Saturday, August 20, 2011

08/20/11

* Egypt and Israel Ease Away From Sinai Crisis Diplomats scrambled to avert a crisis in relations between Egypt and Israel on Saturday, and the Israeli government issued a rare statement of regret.

* Hamas Ends 'Ceasefire' with Israel Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, called off a ceasefire with Israel late Friday.

* South Sudan attacks 'leave 500 dead' At least 500 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in the eastern state of Jonglei.

* Egypt: Verbal apology from Israel for policemen deaths not enough Egypt's Foreign Ministry said Saturday that a verbal apology from Israel for the deaths of Egyptian policemen near its border was not enough.

* Syria protests: 'Deaths in anti-Assad demonstrations' Syrian security forces have fired on anti-government protesters after Friday prayers, killing at least 40 people across the country.

* Libya conflict: Rebels claim Zawiya and Zlitan Libyan rebels fighting to overthrow Col Muammar Gaddafi are claiming to have captured two strategic coastal cities as they close in on Tripoli.

* Arab League to hold meeting on Gaza The Arab League announced Saturday that it has called an emergency session over the Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip, to be held on noon Sunday.

* EU oil sanctions on Syria are 'a done deal' EU countries have agreed to impose an oil embargo on Syria in the hope of accelerating the fall of President Bashar Assad by cutting off his money.

* Turkey strikes Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq Turkish warplanes and artillery pounded Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq for a second night, hours after the rebels mounted attacks on security forces in southeastern Turkey.

* Arab Riots in Jerusalem, Police Respond Dozens of Arab men from Jerusalem managed to break down a police barrier early on Friday afternoon.