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Israeli PM rejects quartet myth that settlements prevent peace

Saturday, 02 July 2016 1:16 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 02 July 2016 1:16 AM ]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony marking the US Independence Day at the residence of the US Ambassador to Israel in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, on June 30, 2016. (AFP)

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu turns down a request by the Middle East quartet diplomatic group to halt settlement construction on the Palestinian land. Netanyahu rejected the group's report that settlements torpedo the so-called two-state solution. The report said that at least 570000 Israelis are living in settlements across the West Bank.
The Israeli army has imposed a lock down on the West Bank city of al-Khalil also known as Hebron. This comes following alleged attacks by Palestinians which left two Israelis dead in the city. Three Palestinians have also been killed by Israeli soldiers over the past 24 hours.
In Bangladesh, a group of gunmen have attacked a popular cafe in the diplomatic area of the capital Dhaka, taking up to 20 including several foreigners hostage. Four police officers have been killed in the exchange of fire with the assailants. Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the assault.
People have gone to the polls in Australia to cast their ballots in general elections. Some 15 million Australians are eligible to vote. The latest opinion polls show the ruling Conservative coalition and the opposition labor are neck-and-neck. The early elections come after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull dissolved the parliament in May.
The French President says Britain’s decision to leave the European Union cannot be cancelled or delayed. Francois Hollande added that Britons are now starting to understand that being in the bloc has its advantages. He also called for a speedy Brexit.
The United Nations has voiced concern over the worsening situation of persecuted Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The UN has called on the government to end institutionalized discrimination against Muslims in the country. The UN describes the Rohingyas as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world.
The UN has announced two new cases of alleged sexual abuse of minors by its peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. The allegations date back to May and occurred in the central region of Kemo. The UN is already under fire for a wave of sex abuse scandals involving its blue helmets.
Amnesty International has reported horrifying cases of violence, exploitation and sexual abuse against refugees who try to travel from Libya to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. The violent acts were carried out by human traffickers and criminal gangs.The International Organization for Migration says over 260-thousand refugees are currently in Libya.

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