jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Protesters in Lebanon hang Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in effigy

BEIRUT - Lebanese protesters stormed government ministries in Beirut and trashed the offices of the Association of Lebanese Banks on Saturday as shots rang out in increasingly angry demonstrations over this week's devastating explosion.The protesters said their politicians should resign and be punished for negligence they say led to Tuesday’s blast, the biggest ever to hit Beirut, that killed 158 people and injured more than 6,000, compounding months of political and economic meltdown.A policeman was killed during the clashes, a spokesman said. A policeman at the scene said the officer died when he fell into an elevator shaft in a nearby building after being chased by protesters.The Red Cross said it had treated 117 people for injuries on the scene while another 55 were taken to hospital. Policemen wounded by stones were treated by ambulance workers. A fire broke out in central Martyrs' Square.Dozens of protesters broke into the foreign ministry where they burnt a portrait of President Michel Aoun, representative for many of a political class that has ruled Lebanon for decades and that they say is to blame for its current mess."We are staying here. We call on the Lebanese people to occupy all the ministries," a demonstrator said by megaphone.About 10,000 people gathered in Martyrs' Square, some throwing stones. Police fired tear gas when some protesters tried to break through the barrier blocking a street leading to parliament, a Reuters journalist said.Police confirmed shots and rubber bullets had been fired. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots. Riot police shot dozens of teargas canisters at protesters, who hit back with firecrackers and stones.TV footage showed protesters also breaking into the energy and economy ministries.They chanted "the people want the fall of the regime," reprising a popular chant from the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. They held posters saying "Leave, you are all killers."The US Embassy in Beirut said the US government supported the demonstrators' right to peaceful protest and urged all involved to refrain from violence.The embassy also said in a tweet that the Lebanese people "deserved leaders who listen to them and change course to respond to popular demands for transparency and accountability."Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the only way out was early parliamentary elections.'GO HOME!'The protests were the biggest since October when thousands of people took to the streets in protest against corruption, bad governance and mismanagement.“You have no conscience, you have no morality. Go home! Leave! Resign, Enough is enough,” shouted one of the protesters. “What else do you want? You brought us poverty, death and destruction,” said another.Soldiers in vehicles mounted with machine guns patrolled the area. Ambulances rushed to the scene."Really the army is here? Are you here to shoot us? Join us and we can fight the government together," a woman yelled.Tuesday's blast was the biggest in Beirut's history. Twenty-one people were still reported as missing from the explosion, which gutted entire neighborhoods.The government has promised to hold those responsible to account. But few Lebanese are convinced. Some set up nooses on wooden frames as a symbolic warning to Lebanese leaders."Resign or hang," said one banner at the demonstration.The prime minister and presidency have said 2,750 tonnes of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, which is used in making fertilizers and bombs, had been stored for six years without safety measures at the port warehouse.ECONOMIC MELTDOWNThe explosion hit a city still scarred by civil war and reeling from an economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections.For many, it was a dreadful reminder of the 1975-1990 civil war that tore the nation apart and destroyed swathes of Beirut, much of which had since been rebuilt.Some residents, struggling to clean up shattered homes, complain the government has let them down again."We have no trust in our government," said university student Celine Dibo as she scrubbed blood off the walls of her shattered apartment building. "I wish the United Nations would take over Lebanon."Many people denounced their leaders, saying none of them visited the site of the blast to comfort them or assess the damage while French President Emmanuel Macron flew from Paris and went straight to the scene to pay his tribute.Macron, who visited Beirut on Thursday, promised aid to rebuild the city would not fall into "corrupt hands." He will host a donor conference for Lebanon via video link on Sunday, his office said. US President Donald Trump said that he will join."We don't want any government to help us," said unemployed protester Mahmoud Rifai. "The money will just go into the pockets of our leaders."Aoun said on Friday an investigation would examine whether the blast was caused by a bomb or other external interference. He said the investigation would also weigh if it was due to negligence or an accident. Twenty people had been detained so far, he added.'WE CAN'T AFFORD TO REBUILD'Officials have said the blast could have caused losses amounting to $15 billion. That is a bill that Lebanon cannot pay after already defaulting on a mountain of debt - exceeding 150% of economic output - and with talks stalled on an IMF lifeline.For ordinary Lebanese, the scale of destruction is overwhelming. Marita Abou Jawda was handing out bread and cheese to victims of the blast."Macron offered to help and our government has not done anything. It has always been like that," she said. "After Macron visited I played the French national anthem all day in my car."


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Ze'ev Revach expresses support for anti-Netanyahu protesters

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Ze'ev Revach, one of Israel's most notable actors, spoke to The Jerusalem Post's sister publication Maariv and expressed sympathy for protesters across the country who are calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign."As much as people identify me with the Likud Party, in the current situation I can't identify with everything that the Likud is doing. Not now. All I want is the country to gain back its sanity," Revach told Maariv.Revach expressed sympathy with his colleagues from the culture industry in Israel who have been sitting at home for months. He also called on young people to continue protesting."Artists always recruit themselves for the nation, and it's time that the government takes them seriously and helps them out for a change," Revach said. "I can understand the young people who fear for their country's future as well as their own future. We have amazing youth who are protesting about things that are hurting them, and this is exactly when you're supposed to go out and protest."


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--South Korea floods, landslides kill 26 as heavy rains continue

At least 26 people have died after 46 days of heavy rains in South Korea , with the country 's longest monsoon in seven years causing more flooding , landslides and evacuations on Saturday .
Nearly 5,000 people had been evacuated as of 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday ( 0730 GMT ) , according to Ministry of the Interior and Safety data , as rains battered the southern part of the Korean peninsula .
Ten people are missing .
About 100 metres ( 109.36 yards ) of levee collapsed at the Seomjin River in the southern edge of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an official at the South Jeolla province said , with about 1,900 people evacuated in the province including about 500 from around the river .
The country 's forestry agency has raised landslide warnings to its highest level in every region except the holiday island of Jeju .
Five homes were buried in a landslide on Friday from a mountain behind a village in Gokseong , South Jeolla province , killing five people .
Three people have been rescued .
Twelve local flights were cancelled at the regional Gwangju airport near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runway was flooded , according to Yonhap news agency .
The city of Seoul warned people to stay away from basements , valleys and rivers as further torrential rains were expected on Saturday night .
South Korea 's longest monsoon on record was 49 days in 2013 .
Current weather forecasts predict that this year 's monsoon may last longer .
In neighbouring North Korea , state media Korean Central Broadcasting also warned of additional heavy rains in areas already hit by floods , according to Yonhap .
Following leader Kim Jong Un @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , KCNA said on Saturday that Pak Pong Ju , vice-chairman of the state 's highest decision-making commission , inspected damage to submerged fields and crops in southwest regions of the country .

At least 26 people have died after 46 days of heavy rains in South Korea, with the country's longest monsoon in seven years causing more flooding, landslides and evacuations on Saturday.
Nearly 5,000 people had been evacuated as of 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday (0730 GMT), according to Ministry of the Interior and Safety data, as rains battered the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Ten people are missing.
About 100 metres (109.36 yards) of levee collapsed at the Seomjin River in the southern edge of the peninsula on Saturday and flooded the area, an official at the South Jeolla province said, with about 1,900 people evacuated in the province including about 500 from around the river.
The country's forestry agency has raised landslide warnings to its highest level in every region except the holiday island of Jeju.
Five homes were buried in a landslide on Friday from a mountain behind a village in Gokseong, South Jeolla province, killing five people. Three people have been rescued.
Twelve local flights were cancelled at the regional Gwangju airport near the southwestern tip of the peninsula after the runway was flooded, according to Yonhap news agency.
The city of Seoul warned people to stay away from basements, valleys and rivers as further torrential rains were expected on Saturday night.
South Korea's longest monsoon on record was 49 days in 2013. Current weather forecasts predict that this year's monsoon may last longer.
In neighbouring North Korea, state media Korean Central Broadcasting also warned of additional heavy rains in areas already hit by floods, according to Yonhap.
Following leader Kim Jong Un's flood relief inspection reported on Friday, KCNA said on Saturday that Pak Pong Ju, vice-chairman of the state's highest decision-making commission, inspected damage to submerged fields and crops in southwest regions of the country.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--27-year-old man drowns at Akhziv Beach, four more pulled from water

A 27-year-old man drowned at Akhziv Beach early Saturday , while four more swimmers were pulled from the water in @ @ @ @ @ Walla news .
MDA paramedics arrived at the beach and attempted to resuscitate the young @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
He was later pronounced dead at the scene .

A 27-year-old man drowned at Akhziv Beach early Saturday, while four more swimmers were pulled from the water in moderate-to-light condition, according to Walla news.
MDA paramedics arrived at the beach and attempted to resuscitate the young man, who was in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--At least 43 Syrians among people killed in Beirut blast - Al Mayadeen

At least 43 Syrian nationals were among those killed in a massive explosion in the port of Beirut on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese capital , Al-Mayadeen TV channel said on Saturday , citing the Syrian embassy in @ @ @ @ @ a Lebanon-based channel close to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad .

At least 43 Syrian nationals were among those killed in a massive explosion in the port of Beirut on Tuesday that destroyed parts of the Lebanese capital, Al-Mayadeen TV channel said on Saturday, citing the Syrian embassy in Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen is a Lebanon-based channel close to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Ceasefire offers opportunity for Ukraine peace push, says president

Ukraine wants to build on a lull in fighting in the eastern Donbass region to push for a lasting peace settlement at a new round of four-way talks with Russia , France and Germany , President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters .
Dressed in a T-shirt and khaki trousers , Zelenskiy was speaking on a visit to the area on the 12th day of what Kyiv hopes will be a permanent ceasefire agreed with Russian-backed forces on July 27 .
Zelenskiy , 42 , was a comic actor when he won a landslide election last year promising to end the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brought Western sanctions on Russia .
Once a political novice , he has since secured prisoner exchanges with Russia and phased troop withdrawals at selected hotspots .
`` This is an opportunity to save our guys and continue the diplomatic dialog , '' he said on Friday during a whistle-stop tour along more than 100 km ( 62 miles ) of the frontline .
If the ceasefire holds , `` the first big step has been taken , it is necessary to meet in the Normandy Format , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the French region where they were first held .
Zelenskiy inherited the conflict that began after Russia annexed Ukraine 's Crimea peninsula six years ago .
Ukraine says Russia then engineered quasi-separatist uprisings across a belt of eastern Ukraine that escalated into a full-scale war .
Moscow denies the claim .
A ceasefire agreed under Zelenskiy 's predecessor in Belarus in 2015 stopped the worst of the fighting , but soldiers and civilians were still regularly killed in flare-ups .
The July 27 truce broke down within hours .
But Kyiv says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international monitors for the first time recorded no ceasefire violations within a daily reporting period .
The next round of peace talks is due in Berlin but there is no date fixed .
Kyiv wants to press for Red Cross access to its prisoners and a timeline for Russian-backed forces to withdraw .
Zelenskiy said Ukraine was willing to show flexibility on a key sticking point – giving legal special status to the Donbass region after holding local elections there , providing this stopped short of federalisation .
But local elections could only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think this issue is very important : first security , then elections , '' he said .
The first year of Zelenskiy 's presidency was overshadowed by Ukraine 's unwitting involvement in events that led to the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump .
Trump had pressed Ukraine to launch an investigation into his Democratic rival for the 2020 presidential race , former Vice President Joe Biden .
Zelenskiy said bilateral support for Ukraine would remain strong regardless of who won the upcoming election .
`` They are our partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe that their strategic course does not change , regardless of who is the president . ''

Ukraine wants to build on a lull in fighting in the eastern Donbass region to push for a lasting peace settlement at a new round of four-way talks with Russia, France and Germany, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters.
Dressed in a T-shirt and khaki trousers, Zelenskiy was speaking on a visit to the area on the 12th day of what Kyiv hopes will be a permanent ceasefire agreed with Russian-backed forces on July 27.
Zelenskiy, 42, was a comic actor when he won a landslide election last year promising to end the conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people and brought Western sanctions on Russia.
Once a political novice, he has since secured prisoner exchanges with Russia and phased troop withdrawals at selected hotspots.
"This is an opportunity to save our guys and continue the diplomatic dialog," he said on Friday during a whistle-stop tour along more than 100 km (62 miles) of the frontline.
If the ceasefire holds, "the first big step has been taken, it is necessary to meet in the Normandy Format," he said, referring to the four-way talks named after the French region where they were first held.
HOLDING FIRE
Zelenskiy inherited the conflict that began after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula six years ago. Ukraine says Russia then engineered quasi-separatist uprisings across a belt of eastern Ukraine that escalated into a full-scale war. Moscow denies the claim.
A ceasefire agreed under Zelenskiy's predecessor in Belarus in 2015 stopped the worst of the fighting, but soldiers and civilians were still regularly killed in flare-ups.
The July 27 truce broke down within hours. But Kyiv says the shooting has been sporadic and on Thursday international monitors for the first time recorded no ceasefire violations within a daily reporting period.
The next round of peace talks is due in Berlin but there is no date fixed. Kyiv wants to press for Red Cross access to its prisoners and a timeline for Russian-backed forces to withdraw.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine was willing to show flexibility on a key sticking point – giving legal special status to the Donbass region after holding local elections there, providing this stopped short of federalisation.
But local elections could only take place once Russian-backed forces withdraw.
"I think this issue is very important: first security, then elections," he said.
The first year of Zelenskiy's presidency was overshadowed by Ukraine's unwitting involvement in events that led to the impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump had pressed Ukraine to launch an investigation into his Democratic rival for the 2020 presidential race, former Vice President Joe Biden.
Zelenskiy said bilateral support for Ukraine would remain strong regardless of who won the upcoming election.
"They are our partners indeed," he said. "I believe that their strategic course does not change, regardless of who is the president."


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Polish police detain 48 people after LGBT protest

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow @ @ @ @ @ and damaging a pro-life campaigner 's van .
Crowds of protesters shouting `` Shame , @ @ @ @ @ police vehicle in the center of the capital on Friday to try and stop it @ @ @ @ @ inside .
`` Due to yesterday 's active gathering , 48 people were detained , @ @ @ @ @ said on its Twitter account on Saturday .
Members of the anti-homophobia group `` Stop @ @ @ @ @ hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a @ @ @ @ @ an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month 's @ @ @ @ @ nationalist Law and Justice ( PiS ) party has said LGBT rights are part of @ @ @ @ @ foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family .
Government spokesman Piotr Muller @ @ @ @ @ on police actions .

Police said they detained 48 people after protesters tried to stop them arresting an LGBT activist accused of hanging rainbow flags over statues in Warsaw and damaging a pro-life campaigner's van.
Crowds of protesters shouting "Shame, disgrace!" surrounded a police vehicle in the center of the capital on Friday to try and stop it driving away with the activist inside.
"Due to yesterday's active gathering, 48 people were detained," the Warsaw police force said on its Twitter account on Saturday.
Members of the anti-homophobia group "Stop Bzdurom" have said they hung flag on statues of Jesus and other figures last week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, an issue thrust into the heart of public debate in Poland during last month's presidential election.
The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has said LGBT rights are part of what it calls an invasive foreign ideology that undermines Polish values and the traditional family.
Government spokesman Piotr Muller said he would not comment on police actions.
Stop Bzdurom and other groups have called for a protest in Warsaw on Saturday in solidarity with LGBT people.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Wife of Dutch envoy to Lebanon dies after being hurt in Beirut blast

The wife of the Dutch ambassador to Lebanon died on Saturday after being seriously injured in the massive explosion that @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , the Dutch Foreign Ministry said .
Hedwig Waltmans-Molier , 55 , was @ @ @ @ @ she stood next to her husband , ambassador Jan Waltmans , in the living room @ @ @ @ @ , the ministry said .

The wife of the Dutch ambassador to Lebanon died on Saturday after being seriously injured in the massive explosion that tore through Beirut's port on Tuesday, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said.
Hedwig Waltmans-Molier, 55, was injured by the explosion as she stood next to her husband, ambassador Jan Waltmans, in the living room of their house in Beirut, the ministry said.
Tuesday's blast caused extensive damage to the Dutch embassy, injuring four other people connected to it.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Thai protesters demand the release of anti-government activists

Dozens of protesters gathered in front of a Bangkok court on Saturday to demand the release of activist leaders , vowing to escalate anti-government demonstrations with a call for a protest in the Thai capital .
Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa , 35 , and student activist Panupong Jasnok , 23 , were arrested on Friday and held overnight in connection with recent protests demanding greater democracy .
`` Whom does the court serve in this country ?
, '' Parit Cheewarak , a student leader widely known by the nickname Penguin , told 60 to 100 protesters in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No matter how senior you are , you are not above the taxes that pay your salaries , '' he said as police watched .
Protesters have returned to Thailand 's streets to call for the ouster of the government of 2014 coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha after a disputed general election last year that activists say was engineered to ensure his hold on power .
Charges against Anon and Panupong include sedition and violating an emergency decree imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
The court declined to process a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday because it was filed too late .
They were instead held overnight at a police station .
At a protest on Monday , Anon had called for reforms to the monarchy in an extremely rare public challenge to the powerful institution .
He was not charged over that protest .

