Ebola 'Out Of Control' As US Evacuates Sick Pair

Two Americans infected with ebola in West Africa are to be flown back to the US in the coming days, as world health officials warned the outbreak was moving too quickly.

The Pentagon confirmed on Friday that arrangements were being made for a chartered flight to land at Dobbins Air Base in Marietta, Georgia.  

It is expected to transport Dr Kent Brantly, 33, and 59-year-old Nancy Writebol, a missionary.

Health workers carry an ebola victim's body in Sierra Leone

They were said on Thursday to be in a "stable but grave condition" after contracting the haemorrhagic fever in the Liberian capital Monrovia.

The State Department said on Friday it was leading preparations to evacuate the two Americans back to the US to be cared for in strict isolation.

Spokeswoman Marie Harf said the patients, whom she declined to identify citing privacy concerns, would be taken to medical facilities with appropriate isolation and treatment capabilities.

The patients will be transported in a specially designed portable tent

Emory University Hospital, in southern Georgia, said it was preparing to accept two ebola patients to its containment unit within the next several days.

A small private jet was dispatched from the US state of Georgia to Liberia on Thursday.

The aircraft has been fitted with a portable tent designed for transporting patients with highly infectious diseases, AP news agency reports.

A modified Gulfstream III jet will fly the Americans back to Georgia

The World Health Organisation's director-general warned on Friday that the ebola outbreak, which has killed at least 729 people, is out of control but can be stopped.

Margaret Chan told the presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra, the three worst affected nations: "This outbreak is moving faster than our efforts to control it.

"If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences can be catastrophic in terms of lost lives but also severe socioeconomic disruption and a high risk of spread to other countries.

Emory University Hospital in Atlanta has a dedicated containment unit

"This meeting must mark a turning point in the outbreak response."

Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone announced on Friday a quarantine zone to seal off the epicentre of the outbreak where the three countries meet.

One US citizen has already died of the virus. Liberian health ministry official Patrick Sawyer, a naturalised American, began vomiting on a flight from Liberia to Nigeria last month.

Medical staff take a blood sample from an ebola patient in Sierra Leone

Mr Sawyer, who had planned to visit family in Minnesota in August, was taken to a hospital in Lagos where he died.

His case sparked particular alarm because he was able to board an international flight while infected with the incurable disease.

Two other Americans - Peace Corps volunteers -  have been isolated after becoming exposed to ebola in West Africa and are under observation, though neither has shown any symptoms.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hamas: Israeli Soldier 'May Have Been Killed'

Why Obama's Hands Are Tied Over Gaza

Updated: 4:38am UK, Friday 01 August 2014

By Dominic Waghorn, US Correspondent

On the day the White House said the Israeli military should do more to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the US confirmed it had agreed to supply the same military with more ammunition.

The Obama administration has hardened its criticism of the shelling of a UN school in Gaza calling it "indefensible" and saying there is little doubt the Israelis were responsible.

"We need our allies in Israel," said administration press secretary Josh Earnest "to live up to the high standards they have set themselves". Meanwhile those same allies were being invited to help themselves to more of the US arms stockpiles in Israel.

Duplicitous double standards or another sign of the complexity of US-Israeli relations? Depends on your point of view.

There is no doubt the Obama administration is concerned and frustrated by Israel's conduct. There is also no doubt the administration will continue to support it to the hilt for as long as required.

Frustrated not least because of the trashing of the US Secretary of State John Kerry by Israeli cabinet ministers and media after his efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The Obama administration has not hidden its fury at the personal attacks on America's chief diplomat by senior members of the Netanyahu government.

The mounting civilian suffering is a concern to the US, for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons.

What's left of America's standing in the Arab world is further undermined by gruesome pictures of slaughter caused by US-supplied weaponry being fired into Gaza.  

A lot has been made of the dysfunctional relationship of the two countries' leaders. 

Bibi and Barack have had more than their share of differences, and none of the political intimacy of George W Bush and Ariel Sharon. 

But these days Israel can take US support for granted far more than it could back then.

When Ariel Sharon wanted to send his military into Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank in 2002 he personally asked Bush to let him do so and give him enough time to finish the job.

The destruction in Jenin is nothing compared to what Israel has wrought in Gaza and it has done so without needing to ask for American permission. 

There are many reasons for US support for Israel, some historic, others more current.

The US-Israeli relationship is one of the fundamental constants of American foreign policy in the Middle East. With a region in ferment and in a state of flux, that is more important to Washington than ever.

The Israeli lobby is also hugely powerful in the US. 

Capitol Hill has been called Israeli-occupied territory; such is the sway the Jewish state holds over US politicians.

Multifarious pro-Israel organisations, millions given to Israel supporters at election time and masterful use of the media all mean that is unlikely to change.

