WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, June 14, 2017.

Staggering Loss of Life

UN war crime investigators have raised the alarm about the staggering civilian loss in Syria due to the intensified US airstrikes. UN Commission of Inquiry Chairman Paulo Pinheiro expressed concern about the civilian deaths caused by airstrikes in the city of Raqqah. The attacks are claimed to be aimed at backing the Syrian Democratic Forces in their fight against Daesh Takfiri terrorists. The SDF, which is comprised of Kurdish and Arab forces, has taken territory to the west, east and north of the Syrian city, which is the terror group’s stronghold in the country. The US claims civilian deaths are avoided in its air raids on Syria, but locals and international organizations say Most of those killed are civilians.

Virginia Shooting

A US Congressman has been wounded in a shooting in Alexandria, Virginia. House Majority Steve Scalise was shot as a gunman opened fire on Republican members of Congress during a baseball practice near the town of Washington. Several others were also injured. A Republican lawmaker said he heard 10 to 20 rounds from the gunman's rifle before the security detail returned fire. There were reportedly over 20 lawmakers at the baseball practice when the gunfire erupted. Alexandria police say the shooter is in custody. President Donald Trump says he is deeply saddened by the news of the shooting tragedy.

London Fatal Fire

A massive blaze at a 24-storey London Tower bloc has killed at least six people and injured over 70 others. Police expect the death toll to rise as 20 people are in critical condition and many remain unaccounted for. Reports from London say, some families residing in Grenfell Tower have thrown their children to safety hoping someone would be able to catch them. Speaking at a briefing, London police said there still may be people within the building. They expect the recovery to be lengthy and complex. Firefighters deployed to the bloc have mostly been able to contain the blaze. But they have only managed to reach the twelfth floor. Prime Minister Theresa May has said in a statement she is deeply saddened by the devastating fire. Residents of other buildings have provided their account of the incident to the media.

Repelling Daesh Attack

Iraqi forces have repelled a major counter-attack of Daesh terrorists in the city of Mosul. The fighting took place south of the Old City. Witnesses say the terrorists seized a number of blocks in the Danadan district before being driven out after fierce clashes. The military says dozens of terrorists were killed in the operations, many of them wearing explosive vests. Terrorists say 40 members of the Iraqi federal police were also killed in the clashes. Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake Mosul from Daesh last October. The terrorists are now largely confined to a few neighborhoods.

Egypt Islands Transfer

In Egypt, lawmakers have voted to transfer two Egyptian islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. Egyptian media has reported members of parliament approved transferring Sanafir and Tiran islands to Saudi Arabia. The vote comes a year after President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi agreed to the transfer. He said the Islands belong to Saudi Arabia and were placed in Egyptian custody in 1950s for protection against a possible Israeli attack. The transfer deal was challenged by lower courts, but the constitutional court is set to issue the final verdict. The deal sparked protests across the country last year. Critics say the move amounts to selling Egyptian territory to Saudi Arabia.

Qatar Isolation Warning

The UN human rights chief has voiced alarm over the possible impact of the diplomatic isolation of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein says severed diplomatic and economic ties among Qatar and its neighbors could lead to widespread suffering among ordinary people. He also noted that he is troubled by Bahrain and the UAE which have threatened to jail those sympathizing with Qatar. The UN human rights chief called on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt and Qatar to quickly resolve their dispute through dialogue. He also urged them to refrain from any move that could affect the well-being, health, employment and integrity of residents.

FBI Shooting Probe

The UN human rights chief has voiced alarm over the possible impact of the diplomatic isolation of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its allies. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein says severed diplomatic and economic ties among Qatar and its neighbors could lead to widespread suffering among ordinary people. He also noted that he is troubled by Bahrain and the UAE which have threatened to jail those sympathizing with Qatar. The UN human rights chief called on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt and Qatar to quickly resolve their dispute through dialogue. He also urged them to refrain from any move that could affect the well-being, health, employment and integrity of residents.

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