Dozens of protesters gathered in front of a Bangkok court on Saturday to demand the release of activist leaders, vowing to escalate anti-government demonstrations with a call for a protest in the Thai capital.
Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, and student activist Panupong Jasnok, 23, were arrested on Friday and held overnight in connection with recent protests demanding greater democracy.
"Whom does the court serve in this country?," Parit Cheewarak, a student leader widely known by the nickname Penguin, told 60 to 100 protesters in front of Bangkok's Criminal Court.
"No matter how senior you are, you are not above the taxes that pay your salaries," he said as police watched.
Protesters have returned to Thailand's streets to call for the ouster of the government of 2014 coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha after a disputed general election last year that activists say was engineered to ensure his hold on power.
Charges against Anon and Panupong include sedition and violating an emergency decree imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The court declined to process a police request to jail the two men on Friday because it was filed too late. They were instead held overnight at a police station.
At a protest on Monday, Anon had called for reforms to the monarchy in an extremely rare public challenge to the powerful institution. He was not charged over that protest.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--Beijing's top HK office says US sanctions are 'ridiculous'

The Hong Kong government said the sanctions were `` shameless and despicable '' and represented `` blatant and barbaric '' interference in China 's internal affairs .
The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Luo Huining , the head of China 's Liaison Office , as well as Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and other current and former officials that Washington accuses of curtailing political freedoms in the global financial hub .
The move accelerates rapidly deteriorating Sino-US ties , more than a month after Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation on Hong Kong that drew condemnation from Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
`` The unscrupulous intentions of the US politicians to support the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong have been revealed , and their clowning actions are really ridiculous , '' the Liaison Office said in a statement .
`` Intimidation and threats can not frighten the Chinese people . ''
As well as Luo and Lam , the sanctions target Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo ; John Lee , Hong Kong 's secretary of security , and Teresa Cheng , the justice secretary .
Xia Baolong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing , was also named .
Police chief Tang told local media on Saturday that maintaining the security of the country and Hong Kong was his responsibility , and foreign sanctions were meaningless .
The sanctions freeze any US assets of the officials , prohibit them from carrying out business in the country and generally bar Americans from doing business with them .
The US Treasury said the `` draconian '' national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong had undermined its autonomy and set `` the groundwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are deemed unfriendly to China . ''
The legislation has steered China further on a collision course with the West , prompting countries including Australia , Canada and Britain to suspend extradition treaties with Hong Kong .
Some Hong Kong people have fled the city to set up home overseas , while immigration consultants have reported a surge in inquiries of people looking to leave .
Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and were suspected of violating the new security .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponed a Sept. 6 election to the Chinese-ruled city 's legislature by a year , citing a spike in coronavirus cases , dealing a significant blow to the pro-democracy camp .
Washington said the election delay was the latest example of Beijing undermining `` the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong 's prosperity . ''
The security legislation targets what Beijing broadly defines as secession , subversion , terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison .
Beijing and the Hong Kong government have said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that it is needed to plug security loopholes .
They said it will only target a small minority of `` troublemakers . ''
Some political analysts say the national security law coming directly from Beijing and bypassing Hong Kong 's legislature signals the start of a more authoritarian rule in the semi-autonomous city and a march toward mainland control .
Critics of the law say it erodes basic rights and freedoms , guaranteed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 , while supporters say it will bring stability after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrest .

The Hong Kong government said the sanctions were "shameless and despicable" and represented "blatant and barbaric" interference in China's internal affairs.
The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Luo Huining, the head of China's Liaison Office, as well as Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and other current and former officials that Washington accuses of curtailing political freedoms in the global financial hub.
The move accelerates rapidly deteriorating Sino-US ties, more than a month after Beijing imposed sweeping national security legislation on Hong Kong that drew condemnation from Western governments and sent a chill across the city.
"The unscrupulous intentions of the US politicians to support the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong have been revealed, and their clowning actions are really ridiculous," the Liaison Office said in a statement.
"Intimidation and threats cannot frighten the Chinese people."
Luo, the most senior mainland political official based in the Chinese-controlled territory, said US sanctions on him indicated he was doing what he "should be doing for my country and Hong Kong", according to the statement.
As well as Luo and Lam, the sanctions target Hong Kong police commissioner Chris Tang and his predecessor Stephen Lo; John Lee, Hong Kong's secretary of security, and Teresa Cheng, the justice secretary. Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office in Beijing, was also named.
Police chief Tang told local media on Saturday that maintaining the security of the country and Hong Kong was his responsibility, and foreign sanctions were meaningless.
The sanctions freeze any US assets of the officials, prohibit them from carrying out business in the country and generally bar Americans from doing business with them.
The US Treasury said the "draconian" national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong had undermined its autonomy and set "the groundwork for censorship of any individuals or outlets that are deemed unfriendly to China."
COLLISION COURSE
Beijing imposed the law directly on Hong Kong just before midnight on June 30, circumventing the city's legislature, and the city's officials were not aware of the details of the law until it was implemented.
The legislation has steered China further on a collision course with the West, prompting countries including Australia, Canada and Britain to suspend extradition treaties with Hong Kong.
Some Hong Kong people have fled the city to set up home overseas, while immigration consultants have reported a surge in inquiries of people looking to leave.
Hong Kong authorities have issued arrest warrants for six pro-democracy activists who fled the city and were suspected of violating the new security.
The US sanctions come a week after Hong Kong postponed a Sept. 6 election to the Chinese-ruled city's legislature by a year, citing a spike in coronavirus cases, dealing a significant blow to the pro-democracy camp.
Washington said the election delay was the latest example of Beijing undermining "the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong's prosperity."
The security legislation targets what Beijing broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.
Beijing and the Hong Kong government have said the law will not affect rights and freedoms, and that it is needed to plug security loopholes. They said it will only target a small minority of "troublemakers."
Some political analysts say the national security law coming directly from Beijing and bypassing Hong Kong's legislature signals the start of a more authoritarian rule in the semi-autonomous city and a march toward mainland control.
Critics of the law say it erodes basic rights and freedoms, guaranteed when Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997, while supporters say it will bring stability after a year of often-violent anti-government and anti-China unrest.
Beijing's top representative office in Hong Kong said on Saturday that sanctions imposed by Washington on senior Hong Kong and Chinese officials were "clowning actions" that would not frighten or intimidate Chinese people.


jerusalempost--2020-08-08--'America's toughest sheriff' narrowly defeated in bid for old job

Arpaio , 88 , who billed himself as `` America 's toughest sheriff , '' trailed his former chief deputy , Jerry Sheridan , by 6,280 votes out of 443,056 ballots cast in Tuesday 's four-way Republican primary , according to the county elections department .
The latest results showed Sheridan with 156,396 votes , compared with 150,116 for Arpaio , leaving the former long-time sheriff of Maricopa County no chance of closing the gap with just 2,385 ballots still to be counted .
In the November general election , Sheridan will face incumbent Democrat Paul Penzone , who ousted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory .
Arpaio , damaged by a series of court judgments that cost local taxpayers more than $ 178 million to date , went on to lose a race two years later to fill the seat of the late Republican U.S .
Senator John McCain .
A federal judge in 2017 found Arpaio guilty of criminal contempt of court , ruling that the sheriff had willfully violated a 2011 injunction barring his officers from stopping and detaining Latino motorists solely on suspicion that they were in the country illegally .
Trump granted Arpaio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , marking the first pardon of his presidency .
Sheridan also was cited for contempt by the same judge , but was not prosecuted .
In his comeback bid this year , Arpaio vowed to renew controversial policing tactics he which includes Phoenix .
Those policies included housing county jail inmates in tents and regular immigration enforcement sweeps that landed Arpaio in hot water with the federal courts .
Political strategists were watching the Arpaio race for signs of how receptive his get-tough messaging on immigration and law and order - echoing Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a crucial swing state for the Nov. 3 national elections .

Arpaio, 88, who billed himself as "America's toughest sheriff," trailed his former chief deputy, Jerry Sheridan, by 6,280 votes out of 443,056 ballots cast in Tuesday's four-way Republican primary, according to the county elections department.
The latest results showed Sheridan with 156,396 votes, compared with 150,116 for Arpaio, leaving the former long-time sheriff of Maricopa County no chance of closing the gap with just 2,385 ballots still to be counted.
In the November general election, Sheridan will face incumbent Democrat Paul Penzone, who ousted Arpaio from office in a 2016 landslide victory.
Arpaio, damaged by a series of court judgments that cost local taxpayers more than $178 million to date, went on to lose a race two years later to fill the seat of the late Republican U.S. Senator John McCain.
A federal judge in 2017 found Arpaio guilty of criminal contempt of court, ruling that the sheriff had willfully violated a 2011 injunction barring his officers from stopping and detaining Latino motorists solely on suspicion that they were in the country illegally.
Trump granted Arpaio clemency before he was to be sentenced, marking the first pardon of his presidency. Sheridan also was cited for contempt by the same judge, but was not prosecuted.
In his comeback bid this year, Arpaio vowed to renew controversial policing tactics he which includes Phoenix. Those policies included housing county jail inmates in tents and regular immigration enforcement sweeps that landed Arpaio in hot water with the federal courts.
Political strategists were watching the Arpaio race for signs of how receptive his get-tough messaging on immigration and law and order - echoing Trump’s - would be to voters in a crucial swing state for the Nov. 3 national elections.
Trump carried Arizona by 5 percentage points in 2016.
PHOENIX - Former lawman Joe Arpaio, the nationally known Arizona sheriff who found common cause with President Donald Trump on a hard-line stance against illegal immigration, narrowly lost his bid to regain his old job, vote tallies showed on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Macron says Israel is willing to help Lebanon after Beirut explosion

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Israel has signalled that it is willing to help Lebanon following the massive explosion in the Beirut Port last week.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Vote on anti-Netanyahu bill set for Wednesday

The Knesset will vote on Wednesday on a bill that would prevent a prime minister indicted for serious crimes from forming a government.Blue and White leader Benny Gantz said on Saturday that he would not rule out supporting the bill, which would apply to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach and trust."We are submitting the bill that would prevent an indicted person from running for prime minister, because the current situation can not continue," opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid - Telem) said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Ahmad Tibi enters quarantine after contact with coronavirus patient

MK Ahmed Tibi (Joint List) announced that he is entering quarantine after having come in to contact with a verified coronavirus patient.Tibi made the announcement to Knesset Security Officer Yosef Griff on Sunday, and is set to leave isolation on August 15.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--5.1 magnitude earthquake strikes western Iran – report