Israel has the same hold on everyday Americans as it has on politicians.

US public opinion has been overwhelmingly sympathetic to Israel since the second intifada when the Palestinians began blowing up women and children on buses and since 9/11, which hardened US attitudes to violent Muslims of any description.

More often than not the US media is inclined to accept the Israeli narrative. 

Coverage of tunnels out of Gaza is a case in point.

When Israeli military PR shifted the focus from rockets to tunnels, US coverage followed.

Too much talk of rockets is a threat to Israel economically now the country's main airport is within range.

Israel now claims Hamas tunnels are their main casus belli.

There has been little questioning of Israeli claims they are a terrorist threat to women and children, when thus far they have only been used by Hamas militants for military purposes to target Israeli soldiers. 

US support of Israel is mirrored by the attitude of some Arab nations in the region.

Egypt's recent ceasefire plan angered Hamas by including many of Israel's demands and few of the Palestinians'.

The Saudis and Jordanians are also quietly cheering the Jewish state from the sidelines. 

Since the last major Israeli operation in Gaza the faultlines have shifted in the Middle East because of the deepening chasm among Muslims, between Sunnis and Shia. 

On one side, Iran and its allies, the Assad regime in Damascus, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

On the other Tehran's enemies in the Gulf and Egypt who are in no mood to help out Iran's Sunni allies, Hamas in Gaza. 

While much of the Middle East remains silent as the carnage continues in Gaza, Israel will assume it is carrying out the wishes of at least some of its neighbours.

Washington will continue dishing out carefully worded criticism if Israel keeps facing claims it has shelled children sleeping in UN buildings.

But it is not going to be reducing its support for its closest ally in an increasingly troubled region.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Israel And Hamas Agree 72-Hour Gaza Truce

Why Obama's Hands Are Tied Over Gaza

Updated: 12:41am UK, Friday 01 August 2014

By Dominic Waghorn, US Correspondent

On the day as the White House said the Israeli military should do more to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the US confirmed it had agreed to supply the same military with more ammunition.

The Obama administration has hardened its criticism of the shelling of a UN school in Gaza calling it "indefensible" and saying there is little doubt the Israelis were responsible.

"We need our allies in Israel," said administration press secretary Josh Earnest "to live up to the high standards they have set themselves". Meanwhile those same allies were being invited to help themselves to more of the US arms stockpiles in Israel.

Duplicitous double standards or another sign of the complexity of US-Israeli relations? Depends on your point of view.

There is no doubt the Obama administration is concerned and frustrated by Israel's conduct. There is also no doubt the administration will continue to support it to the hilt for as long as required.

Frustrated not least because of the trashing of the US Secretary of State John Kerry by Israeli cabinet ministers and media after his efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The Obama administration has not hidden its fury at the personal attacks on America's chief diplomat by senior members of the Netanyahu government.

The mounting civilian suffering is a concern to the US, for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons.

What's left of America's standing in the Arab world is further undermined by gruesome pictures of slaughter caused by US-supplied weaponry being fired into Gaza.  

A lot has been made of the dysfunctional relationship of the two countries' leaders. 

Bibi and Barack have had more than their share of differences, and none of the political intimacy of George W Bush and Ariel Sharon. 

But these days Israel can take US support for granted far more than it could back then.

When Ariel Sharon wanted to send his military into Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank in 2002 he personally asked Bush to let him do so and give him enough time to finish the job.

The destruction in Jenin is nothing compared to what Israel has wrought in Gaza and it has done so without needing to ask for American permission. 

There are many reasons for US support for Israel, some historic, others more current.

The US-Israeli relationship is one of the fundamental constants of American foreign policy in the Middle East. With a region in ferment and in a state of flux, that is more important to Washington than ever.

The Israeli lobby is also hugely powerful in the US. 

Capitol Hill has been called Israeli-occupied territory; such is the sway the Jewish state holds over US politicians.

Multifarious pro-Israel organisations, millions given to Israel supporters at election time and masterful use of the media all mean that is unlikely to change.

Israel has the same hold on everyday Americans as it has on politicians.

US public opinion has been overwhelmingly sympathetic to Israel since the second intifada when the Palestinians began blowing up women and children on buses and since 9/11, which hardened US attitudes to violent Muslims of any description.

More often than not the US media is inclined to accept the Israeli narrative. 

Coverage of tunnels out of Gaza is a case in point.

When Israeli military PR shifted the focus from rockets to tunnels, US coverage followed.

Too much talk of rockets is a threat to Israel economically now the country's main airport is within range.

Israel now claims Hamas tunnels are their main casus belli.

There has been little questioning of Israeli claims they are a terrorist threat to women and children, when thus far they have only been used by Hamas militants for military purposes to target Israeli soldiers. 

