Dutch Fury As MH17 Bodies 'Dragged Around'

The Netherlands has asked for help bringing the bodies of the 192 Dutch nationals killed when a Malaysia Airlines jet from Amsterdam was shot down over Ukraine.

Frans Timmermans told Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko that his country was "angry, furious" by reports of bodies being dragged around the site in Grabovo, Donetsk.

"We are already shocked by the news we got today of bodies being dragged around, of the site not being treated properly," he said. 

Ukrainian officials accused pro-Russian separatists of taking bodies from the scene of the crash before emergency services personnel began officially collecting them on Saturday.

The Netherlands is in mourning and at Schiphol Airport, where flight MH17 took off on Thursday afternoon, the families of those on board and other well-wishers have been gathering to lay flowers and pay tribute.

For now the relatives have nowhere else to go and, although it has been suggested they could be flown out to the crash site, Malaysia Airlines commercial director Hugh Dunleavy told Sky News it was unlikely it would possible to guarantee them safe passage.

A miniature pair of clogs left amongst the tributes at Schiphol

The relatives could be flown out to the crash site in eastern Ukraine, but for now they have nowhere else to go, Sky's Kay Burley, who is at the scene, said.

The headline of one of the Dutch newspapers in the wake of the downing of the Malaysia Airlines jet reads: "Everybody knows somebody".

One mourner who arrived to pay her respects underlined that fact, telling Sky News: "It's unfair what's happened, these people don't deserve it.

"Close family? No, but my cousin, his friend at school, his family were all on board the plane."

Churches have opened books of condolences for those who have died, and services have been held across the country.

As the relatives come to terms with their loss, the process of formally identifying the dead continues.

Forensic teams are fanning out across the country to collect material, including DNA samples, that will help positively identify the remains.

Police said 40 pairs of detectives from the National Forensic Investigations Team would be visiting relatives in the coming days.

Mr Timmermans said the Netherlands would not stop until those responsible for the deaths of so many citizens were brought to justice.

"Once we have the proof, we will not stop before the people are brought to justice," he said.

"Not just the people who pulled the trigger but also those who made it possible. I think the international community needs to step up its efforts in this respect."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Weapon 'Moved To Russia After MH17 Shot'

A missile launcher allegedly used to shoot down flight MH17 has been moved over the border into Russia after video emerged purportedly showing it on the back of a truck, Ukrainian officials have claimed.

The video appears to show the Buk launcher with one of the four missiles it carries missing.

The film was allegedly shot by a police surveillance squad at dawn on Friday as the truck headed to the city of Krasnodon in the direction of the Russian border.

The footage, released on the Facebook page of the Ukrainian interior minister, cannot be independently verified.

Interior minister Arsen Avakov wrote on his page: "Criminals try to hide the traces of this heinous crime (but do) not succeed.

"Security Service and Interior Ministry of Ukraine has collected and collects more irrefutable facts and evidence."

In another Facebook post, Anton Gerashchenko, a senior advisor to Ukrainian government, wrote: "The Buk installation by means of which the rocket launch was produced was moved onto the territory of the Russian Federation, where it will be most likely destroyed."

The Buk missile system of the type blamed for the attack. File pic

The footage was released as Russia and Ukraine used social media to blame each other for shooting down the flight from Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur as it passed over Grabovo, Donetsk, killing 298 people.

Russia has said Ukraine is responsible after failing to resolve the conflict in the east, while pro-Russian separatists have denied they have the capacity to bring down the aircraft.

An unnamed US official is also reported to have told Fox News that the missile launcher is believed to be back in Russia after being moved into Ukraine a few weeks ago.

The senior official  told the broadcaster the missile was fired from Schnidze, a town in eastern Ukraine.

US intelligence used infrared data, measurements and electronic signals, among other methods, to calculate the missile's launch site, the official added.

Ukraine's counter-intelligence chief Vitaly Nada has said he has "compelling evidence" that Russian citizens were operating the missile battery that shot down MH17.

At a press conference, Alexander Borodai, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the People's Republic of Donetsk, rejected claims pro-Russian separatists had shot down the airliner.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britain Warns Putin: World's Eyes Are On You

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has warned Vladimir Putin the "world's eyes are on Russia to make sure she delivers" on her obligations to the victims killed in the Ukraine plane disaster.

His comments come as David Cameron and Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte called for the European Union to "reconsider its approach to Russia" to Moscow in light of evidence that pro-Moscow separatists brought down flight MH17 on Thursday.

Mr Cameron has also spoken to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, while the Russian ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Office.

The UK's response follows accusations that pro-Russian separatists removed 38 bodies from the Malaysia Airlines crash scene and attempting to destroy evidence at the site.