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck the province of Kermanshah in western Iran on Sunday, Iranian state TV reported.It gave no immediate information on possible casualties or damage from the quake, which it said jolted the Gilan-e Gharb county in the province.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Shots fired along Gaza border fence - initial reports

IDF troops fired smoke shells into the Gaza Strip to evacuate civilian workers after shots were fired toward Israeli workers along the border fence.“There were reports of gunfire at works on the perimeter fence in the southern Gaza Strip. Work on the fence was stopped and smoke shells were fired,” the IDF said Sunday.The shells were fired in the area of Kissufim to evacuate the contract workers. A force was then scrambled to the spot where the incident occurred. There were no injuries or casualties to troops or the civilian contract workers.Palestinian media reported that the IDF fired shells toward Hamas observation posts in the vicinity of Deir el-Balah but the IDF did not confirm the reports.The Eshkol Regional Council said that all work, including agricultural labor near the fence, had been suspended, and all routes leading to the fence were being blocked by the military. There was otherwise no change in guidelines to residents, it said.The shots came after days of explosive balloons being launched into the South from Gaza.The IDF launched on Thursday retaliatory strikes against targets in northern Gaza in response to the balloons, which ignited several fires in Israel. Police were also called to detonate explosive devices attached to balloon clusters , including in Arad, about 80 km. away.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 555 to 215,891 - RKI

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 555 to 215,891, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Sunday.The reported death toll rose by one to 9,196, the tally showed.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--US to cut troops in Afghanistan to under 5,000 by end of November

The United States plans to cut its troop levels in Afghanistan to "a number less than 5,000" by the end of November, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in an interview broadcast on Saturday, adding detail to drawdown plans US President Donald Trump announced earlier this week.The United States currently has about 8,600 troops in Afghanistan. Trump said in an interview released Monday by Axios that the United States planned to lower that number to about 4,000.Esper announced the lower troop levels in a Fox News interview.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Haaretz photographer released after colleagues block police in protest

Photojournalists blocked a police bus carrying those arrested at protests in Jerusalem on Saturday night after Haaretz photographer Ohad Zwigenberg was arrested during the protests, Channel 12 news reported.Zwigenberg was released after the Israel Police spokesperson intervened.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Donors pledge 253 mln euros in emergency aid for Lebanon after blast

FORT BREGANCON , France , Aug 9 - An emergency donor conference on Sunday for blast-stricken Lebanon raised pledges worth @ @ @ @ @ $ 298 million ) for immediate humanitarian relief , the French presidency said .
Those @ @ @ @ @ on political or institutional reform , President Emmanuel Macron 's office said .
There were @ @ @ @ @ support that would depend on changes brought in by the authorities , the Elysee Palace @ @ @ @ @ not to fail the Lebanese people as the capital , Beirut , recovers from the @ @ @ @ @ people and destroyed swathes of the city last Tuesday .
Lebanon was already mired in @ @ @ @ @ the blast .
But foreign countries demanded transparency over how the aid is used , @ @ @ @ @ to a government viewed by its own people as deeply corrupt .
Some are concerned @ @ @ @ @ through the Shi'ite group Hezbollah .

FORT BREGANCON, France, Aug 9 - An emergency donor conference on Sunday for blast-stricken Lebanon raised pledges worth nearly 253 million euros ($298 million) for immediate humanitarian relief, the French presidency said.
Those commitments would not be conditional on political or institutional reform, President Emmanuel Macron's office said. There were also pledges made for longer-term support that would depend on changes brought in by the authorities, the Elysee Palace said.
World powers promised not to fail the Lebanese people as the capital, Beirut, recovers from the massive explosion that killed 158 people and destroyed swathes of the city last Tuesday. Lebanon was already mired in political and financial crisis before the blast.
But foreign countries demanded transparency over how the aid is used, wary of writing blank checks to a government viewed by its own people as deeply corrupt. Some are concerned about the influence of Iran through the Shi'ite group Hezbollah.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--HK media tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under national security law -top aide

HONG KONG , Aug 10 - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested for suspected collusion with foreign @ @ @ @ @ law Beijing imposed on the global financial hub in June , his top aide said @ @ @

HONG KONG, Aug 10 - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested for suspected collusion with foreign forces under the national security law Beijing imposed on the global financial hub in June, his top aide said on Twitter.
"Jimmy Lai is being arrested for collusion with foreign powers at this time," Mark Simon, a senior executive at Lai's media company Next Digital, which publishes local tabloid Apple Daily, said early on Monday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Australia's second-most populous state reports 322 new COVID-19 cases

SYDNEY , Aug 10 - Australia 's second-most populous state has recorded 322 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 @ @ @ @ @ health department said on Monday .

SYDNEY, Aug 10 - Australia's second-most populous state has recorded 322 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the state's health department said on Monday.
Victoria state said there were 19 fatalities from the virus in the last day.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Beirut governor says many bodies still unidentified are foreign workers

BEIRUT , Aug 10 - Many foreign workers and truck drivers are missing and assumed to be among the casualties @ @ @ @ @ blast , complicating efforts to identity the victims , the city 's governor said on @ @ @ @ @ a lot missing whom we can not identify .
They are truck drivers and foreign @ @ @ @ @ told the Al Jadeed television channel .
`` No one is identifying them -- this @ @ @ @ @ takes time . ''

BEIRUT, Aug 10 - Many foreign workers and truck drivers are missing and assumed to be among the casualties of the Beirut port warehouse blast, complicating efforts to identity the victims, the city's governor said on Sunday.
"There are a lot missing whom we cannot identify. They are truck drivers and foreign workers," Marwan Abboud told the Al Jadeed television channel. "No one is identifying them -- this is a difficult task that takes time."
Syria's government has said that around 45 of the more than 158 people confirmed killed in the blast were Syrian nationals. Syrians comprise the biggest foreign labor force in Lebanon, working in construction, agriculture and transport.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Belarus protesters build barricades as they clash with police after vote

MINSK , Aug 9 - Protesters in Minsk began erecting barricades to shield themselves from law enforcement amid clashes after @ @ @ @ @ President Alexander Lukashenko on the path to claim his sixth consecutive term , RIA news @ @ @ @ @ the capital Minsk also tried to dispel protesters using water cannons , RIA reported .
@ @ @ @ @ and Baranovichi , however , riot police lowered their shields and refused to clash with @ @ @ @ @ eyewitnesses .

MINSK, Aug 9 - Protesters in Minsk began erecting barricades to shield themselves from law enforcement amid clashes after an election that put Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the path to claim his sixth consecutive term, RIA news agency reported.
Police in the capital Minsk also tried to dispel protesters using water cannons, RIA reported.
In the cities of Zhodzina and Baranovichi, however, riot police lowered their shields and refused to clash with the protesters, according to eyewitnesses.
Supporters of the opposition have decried state-approved exit polls that showed Lukashenko winning nearly 80% of the vote.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--IDF carries out a strike against Hamas in northern Gaza-report

IDF jets carried out a strike on Sunday night against Hamas outpost in northern Gaza Strip, according to IDF Spokesperson Unit.The strike comes in response to incendiary balloons that were launched earlier on Sunday from Gaza.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Ambulances rush to Minsk protests after Belarus presidential vote

MOSCOW, Aug 9 - Several ambulances were seen rushing to the scene of protests that erupted in central Minsk after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was set to claim another election win on Sunday, the Interfax news agency reported.The Minsk police told Interfax that it was not aware of any protesters being injured.Belarusian police fired stun grenades and began detentions across the country after supporters of the opposition decried state-approved exit polls that showed Lukashenko winning nearly 80% of the vote.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Incendiary balloon explodes near Gaza border

A balloon carrying an incendiary device exploded over the border of the Gaza Strip Sunday, which was heard in the area.The explosion of the incendiary balloon comes amid increased tension between Israel and Gaza.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Lebanese environment minister resigns from government

Lebanon 's environment minister resigned from Prime Minister Hassan Diab 's government on Sunday , saying the government had lost @ @ @ @ @ reform , a statement said .
Damianos Kattar 's departure follows the resignation of Information @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday in the wake of the explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday

Lebanon's environment minister resigned from Prime Minister Hassan Diab's government on Sunday, saying the government had lost a number of opportunities to reform, a statement said.
Damianos Kattar's departure follows the resignation of Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad earlier on Sunday in the wake of the explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Israel Medical Association declares labor dispute

The Israel Medical Association announced Sunday that a labor dispute has occurred with the government, which will impact the entire public health system in Israel.The reported cause of the dispute was due to a lack of available positions, partial payments to doctors and the recent Finance Ministry decision to only partially fund new positions in the health sector.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Gamzu: Fourth grade and higher may begin school year after holidays

