: President Sisi wins third term
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won a third six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, the electoral commission has announced.
The former army chief beat three low-profile candidates, with the runner-up securing only 4.5%.
Leading opposition candidate Ahmed Tantawy had pulled out months before last week's poll, claiming intimidation and violence against his campaign camp. read more
Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won a third six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, the electoral commission has announced.
The former army chief beat three low-profile candidates, with the runner-up securing only 4.5%.
Leading opposition candidate Ahmed Tantawy had pulled out months before last week's poll, claiming intimidation and violence against his campaign camp. read more
Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes peninsula
A volcano has erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula of south-west Iceland after weeks of intense earthquake activity.
About 4,000 people were earlier evacuated from the fishing town of Grindavik and the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was closed.
The eruption started north of the town at 22:17 local time (22:17 GMT), the Icelandic Met Office said.
It will not bring the same level of disruption as one in 2010, which halted European air travel, an expert said. read more
A volcano has erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula of south-west Iceland after weeks of intense earthquake activity.
About 4,000 people were earlier evacuated from the fishing town of Grindavik and the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was closed.
The eruption started north of the town at 22:17 local time (22:17 GMT), the Icelandic Met Office said.
It will not bring the same level of disruption as one in 2010, which halted European air travel, an expert said. read more
Colorado Supreme Court kicks Trump off ballot, citing 'insurrection'
Colorado's Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump cannot run for president next year in the state, citing a constitutional insurrection clause.
The court ruled 4-3 that Mr Trump was not an eligible candidate because he had engaged in an insurrection over the US Capitol riot nearly three years ago.
The Trump campaign called the decision anti-democratic and vowed to appeal.
It is the first ever use of Section 3 of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate. read more
Colorado's Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump cannot run for president next year in the state, citing a constitutional insurrection clause.
The court ruled 4-3 that Mr Trump was not an eligible candidate because he had engaged in an insurrection over the US Capitol riot nearly three years ago.
The Trump campaign called the decision anti-democratic and vowed to appeal.
It is the first ever use of Section 3 of the US Constitution's 14th Amendment to disqualify a presidential candidate. read more
First protests in Argentina against Milei's austerity plan
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires in the first big protest against the new Argentine government's economic shock policies.
President Javier Milei announced measures that include spending cuts and a drastic currency devaluation.
He also signed an economic reform decree that will end limits on exports.
The march was led by groups that represent the unemployed. Police were deployed in large numbers to stop the protesters from blocking roads. read more
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Buenos Aires in the first big protest against the new Argentine government's economic shock policies.
President Javier Milei announced measures that include spending cuts and a drastic currency devaluation.
He also signed an economic reform decree that will end limits on exports.
The march was led by groups that represent the unemployed. Police were deployed in large numbers to stop the protesters from blocking roads. read more
Prague shooting: Gunman dead after killing 14 at Charles University
A gunman has shot dead 14 people and injured another 25 at a university in Prague, officials say, in the deadliest attack in modern Czech history.
Police say the 24-year-old gunman was also "eliminated" following the shooting at Charles University in the historic centre of the capital.
University staff were told to barricade themselves in rooms during the attack.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he had cancelled upcoming engagements in light of the "tragic events" on Thursday. read more
A gunman has shot dead 14 people and injured another 25 at a university in Prague, officials say, in the deadliest attack in modern Czech history.
Police say the 24-year-old gunman was also "eliminated" following the shooting at Charles University in the historic centre of the capital.
University staff were told to barricade themselves in rooms during the attack.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he had cancelled upcoming engagements in light of the "tragic events" on Thursday. read more
Prague shooting: Czech police seek motive behind country's worst mass attack
Czech police are working to uncover the motive behind the country's worst-ever mass shooting, which saw a student open fire at a university in central Prague, killing 14 and wounding 25 others.
Czech President Petr Pavel has appealed for unity and said the killings should not be used to launch political attacks or spread misinformation.
The victims, who have not yet been named, include the gunman's father.
Saturday has been declared a national day of mourning. read more
Czech police are working to uncover the motive behind the country's worst-ever mass shooting, which saw a student open fire at a university in central Prague, killing 14 and wounding 25 others.
