Millions of Muslims mark International Quds Day in support of Palestinian people

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Muslims around the world are set to hold demonstrations on the international Quds Day in solidarity with Palestinians. The rallies coincide with the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan. Quds Day is an annual event to raise public awareness about the plight of Palestinians and their struggle against Israel.
• Palestinians have staged a rally in Ramallah to slam Israel for extending the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoner Bilad Kayed, who was supposed to be freed earlier this month. Israel extended the administrative detention of Kayed and 11 others for up to six months. He has gone on hunger strike since then.
• Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces have condemned the Saudi foreign minister’s call for the dissolution of the group. Earlier, Adel al-Jubeir accused the forces of fueling sectarian tensions in Iraq and called for their dismantling. The Popular Mobilization Units have been a key force in fighting Daesh terrorists in Iraq.
• Saudi warplanes have bombed the Yemeni provinces of Ma’rib, Ta’izz, and Sana’a, causing human and material losses. Meanwhile, the Yemeni army has killed several Saudi-backed militants who tried to infiltrate into the district of Hilan in Ma’rib province. Several vehicles belonging to the militants have also been destroyed.
• Turkey’s opposition has blamed the ruling Justice and Development Party for the recent terror attacks in the country. A former Turkish diplomat said the AKP is paying the price for fomenting extremism in the region. He also criticized Ankara for allowing the proliferation of terrorist cells on its own soil.
• The financial services company, Standard and Poor's, has cut the credit rating for the European Union after the Brexit vote last week. The ratings agency says the EU has lost its status as a safe haven for investments. EU’s rating downgraded by one notch from double-A-PLUS to double-A.
• The Spanish Prime Minister has begun talks with other political parties to form a cabinet after failing to win a majority in last week's elections. Mariano Rakhoy met with the head of Canaria political party to end months of political deadlock. Rakhoy needs to form a coalition in order to establish a government.
• The US Navy says six officers and three enlisted sailors are disciplined or face disciplinary action over their capture in January by Iran after they entered the Islamic Republic’s territorial waters. A US Navy investigation report says weak leadership, poor judgment and errors led to their embarrassing arrest.

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