The Ukraine government said "terrorists, with the help of Russia, are trying to destroy evidence of international crimes", adding it had obtained data which showed bodies had been taken to a morgue in Donetsk.

Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans said the Netherlands was "angry, furious" by news that bodies were being dragged around the site.

However, Sky's Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay, at the scene, said there were reports rebels had moved bodies on Friday, but body parts were now officially being removed by Ukraine emergency ministry staff.

Mr Hammond accused Russia of not doing enough to help move separatists from the site.

"We're not getting enough support from the Russians, we're not seeing Russia using their influence effectively enough to get the separatists, who are in control of the site, to allow the access that we need," he said.

"This is not about Russia and the West, this is about the whole community demanding that the proper access is made available to this site, the victims are properly recovered and evidence is secured."

The debris was scattered over a wide area

Ukraine's Security Council said 18sq km of the 25sq km had been explored and 186 bodies found, while there have been discussions between the two factions over the creation of a "security zone" around the crash scene following allegations of looting and evidence being compromised.

Concerns have been raised by Malaysia about the investigation as a team of international observers complained of being confronted by aggressive armed rebels, blocking their access to the crash site for a second consecutive day.

A Ukraine Security Council spokesman said 15 pieces of military equipment were brought over the border from Russia into the eastern Luhansk region overnight.

Critically, the monitors have been unable to speak to anyone about the whereabouts of the jet's two black box voice and data recorders.

However, Alexander Borodai, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, denied rebels had shot down the plane, or found the black boxes, or removed bodies. But he said body parts which had fallen into people's homes had been taken away.

British victims Richard Mayne, Ben Pocock, Glenn Thomas and Liam Sweeney

Russia's foreign ministry has urged rebels to grant monitors access to the site, while Malaysia's transport minister Liow Tiong Lai attacked the failure to preserve evidence as a "betrayal of the lives lost"

Reports of looting of valuables such as credit cards and cash from victims' bodies and luggage were "gaining currency", said Sky's Michelle Clifford, in Donetsk.

"It may be part of a narrative to discredit the rebels," she said. "But, I have just spoken to a contact I trust and he said with his own eyes he saw the rebels taking money and valuables from luggage at the site."

Some 298 people including 10 Britons and 80 children were killed when flight MH17, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was brought down near Grabovo, Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces have been battling separatists.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry agreed on Saturday that both countries would use their influence on the two sides of the Ukraine conflict to end hostilities

:: The Foreign Office has set up a helpline for anyone concerned.  Text MH17 to +447860010026, or call 020 7008 1500. Malaysia Airlines's emergency line is 00 6 037 884 1234.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Last British Victims Of Flight MH17 Named

The final two British victims of doomed flight MH17 have been named as a charity revealed the entire family of a disabled child in its care is thought to have been on the plane.

John Allen, who worked at international law firm NautaDutilh, was described as a "much-loved colleague". He died on the flight alongside his Dutch wife, Sandra Martens, and their three sons - Christopher, Julian and Ian.

"He was a person with many talents, and in addition to his professional contribution to our firm he generously shared his musical and athletic abilities with us as well," the firm said.

John Allen was killed with his wife and three sons

"All of us who had the privilege of working with John during his 18 years at NautaDutilh came to know him as a kind, down-to-earth and humorous man and many of us have also lost a friend. He will be dearly missed."

The final British person onboard the flight was named on Saturday as Andrew Hoare.

The Percy Hedley Foundation, which cares for disabled people, said it has been unable to contact the family of one of the children in its care. It said it was working with authorities to try and establish what has happened to them.

The foundation has not revealed the nationality of the child or the family.

A friend of Robert Ayley, whose family earlier confirmed he was on board the Malaysia Airlines plane, has revealed the father-of-two almost missed the flight.

Bill Patteson, who was travelling with the 27-year-old around Europe visiting Rottweiler breeders, has told Sky News his friend didn't make it onto the bus to take him from his hotel to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

Six of the British victims on flight MH17

But Mr Ayley, who was originally from Guildford but moved to New Zealand as a child, managed to get there in time to board the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight, which was shot down over Ukraine with almost 300 people on board.

An ex-journalist, helicopter pilot, students and Newcastle United fans are among the other British victims.

Mr Patteson, who flew back to New Zealand the day before, said: "There were so many things that came together to make Rob be on that flight.

The Boeing 777-200 in February. Pic: Andreas Fietz

"The stars really had to align for Robert to be on that flight, even right down to the last minute.

"Everyone was hoping he'd missed the flight, but Robert being the great organiser that he was managed to get on his flight."

Mr Patteson described his friend as a "really great, confident young man" who was proud of his British roots.

Mr Ayley's wife Sharlene wrote on Facebook: "Rob was our everything. We adored him and there was no one else like him. He touched so many hearts and lives.