Czech President Petr Pavel has appealed for unity and said the killings should not be used to launch political attacks or spread misinformation.
The victims, who have not yet been named, include the gunman's father.
Saturday has been declared a national day of mourning. read more
Israeli strikes on Gaza continue as UN calls for more aid
Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip continued late into the night on Friday, with reports of sustained air strikes and ground attacks.
A strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed at least 18 people, according to Palestinian media.
People in another camp, Bureij, were ordered by Israel's army to move south as it continued its ground offensive.
In New York, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution urging more humanitarian aid for Gaza. read more
Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip continued late into the night on Friday, with reports of sustained air strikes and ground attacks.
A strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed at least 18 people, according to Palestinian media.
People in another camp, Bureij, were ordered by Israel's army to move south as it continued its ground offensive.
In New York, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution urging more humanitarian aid for Gaza. read more
Israel-Gaza: Israel says it has arrested hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad members
Israel says it has arrested 200 members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups in the past week and taken them into its territory for questioning.
A statement said some of the suspects had been hiding among the civilian population and surrendered voluntarily.
Israel says 700 Palestinian militants have been arrested since it launched its military operation and invasion of Gaza with the aim of eliminating Hamas.
Hamas says mostly women and children are being killed by the Israelis.
The BBC is unable to verify the claims. read more
Israel says it has arrested 200 members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups in the past week and taken them into its territory for questioning.
A statement said some of the suspects had been hiding among the civilian population and surrendered voluntarily.
Israel says 700 Palestinian militants have been arrested since it launched its military operation and invasion of Gaza with the aim of eliminating Hamas.
Hamas says mostly women and children are being killed by the Israelis.
The BBC is unable to verify the claims. read more
Israel Gaza war: Hamas says 70 killed in Israeli air strike on camp
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says an Israeli air strike killed at least 70 people in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the centre of the strip.
A spokesman said the death toll was likely to rise given the large number of families living in the area.
The Israeli military told the BBC it was looking into reports of the strike.
It comes as Israeli and Arab media say Egypt, which borders the Gaza Strip, has put forward a new proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. read more
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says an Israeli air strike killed at least 70 people in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the centre of the strip.
A spokesman said the death toll was likely to rise given the large number of families living in the area.
The Israeli military told the BBC it was looking into reports of the strike.
It comes as Israeli and Arab media say Egypt, which borders the Gaza Strip, has put forward a new proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. read more
Israel-Gaza war: Netanyahu vows to intensify campaign
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will intensify its fight against Hamas in the coming days.
He told members of his party that he had visited Gaza on Monday morning and that Israel's military campaign there was "not close to being over".
His comments come days after the US secretary of state said Israel should lower the intensity of its strikes.
The war began on 7 October after Hamas led a deadly attack on communities inside Israel. read more
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will intensify its fight against Hamas in the coming days.
He told members of his party that he had visited Gaza on Monday morning and that Israel's military campaign there was "not close to being over".
His comments come days after the US secretary of state said Israel should lower the intensity of its strikes.
The war began on 7 October after Hamas led a deadly attack on communities inside Israel. read more
Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea
Russia has confirmed one of its warships has been damaged in a Ukrainian attack on a Black Sea port.
The airstrike took place at Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea early on Tuesday morning.
Russia's Ministry of Defence said the large landing ship Novocherkassk was struck by Ukrainian aircraft carrying guided missiles.
The head of the Ukrainian Air Force said earlier its warplanes had destroyed the ship. read more
Russia has confirmed one of its warships has been damaged in a Ukrainian attack on a Black Sea port.
The airstrike took place at Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea early on Tuesday morning.
Russia's Ministry of Defence said the large landing ship Novocherkassk was struck by Ukrainian aircraft carrying guided missiles.
The head of the Ukrainian Air Force said earlier its warplanes had destroyed the ship. read more
Israel-Gaza war: Hamas reports 241 killed in Gaza inside 24 hours
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said at least 241 people were killed in the past 24 hours, as Israel's military operation continues in the territory.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called the war a "grave crime" against his people.
Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said the conflict with Hamas would continue for "many more months".