Israelis once again have a new set of directives, which were rolled out by the coronavirus cabinet on Sunday and will go into effect on August 11, unless the Knesset intervenes.The new rules are meant to help stop the ever-increasing spread of the novel virus, which is trending to hit an all-time high for serious patients and deaths this month.Among the directives are limits on gatherings in public spaces and a requirement to keep a distance of at least two meters from each other in public settings. Moreover, the cabinet determined that, like during the first wave, only two unrelated people may travel together in a private car and that Health Ministry doctors may close down a business for the period necessary if a person who works there has been diagnosed with coronavirus.Specifically, only 10 people may gather inside and 20 outside, including prayer services. Also, bars, pubs, discos and event halls are forbidden from operating.On a positive move, cultural performances can restart immediately in accordance with Health Ministry guidelines – in outdoor spaces and with people divided into capsules of 20 people throughout larger complexes. Each performance complex will be individually approved by the Health Ministry.However, coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu told KAN News on Sunday night that he is considering pushing off the September 1 start date for school for children in grades four and up. According to the interview, Gamzu consulted with his various professional forums until midnight Saturday night and will continue to consult in the coming days as well.At the same time, KAN reported that the possibility of ordering younger children to wear masks is also being considered.The main objective is to keep the virus from spreading, as Gamzu said last week, since the country is at a pivotal moment. If the rate of infection does not decrease in the next two weeks, Israel may face a total closure.Over the weekend, nearly 9% of those who were screened for coronavirus tested positive.As of Sunday evening, there were 24,554 people with active cases of coronavirus – 763 new cases on Saturday and 254 between midnight and press time on Sunday. On Shabbat, only 8,587 people were screened.The number of serious patients was 393, including 118 who were intubated. Some 600 Israelis have died since the start of the pandemic.The Health Ministry also said on Sunday that it had committed some NIS 4 billion for the next year and a half to ensure the country is able to screen an average of 60,000 people per day for the novel coronavirus.The money will be invested in several new contracts, including an expanded contract with the MyHeritage lab, which will enable it to increase from 10,000 daily tests to 20,000. MyHeritage and the ministry are expected to sign their new contract on Sunday.Moreover, a Health Ministry tender is out to sign contracts with two private labs. And, there are plans to increase capacity at the health funds to be able to complete up to 30,000 tests per day.When Health Minister Yuli Edelstein took office, only about 3,000 people were being screened for the virus daily. His goal was to increase testing first to around 30,000 and then to 60,000 by winter.Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited MyHeritage on Sunday. His ministry was instrumental in securing the deal.“This is not a commercial agreement, but a partnership in the national effort,” Gantz said. “We in the defense establishment are fully involved in the fight against coronavirus. In our procurement efforts, in our work efforts on the ground, and also through the IDF.“This week we will start the activities of the Coronavirus Headquarters in the Home Front Command and we are of course deployed everywhere in the country, with an emphasis on red and orange cities and assisting in the Magen Avot v’Imahot senior facilities program,” Gantz concluded.In addition to the IDF testing headquarters, two other programs launched Sunday: a program focused on haredi (ultra-Orthodox) red zones and a similar one for Arab communities.Gamzu met on Friday with representatives from Jerusalem, Ashdod, Elad, Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit, Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit, as well as top representatives of the Home Front Command, to discuss the establishment of the headquarters. The goal, he said, was to “prevent a closure by working together.”The common goal, he stressed, is to lower infection. As such, although his “traffic light” program was approved by the government and he plans to start it in full on September 1, he said some immediate actions should be taken.As part of the new program, a 24/7 headquarters will operate with representatives of the Israel Police, health funds and Home Front Command. In each city, the headquarters will be run by a director that reports to the mayor.The headquarters is charged with monitoring testing, conducting epidemiological investigations and deciding with the police if there is a need for closures.The authorities will also work to prevent gatherings and contact between sick people and their families, plus help to increase mask wearing. Coronavirus patients will be encouraged to isolate in a state-run coronavirus hotel; families who need support during a family member’s isolation will receive it through the headquarters.The one responsible for ensuring the success of the program is Maj.-Gen. Roni Numa, who was one of those originally tapped for Gamzu’s job. He currently runs the Central Command of the IDF.To manage the Arab red zones, Gamzu on Sunday appointed Arab economic development specialist Aiman Saif, who worked to manage the crisis among his constituents during the first wave through the Interior Ministry. He also served in a number of senior government positions, most recently as director of the Minority Economic Development Authority in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Social Equality Ministry.Gamzu held a meeting with Arab leaders on Sunday similar to the one held Friday with haredi leaders, including representatives from the Arab communities of Taybeh, Kafr Kassem, Kalansuwa, Yafa an-Naseriyye, Ein Mahil, Arara, east Jerusalem, Yarka, Kafr Manda and Zemer.A 24/7 headquarters will operate in these cities too, with similar activities and goals to the ones in the haredi towns.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Six French tourists killed by gunmen in Niger

French President Emmanuel Macron 's office confirmed on Sunday that French nationals had been killed in Niger , West Africa.It @ @ @ @ @ phone with Niger 's President Mahamadou Issoufou , but provided no further details .

Gunmen on motorcycles killed six French tourists and their Nigerien guide and driver in a wildlife park in Niger on Sunday, a senior official and a security source said. The group was attacked in a giraffe reserve in the West African country's Kouré area, the governor of Tillaberi region, Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, told Reuters. "They were intercepted and killed," he said, confirming that six French people and two Nigeriens died. A Niger security source said the Nigeriens were a guide and a driver. The French foreign ministry said it was looking into the reports. There was no immediate comment from the government in Niger. The French government warns people against traveling to large parts of Niger where militant groups including Boko Haram and an affiliate of Islamic State operate. The Koure Giraffe Reserve, around 65 km (40 miles) southeast of the capital Niamey, is a popular attraction in Niger, a huge country that borders seven states in an unstable region including Libya, Mali, Chad, Algeria and Nigeria. Militants linked to Islamic State killed four U.S. soldiers in an ambush in Niger in Oct. 2017, an attack that increased scrutiny of U.S. counter-terrorism operations there. France, a former colonial power in the region, also launched a coalition of West African and European allies in June to fight Islamist militants in the Sahel region that includes Niger. It has deployed thousands of troops in the arid region south of the Sahara desert since 2013. But militant violence has been on the rise. French President Emmanuel Macron's office confirmed on Sunday that French nationals had been killed in Niger, West Africa.
It said Macron spoke on the phone with Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou, but provided no further details.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Gideon Sa'ar calls to approve 2020 budget, start working on another

“ If we have elections , we will not have a budget for 2020 or 2021 and lose our credit @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is not something which is pre-ordained , it can be prevented .
@

“If we have elections, we will not have a budget for 2020 or 2021 and lose our credit rating,” he said. “This is not something which is pre-ordained, it can be prevented.”
Likud MK Gideon Sa'ar called on his party and Blue and White to pass a budget for 2020 and, once that is done, begin working on a budget for the next year to avoid leading the nation to elections, Channel 13 reported on Sunday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Coronavirus: Israeli death toll hits 600

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jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Britain's COVID-19 daily infections rise to highest level since June

Britain reported 1,062 new positive tests for coronavirus on Sunday , the highest daily rise in new COVID-19 infections since @ @ @ @ @ time of new local lockdowns in some areas and worries over a second wave of @ @ @ @ @ 1,062 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday , going over the 1,000 new daily @ @ @ @ @ time since June , and 304 higher than the 758 new cases reported on Saturday @

Britain reported 1,062 new positive tests for coronavirus on Sunday, the highest daily rise in new COVID-19 infections since late June, at a time of new local lockdowns in some areas and worries over a second wave of infections.
Official data showed 1,062 people tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, going over the 1,000 new daily cases mark for the first time since June, and 304 higher than the 758 new cases reported on Saturday.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--East Jerusalem resident stabbed during altercation on road

A resident of East Jerusalem was stabbed Sunday during an altercation in the Palestinian neighborhood of Shuafat.A 34-year-old man, also a resident of the city, is suspected of stabbing the man, later fleeing the scene. He was arrested by police afterwards. MDA paramedics evacuated the stabbing victim to Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Likud MK Nir Barkat to enter isolation

Likud MK Nir Barkat to enter isolation

Likud MK and former Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat will be entering isolation after coming into contact with a person later confirmed to have coronavirus, according to a Walla! report on Sunday."I am glad I feel good and wish all Israeli citizens only health," Barkat said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Lebanese army says hope of finding more survivors of Beirut blast fading

The Lebanese army said on Sunday that hope was fading of finding more survivors from Tuesday 's catastrophic explosion at @ @ @ @ @ Al Jadeed TV channel reported .
The health ministry on Saturday said 21 people were @ @ @ @ @ , which destroyed parts of Beirut , killing at least 158 people and injuring about @ @

The Lebanese army said on Sunday that hope was fading of finding more survivors from Tuesday's catastrophic explosion at the port of Beirut, Al Jadeed TV channel reported.
The health ministry on Saturday said 21 people were still missing following the explosion, which destroyed parts of Beirut, killing at least 158 people and injuring about 6,000.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Fire kills at least 10 in Indian coronavirus center

Emergency crews rescued up to 20 patients and medical staff from the center housed in a hotel and took them @ @ @ @ @ B Srinivasulu told journalists at the scene.Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a @ @ @ @ @ , police and fire officials said.Television footage showed rescuers wearing face masks and full body @ @ @ @ @ the blackened building on trolleys.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter he felt `` anguished @ @ @ @ @ situation with the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh , Jagan Mohan Reddy.Reddy said the state @ @ @ @ @ victim 's families 5 million rupees ( $ 66,656.00 ) .
`` Several people who @ @ @ @ @ been rescued and moved to a government hospital , '' said Lakshmi , a constable @ @ @ @ @ week , eight COVID-19 patients died in a fire that broke out in the intensive @ @ @ @ @ hospital in India 's western city of Ahmedabad .