"We are grateful to forever have him in our hearts."

Briton Stephen Anderson was on board MH17

Mr Ayley's family said he was passionate about life and his family, adding that when it came to Rob "there were no half measures".

"He found in his boys two little people he could love, understand and trust," they said.

"When they cried they were sad, when they laughed they were happy and when they hugged it was because they loved him."

The statement added: "Sharlene and Rob are soul mates. She is his 'Princess'. She changed his life and he changed hers.

"She held his heart and he held hers. Rob will live forever in his family."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Russia 'Must Reflect' On Shooting Down Of Plane

Britain has said it is "clear" where responsibility for the shooting down of a passenger plane with 298 people on board lies, saying Russia must "reflect carefully on the situation it has created".

Peter Wilson, the UK's representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting "searching questions" need to be asked, adding: "Let us hear clear and unequivocal condemnation of the attack from Russia."

It came as 80 children were confirmed among the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was brought down over Ukraine.

An emergency worker at the scene of the crash

Some 10 Britons were killed, including two football fans who were travelling to see their team play in New Zealand.

The UN demanded a "full, thorough and independent international investigation" into what caused the crash, as the row over who was responsible intensified.

The US believes the aircraft was hit by a missile launched from an area of eastern Ukraine held by pro-Russian separatists.

Flames rise from wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines jet

Samantha Power, Washington's ambassador to the UN, said that hours before the disaster, rebels were spotted with a ground-to-air missile system close to where the plane came down.

"It is unlikely the separatists could effectively operate that system without assistance from knowledgeable personnel, thus we cannot rule out technical assistance from Russia," she added.

However, the Russian defence ministry reportedly pointed the finger at its neighbour, saying it picked up radar activity from a Ukrainian Buk missile system south of Donetsk when the aircraft came down.

The plane, a Boeing 777, was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur at an altitude of 33,000ft (10,000m) when contact was lost on Thursday afternoon, close to the border with Russia.

It crashed near the village of Grabovo, Donetsk, in an area where Ukrainian forces have been fighting the rebels.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said the crash was an "act of terrorism", as the country's security service released what it claimed was a recording of an intercepted phone call between two Russian military intelligence officers, discussing the downing of the plane.

Flight MH17 taking off at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands

In an unverified video apparently taken moments after the plane was hit, a man thought to be a pro-Russian rebel boasts: "Wow, that was a blast."

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called for a ceasefire between the warring sides in the months-long conflict, said: "The state over whose territory this occurred bears responsibility."

Meanwhile, Sky's Katie Stallard said Igor Strelkov, the commander of the pro-Russian Donetsk People's Republic, appeared to have referred to the incident on social media.

L-R: Britons Richard Mayne, Ben Pocock, Glenn Thomas and Liam Sweeney

In one deleted message recovered by Sky News, he allegedly wrote: "We warned you not to fly over our sky."

Among the British victims of the crash were Glenn Thomas and Richard Mayne, as well as Newcastle United supporters John Alder and Liam Sweeney.

Prime Minister David Cameron called the catastrophe "an absolutely appalling, shocking, horrific incident".

Armed Russian separatists inspect the wreckage

The cockpit and one of the turbines were found over half a mile apart, and residents said the tail was six miles away, indicating the aircraft most likely broke up before hitting the ground.

Many of the bodies strewn across the fields were largely intact, some of them still strapped into their seats.

People who live in the area have described seeing bodies falling through the sky.

The wreckage was scattered over a wide area

Pro-Russian separatists said they found one of the "black box" recorders, while rescue workers have recovered a second flight recorder.

Malaysia Airlines, still reeling from the loss of flight MH370, has said the route taken by flight MH17 had been declared safe by civil aviation authorities.

:: Malaysia Airlines has set up an emergency line, 00 6 037 884 1234, for worried relatives, while the Foreign Office helpline is 0207 008 1500.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tenth Briton Confirmed Among MH17 Victims

Ten Britons are now confirmed to have been among the 298 people on board flight MH17, which was shot down in Ukraine.

Friends and colleagues today paid tribute to the British victims named, including Leeds University student Richard Mayne, 20, from Leicestershire.

Richard Mayne during a trip to Nepal (L) and Ben Pocock (R). Pics: Facebook

He had recently completed a charity trek to Everest Base Camp was described as a man who had a "great thirst for life" and "wanted to make the world a better place" by his former headteacher.

John Wood, from the Dixie Grammar School in Nuneaton said: "Richard was an extremely pleasant and thoughtful young man who gave his time generously for everyone.