US support of Israel is mirrored by the attitude of some Arab nations in the region.

Egypt's recent ceasefire plan angered Hamas by including many of Israel's demands and few of the Palestinians'.

The Saudis and Jordanians are also quietly cheering the Jewish state from the sidelines. 

Since the last major Israeli operation in Gaza the faultlines have shifted in the Middle East because of the deepening chasm among Muslims, between Sunnis and Shia. 

On one side, Iran and its allies, the Assad regime in Damascus, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

On the other Tehran's enemies in the Gulf and Egypt who are in no mood to help out Iran's Sunni allies, Hamas in Gaza. 

While much of the Middle East remains silent as the carnage continues in Gaza, Israel will assume it is carrying out the wishes of at least some of its neighbours.

Washington will continue dishing out carefully worded criticism if Israel keeps facing claims it has shelled children sleeping in UN buildings.

But it is not going to be reducing its support for its closest ally in an increasingly troubled region.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Obama's Hands Are Tied Over Gaza

On the day as the White House said the Israeli military should do more to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the US confirmed it had agreed to supply the same military with more ammunition.

The Obama administration has hardened its criticism of the shelling of a UN school in Gaza calling it "indefensible" and saying there is little doubt the Israelis were responsible.

"We need our allies in Israel," said administration press secretary Josh Earnest "to live up to the high standards they have set themselves". Meanwhile those same allies were being invited to help themselves to more of the US arms stockpiles in Israel.

Duplicitous double standards or another sign of the complexity of US-Israeli relations? Depends on your point of view.

There is no doubt the Obama administration is concerned and frustrated by Israel's conduct. There is also no doubt the administration will continue to support it to the hilt for as long as required.

The US has agreed to supply Israel with more ammunition

Frustrated not least because of the trashing of the US Secretary of State John Kerry by Israeli cabinet ministers and media after his efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The Obama administration has not hidden its fury at the personal attacks on America's chief diplomat by senior members of the Netanyahu government.

The mounting civilian suffering is a concern to the US, for humanitarian and diplomatic reasons.

What's left of America's standing in the Arab world is further undermined by gruesome pictures of slaughter caused by US-supplied weaponry being fired into Gaza.  

A lot has been made of the dysfunctional relationship of the two countries' leaders. 

Mr Netanyahu's less-than-smooth relationship with Obama is well documented

Bibi and Barack have had more than their share of differences, and none of the political intimacy of George W Bush and Ariel Sharon. 

But these days Israel can take US support for granted far more than it could back then.

When Ariel Sharon wanted to send his military into Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank in 2002 he personally asked Bush to let him do so and give him enough time to finish the job.

The destruction in Jenin is nothing compared to what Israel has wrought in Gaza and it has done so without needing to ask for American permission. 

There are many reasons for US support for Israel, some historic, others more current.

Palestinians say more than 1,400 people have died in Gaza

The US-Israeli relationship is one of the fundamental constants of American foreign policy in the Middle East. With a region in ferment and in a state of flux, that is more important to Washington than ever.

The Israeli lobby is also hugely powerful in the US. 

Capitol Hill has been called Israeli-occupied territory; such is the sway the Jewish state holds over US politicians.

Multifarious pro-Israel organisations, millions given to Israel supporters at election time and masterful use of the media all mean that is unlikely to change.

Israel has the same hold on everyday Americans as it has on politicians.

US public opinion has been overwhelmingly sympathetic to Israel since the second intifada when the Palestinians began blowing up women and children on buses and since 9/11, which hardened US attitudes to violent Muslims of any description.

Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died since the offensive began

More often than not the US media is inclined to accept the Israeli narrative. 

Coverage of tunnels out of Gaza is a case in point.

When Israeli military PR shifted the focus from rockets to tunnels, US coverage followed.

Too much talk of rockets is a threat to Israel economically now the country's main airport is within range.

Israel now claims Hamas tunnels are their main casus belli.

There has been little questioning of Israeli claims they are a terrorist threat to women and children, when thus far they have only been used by Hamas militants for military purposes to target Israeli soldiers. 

US support of Israel is mirrored by the attitude of some Arab nations in the region.

Egypt's recent ceasefire plan angered Hamas by including many of Israel's demands and few of the Palestinians'.

The Saudis and Jordanians are also quietly cheering the Jewish state from the sidelines. 

Since the last major Israeli operation in Gaza the faultlines have shifted in the Middle East because of the deepening chasm among Muslims, between Sunnis and Shia. 

On one side, Iran and its allies, the Assad regime in Damascus, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

On the other Tehran's enemies in the Gulf and Egypt who are in no mood to help out Iran's Sunni allies, Hamas in Gaza. 

While much of the Middle East remains silent as the carnage continues in Gaza, Israel will assume it is carrying out the wishes of at least some of its neighbours.