At least 10 people died when a huge fire broke out at a COVID-19 treatment and quarantine center in the southeastern Indian city of Vijaywada early on Sunday, officials said.
Emergency crews rescued up to 20 patients and medical staff from the center housed in a hotel and took them to hospital, police commissioner B Srinivasulu told journalists at the scene.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit in the center, police and fire officials said.Television footage showed rescuers wearing face masks and full body suits taking survivors out of the blackened building on trolleys.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter he felt "anguished" and had discussed the situation with the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan Reddy.Reddy said the state would pay each of the victim's families 5 million rupees ($66,656.00)."Several people who were trapped and injured have been rescued and moved to a government hospital," said Lakshmi, a constable at the police control room.Last week, eight COVID-19 patients died in a fire that broke out in the intensive care ward of a private hospital in India's western city of Ahmedabad.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Pope Francis calls Lebanon to build "free and strong" coexistence

The pope spoke at his weekly address in St. Peter 's Square as some Lebanese called for a sustained uprising to topple their leaders and the country 's top Christian Maronite cleric , whose Church is a Catholic Eastern rite , said the cabinet should resign .
`` Last Tuesday ’ s catastrophe calls everyone , beginning with the Lebanese people , to work together for the common good of this beloved country , '' Francis said .
He said the coexistence of cultures in the county had been made much more fragile by the blast .
`` But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s help and everyone ’ s genuine participation , it may be reborn free and strong . ''
Lebanon ’ s fractured politics is vulnerable to foreign interference that has long fueled domestic crises .
The powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group , a close ally of Syria , has fought several wars with Israel and is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and its Gulf allies .
The pope has sent a donation of 250,000 euros to the Church in Lebanon to help victims of the explosion that killed 158 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the city and compounding months of political and economic meltdown .

The pope spoke at his weekly address in St. Peter's Square as some Lebanese called for a sustained uprising to topple their leaders and the country's top Christian Maronite cleric, whose Church is a Catholic Eastern rite, said the cabinet should resign.
"Last Tuesday’s catastrophe calls everyone, beginning with the Lebanese people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country," Francis said.
He said the coexistence of cultures in the county had been made much more fragile by the blast.
"But I am praying that, with God’s help and everyone’s genuine participation, it may be reborn free and strong."
Lebanon’s fractured politics is vulnerable to foreign interference that has long fueled domestic crises. The powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group, a close ally of Syria, has fought several wars with Israel and is designated as a terrorist group by the United States and its Gulf allies.
The pope has sent a donation of 250,000 euros to the Church in Lebanon to help victims of the explosion that killed 158 people and injured more than 6,000, destroying parts of the city and compounding months of political and economic meltdown.
Pope Francis urged the people of Lebanon on Sunday to work together in the wake of the devastating port blast to give birth to a new "free and strong" coexistence.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Incendiary balloons suspected of causing two fires near Gaza border

Two fires that broke out in the area of Kibbutz Be'eri in the Eshkol Regional Council was suspected of being caused by incendiary balloons originating from the Gaza Strip, according to a Ynet report on Sunday.Firefighters in the area are currently working on putting out the two blazes.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Court extends detention of five suspects involved in Rishon Lezion murder

The Rishon Lezion Magistrate Court announced Sunday that they are extending the detention of five suspects allegedly involved in the murder of a 23-year-old man in the city of Rishon Lezion, according a Ynet report.Police are still investigating which of the suspects was the one who held the knife and stabbed the young man.


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--Coronavirus cabinet updates guidelines on restrictions


jerusalempost--2020-08-09--UN extension of Iran arms embargo asked by Golf States

The secretariat of the GCC , made up of Bahrain , Kuwait , Oman , Qatar , the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia , said in a statement on Sunday that Iran 's continued interference in neighboring countries made an extension necessary .
The arms embargo on Iran is currently set to end on Oct. 18 under Tehran 's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers , which Washington quit in 2018 .
The request , in a letter to the United Nations , is a show of unity from the GCC .
In mid-2017 , Saudi Arabia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trade and transport ties with Qatar over accusations it had been supporting terrorism and cosying up to Iran .
Qatar denies the accusations .
If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo , it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal .
The US-drafted resolution needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and China to use their vetoes , which Moscow and Beijing have signaled they will do .
Some diplomats question whether Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is inappropriate to lift restrictions on the supply of weapons from and to Iran until Iran gives up its destabilizing activities in the region and stops supplying terrorist and sectarian organizations with weapons , '' a statement from GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said.If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo , it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal.The US-drafted resolution needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and Beijing have signaled they will do .
Some diplomats question whether Washington can even secure those nine , however .

The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has asked the United Nations to extend an international arms embargo on Iran, a move pushed strongly by the United States.
The secretariat of the GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, said in a statement on Sunday that Iran's continued interference in neighboring countries made an extension necessary.
The arms embargo on Iran is currently set to end on Oct. 18 under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which Washington quit in 2018.
The request, in a letter to the United Nations, is a show of unity from the GCC. In mid-2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed political, trade and transport ties with Qatar over accusations it had been supporting terrorism and cosying up to Iran. Qatar denies the accusations.
"It is inappropriate to lift restrictions on the supply of weapons from and to Iran until Iran gives up its destabilizing activities in the region and stops supplying terrorist and sectarian organizations with weapons," a statement from GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak al-Hajraf said.
If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo, it has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal.The US-drafted resolution needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and China to use their vetoes, which Moscow and Beijing have signaled they will do. Some diplomats question whether Washington can even secure those nine, however.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Lebanon's finance minister ready to resign

Lebanon 's Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni , a key negotiator with the IMF over a rescue plan to help Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ has prepared his resignation letter and brought it with him to a cabinet meeting , @ @ @ @ @ and local media said .
Earlier local broadcasters MTV and Al Jadeed had said that @ @ @ @ @ Jadeed then said the minister had arrived for a cabinet meeting with this resignation letter @ @ @

Lebanon's Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni, a key negotiator with the IMF over a rescue plan to help Lebanon exit a financial crisis, has prepared his resignation letter and brought it with him to a cabinet meeting, a source close to him and local media said.
Earlier local broadcasters MTV and Al Jadeed had said that Wazni had resigned. Al Jadeed then said the minister had arrived for a cabinet meeting with this resignation letter in hand.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Vietnam reports 6 more coronavirus infections, 2 new deaths

Most of the new cases , including an 8-year-old boy , are linked to the central city of Danang , @ @ @ @ @ late last month .

Vietnam's health ministry reported six more coronavirus infections and two additional deaths on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the Southeast Asian country to 847, with 13 fatalities.
Most of the new cases, including an 8-year-old boy, are linked to the central city of Danang, where the new outbreak began late last month.
The ministry said more than 182,000 people are being quarantined in the country, including 5,139 at hospitals, 28,408 at centralized quarantine centers and the rest at home.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--German COVID-19 vaccine developer looks to raise up to $213 mln in US IPO

German biotech CureVac B.V., which is in early stages of testing its coronavirus vaccine, said on Monday it expects to raise up to $213 million in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO).CureVac said it expects its offering of 13.33 million shares to be priced between $14.00 and $16.00 per share.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Explosions heard near Sderot, suspicion on incendiary balloons

Three explosions were heard near the southern city of Sderot on Monday afternoon, residents of the area reported.The main cause of the explosions is suspected to be incendiary balloons sent over from Gaza, due to several fires that sprung up in the area.The Gaza border has seen an increase of activity over the past few days, when incendiary balloons were fired over on Sunday and the IDF fire smoke shells into Gaza after construction workers near the fence were targeted by gunfire.No injuries were reported.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Fire in Gaza border community, one suspected cause is incendiary balloon

A fire broke out in the town of Erez near the Gaza border, with one of the suspected causes being that it was started by an incendiary balloon.In another town, near the Gaza border, a police sapper cleared out a suspicious object which landed in nearby fields.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Finance Ministry agrees to reimburse doctors in cases of quarantine

Less than one day after 28,000 doctor-members of the Israel Medical Association threatened to strike over a labor dispute , a solution to the crisis appears to be emerging .
The association and the Finance Ministry agreed Monday that doctors who contract coronavirus on the job or are forced into isolation from coming into contact with a sick patient , will continue to receive pay while they are in isolation .
Moreover , they will not be forced to use their sick days during that time .
“ The doctors and medical staff are at the forefront of the war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel Katz in a statement .
“ It is our duty to take care of them and provide them with the conditions necessary to carry out their mission and enable them to do life-saving work.
” Health Minister Yuli Edelstein addressed the dispute during his talk at the Coronavirus Crisis Local Leadership Conference on Monday , calling the doctors ’ demands “ justified.
” He said , “ I would like to remind everyone that the people who are leading the struggle against the coronavirus are the doctors , nurses and medical staff.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nurses went on strike until the Health and Finance ministries agreed to provide the health system with the manpower it was requesting - some 2,000 new nurses , 400 doctors and 700 administrative assistants and support staff .

