WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, January 3, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, January 4, 2017.

Iran slams US ‘grotesque intervention’

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has roundly condemned the US support for the violent anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic as grotesque meddling, which is in violation of international law. Gholamali Khoshroo stressed that the US has continuously insulted the Iranian nation and has been hostile toward the country. Khoshroo called on the US government to act responsibly and abide by the principles of international law. The senior Iranian diplomat also urged all countries to condemn what he described as dangerous statements and policies of the White House. Khoshroo said the right of assembly is recognized and guaranteed under Iran’s Constitution. He stressed that the Islamic Republic preserves the right to safeguard the security of its citizens against acts of violence.

Israel attacks Gaza

Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh airstrikes against the Gaza Strip after alleged rocket fire from the besieged enclave. The Israeli aircraft conducted at least four air raids on agricultural land in the southern province of Rafah. Two further air strikes in the same region have damaged at least one building. Residents say they have heard a very large explosion in the same area. Tel Aviv claims the raids come after three rockets were fired at the occupied Palestinian territories from Gaza. It is the latest in an upsurge of Israeli attacks targeting the besieged enclave since US President Donald Trump escalated tensions by recognizing Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital.

Trump blasts Bannon

The US president has slammed his former chief strategist Steve Bannon after he made accusations against Donald Trump and his family in a new book. Trump said Bannon has lost his mind following his dismissal from the White House. The US president added that his aide had very little to do with his victory in the presidential election. In the book, Bannon has described a 2016 meeting between Trump's son and a Russian lawyer as treasonous. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders also dismissed the accusation as ridiculous.

Gaza electricity crisis

The UN warns that the health system in the besieged Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse as an electricity crisis threatens a total blackout. According to the World Health Organization, hospitals in the costal enclave will face a total blackout by the end of February. The UN body has made an urgent appeal for fundraising to keep emergency generators running. The WHO also says at least 200 babies and people in intensive care units as well as dozens of patients awaiting surgical operations face a life-threatening situation. The Israeli regime has imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Gaza. Tel Aviv also imposes import duties on fuel purchases which are only allowed into Gaza via the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

Inter-Korean dialog

The United Nations has welcomed the reopening of a communication channel between North Korea and South Korea. China also welcomed the reopening of the channel between the North and the South. Beijing also expressed hope that the talks will end the escalating tensions. On Monday, the North Korean leader said he is willing to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics in the South. The two sides have re-established a hotline on border issues which had been dormant for almost two years.

US commission disbanded

President Donald Trump has disbanded a presidential commission tasked with looking into allegations of electoral fraud during the 2016 election. The panel, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, faced problems after many US states refused to provide it with data. It was established last May to investigate voting fraud but met resistance from many states. Trump, has claimed that fraud may have accounted for his loss nationwide in the popular vote to Democratic rival Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes.

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