Newcastle United fans Liam Sweeney (L) and John Adler

"I last saw him just a month ago, when he talked with me excitedly about his trip to Everest Base Camp earlier this year. He had gone on this expedition with a fellow former student of ours and they had been raising money for a children's charity."

His sister Scarlett posted a picture of her and Richard on Instagram with the caption: "Always been my hero. Forever loved, never forgotten."

Dr Lange is believed to have been with partner Jacqueline van Tongeren

Ben Pocock was flying to Australia to begin a professional placement and study, Loughborough University said.

His family have spoken of their "devastation" at his loss.

"He was a gifted academic, talented athlete but more importantly a warm, caring, fun-loving son and brother who had an extremely bright future ahead of him," they said in a statement released through the Press Association.

Albert Rizk and his wife Maree were returning from. Pic: Facebook

"Ben is going to be terribly missed not only by his family but by the wider Keynsham community where he made so many long-lasting friends."

Newcastle United fans, John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were travelling to see their football team play in New Zealand, also died in the crash, according to NUFC.com and the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Glenn Thomas, 49, from Blackpool, was among 100 delegates reportedly on their way to the International Aids Society (IAS) summit in Melbourne, Australia.

Friends spoke of their shock and loss of the media officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.

WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib said: "We have lost a wonderful person and a great professional. Our hearts are broken. We are all in shock."

Some of the great minds in the fight against HIV and Aids were heading to the conference, including, it is understood, Dr Joep Lange, a well-known researcher from the Netherlands.

Elaine Teoh was travelling with her boyfriend Emiel Mahler. Pic: Facebook

"If this is the case then the HIV/Aids movement has truly lost a giant," the IAS said.

Among the 283 passengers and 15 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew on board were 173 Dutch nationals, 44 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians, nine Britons, four Germans, four Belgians, three Filipinos, one Canadian and a New Zealander.

In a bizarre twist of fate, flight attendant Sajid Singh 41, swapped flights to fly on MH17 - months after his wife swapped off the doomed MH370 which vanished flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, his his father Jijar Singh told The Malaysian Insider.

Pim De Kuijer was on his way to the Aids conference. Pic: Facebook

Kaylene Mann, from Queensland, Australia, who lost her brother and sister-in-law in the flight which disappeared on March 8, 2014, is now mourning the loss of her stepdaughter Maree Rizk and her husband Albert, who were returning to their Melbourne home after a month-long European holiday.

The Star Online reported Malaysian PM Najib Razak's step-grandmother was among the passengers aboard the fateful flight.

Sailor and businessman Nick Norris, 68, was also heading back from a break away in Europe with his three grandchildren, Milo Maslin, 12, Evie Maslin, 10, and Otis Maslin eight, Perth Now reported.

Cor Pan posted a picture of the airliner on Facebook. Pic: Facebook

The Australian media also reported a much-loved nun, Philomene Tiernan, from Sydney, Toorak college teacher Frankie Davison and her husband Liam, student Elaine Teoh and her Dutch boyfriend Emiel Mahler, Canberra mother-of-two Liliane Derden and security consultant Marco Grippeling, from Melbourne, among the victims.

Young Dutchman Cor Pan, from Volendam, north of Amsterdam, who is also believed to have perished in the disaster, posted a picture of the jetliner on Facebook, minutes before he boarded it, writing: "If it should disappear, this is what it looks like."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Double Malaysia Airlines Tragedy For Oz Family

A woman who lost her brother and sister-in-law in the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has discovered her stepdaughter was on the plane shot down over Ukraine.

Kaylene Mann's brother Rob Burrows was on board the aircraft with his wife when it went missing in March.

She has now learned that her stepdaughter Maree Rizk was killed along with 297 others on MH17, which crashed on Thursday.

US intelligence agencies believe it was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

The aftermath of the Ukraine plane crash

Ms Mann's brother Greg said: "It's just brought everyone, everything back.

"It's just ripped our guts again.

"She (Ms Mann) just lost a brother and now a stepdaughter."

Investigations will try to determine who caused the plane to crash

Mr Burrows added he did not blame Malaysia Airlines: "Nobody could predict they were going to get shot down. That was out of their hands."

Maree Rizk was returning home after a four-week holiday in Europe with her husband Albert, who also died.

The family - from Melbourne, Australia - were heavily involved with local side Sunbury Football Club.

Club president Phil Lithgow said: "They were very lovely people.

"You wouldn't hear a bad word about them - very generous with their time in the community, very community-minded, and just really very entertaining people to be with."

Club members are due to wear black armbands and observe a short silence at their game on Saturday.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

'It Was Hit By A Rocket': MH17's Final Moments

Dramatic mobile phone footage has emerged showing debris falling from the sky and a black plume of smoke moments after flight MH17 was struck by a rocket.