Washington will continue dishing out carefully worded criticism if Israel keeps facing claims it has shelled children sleeping in UN buildings.

But it is not going to be reducing its support for its closest ally in an increasingly troubled region.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ebola: 'Precautions' Taken To Keep UK Safe

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said "precautionary measures" have been put in place to protect Britons from ebola, although it is "most unlikely" it could spread within the UK.

Mr Hammond was speaking after a meeting of the Government's emergency committee, Cobra, to discuss what he earlier called a "new and emerging" threat.

Doctors in Britain have been put on alert to spot symptoms of the deadly disease, which has killed more than 670 people in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria since February in what is the largest outbreak in history.

Infection results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids and tissues of infected animals or people.

After telling Sky News before the meeting that Prime Minister David Cameron regarded the disease as a "very serious threat", Mr Hammond afterwards sought to reassure the public that there was little threat.

"I would emphasise again, in terms of the UK, the issue is about the possibility of somebody who has contracted the disease in Africa getting sick here," Mr Hammond said.

"It is not about the disease spreading in the UK because we have frankly different standards of infection control procedure that would make that most unlikely."

UK and European flight routes to the countries affected by ebola

A person from Birmingham was tested for ebola after returning from Africa, but the tests came back negative.

He was tested earlier this week after reportedly travelling from Benin in Nigeria via Paris to the Midlands.

Another man visited Charing Cross Hospital in London fearing he had the virus, but doctors decided he did not need testing. 

Dr Brian McCloskey, director of global health at Public Health England (PHE), said the risk to British travellers and workers was low, but doctors needed to be vigilant for "unexplained illnesses" in those who have returned from the affected countries.

"The continuing increase in cases, especially in Sierra Leone, and the importation of a single case from Liberia to Nigeria is a cause for concern as it indicates the outbreak is not yet under control," he said.

Those who experience symptoms should "immediately seek medical assistance", Dr McCloskey added.

Medical staff prepare to bring food to patients in an isolation area

Former Metropolitan Police border control officer Chris Hobbs told Sky News there were concerns among border officers over how to handle potential cases of ebola.

"First of all, there's concern about handling passports and landing cards of passengers arriving from places that may be infected with ebola," he said.

"Second is where it is deemed necessary to search, body search a passenger or their luggage.

"And the third concern is these flights from certainly Nigeria are high-risk flights in respect to drugs and many couriers will have swallowed packages containing drugs.

"That will present huge problems to border force officer in dealing with those individuals because they just have to wait for the packages to emerge and all that goes with it."

Countries affected by the ebola outbreak

Meanwhile, British Airways, which flies to Sierra Leone and Nigeria, said in a statement it complies with guidance from local health authorities and will "continue to monitor the situation closely".

Cabin crew are advised to contact air traffic control if they see someone on board who they suspect could have the disease.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "We are well-prepared to identify and deal with any potential cases of ebola, though there has never been a case in this country.

"Any patients with suspected symptoms can be diagnosed within 24 hours and they would also be isolated at a dedicated unit to keep the public safe."

In 2012, a man with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, which is related to ebola, was flown from Glasgow Airport to London by the RAF to be treated at the Royal Free Hospital in north London.

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Israel Strikes Gaza Market During Partial Truce

At least 17 people have been killed and more than 200 wounded in an Israeli strike on a market, Palestinian officials say, shortly after Israel said it was observing a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire.

Medical officials said the strike hit a busy market in the Shejaiza neighbourhood between Gaza City and the Israeli border.

Pictures from the scene showed limp, lifeless bodies lying in pools of petrol and mud.

The dead included several children and a Palestinian journalist wearing a press vest.

The airstrike took place during a partial humanitarian truce

At least 110 people were killed across Gaza on Wednesday, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to more than 1,350.

On the Israeli side, 56 soldiers, two Israelis and a Thai national have died since the start of the offensive on July 8.

That includes three soldiers who Israel said were killed in a booby-trapped house in Gaza.

Israel had said it would halt assaults in areas of Gaza where troops were not "currently operating" until 7pm local time (5pm UK time).

The UN chief has said the attack on the school was 'unjustifiable'

Hamas denounced the truce as a publicity stunt in the wake of a deadly attack on a UN-run school, and continued firing rockets into Israel.

The school in Jabalya refugee camp, where some 3,300 Palestinians were sheltering, was hit around dawn.

At least 19 people, including children, were killed, many of them as they slept.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said it told Israel "17 times" the building was being used by refugees, although it also confirmed other schools had been used to store weapons. The UNRWA chief Pierre Krahenbuhl said the attack violated international law.

Jabalya is one of eight UN refugee camps in Gaza

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack as "unjustifiable," saying there was "nothing more shameful than attacking sleeping children."

