WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, December 23, 2017.

Saudi war on Yemen

Saudi warplanes have carried out fresh raids in Yemen, killing more civilians in their relentless bombardment. At least three civilians were killed after Saudi jets targeted a truck in the western province of Hudaydah. Saudi warplanes also launched multiple airstrikes near the University of Arhab in the capital Sana’a, killing five civilians and wounding 20 others. Another airstrike took place in a densely populated neighborhood of Sana’a, injuring two children and a woman. Saudi Arabia and some of its allies launched a war on Yemen back in March 2015. Over 13,600 people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives since then.

Attack on Muslim girl

US police have launched an investigation into the videotaped beating of a Muslim girl by her schoolmates in the state of Florida. The video was posted online by the 14-year-old girl’s father, who said his daughter was targeted because of her religion. Shakeel Munshi said his daughter was repeatedly bullied by several girls, who called her a terrorist. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has released a statement, saying the police are investigating the incident, but race or bullying was not considered to have played a role in it. The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Florida has slammed the assault, urging law enforcement agencies to press charges against the attackers.

Russia reaction

Russia has reacted to the United States’ plan to provide the Ukrainian government with lethal weapons. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said the move will provoke Kiev to use force in the conflict-ridden Eastern Ukraine. On Friday, the US state department announced that Washington will provide Ukraine with “enhanced defensive capabilities” as Kiev battles pro-Russia forces in the eastern part of the country. The arms sales are expected to worsen tensions between the White House and the Kremlin and weaken chances of restoring peace to volatile eastern Ukraine.

Gaza funeral

In the Gaza Strip, thousands of mourners have held a funeral procession for a Palestinian man killed by Israeli soldiers during protests on Friday. Thousands of mourners attended the funeral of Mohammad Muhaisen in eastern Gaza. Mourners marched through the city streets carrying aloft the dead body. The 29-year-old Palestinian was killed during Friday clashes. Earlier in the day, a 28-year-old man succumbed to his wounds sustained during protests east of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. 14 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops during the protests going on since the US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital. Washington’s decision has sparked anger among Palestinians who say the holy city is their eternal capital and no one can change its status quo.

Call for new Intifada

The leader of Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has renewed his call for a new intifada or uprising against Israel across the Palestinian territories. Speaking at a conference in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh said it was necessary to expand protests against the Israeli occupiers. He also called on the Palestinian Authority to review its former policies and adopt a clear stance against the United States and Israel. Haniyeh called al-Quds the eternal capital of Palestine which cannot be divided into an eastern and a western part. The Hamas leader added that all prior agreements, such as the 1993 Oslo accords, should be declared null and void after Washington’s decision on Jerusalem al-Quds as well as its plan to relocate its embassy to the city.

Philippines tragedy

More than 130 people have lost their lives after a devastating tropical storm hit the southern Philippines on Friday. Dozens are still missing after the tropical storm, Tembin, triggered flash floods and mudslides near the town of Tubod. Operations are underway to find survivors and clear the debris. All casualties were on the southern island of Mindanao. Police and disaster officials said three provinces were hardest hit adding that many residents had ignored evacuation warnings.

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