The footage has garnered more than 100,000 views on YouTube after it appeared on a social media account purporting to belong to senior pro-Russian separatist Igor Strelkov.

Strelkov, known to his fighters as "Igor the Terrible", is the top military commander of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.

He posted a link to the video on the Russian website VK less than an hour after flight MH17 was shot down.

Alongside the link, Strelkov appeared to take responsibility on behalf of the separatists for shooting down an aircraft.

The post, which was later deleted from the VK account, read: "We warned you, stay away from our skies."

However, the post claimed credit for shooting down an AN-26 military transport plane, not a commercial airliner.

"We just downed an AN-26 near Torez. It is down near the Progress mine," it added.

The confusion raises the possibility that pro-Russian separatists might have mistaken the Malaysia Airlines jet for a military aircraft, and shot it down in error.

In the video three men - who are reported to be pro-Russian rebels - are heard talking about debris falling from the sky.

Igor Strelkov is the military commander of the Donetsk People's Republic

"We just saw a plane being blown to pieces," one of the men says.

Another man describes the initial explosion he witnessed as "a blast" and praises the precision of those who shot the plane down.

"Wow, that was a blast," says the first man, who adds that he thinks the plane was "hit by a rocket".

Sky News has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the footage, and it is not certain that the VK page is operated personally by Strelkov.

Candles burning at the Dutch embassy in Kiev

Strelkov is an elusive figure who is sought by Ukrainian intelligence officials as the top Russian operative in the separatist east.

He uses at least three aliases, and has vowed to "destroy" Ukrainian forces in Donetsk.

Kiev claims the separatist fighter is an agent of Russia's military intelligence.

Asked about Strelkov's background in May this year, separatist spokesperson Stella Khorosheva said he was an ethnic Russian and a veteran of the Soviet and Russian armies.

She gave no further details about his origins of his citizenship.

An armed pro-Russian separatist at the crash site

"His aides do not know if he has any other names. He has rich military experience and holds the rank of colonel," she said.

Meanwhile, the separatists have given crash investigators access to the site and journalists have been encouraged to take pictures, many of which are too graphic to show.

The names of nine British victims who were on board the plane are emerging. One was Glenn Thomas, a media officer at the World Health Organisation who was on his way to a summit in Australia on AIDS.

And one UK couple have been speaking of their shock after they were told they had to miss the flight because there were not enough seats.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hunt For Man Hit Over Head With Concrete Slab

Police are trying to find a man who had a concrete slab smashed over his head in Manchester city centre.

CCTV shows two men standing next to each other in Bloom Street, embracing briefly before the victim turns to walk away.

But just two seconds later, he is hit by a slab of concrete hidden in the back of the other man's trousers.

The attacker can be seen skipping away and gesturing with his hands, as the victim stumbles backwards onto the pavement.

A man arrested on suspicion of assault shortly after the attack has been released on bail until September 2 while investigations continue.

However, police have not been able to trace the victim and are concerned he may have suffered head injuries.

The victim is thought to be in his 20s. Pic: Greater Manchester Police

Detective Constable Tom Hornby, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a cowardly and unprovoked assault and we desperately need to identify this man in order to check on his welfare.

"We also need to trace him because at this time we are effectively dealing with a victimless crime, which is clearly not the case.

"We need to take an account of what happened from him and record his injuries so we can properly and thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the offender to justice."

The victim is thought to have left in a taxi shortly after the attack at around 4.35am on Wednesday.

He is described as black, aged in his mid to late 20s and of medium build, and was wearing a white t-shirt, black top, jeans and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 39597. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Middle East Ceasefire Talks 'Making Progress'

By Tom Rayner, Middle East Reporter, in Jerusalem

Efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are "making progress" but no final agreement has been reached, sources have told Sky News.

Delegations from Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and regional powers are believed to be in Cairo working on a possible deal.

A five-hour UN-instigated ceasefire for humanitarian reasons that began on Thursday morning has now ended, with rockets being fired towards Israel shortly after the deadline passed.

Israel's military claims three mortars were fired at Israeli border communities during the temporary ceasefire itself.

A Hamas spokesman, speaking to the AFP news agency, denied the claim, saying: "All Palestinian factions are continuing to observe the truce".

A trail is left in the sky by recently-fired Israeli rockets

Palestinian officials said various proposals had been put on the table in negotiations in Cairo, but no final truce had yet been accepted by any of the parties involved.

A high-level source in the Israeli leadership affirmed that position, saying simply, "the ball is still in play".

Senior Western diplomatic sources have told Sky News that Israel is believed to have offered a package of concessions related to easing "movement restrictions" on Gaza, but has ruled out the release of any Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails.