Less than a day after 28,000 Israel Medical Association doctors threatened to strike over a labor dispute, a solution to the crisis appears to be emerging.Sources close to the association said it is likely the threat to strike will be rescinded.The association and the Finance Ministry agreed Monday that doctors who contract coronavirus on the job or are forced into isolation from coming into contact with a sick patient, will continue to receive pay while they are in isolation. Moreover, they will not be forced to use their sick days during that time.“The doctors and medical staff are at the forefront of the war against coronavirus,” said Finance Minister Israel Katz in a statement. “It is our duty to take care of them and provide them with the conditions necessary to carry out their mission and enable them to do life-saving work.”Health Minister Yuli Edelstein addressed the dispute during his talk at the Coronavirus Crisis Local Leadership Conference on Monday, calling the doctors’ demands “justified.”He said, “I would like to remind everyone that the people who are leading the struggle against the coronavirus are the doctors, nurses and medical staff.”Later, Edelstein held a discussion with Katz and the union and made clear that no doctors will be eliminated at this time.On Sunday night, the doctors announced a labor dispute due to lack of standards and the unusual workload in hospitals and public clinics in Israel. They said that if no solution was found within two weeks they could strike.The association also pushed back against a decision by the Finance Ministry to require hospitals to pay part of the funds for additional medical personnel that is needed during the coronavirus crisis.Association chairman Prof. Zion Hagay even accused finance officials of “engaging in a war of control, ego and tricks.”Recall, already last month, the country’s nurses went on strike until the Health and Finance ministries agreed to provide the health system with the personnel it was requesting – some 2,000 new nurses, 400 doctors and 700 administrative assistants and support staff. Many of those employees are already being recruited and funded.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Police in Belarus detained 3,000 people at protests after election

Police in Belarus detained around 3,000 people at protests that erupted on Sunday following the presidential election, Russia's RIA news agency cited the Belarusian Interior Ministry as saying on Monday.President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide re-election victory, the central election commission said earlier, after bloody clashes between riot police and thousands of protesters who said the poll was rigged.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Hong Kong reports 69 new coronavirus cases as local transmissions stay high

Since late January , over 4,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong , 55 of whom have died .
@ @ @ @ @ reported 72 new cases .

Hong Kong reported 69 new coronavirus cases on Monday, of which 67 were locally transmitted, as authorities battled to contain a resurgence of the virus over the last six weeks.
Since late January, over 4,000 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 55 of whom have died. On Sunday, Hong Kong reported 72 new cases.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Coronavirus in Israel: 884 new patients in the last day

“ Today we are taking the fight against coronavirus one step further , ” said Haim Bibas , chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities .
Bibas was speaking at the Coronavirus Crisis Local Leadership Conference , which was attended by the prime minister , health minister , coronavirus commissioner and several other top officials .
“ Differentiated management is the key to success .
There are no rules in one municipality that are identical to another.
” The conference was held jointly by the Federation of Local Authorities and the National Security Council and was meant to review the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the virus .
“ I think the ‘ traffic light ’ model is correct , ” said coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu , who recently gained approval for a framework that would put mayors in charge of working with the Home Front Command and Health Ministry to keep infection rates down in their areas .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said , “ I am constantly dealing – apart from security – with two major tasks : maintaining health and life , and opening up the economy , providing incentives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving .
“ The government needs to be stabilized to operate efficiently , ” he continued .
“ When MK [ Tzvi ] Hauser contacted me and said , ‘ Give another opportunity to try to stabilize the political system so we will have a government that can continue to take action in the fight against coronavirus ’ – I said I was willing .
We need to make every effort to avoid elections , stabilize the government and fight the coronavirus from a health standpoint , and fight to open up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
I also hope that we are doing this successfully.
” Netanyahu charged the municipalities with “ the most important thing you can do , ” which was enforcing the Health Ministry directives of wearing masks , social distancing and avoiding gatherings .
“ A solution to the coronavirus will be found when a vaccine is found , ” the prime minister continued .
“ We are working on it… The second solution , until the vaccine is found , is to establish the ability to cut off the chains of infection.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the number of new daily diagnoses down to around 500 .
“ We know what our residents need , where they hang out , ” added Bibas .
“ The [ traffic light ] model will increase the motivation of mayors as well as residents .
”

On Monday, the Health Ministry reported that there were 884 people diagnosed with coronavirus in the last day – 7.2% of those tested, plus another 1,085 between midnight and press time on Monday. Among the total number of sick people are 388 in serious condition, including 112 who are intubated. Ten people died between midnight and press time, bringing the country’s death toll to 612.“I think the ‘traffic light’ model is correct,” said coronavirus commissioner Prof. Ronni Gamzu, who recently gained approval for a framework that would put mayors in charge of working with the Home Front Command and Health Ministry to keep infection rates down in their areas.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I am constantly dealing – apart from security – with two major tasks: maintaining health and life, and opening up the economy: providing incentives for the economy and getting the economy moving.“The government needs to be stabilized to operate efficiently,” he continued. “When MK [Tzvi] Hauser contacted me and said, ‘Give another opportunity to try to stabilize the political system so we will have a government that can continue to take action in the fight against coronavirus’ – I said I was willing.“We need to make every effort to avoid elections, stabilize the government and fight the coronavirus from a health standpoint, and fight to open up the economy. This is what we are doing. I also hope that we are doing this successfully.”Netanyahu charged the municipalities with “the most important thing you can do,” which was enforcing the Health Ministry’s directives of wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding gatherings.“A solution to the coronavirus will be found when a vaccine is found – we are working on it,” the prime minister said. “The second solution, until the vaccine is found, is to establish the ability to cut off the chains of infection.”He said the goal was to cut the number of new daily diagnoses down to around 500.“We know what our residents need, where they hang out,” added Bibas. “The [traffic light] model will increase the motivation of mayors as well as residents.”


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Indonesia reports 1,687 new coronavirus cases, 42 more deaths

Indonesia reported 1,687 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing its total to 127,083, data from government's COVID-19 task force showed.The Southeast Asian country also added 42 new deaths, taking that total to 5,765, data showed.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Ministers Litzman and Cohen join coronavirus cabinet following vote

The government approved in a telephone vote makes changes to the coronavirus cabinet.Construction and Housing Minister Ya'acov Litzman, and Social Equality and Minority Affairs Minister Meirav Cohen are now permanent members.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Iran says Gulf call for Tehran arms embargo extension is 'unrealistic'

The GCC , made up of Bahrain , Kuwait , Oman , Qatar , the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia , said on Sunday that Iran 's continued interference in neighbouring countries made an extension necessary .
The arms embargo is currently set to end on Oct. 18 as part of Tehran 's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers , which the United States quit in 2018 .
`` The GCC is currently at the apex of its incompetence and its unrealistic policies have rendered it ineffective , '' Iran 's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swayed by the wrong and destructive policies and behavior of certain member states , has turned into a mouthpiece for anti-Iran elements inside and outside the region . ''
U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council will vote this week on a U.S. bid to extend the arms embargo on Iran , despite warnings by some diplomats that the measure lacks support .
If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo , it has threatened to trigger a return of all U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2015 deal .
In May , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani threatened a `` crushing response '' if the embargo on Iranian trade of conventional arms was extended .
Iran has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the 2018 U.S. withdrawal and Washington ’ s reimposition of sanctions .

Iran has rejected as "unrealistic" a call by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the United Nations to extend an international arms embargo on Tehran that ends in October, state TV reported on Monday.
The GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, said on Sunday that Iran's continued interference in neighbouring countries made an extension necessary.
The arms embargo is currently set to end on Oct. 18 as part of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which the United States quit in 2018.
"The GCC is currently at the apex of its incompetence and its unrealistic policies have rendered it ineffective," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised news conference.
"The council, swayed by the wrong and destructive policies and behavior of certain member states, has turned into a mouthpiece for anti-Iran elements inside and outside the region."
U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council will vote this week on a U.S. bid to extend the arms embargo on Iran, despite warnings by some diplomats that the measure lacks support.
If the United States is unsuccessful in extending the embargo, it has threatened to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal.
In May, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani threatened a "crushing response" if the embargo on Iranian trade of conventional arms was extended.
Iran has breached parts of the nuclear deal in response to the 2018 U.S. withdrawal and Washington’s reimposition of sanctions.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Russia reports more than 5,100 new coronavirus cases

Russian authorities confirmed 5,118 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, pushing the national case tally to 892,654, the fourth largest in the world.The official death toll rose to 15,001 after authorities said in their daily coronavirus report that 70 people had died in the last 24 hours.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Belarusian president Lukashenko re-elected by landslide - initial results

Figures released by the election commission on Monday gave Lukashenko 80 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanouskaya , a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity a few weeks ago to become Lukashenko 's main rival , won 9.9 % of the vote , the data showed .
At least one person was killed after being knocked over by a police van and dozens were injured in the clashes that began after polling stations closed on Sunday , a representative of the rights group Spring 96 told Reuters .
A former Soviet collective farm manager , Lukashenko has ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest challenge in years to keep his grip on power with some voters believing strongly that it 's time he stood down .
Tikhanouskaya entered the race after her husband , an anti-government blogger who intended to run , was jailed .
Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 .
Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus since 1995 .
A severe crackdown on protests could hurt Lukashenko 's attempts to mend fences with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally Russia , which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union .
Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people were detained in the crackdown ahead of the election , including independent election observers and members of Tikhanouskaya 's campaign team .