The United States, meanwhile, offered its sharpest criticism of the conflict yet, saying it was "extremely concerned" that Palestinians seeking refuge in shelters were not safe, although it did not specify who was responsible.

Jabalya was the second UN-run school to be hit in the past week, with a complex in Beit Hanoun struck last Thursday, killing at least 15 people.

Three Israeli soldiers were killed and several injured in Gaza on Wednesday

Israeli Defence Forces Spokesman Lt Colonel Peter Lerner told Sky News Israel was still investigating the attack.

But he said Hamas militants near the school were known to have fired mortars at soldiers before the school was hit, and that there was an exchange of fire.

On the 23rd day of the conflict, Israeli TV said progress was being made to achieve a peace deal. An Israeli delegation has now arrived in Egypt for discussions.

Israel says its ongoing operation is meant to stop Hamas rocket fire and demolish a sophisticated network of tunnels.

Hundreds of homes have been razed to the ground in Gaza

More than 2,600 missiles have been fired from Gaza in the past three weeks, the Israeli army said.

Meanwhile, the leader of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif, issued a rare statement, saying there will be no end to the fighting until the blockade of Gaza is lifted.

According to UNRWA, about 10% of Palestinians - more than 200,000 people - have been displaced by fighting.

The figure is triple that seen at the peak of the 2008/9 conflict, with the organisation warning all of its camps are now full.

UNRWA spokesman Christopher Gunness told Sky News the agency is at "breaking point."

Justine Greening, the international development secretary, described the situation as "dire", as the UK pledged an extra £3m to provide a month of emergency food for more than 300,000 people.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hamas Defiant As Gaza Suffers Bloodiest Day

The leader of Hamas' military wing has issued a rare statement, saying there will be no end to the fighting with Israel until the blockade of the Gaza Strip is lifted.

In an audiotape played on Al Aqsa TV, Mohammed Deif put his weight behind Hamas' longstanding demand that the punishing seven-year border blockade be brought to an end.

Israel and Egypt closed their borders with Gaza after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, resulting in a severe restriction of the flow of goods and people.

His comments came as Tuesday's death toll in Gaza hit 128 - making it the bloodiest day of the three-week conflict.

More than 120 people were killed in Gaza on Tuesday alone

Mr Deif, who has survived numerous assassination attempts and has been in hiding for many years, criticised the killing of civilians in Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages.

He said his Qassam Brigades had chosen to target soldiers rather than ordinary Israelis.

His statement followed another failed truce attempt, this time announced by the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in the West Bank. 

There is widespread support in Israel for the Gaza offensive

Hamas, which is not a member of the PLO, denied reports it had agreed to the deal and Israel rejected any agreement that did not come directly from the group.

Palestinian delegates, headed by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, were expected in Cairo where they will attempt to negotiate a deal.

However Hamas' refusal to end rocket fire until its demands are met and Israel's intensified military assault in Gaza means there is little hope of an imminent deal.

Israel stepped up its bombardment by land, air and sea on Tuesday, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a "prolonged campaign" against Hamas.

A UN aid agency was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike

The latest fatalities include multiple members of at least five families. 

An employee of a UN aid agency and his brother were reportedly killed when shrapnel from a strike hit a car with UN markings in Jebaliya.

Power supplies were also crippled by the destruction of the territory's only power plant.

A spokesman for Gaza's electricity distribution company said the plant, which supplies two thirds of the territory's energy needs, was hit by shells fired from an Israeli tank, a claim which could not be verified.

Israel buried more soldiers on Tuesday who were killed in Gaza

The total Palestinian death toll now stands at 1,200. Another 7,000 people have been injured and thousands are said to have fled their homes.

Israel has lost 53 soldiers, along with two civilians and a Thai national.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the aerial offensive against Gaza on July 8, declaring the aim was to halt rockets fired by Hamas and its allies into Israel.

The ground invasion began shortly afterwards in order to destroy a network of cross-border tunnels which Hamas militants are reported to be using to infiltrate Israel.

The destroyed plant supplies two thirds of the territory's energy needs

Israel says five of its soldiers were killed late on Monday after militants entered Israel using one such tunnel.

US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself, but said the US is working towards deescalating the conflict.

He told reporters: "We are working very carefully with our Israeli friends in order to reduce the civilian loss of life, to prevent this from spiralling downwards into a place from which both sides have difficulty finding a way forward in order to address the underlying issues".

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Sanctions Target Russian Oil And Banks

The US and European governments have agreed new sanctions against Russia, targeting its oil, finance and defence industries, following the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine.

US President Barack Obama denied the West was being drawn into "a new cold war", but aimed to "ratchet up the pressure on Russia, including the cronies and companies supporting Russia's illegal actions in Ukraine".

He said the coordinated action would have "an even bigger bite" and make "a weak Russian economy even weaker".

