Israel refuses to let doctor visit inmate QIQ

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Israeli authorities have refused to allow a doctor from Physicians for Human Rights to visit the Palestinian hunger striking prisoner who is in critical condition. Mohammed al-Qiq has been on hunger strike for 65 days now. His family had earlier called for the inmate's medical examination by an independent doctor.
• Japan has denounced Israel’s newly-announced settlement projects as a violation of the international law. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Tel Aviv must freeze its settlement activities on Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, Turkey has said Israel’s plans are against the international law and will harm efforts for permanent peace.
• The Syrian army presses ahead with mop-up operations in areas surrounding Shaykh Maskin city in Dara’a country side. The operations covered the western and southern parts of Shaykh Maskin. The Syrian army has also taken control of more areas in the northern province of Aleppo.
• Oil prices continue to rally in Asia after Russia said it could talk to OPEC members to output cuts. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 21 cents to hit thirty-three dollars and forty-three cents a barrel. Brent oil for March delivery also gained 26 cents, reaching thirty-four dollars and fifteen cents.
• The Bank of Japan has introduced a negative interest policy to re-inflate the world's third-largest economy. The central bank will charge a point one percent fee on some deposits that financial institutions hold at the BOJ. It hopes the decision will stimulate investment and growth by encouraging banks to lend more.
• Republican candidates for the US presidential race hold their final debate in Iowa. Front-runner Donald Trump skipped the debate hosted by Fox News. Trump’s rivals mocked his behavior and criticized his absence. Iowa debate came before Monday’s caucuses during which residents will choose among the Republican and Democratic candidates.
• Thousands of angry farmers from across Greece stage a protest over controversial pension reforms. The farmers clashed with police outside the annual Agrotica farming exhibition in the city of Thessaloniki. The reforms cut retiree benefits and increase pension contributions and income tax rates for Greek farmers.
• The FBI has released a video purportedly showing one occupier of a wildlife refuge in the state of Oregon being shot dead by police. This happened after the man sped away from a traffic stop where the group's leader was arrested. The FBI says now only four armed men remain at the federal wildlife refuge.

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