Israel’s move to construct a controversial part of its separation wall in the occupied West Bank has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials and residents. Israel has begun building the barrier near the Palestinian Christian town of Beit Jala, south of Jerusalem al-Quds.

Iraqi government forces continue to make gains during their operations aimed at purging Daesh terrorists from the strategic city of Hit in Anbar province. The Iraqi army commander also said operations in Hit are still underway despite the major achievement.

France and Germany say they will back an EU agreement on closer economic and political ties with Ukraine. French President Francois Hollande said as far as Europe is concerned, the bloc will implement the Ukraine-European Union treaty.

Iran unveils its latest nuclear achievements including a nuclear waste management site in the central city of Anarak. The launching of the site has completed Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle.

A senior UN official says he’s disappointed with recent efforts to get aid convoys into hard-to-reach and besieged areas in war-torn Syria. Yan Egeland, the humanitarian aid adviser for the UN Syria envoy, called on Damascus to live up to its promises.

A US drone attack has killed at least two people in eastern Afghanistan. The airstrike took place in Nangarhar province. Afghan officials say a senior cleric is among the victims. Three civilians were also injured in the attack.

Syrian army troops have launched a massive attack on anti-government militants south of the city of Aleppo. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says army troops used heavy weaponry in their offensive on the town of Tela’at al-Eis.