Hamas has demanded Israel release those prisoners, re-arrested last month, who were part of an exchange deal in 2011 for the return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Hamas has also called for the opening of the Rafah crossing from Gaza into Egypt, a request which will require the approval of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.

A Palestinian boy with an Israeli letter warning people to evacuate

Israeli officials have told the Reuters news agency that the country's representatives in Cairo have approved a formulation of a possible agreement, which is now being examined by Israel's leadership.

However, Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said reports a comprehensive deal had been agreed "do not reflect reality", according to the Haaretz newspaper.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks with the Egyptian president in Cairo on Wednesday, and Quartet Middle East Envoy Tony Blair is also believed to be in the city.

Efforts to arrive at a ceasefire have been hindered by the toxic relations between Egypt and Hamas, following the crackdown on Islamist groups undertaken by President al Sisi.

Egypt's President al Sisi is hostile towards groups such as Hamas

Diplomatic sources say al Sisi's clear hostility towards groups like Hamas has made arriving at a deal far more difficult than during the last significant violence between Israel and Hamas, in November 2012, brokered by then-Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi.

"In order to stand a serious chance of holding, any ceasefire needs to be, to some degree, comprehensive," the Western source told Sky News.

"The broker [Egypt] is clearly very different to 2012, so getting something substantive upfront is much more critical [for Hamas] than last time. They will not accept an end with talks later as there is no trust in the broker.

"There needs to be enough on the table to make Hamas feel pressured to accept a deal - that's the diplomatic sweet spot that all are aiming for," the source added.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

UN Inquiry After Rockets Found In Gaza School

Middle East Ceasefire Talks 'Making Progress'

Updated: 3:36pm UK, Thursday 17 July 2014

By Tom Rayner, Middle East Reporter, in Jerusalem

Efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are "making progress" but no final agreement has been reached, sources have told Sky News.

Delegations from Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and regional powers are believed to be in Cairo working on a possible deal.

A five-hour UN-instigated ceasefire for humanitarian reasons that began on Thursday morning has now ended, with rockets being fired towards Israel shortly after the deadline passed.

Israel's military claims three mortars were fired at Israeli border communities during the temporary ceasefire itself.

A Hamas spokesman, speaking to the AFP news agency, denied the claim, saying: "All Palestinian factions are continuing to observe the truce".

Palestinian officials said various proposals had been put on the table in negotiations in Cairo, but no final truce had yet been accepted by any of the parties involved.

A high-level source in the Israeli leadership affirmed that position, saying simply, "the ball is still in play".

Senior Western diplomatic sources have told Sky News that Israel is believed to have offered a package of concessions related to easing "movement restrictions" on Gaza, but has ruled out the release of any Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails.

Hamas has demanded Israel release those prisoners, re-arrested last month, who were part of an exchange deal in 2011 for the return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Hamas has also called for the opening of the Rafah crossing from Gaza into Egypt, a request which will require the approval of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.

Israeli officials have told the Reuters news agency that the country's representatives in Cairo have approved a formulation of a possible agreement, which is now being examined by Israel's leadership.

However, Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said reports a comprehensive deal had been agreed "do not reflect reality", according to the Haaretz newspaper.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held talks with the Egyptian president in Cairo on Wednesday, and Quartet Middle East Envoy Tony Blair is also believed to be in the city.

Efforts to arrive at a ceasefire have been hindered by the toxic relations between Egypt and Hamas, following the crackdown on Islamist groups undertaken by President al Sisi.

Diplomatic sources say al Sisi's clear hostility towards groups like Hamas has made arriving at a deal far more difficult than during the last significant violence between Israel and Hamas, in November 2012, brokered by then-Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi.

"In order to stand a serious chance of holding, any ceasefire needs to be, to some degree, comprehensive," the Western source told Sky News.

"The broker [Egypt] is clearly very different to 2012, so getting something substantive upfront is much more critical [for Hamas] than last time. They will not accept an end with talks later as there is no trust in the broker.

"There needs to be enough on the table to make Hamas feel pressured to accept a deal - that's the diplomatic sweet spot that all are aiming for," the source added.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Malaysian Plane 'Shot Down With 295 On Board'

A Malaysian passenger plane with 295 people on board has been shot down as it flew above eastern Ukraine, according to aviation sources.

The plane, which is believed to have been flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was travelling at an altitude of 10km (6.2 miles) when it was shot down, Russia's Interfax reported.

The Boeing 777 was brought down by a Buk ground-to-air missile, an adviser to the Ukrainian interior ministry quoted by the news agency said.

The adviser said the 280 passengers and 15 crew members who were on the plane are all believed to have died.

A spokesman for Malaysian Airlines confirmed it had lost contact with flight MH17, which departed from Amsterdam at 12.14pm local time.

