WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, May 18, 2018.

Blocking US sanctions

The EU has officially activated a 1996 law with the aim of protecting European companies from looming US sanctions against Iran. The European Commission says it has launched the formal process to activate the Blocking Statute by updating the list of US sanctions on Iran falling within its scope. On Thursday, Head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker made the initial announcement, saying the bloc would maintain its cooperation with Iran. Juncker said Brussels has decided to allow the European Investment Bank to facilitate investment for European enterprises in Iran. US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement earlier this month, saying sanctions would be re-introduced against the Islamic Republic soon. The announcement has angered the EU, Russia, and China who want to preserve the accord.

Slamming Israeli massacre

The UN human rights chief has slammed Israel’s deadly reaction to protests staged by Palestinians in Gaza as wholly disproportionate. Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein made the remarks as he was addressing a special session of the UN Human Rights Council that could set up a commission of inquiry into the recent violence against Palestinians in Gaza. Zeid called for the prosecution of those involved in the killings of Palestinian protesters in the enclave. He noted that Israel has systematically deprived Palestinians of their human rights. The UN official said the regime has kept nearly two million residents of Gaza “caged in a toxic slum from birth to death”. He also called for an end to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian land.

British royal wedding

The UK is gearing up for yet another extravagant royal wedding amid growing concerns over taxpayer money involved in the event. Prince Harry, sixth in line to the British throne, and American actress, Meghan Markle, will tie the knot at Windsor Castle this weekend. After the ceremony, the couple will make a procession through London’s ancient streets. Britain’s armed forces have already made the rehearsal of the carriage parade. The occasion is generating mixed reactions with many Britons complaining about the cost of security. A recent YouGov poll showed 57 percent of respondents wanted the royal family pay for such costs. According to British media, the wedding bill is estimated to be between 24 and 30 million pounds, with taxpayer footing it. Harry’s elder brother, Prince William’s wedding in 2011 reportedly cost the Metropolitan police over 7 million pounds.

Iran hold rallies to condemn Israeli massacre

Iranians have held nationwide rallies to condemn the recent Israeli massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The demonstrations were held after the Friday prayers. The protesters expressed solidarity with those who lost their lives during clashes with Israeli forces in the past week. On Tuesday, Palestinians marked Nakba Day, the 70th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian lands. One Palestinian was killed near the Gaza Strip’s so-called buffer zone. On Monday, Israeli troops killed over 60 Palestinians in Gaza following the official relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds.

Venezuela presidential election

Venezuela's presidential election will be held next Sunday amid a nationwide military security operation announced by the electoral commission. Officials say this operation will neutralize possible threats from the opposition to disrupt the vote.

Probing Israeli massacre

The UN Human Rights Council has approved an international probe into Israeli crimes in the Gaza Strip. The UN's top human rights body approved a resolution calling on the council to urgently dispatch an independent commission to investigate attacks on peaceful protests. Palestinians have been holding demonstrations in Gaza since March to challenge Israeli claims to Jerusalem al-Quds. Earlier this week, the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds triggered mass rallies in Gaza. This led to the fatal shooting of over 60 Palestinians.

Solidarity with Gaza

People hold protests worldwide against Israel’s killing of Palestinians in Gaza and the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem al-Quds. Jordanian protesters in Amman chanted slogans against the US and Israel. In Indian-controlled Kashmir, a similar demonstration turned violent after security forces opened fire to disperse the crowds. In the capital New Delhi, Muslim and social activists and students denounced Israel’s atrocities in the Gaza Strip, and the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds. Pakistanis also took to the streets in the capital Islamabad and in the port city of Karachi. In Turkey’s port city of Istanbul, a huge crowd turned up for a rally called by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in solidarity with Palestinians. Pro-Palestinian rallies were also held in Pakistan.

US school shooting

A shooting spree has left at least eight people dead in the US state of Texas. The shooting took place at a school in the city of Santa Fe. The shooter is reportedly in custody. There is no word on the motive behind the attack that left a number of people injured as well.

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