The US is expanding its sanctions to include more Russian banks and defence companies, and is suspending credit that encourages exports to Russia and financing for economic development projects in Russia.

John Kerry warns Russia the US is 'preparing additional sanctions'

The sanctions on three Russian banks, including VTB, its subsidiary Bank of Moscow and Russian Agricultural Bank, ban any Americans or people in US jurisdictions from any new medium or long-term financial transactions with them.

The EU sanctions are targeted at Russia's oil, finance, defence and technology industries, including dual-use goods with both defence and civilian purposes.

Measures include a ban on future arms import and export sales and restrictions on certain oil exploration and oil drilling related products.

Russian state-owned banks will also find restrictions on access to European financial markets, meaning their costs could rise.

The City of London may be affected by the new sanctions

The move is seen as an extension of existing US and EU sanctions which have focused on wealthy individuals, imposing travel bans and asset freezes on members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

Eight more names are being added to that list, some of whom are understood to be very close to Mr Putin who has shown no sign of altering his stance on Ukraine.

Even in advance of any deal, the oil giant BP warned that tougher sanctions could have an adverse impact on its business because of its stake in Russian old producer Rosneft.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned the measures will inflict pain on the City of London, but should be seen in the context of the deaths of the 298 MH17 passengers and crew.

Fighting forced OSCE experts to abandon a crash site visit on Monday

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said the sanctions were "meant as a strong warning", but were "reversible" if Moscow changed course in Ukraine.

But US Secretary John Kerry said there was "no shred of evidence" Russia was willing to help end the violence and bloodshed between Moscow-backed rebels and Kiev.

He said even since flight MH17 was shot down, there was "clear evidence" the Russians were "continuing to ship arms across the border".

His comments came as pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine said they were considering banning OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) investigators from the plane crash site in Grabovo, accusing them of "serving the interests of the United States and Ukraine".

Around 23 people, including three children, were killed as the fighting between rebels and Ukrainian forces in the region continued on Tuesday with shelling hitting a school, a home and several apartment blocks in the cities of Horlivka, Luhansk and Donestsk.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Immigrant Benefits To Be Cut To Three Months

EU migrants will only be able to claim benefits for three months unless they have serious job prospects, under plans announced by David Cameron.

The Prime Minister insisted the change would make it clear to migrants that they cannot get "something for nothing" and that Britain was "not a soft touch".

The plans will build on changes laid out in January that mean migrants must wait three months after arriving in Britain before claiming out-of-work benefits.

After that three months, migrants will now only be able to claim benefits for three months instead of six, unless they have "very clear job prospects".

David Cameron says Britain is 'not a soft touch' for EU migrants

Mr Cameron will also highlight changes already brought in by the Government, including new powers to revoke the driving licences of illegal immigrants.

A total of 2,200 have been revoked since the power's introduction earlier this month.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Cameron said: "We changed the rules so that no-one can come to this country and expect to get out-of-work benefits immediately; they must wait at least three months.

"And we are announcing today that we are cutting the time people can claim these benefits for."

He continued: "It used to be that European jobseekers could claim JSA (jobseeker's allowance) or child benefit for a maximum of six months before their benefits would be cut off, unless they had very clear job prospects... we will be reducing that cut-off point to three months, saying very clearly: you cannot expect to come to Britain and get something for nothing...

Yvette Cooper says the Government has 'failed' on immigration

"Taken together, this is about building a different kind of Britain - a country that is not a soft touch, but a place to play your part; a nation where those who work hard can get on."

He added: "Carefully and painstakingly we are building an economy that has real opportunities for our young people; an education system that encourages them to do their best; a welfare system that encourages work; and an immigration system that puts Britain first."

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the Coalition was failing on immigration despite Mr Cameron's promise to get it down to the tens of thousands.

Ms Cooper said Labour called for tougher benefit restrictions nearly 18 months ago.

"We need less talk from the Prime Minister on immigration and more action," she said.

"It's almost a year-and-a-half since Labour called for benefit restrictions on new migrants. In that time we've had reannouncement after reannouncement from the Tories but little in the way of firm action.

"Behind the rhetoric the true picture of this Government on immigration is one of failure, with net migration going up, despite David Cameron's promise to get it down to the tens of thousands.

"The Government should get a grip and finally implement Labour's proposals to stop the undercutting of wages and jobs for local workers by the exploitation of low-skilled migrant labour, including banning recruitment agencies that only hire foreign workers and pressing for stronger controls in Europe."

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Hamas Leader's House 'Hit By Israeli Missile'

The home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been hit by an Israeli missile, according to the Gaza Interior Ministry.

An Israeli aircraft fired a missile at the house early on Tuesday causing damage but no casualties, the ministry said.

An Israeli military spokeswoman had no information on the report but was checking for details.