The flight disappeared from radar as it flew over Ukrainian airspace, he said.

Sky's Katie Stallard, in Moscow, said media reports suggest the plane came down in the Donetsk region, where there has been recent heavy fighting amid continuing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Data from Flightradar24 suggests the plane had just passed the city of Kremenchuk when it disappeared.

Several videos apparently filmed in the area, none of which Sky News has been able to independently verify, show plumes of thick, black smoke rising high into the air.

An aviation source told the Reuters news agency the wreckage of a burning aircraft had been found on the ground.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of reports and are urgently working to establish what has happened."

More follows...

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Video From Inside Costa Concordia Wreck

New video has emerged showing the inside of the Costa Concordia cruise ship which has been refloated after sinking two and a half years ago.

Tables and chairs can be seen remarkably intact in what was once a bar and an atrium onboard the luxury liner.

On Monday, the 114,500-ton ship was successfully raised from the under-sea platform that it had been resting on for the last year.

Compressed air was pumped into 30 tanks attached to the sides of the vessel to force out seawater for one of the largest salvage operations in history.

Tables and chairs that were part of the bar area

Technicians then moved the liner 30 metres from shore, as the coastguard monitored the £1bn operation, including the quality of water and sea pollution that could be generated by the removal process.

Thirty-two people died when the huge ship, which was twice as large as The Titanic, slammed into rocks off the Italian island of Giglio in January 2012 and part of the ship's 290-metre-long hull sank beneath the water.

The ship was recently refloated more than two years after it sank

Having been hauled into an upright position after a 19-hour operation last September, the wreckage of the liner will be towed in the next few days to the port of Genoa 200 miles away to be broken up and sold as scrap.

Search teams will scour the wreck in an attempt to find the body of the only victim still missing, an Indian waiter called Russel Rebello.

In an interview with Sky News last January, Mr Rebello's brother, Kevin, who has made regular trips to Giglio from his home in Milan, said: "More than anything we would just like to find Russel's body so we can bury him and draw a line on what happened.''

Mr Rebello, second left, is the only victim whose body is still missing

Eerie video footage shot by divers and released by police earlier this month showed twisted metalwork, broken furniture and discarded belongings left by the 4,200 people who were on board the Costa Concordia when it crashed.

Francesco Schettino, the ship's captain, is on trial on several counts, including manslaughter. He is fighting the charges.

Schettino is accused of deliberately altering the course of the Concordia in order to carry out a sail-by salute of the island in order to impress local residents and passengers.

The 53-year-old, who was allegedly on the bridge with his Moldovan lover Domnica Cemortan, claimed it was ''too dark to see anything'' and told investigators he had not fled but had ''tripped and fell into a lifeboat".

He was dubbed Captain Coward by some tabloid newspapers after reportedly refusing orders from the coastguard to return to the ship to help with the rescue operation.

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hair Salon Killer Jailed For At Least 24 Years

Asher Maslin, who stabbed his ex-girlfriend Hollie Gazzard to death at the hair salon where she worked, has been jailed for life.

Maslin, 22, was told he would have to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison.

The former security guard attacked his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend at the Fringe Benefits & La Bella Beauty salon in Gloucester on February 18.

Staff and customers tried to protect her, but Maslin cornered her and stabbed her 14 times with a £3 knife he had bought on the way to confront her. She had recently ended their relationship.

Hollie Gazzard had asked colleagues to phone police if Maslin turned up

Police were already on their way to the salon as Ms Gazzard had asked colleagues to phone 999 immediately if Maslin turned up.

She was pronounced dead just over an hour after the attack at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Maslin was arrested the following day and later admitted a charge of murder.

Sentencing him at Gloucester Crown Court, Mr Justice Teare said: "The number of stab wounds on a defenceless young woman show that this was a merciless killing.

Maslin went to the salon to confront Ms Gazzard

"It was carried out in public, witnessed by customers of the salon, colleagues of Hollie Gazzard and by passers-by.

"Hollie Gazzard was 20 years of age and at the start of her adult life. As her father said, 'the world was at her feet'.

"Hollie's father and sister have described the devastating effect Hollie's death has had on them and on other members of the family."

The judge added that Maslin had taken cocaine and crack cocaine in the days before the killing.

As he was taken away, Maslin nodded to members of his family, who were weeping in the public gallery, and said: "Sorry."

Miss Gazzard was stabbed 14 times in front of colleagues

Miss Gazzard suffered multiple wounds in the attack and died as a result of massive blood loss.

The court heard she was killed days after ending their relationship. Maslin also sent her threatening text messages before carrying out the attack.

Hollie's father Nick Gazzard said: "She was a character, she would keep you on your toes. She used to light up the room when she came home from work.

