WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, January 23, 2017.

Palestinian anger

Palestinians across the occupied territories are observing a general strike to protest Washington’s new policy on Jerusalem al-Quds. The walkout was called by the Fatah Party. Shops, banks, schools, government offices and businesses are closed. Public transportation is also suspended. Excluded from the strike are hospitals and clinics and some educational facilities. The walkout comes amid a visit by US Vice President, Mike Pence, to Jeruslem al-Quds. The trip is the first by a major figure from the US since President Donald Trump recognized al-Quds as Israel’s capital in a December-six address. On Monday at the Israeli Knesset, Pence said Washington is planning to relocate the country’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to al-Quds by the end of 2019.

Turkey Iraq offensive

The Turkish army says it has conducted airstrikes in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants preparing to attack Turkey. The army said it bombed border positions of the outlawed PKK militants in the Zap region on Monday. It said the attacks destroyed weapons emplacements and shelters. This follows a Turkish ground incursion and airstrikes against Kurdish YPG forces in Syria’s Afrin that began on Saturday. The Turkish bombing of the region on Sunday reportedly left eleven civilians, including five children, dead.

Rohingya repatriation

Rights groups have warned that more time is needed to prepare for the return of Rohingya Muslim refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other rights groups say a number of issues should be addressed and some guarantees are needed in order for the repatriation to be done right. UNHCR head, Filippo Grandi, noted that there must be a monitoring mechanism in Myanmar’s Rakhine state for those returning. The calls come as Bangladeshi officials delayed the repatriation of a group of Muslims which was set for Tuesday. An estimated 650,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar since August last year after the army and Buddhist mobs began a heavy-handed crackdown on the minority group.

Hamas warning

Islamic resistance movement Hamas warns that Israel and the US are preparing the regional states to come to terms with the Israeli occupation. Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh says the US is setting the scene for regional countries to normalize ties with Tel Aviv. He says there must never be any recognition of the Zionist entity, stressing that Palestinians are aware of the US and Israeli threats. Haniyeh once again slammed Washington’s recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of Israel. He said the move proved that the US can no longer play the role of mediator in the so-called peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. The top Hamas official also criticized Washington’s decision to cut aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. He said such measures are aimed at putting an end to the Palestinian cause.

Turkey Syria incursion

At least three people have lost their lives in the latest attacks by the Turkish army in the Kurdish-dominated north eastern Syria. A spokesman for the People's Protection Units says the three were killed in the town of Ras al-Ayn, 300 kilometers east of Afrin. The deaths bring to at least 27, the number of people killed in Turkey’s offensive since Saturday. The YPG’s spokesman says the Turkish military is shelling Qamlishi and other border towns too. The Kurdish administration running north-eastern Syria has also urged civilians to take up arms to defend the Afrin region against Turkey and its allied Syrian opposition militants. Ankara has announced the death of two of its soldiers during the operations, while adding that the Turkish Air Force has bombed the positions of the outlawed PKK militia north of Iraq.

N Korea’s ‘powerful deterrent’

North Korea says it possesses a powerful and reliable deterrent to counter any nuclear threats. Han Tae Song, North Korea's ambassador to the UN in Geneva added that the North's decision to strengthen nuclear force is absolutely the right choice. The US envoy says however that Pyongyang's decision to reinforce its nuclear capability is wrong and will undermine America's security. Robert Wood stresses North Korea must take steps toward denuclearization. He says dealing with the North's nuclear program will be a priority for the United States. Wood argues that the international community should keep the pressure on North Korea. Pyongyang says its nuclear capability is a response to the US threats.

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