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires towards the Gaza Strip

Mr Haniyeh's son confirmed the strike on his Facebook page and added that the house of the former Hamas Gaza prime minister was empty.

Hamas said that its TV station Al-Aqsa TV was also targeted but the station continued to broadcast.

As night fell over Gaza, army flares illuminated the sky and the sound of intense shelling could be heard.

The military warned thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes in areas around Gaza City - usually the prelude to major army strikes.

Relatives of the dead are inconsolable at the Al-Shifa Hospital

A number of rockets fired from Gaza were launched toward various regions in southern and central Israel, including the Tel Aviv area.

At least one of the rockets was intercepted by the Iron Dome system. 

Earlier, Israel accused Hamas of misfiring two rockets - one of which struck Gaza's main hospital and the other a refugee camp, killing nine children.

A Palestinian official said at least 10 people in total were killed in the strike on the camp, and a further 46 injured.

A young girl is treated my medics for her injuries

However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) denied responsibility for the attacks and said it had not been operating in the area.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, an Israeli army spokesman, rubbished the claims as "ridiculous" and told Sky News: "The Israeli Defence Forces did not carry out any strikes in that area. Shifa Hospital was not a target, nor was the Shati Beach camp.

"Both of those locations were struck by terrorist rockets that were launched towards Israel and fell short."

The IDF also tweeted: "Since the beginning of the operation #IDF has documented approximately 200 rockets & mortars that landed short within #Gaza."

An Israeli soldier hurt in a mortar attack is stretchered away by comrades

Sky's David Bowden, who visited the hospital in Gaza City, said: "I've seen injured children, some very badly injured and not so badly injured, and in the morgue I have seen dead children.

"There were screaming children, some walking wounded, but they were all dazed, wondering what was going on, and were surrounded by screaming relatives.

"The blame game has started. Clearly, the people there believe it was the Israelis. But the Israelis were quick off the mark to say it was nothing to do with them.

"Whatever happened, there are children dead and injured, and those pictures are winging their way around the world, and the pressure from the international community on both sides to stop this, and stop it now, will become immeasurable."

Israeli media, meanwhile, reported nine soldiers had been killed - four in mortar strikes on Eshkol in southern Israel, and another five in combat in Gaza.

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Obama Calls For 'Immediate' Ceasefire In Gaza

US President Barack Obama has called Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge an "immediate, unconditional" ceasefire in Gaza.

The call came as Hamas fired more rockets at Israel, despite claims it had accepted a UN request for a 24-hour extension of a humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Mr Obama "made clear the strategic imperative of instituting an immediate, unconditional humanitarian ceasefire that ends hostilities now and leads to a permanent cessation of hostilities," the White House said in a statement.

The President will be joined in his plea by the United Nations Security Council when it releases a statement calling for a "durable and fully respected ceasefire" on Monday morning.

A 20-year-old Israeli soldier killed in the Gaza Strip was buried on Sunday

The temporary truce, which comes ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid marking the end of Ramadan, started at 2pm local time (noon UK time).

Sky News correspondents in Gaza and Israel say fighting has since calmed on both sides, although Israel has not formally agreed to the ceasefire.

In the call, Mr Obama "underscored the United States' strong condemnation of Hamas' rocket and tunnel attacks against Israel and reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself."

But he also "reiterated the United States' serious and growing concern about the rising number of Palestinian civilian deaths and the loss of Israeli lives, as well as the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza," according to the White House.

A Palestinian man mourns the death of his relative in the Gaza conflict

Immediately after the ceasefire was due to take effect, Mr Netanyahu said there had been continued rocket fire into Israel.

In a series of interviews with US media, he said Hamas was "violating its own ceasefire".

He told CBS Israel he would not allow a "ruthless terror organisation... to decide when it's convenient for them to stop for a moment, rearm, and continue firing on our citizens and our people."

Earlier on Sunday, the sound of Israeli shelling could be heard in Gaza, where Palestinian medics said at least 11 people were killed in airstrikes.

Palestinian civilians are suffering severe food and water shortages

Sky News' Sherine Tadros, at a UN school in Gaza City, said more than 160,000 civilians have sought refuge in dozens of temporary shelters and are suffering from major food and water shortages.

Some civilians say they have not been able to shower or wash their children in over a week.

The Israeli army confirmed it did fire the mortar round that hit a UN school in Gaza on Thursday where 15 people died.

Israel bombarded Gaza for much of Sunday

A spokesman said it was a stray round meant for Hamas militants in the area who had been attacking Israeli forces.

But he said the schoolyard was empty at the time, and the shell could not have killed anyone.                 

In total, more than 1,030 Palestinians have died since Israel launched a military operation more than two weeks ago.

The number of Israeli troops killed has risen to 43. Three civilians have also been killed in Israel, including a Thai national.