Israel says it hit more than 100 sites on Tuesday, amid reports of impending ground operations in central Gaza. read more
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said at least 241 people were killed in the past 24 hours, as Israel's military operation continues in the territory.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called the war a "grave crime" against his people.
Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said the conflict with Hamas would continue for "many more months".
Israel says it hit more than 100 sites on Tuesday, amid reports of impending ground operations in central Gaza. read more
Thousands of Palestinians flee central Gaza as Israeli troops advance
An estimated 150,000 Palestinians are being forced to flee areas of central Gaza, the UN has said, as Israeli forces advance on refugee camps there.
Witnesses and Hamas's armed wing reported that tanks had reached the eastern outskirts of Bureij camp.
Israel's military recently expanded its ground offensive to target Bureij and nearby Nuseirat and Maghazi camps.
Israeli bombardment also killed dozens of people across Gaza on Thursday, the Hamas-run health ministry said. read more
An estimated 150,000 Palestinians are being forced to flee areas of central Gaza, the UN has said, as Israeli forces advance on refugee camps there.
Witnesses and Hamas's armed wing reported that tanks had reached the eastern outskirts of Bureij camp.
Israel's military recently expanded its ground offensive to target Bureij and nearby Nuseirat and Maghazi camps.
Israeli bombardment also killed dozens of people across Gaza on Thursday, the Hamas-run health ministry said. read more
South Africa files ICJ case accusing Israel of 'genocidal acts'
South Africa has filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is engaging in "genocidal acts" in Gaza.
The UN court confirmed the proceedings concerning alleged violations of Israel's obligations under the Genocide Convention.
Israel has strongly rejected the allegation, calling it "baseless".
"Israel rejects with disgust the blood libel spread by South Africa", the foreign ministry said. read more
South Africa has filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is engaging in "genocidal acts" in Gaza.
The UN court confirmed the proceedings concerning alleged violations of Israel's obligations under the Genocide Convention.
Israel has strongly rejected the allegation, calling it "baseless".
"Israel rejects with disgust the blood libel spread by South Africa", the foreign ministry said. read more
Queen Margrethe II: Danish monarch announces abdication live on TV
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced her surprise abdication in a new year TV address.
She will formally step down on 14 January, which will be 52 years to the day since she became queen.
"I will leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik," she announced.
The 83-year-old is the world's only reigning queen and the longest serving current monarch in Europe, taking the throne after the death of her father King Frederik IX in 1972. read more
Denmark's Queen Margrethe II has announced her surprise abdication in a new year TV address.
She will formally step down on 14 January, which will be 52 years to the day since she became queen.
"I will leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik," she announced.
The 83-year-old is the world's only reigning queen and the longest serving current monarch in Europe, taking the throne after the death of her father King Frederik IX in 1972. read more
Muhammad Yunus: Nobel laureate sentenced to jail in Bangladesh
A court in Bangladesh has sentenced the Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for violating the country's labour laws.
Prof Yunus has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
His supporters say the case is politically motivated.
The acclaimed economist and three colleagues from Grameen Telecom - one of the firms he founded - were found guilty of failing to create a welfare fund for their workers.
All four deny any wrongdoing and have been granted bail pending appeals. read more
A court in Bangladesh has sentenced the Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to six months in jail for violating the country's labour laws.
Prof Yunus has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
His supporters say the case is politically motivated.
The acclaimed economist and three colleagues from Grameen Telecom - one of the firms he founded - were found guilty of failing to create a welfare fund for their workers.
All four deny any wrongdoing and have been granted bail pending appeals. read more
Japan Airlines plane in flames on runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport
A Japan Airlines plane burst into flames after an apparent collision with a smaller coastguard aircraft on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport.
All 379 passengers and crew on board were evacuated but five of the six crew on the coastguard plane died, police said. The captain was injured.
Footage showed flames engulfing the airliner. The runway was also alight.
Fire crews are still battling to douse the blaze on the plane, which arrived from Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. read more
A Japan Airlines plane burst into flames after an apparent collision with a smaller coastguard aircraft on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport.
All 379 passengers and crew on board were evacuated but five of the six crew on the coastguard plane died, police said. The captain was injured.
Footage showed flames engulfing the airliner. The runway was also alight.
Fire crews are still battling to douse the blaze on the plane, which arrived from Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. read more