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide re-election victory, the central election commission said on Monday, after late night clashes between police and thousands of protesters who said the vote was rigged.
Figures released by the election commission on Monday gave Lukashenko 80% of the vote.
Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity a few weeks ago to become Lukashenko's main rival, won 9.9% of the vote, the data showed.
At least one person was killed after being knocked over by a police van and dozens were injured in the clashes that began after polling stations closed on Sunday, a representative of the rights group Spring 96 told Reuters.
A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994, but faces the biggest challenge in years to keep his grip on power with some voters believing strongly that it's time he stood down.
He has cast himself as a guarantor of stability but has battled a wave of anger over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and his human rights record.
Tikhanouskaya entered the race after her husband, an anti-government blogger who intended to run, was jailed.
Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus since 1995.
A severe crackdown on protests could hurt Lukashenko's attempts to mend fences with the West amid fraying ties with traditional ally Russia, which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union.
Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people were detained in the crackdown ahead of the election, including independent election observers and members of Tikhanouskaya's campaign team.
After casting his vote on Sunday, Lukashenko denied imposing repressive measures as "fake news or far-fetched accusations."


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Iran says Beirut blast should not be politicized

`` The blast should not be used as an excuse for political aims ... the cause of the blast should @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised news conference .
French President Emmanuel Macron @ @ @ @ @ streets on Thursday , two days after the chemical explosion in the dock area , @ @ @ @ @ to decades of corrupt politics of patronage .
Asked about the visit , Mousavi said @ @ @ @ @ been trying to politicize this blast for their own interests . ''
Macron told an @ @ @ @ @ that donors would watch closely how the aid was spent .
Iran backs Hezbollah , @ @ @ @ @ that is among Lebanon 's most powerful political forces , which Washington considers a terrorist @ @ @ @ @ .

Iran said on Monday that countries should refrain from politicizing the massive blast in Beirut last week, and that the United States should lift sanctions against Lebanon.
"The blast should not be used as an excuse for political aims ... the cause of the blast should be investigated carefully," Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a televised news conference.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Beirut’s shattered streets on Thursday, two days after the chemical explosion in the dock area, as crowds demanded an end to decades of corrupt politics of patronage.
Asked about the visit, Mousavi said: "Some countries have been trying to politicize this blast for their own interests."
Macron told an emergency donor conference on Sunday that donors would watch closely how the aid was spent.
Iran backs Hezbollah, the armed Shi'ite Muslim group that is among Lebanon's most powerful political forces, which Washington considers a terrorist group and penalizes with sanctions.
Mousavi also said that "if America is honest about its assistance offer to Lebanon, they should lift sanctions."


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--30-year-old man dies in Jerusalem apartment fire

A 30-year-old man died in a Jerusalem apartment fire located on Avodat Israel Street in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim on Monday morning. He was taken out of the apartment with no signs of life, where a Magen David Adom team determined his death."When we arrived at the building, we saw fire and thick smoke coming from the first floor. Firefighters worked to put out the fire," Hogla Erez, an MDA paramedic, said. "After it was made possible, the firefighters went inside where they found and rescued a 30-year-old unconscious man, suffering from severe burns and who had been breathing in smoke. We performed medical tests, found no signs of life and had to determine his death,"


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Jerusalem light-rail driver diagnosed with coronavirus

Citypass Jerusalem has announced that one of its light-rail drivers was diagnosed with coronavirus on Sunday morning.Following an epidemiological investigation, several other drivers who were in contact with him have gone into quarantine, though the company announced that only minor alterations will be made to the light-rail's schedule.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Red Cross sends volunteers to help N.Korea cope with coronavirus, floods

SEOUL , Aug 10 - The Red Cross has sent more than 43,000 volunteers to North Korea , including to @ @ @ @ @ , to help fight the novel coronavirus and provide flood assistance , an official with @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared an emergency last month and imposed @ @ @ @ @ near the inter-Korean border , after a man who defected to the South in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus symptoms .
Heavy rain and flooding in recent days have also sparked concern about @ @ @ @ @ in the isolated country .
The volunteers were helping North Koreans in all nine provinces @ @ @ @ @ protect themselves from floods and landslides , International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent @ @ @ @ @ Antony Balmain said .

SEOUL, Aug 10 - The Red Cross has sent more than 43,000 volunteers to North Korea, including to the locked-down city of Kaesong, to help fight the novel coronavirus and provide flood assistance, an official with the relief organization said on Monday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared an emergency last month and imposed a lockdown on Kaesong, near the inter-Korean border, after a man who defected to the South in 2017 returned to the city showing coronavirus symptoms.
Heavy rain and flooding in recent days have also sparked concern about crop damage and food supplies in the isolated country.
The volunteers were helping North Koreans in all nine provinces to avoid the virus and protect themselves from floods and landslides, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) spokesman Antony Balmain said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-11--Arkia signs agreement with Histadrut, Eilat flights may return

Since March , the company has grounded its entire aircraft fleet and forced most of its employees to take unpaid @ @ @ @ @ companies , the owners are refusing to take a state guaranteed loan for the sum @ @ @ @ @ deliberately leading the company to its inevitable closure .
The Nakash brothers , the airline @ @ @ @ @ the deal with the national labor union following demonstrations held by the company 's workers @ @ @ @ @

Since March, the company has grounded its entire aircraft fleet and forced most of its employees to take unpaid leave.
The Nakash brothers, the airline's controlling shareholders, signed the deal with the national labor union following demonstrations held by the company's workers against them late July.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Trump mulls blocking US citizens coming home if COVID-19 infection feared

The official said a draft regulation , which has not been finalized and could change , would give the government @ @ @ @ @ could “ reasonably ” be believed to have contracted COVID-19 or other diseases .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ sweeping immigration restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , suspending some legal immigration @ @ @ @ @ to rapidly deport migrants caught at the border without standard legal processes .
Reuters reported @ @ @ @ @ officials were concerned that dual US-Mexico citizens might flee to the United States if the @ @ @ @ @ , putting more stress on US hospitals .
The draft regulation , which was first @ @ @ @ @ Times on Monday , would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ a lead role in the pandemic response , the senior official told Reuters .

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block US citizens and permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, a senior US official confirmed to Reuters.
The official said a draft regulation, which has not been finalized and could change, would give the government authorization to block individuals who could “reasonably” be believed to have contracted COVID-19 or other diseases.
Trump has instituted a series of sweeping immigration restrictions since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, suspending some legal immigration and allowing US border authorities to rapidly deport migrants caught at the border without standard legal processes.
Reuters reported in May that US government officials were concerned that dual US-Mexico citizens might flee to the United States if the coronavirus outbreak in Mexico worsened, putting more stress on US hospitals.
The draft regulation, which was first reported by The New York Times on Monday, would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has played a lead role in the pandemic response, the senior official told Reuters.
A Trump pandemic task force was not expected to act on the proposal this week, although that timeline could change, the official said.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Inovio's mid-late stage COVID-19 vaccine candidate study to start in Sept.

The Plymouth Meeting , Pennsylvania-based company had previously said it would begin mid-stage human studies for the vaccine candidate , @ @ @ @ @ Shares of the company were down 6 % in trading after the bell .
Inovio @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and awaits the agency 's approval to begin Phase @ @ @ @ @ a company executive said during a post-earnings conference call .
The company in June reported @ @ @ @ @ stage human trial and received $ 71 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to @ @ @ @ @ used to administer INO-4800 .
Effective vaccines are seen as essential to controlling the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ 731,700 lives worldwide , according to a Reuters tally .

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc expects its experimental COVID-19 vaccine to enter mid-to-late stage study in September and secure U.S. emergency use authorization sometime in 2021, the U.S. vaccine developer said on Monday.
The Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania-based company had previously said it would begin mid-stage human studies for the vaccine candidate, INO-4800, this summer.
Shares of the company were down 6% in trading after the bell.
Inovio is in active talks with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and awaits the agency's approval to begin Phase 2/3 study in September, a company executive said during a post-earnings conference call.
The company in June reported encouraging results from an early stage human trial and received $71 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to scale up production of devices used to administer INO-4800.
Effective vaccines are seen as essential to controlling the pandemic that has claimed more than 731,700 lives worldwide, according to a Reuters tally.
Many drugmakers, including Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc , Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and AstraZeneca Plc, are also in various stages of developing a vaccine for COVID-19.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 20 million, death toll at 731,787

More than 20 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 731,787 have died @ @ @ @ @ tally .
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the @ @ @ @ @ China in December 2019 .

More than 20 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 731,787 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Armed suspect shot outside White House, Trump evacuated from briefing

Minutes into a news briefing , Trump was taken out of the room with no explanation for the disruption .
@ @ @ @ @ Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought were also taken out of the room @ @ @ @ @ .

U.S. President Donald Trump was abruptly escorted from the White House briefing room by Secret Service agents shortly after he began briefing reporters on Monday.
Minutes into a news briefing, Trump was taken out of the room with no explanation for the disruption. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought were also taken out of the room and the doors were locked.


jerusalempost--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Brazil registers 22,048 new cases, 703 deaths

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Brazil on Monday registered 22,048 new cases of coronavirus and 703 deaths, the health ministry said.Overall, Brazil now has 3,057,470 confirmed cases, while the death toll has risen to 101,752.