International efforts are continuing to try and thrash out a more permanent ceasefire.

And the Pope made an emotional plea for peace in his weekly address in St Peter's Square.

In unscripted remarks, Pope Francis said: "Please stop, I ask you with all my heart, it's time to stop. Stop, please."

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Domestic Abusers Get Off With 'Slap On Wrist'

By Ashish Joshi, Sky News Correspondent

The victims of domestic abuse are being failed by the Government and their abusers getting away with little more than a "slap on the wrist", claims Labour.

The Opposition claims more than 10,000 perpetrators have not faced justice because police forces are wrongly using community resolutions to deal with violence against women.

Community resolutions were introduced to deal with low level crime such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour. They are supposed to be used as an alternative to ending up in court.

Victims are asked what they would like to see happen - it could end with an apology, compensation or remedial action like cleaning up graffiti.

In the words of West Midlands Police: "Community resolutions mean children and adults with no previous convictions need not be criminalised for one stupid mistake."

But shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper claims the use of community resolutions to deal with domestic violence has more than doubled in the past five years from 1,337 in 2009 to 3,305 in 2013.

"These figures are deeply worrying. Domestic violence is an incredibly serious crime. Two women a week are killed by their partner or an ex and 750,000 children will grow up witnessing domestic violence.

Yvette Cooper says community resolutions are often used inappropriately

"For the police to simply take a violent abuser home to apologise risks making domestic violence worse, and makes it even harder for victims to escape a cycle of abuse.

"Labour has called on the Government previously to prevent the use of Community Resolutions for serious crimes, including domestic violence. Today's figures reveal that nothing has been done."

But the Home Office has rejected Labour's claim that violent partners are escaping justice.

It said: "No government has done more to tackle the abhorrent crime of domestic abuse than this government. Our groundbreaking Claire's Law will help protect women from abusive relationships, while domestic violence protection orders are cracking down on the destructive cycle of repeated abuse.

"It is not acceptable for the police to use out of court settlements for serious criminality and that is why the government is already reviewing how they are used."

But Labour says an inspectorate report "looked at 66 police cases of informal resolution, and judged that the resolution was inappropriate in 14".

Women's charities and campaigners against  domestic violence have backed Labour's claims. They are worried community resolutions trivialise violence against women.

Jane Keeper from Refuge said: "Anyone with experience in domestic violence knows that most perpetrators regularly apologise.

"It's a feature of the violence, they abuse, batter, they control, and in the middle of it every now and again they say sorry and they'll never do it again.

"To have police encouraging this with perpetrators and keeping them away from being held accountable, is just playing right into hands of those who perpetrate violence."

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Israel Extends Gaza Ceasefire For 24 Hours

Israel has extended its humanitarian truce in Gaza by 24 hours - but says it will retaliate if Hamas fires rockets from the territory.

An unnamed Israeli official said the ceasefire had been prolonged until midnight (10pm UK time) on Sunday at the United Nations' request, though troops would continue to demolish Hamas tunnels.

Hamas immediately rejected the idea.

"No humanitarian ceasefire is valid without Israeli tanks withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and without residents being able to return to their homes and ambulances carrying bodies being able to freely move around in Gaza," spokesman Fawzi Barhum said.

Some 132 bodies were pulled from rubble in Gaza during Saturday's truce

Hamas resumed rocket fire towards Israel after a 12-hour break in hostilities on Saturday. 

Some 132 bodies were reportedly pulled from the rubble in Gaza during the lull, while the pause allowed Palestinians to stock up on supplies.

The resumption of rocket fire by Hamas led police to clear a protest in Tel Aviv, where thousands of Israelis were demonstrating against their government's military operation.

Anti-war protests also took place in London, Paris, Frankfurt and other cities.

Israelis demonstrated against their government's military operation

Meanwhile, world leaders continue their attempt to thrash out a wider ceasefire in Paris.

More than 1,000 Palestinians have now died since Israel launched a military operation 19 days ago.

Some 42 Israeli troops have died in combat, and three civilians have been killed by rocket fire into Israel.

On Friday Israel rejected a seven-day ceasefire backed by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

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Homes Evacuated Over 'Volatile Substance'

Up to 200 people have been asked to leave their homes after a "potentially volatile" substance was found in a flat.

Police are working with council emergency planners to move families from homes within 100m of the find in Newhall, South Derbyshire, as a precaution.

A 55-year-old man was arrested after the substance was discovered during a search of the flat in Belvoir Crescent on Saturday afternoon.

Superintendent Paul Markham, who is in charge of the operation, said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter and we are hoping that people will not be inconvenienced for too long.

"The evacuation is purely a precaution to ensure everybody's safety and residents will be allowed back home as soon as possible."

More follows...

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