"It is such a loss now not to have her around. It was like a light bulb going on when she came in."

The family, from Churchdown, near Gloucester, have launched a foundation - the Hollie Gazzard Trust - in her memory, to protect young people from knife crime and domestic violence.

Solicitor Steven Young read a statement on behalf of Maslin's mother Sam outside the court.

It said: "Hollie's death has been a tragedy. She was a beautiful young woman and there was a time that she and Asher loved each other.

"Asher cannot explain whey he did what he did. All he can now do is express through us his deeply felt sorrow for the pain which he has caused to so many people."

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Bean said: "This horrific and violent attack was a spiteful and cowardly reaction by a self-obsessed individual who couldn't handle rejection."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

More Than 600 Paedophile Suspects Arrested

An operation by the National Crime Agency involving 45 police forces has seen 660 suspected paedophiles arrested across the UK.

Thirty-nine of the 660 were registered sex offenders but the vast majority had not come to the authorities' attention before. More than 800 properties were searched.

One arrested man had access to 17 grandchildren - two of them had already made allegations against him.

Two men, one of whom is a doctor, had between them more than a million indecent images of children on their phones and computers.

Care workers and former police officers were also among the hundreds arrested.

As a result of the six-month investigation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which has only now been revealed - more than 400 children have been safeguarded, the NCA said.

A total of 431 children now under official protection had been in the "care, custody or control" of suspects, 127 of those children were considered to be at immediate risk of harm, the agency revealed.

None of those arrested is a serving or former MP or member of the Government, it said.

Charging decisions are still due in most cases because of continuing inquiries, but charges brought so far range from possessing indecent images of children to serious sexual assault.

The NCA's deputy director general, Phil Gormley, said: "This is the first time the UK has had the capability to coordinate a single targeted operation of this nature.

The undercover operation involved 45 police forces

"Over the past six months we have seen unprecedented levels of cooperation to deliver this result.

"Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation. A child is victimised not only when they are abused and an image is taken. They are re-victimised every time that image is viewed by someone.

"Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly. So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended - it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line.

"We want those offenders to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images, that they leave a digital footprint, and that law enforcement will find it."

Mr Gormley said he was "profoundly disappointed" at the scale of the problem and the number of arrests police were forced to make.

It was necessary, he said, to take a harder look at the amount of people looking at child abuse images on the internet.

"The alternative," he said, "is not to look under the stone, and we cannot afford not to look under this stone."

Claire Lilley, Head of Online Safety at the NSPCC said: "This is an important two-pronged operation which has rescued children from abuse and also identified many previously unknown sex offenders.

"Direct action like this sends a strong message to those who subject children to harrowing sexual assaults that they can and will be traced and prosecuted."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heatwave Warning Issued For Rest Of Week

Heatwave conditions will affect parts of England later this week, with officials warning people to take precautions as the mercury hits 30C.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued guidance on how the extreme temperatures may affect them.

The warning comes as the Met Office issued a Level 2 heat alert for parts of the South East, London, east of England and the Midlands.

Thursday is forecast to be the country's hottest day so far this year, with temperatures of up to 30C, while Friday is expected to be nearly as hot.

People have been told to avoid the hottest part of the day and use suncream

A Level 2 warning is triggered when the Met Office forecasts a 60% or higher chance of consecutive daily temperatures having a significant impact on health.

PHE director for health protection Dr Paul Cosford said: "While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

"The Heatwave Plan, which we published earlier this year, is an important component of overall emergency planning and sets out a series of clear actions that can be taken by healthcare organisations, local authorities, professionals working with vulnerable people, and individuals to help keep people safe during extreme heat.

"To prepare for any type of hot weather this summer, we strongly encourage each locality to consider the actions in this plan and adapt them to their local situation, as a component of wider resilience planning and long-term climate change adaptation arrangements."

Officials said to be careful remaining outdoors in the hottest part of the day and avert dehydration by drinking cool liquids.

Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the higher temperatures, so even indoors they should remain in cool areas.

Some areas are expecting thunderstorms at the end of the heatwave

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist  Steve Ramsdale said: "It will turn hotter in the south over the next couple of days, as humid air moves in from the very warm continent, with temperatures of over 30C likely in parts of the south by Friday.

"The humidity will make it uncomfortable for many and there is a health risk, so people should take care to keep cool."

The heatwave warning is due to take effect late on Thursday and carry through until Saturday, when heavy rain is expected.

Dr Cosford added: "Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

"Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat."

A warning was also issued for members of the Muslim community fasting during the current period of Ramadan.

Dr Cosford said: "During hot weather it's important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water.

"The Muslim Council of Britain and the NHS have published lots of useful information for those likely affected during this period."

22.55 | 0 komentar | Read More