WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, December 7, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, December 8, 2017.

World condemning Trump  

The US President’s declaration of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital has drawn condemnation from world leaders and prominent politicians across the world. EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has warned about the dire ramifications of Donald Trump’s move for the Middle East’s security and stability. French President Emmanuel Macron says he disapproves of the Trump administration's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, calling it a “unilateral decision”. British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, also said the US move will not help resolve the Palestinian issue. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry expressed "serious concern" over Trump's decision, saying it threatens security in the Middle East. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Canberra will not relocate its embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also stressed that Canada's embassy in Israel would remain in Tel Aviv.

Israeli expansionism

US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital has emboldened the regime to further pursue its expansionist policy in the holy city. Israeli media have cited a cabinet minister as saying that the regime is promoting a plan to build 14,000 new settler units in al-Quds. The minister along with his colleagues have stressed that Trump’s move has encouraged Tel Aviv to promote and strengthen construction in the city. Israel has unveiled massive settlement plans since Trump assumed office in January. All Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.

Fierce fires in California

Around 200,000 people have fled their houses in the US state of California as high winds hamper firefighters’ efforts to knock down the raging flames. The blaze swept through canyons as well as densely populated residential areas in Southern California for a fourth day. Authorities are fearful that the four major fires, from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara County, would be whipped up by ferocious winds that could reach hurricane strength. The infernos which erupted on Monday evening have intermittently shut down major highways throughout California. The wildfires have also destroyed hundreds of homes and forced hundreds of schools to close. Earlier, California's Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Ventura County.

Sexual scandal in US

Two American lawmakers announce their resignations as sexual harassment scandal and misconduct. First, Senator Alan Stuart Franken said he will resign in the face of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. The decision came a day after nearly 30 Democrats called on him to step down. Al Franken is the most prominent lawmaker to leave his post amid a wave of sexual misconduct claims against high-profile US figures. Now, Trent Franks, Republican Representative from the state of Arizona says he is quitting amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee. In his statement, Franks admitted that he made some of his former staffers uncomfortable over discussions he had with them about his efforts to find a surrogate mother. Meanwhile, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Donald Trump, saying the US has a president who has admitted assaulting women. The senior Democratic senator has called on Trump to resign.

Palestinians protesting US move

Palestinian officials have boycotted a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence to protest Washington’s latest decision on Jerusalem al-Quds. Secretary General of the Fatah Party, Jibril Rajoub, said no official from the Palestinian government, including President Mahmoud Abbas, will meet with Pence during his upcoming visit to the region. The senior official stressed that the US Vice president is not welcome in the occupied territories. Rajoub also called for Arab officials not to meet with Pence. The American politician is expected to visit the region later this month.

Saudi war on Yemen

Saudi Arabia has launched a fresh airstrike on Yemen, causing more deaths and destruction. The latest attack targeted Sahar district in Sa’ada province which is a stronghold of Ansarullah forces. At least 8 civilians were killed in the bombing. Saudi Arabia began its airstrikes on Yemen in March 2015. Over 13,000 people, mostly civilians have lost their lives since then.

UN call on Bahrain

A group of United Nations experts have issued a statement, urging the Bahraini regime to respect the rights of prominent Shia Cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim. The UN experts have called on Manama to let Qassim receive visitors freely and have unrestricted access to medications following his release from hospital. They say the cleric should be able to move around without restrictions during and after recovery. Sheikh Isa Qassim was hospitalized on Monday after rights groups issued warnings about his deteriorating health. Manama stripped the cleric of his nationality in 2016 and later placed him under house arrest over accusations of promoting extremism. Since the beginning of a popular uprising in 2011, the Bahraini regime has cracked down on opposition, particularly the country's Shia minority.

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