Latest update: 15/11/2012 

- Assassinations - Gaza Strip - Hamas - Israel - Israeli-Palestinian conflict


Fears of a fresh conflict between Israel and Hamas

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Israel has "opened the gates of hell" according to Hamas, the Islamist party in control of Gaza. On Wednesday, the head of Hamas's military wing, Ahmed Jaabari, was assassinated by an Israeli air strike. Three casualties were reported in Israel after rockets were fired from Gaza following the attack. Israel says it's ready to follow up the action on the ground; all signs point to a repeat of the Israeli incursion into Gaza four years ago.

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By Yuka ROYER
French not favoured by language learners Down Under
21/03/2013 - AUSTRALIA

French not favoured by language learners Down Under

While the Australian population is largely a mixture of people who have moved Down Under from all over the globe, it's surprising how many Australians speak foreign languages. While French used to be a popular choice in schools, the distance between France and Australia has meant the popularity of French has been supplanted by languages closer to home, such as Arabic, Indonesian and Mandarin Chinese. Only 1% of Australians speak French, but one of them spoke to France 24.
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Iranians in Israel watch Obama visit closely
21/03/2013 - MIDDLE EAST

Iranians in Israel watch Obama visit closely

US President Barack Obama is currently on his first ever visit to the Middle East. Shortly after arriving he held joint press conferences with his Israeli counterpart, Shimon Peres, and later with Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu. Iran is featuring heavily in their talks. It's also an ongoing concern for one particular group of Israelis, namely the country's Persian community - Iranian Jews who have left their native country and are now living in Israel.
Ever wondered where New Orleans' French influence came from?
20/03/2013 - USA

Ever wondered where New Orleans' French influence came from?

In the southern US, French is spoken by a community of 500,000 people. These are the Cajun people, descendants of French-speaking Canadians who were forced from their homes by the English in the 18th century. Today they make up a tenth of Louisiana and their presence over the years have left a marked influence on the state. These days, the Cajuns continue their traditions through music and song, which help them to keep their linguistic heritage alive.
Is more austerity the right way forward for the UK economy?
20/03/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

Is more austerity the right way forward for the UK economy?

The British government faces its toughest financial dilemma to date as it presents its Budget for the next year. PM David Cameron and Finance Minister George Osborne are under pressure to stop cutting public service budgets and start investing to boost an economy that's close to a triple-dip recession. But they insist that further spending cuts are necessary to lower the nation's debt repayments.
Romania's long-standing fascination with all things French
19/03/2013 - ROMANIA

Romania's long-standing fascination with all things French

The French influence has long been felt in Romania, which in the past has enjoyed a special relationship with France. While that's not so much the case today, there are still French speakers and Francophiles to be found in the country and similarities to be found in their respective languages. The historic links between East and West therefore look likely to continue - linguistically at least.

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