Jan 07, 2009 04:56AM

Israel halts firing to allow aid into Gaza

Israel's temporary pause in fighting in parts of Gaza has taken effect to allow humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians in the besieged territory, according to U.N. and Israeli spokesmen.

Jan 07, 2009 03:58AM

U.N.: No militants at shelled Gaza school

U.N. officials are "99.9 percent certain" there were no Palestinian militants in or on the grounds of a school that was shelled by Israeli forces, killing more than 40 people, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Jan 07, 2009 12:59AM

Israel mulls expelling Venezuelan diplomat

Israel said Wednesday it may expel Venezuela's top diplomat from the country in a tit-for-tat gesture after the South American nation ordered the Israeli ambassador to leave over the increasingly bloody ground war in Gaza.

Jan 06, 2009 08:37PM

Al Qaeda message blames Obama, Egypt

An audio message reportedly from al Qaeda's deputy chief vows revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and calls the Jewish state's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Jan 07, 2009 03:50AM

Gas row sends shiver through icy Europe

Gas supplies to Europe from Russia remained cut or reduced Wednesday as Russia and Ukraine continued their dispute over the supply of natural gas.

Jan 07, 2009 02:36AM

French ship freed as anti-pirate patrols start

Two Chinese destroyers and a supply ship were patrolling the waters in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia on Wednesday, according to news reports, and at least 15 vessels have requested their protection.

Jan 07, 2009 04:10AM

Fraud revelations hit Indian computer giant

The chairman of India's fourth-largest software-services provider resigned Wednesday after confessing to inflating the company's profits for years with "fictitious" assets and non-existent cash.

Jan 07, 2009 04:36AM

Russia stops all gas supply to Europe via Ukraine (AP)

AP - Russia has shut off all its gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine — the latest move in a pricing dispute that has reduced or halted fuel deliveries to a dozen countries during a winter cold snap.

Jan 06, 2009 12:12PM

Fears mount of Gaza conflict spill over in Europe (AP)

AP - Government officials and Jewish leaders are concerned the conflict in Gaza may spill over into violence in Europe, with attacks reported against Jews and synagogues in France, Sweden and Britain.

Jan 07, 2009 05:28AM

Israel halts campaign for 3 hours to let in aid (AP)

AP - Israel ordered a pause in its Gaza offensive for three hours Wednesday to allow food and fuel to reach besieged Palestinians, and the country's leaders debated whether to accept an international cease-fire plan or expand the assault against Hamas.

Jan 06, 2009 08:07AM

Today Kisses Coulter Goodbye (E! Online)

E! Online - The liberal media elite has run afoul of Ann Coulter yet again. Well, that didn't take long.

Jan 07, 2009 04:52AM

CNN: Gupta approached about surgeon general post (AP)

AP - President-elect Barack Obama's reported choice for surgeon general, CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, could bring a dose of star power to a job that hasn't had that much clout in decades.

Jan 06, 2009 10:50AM

Patrick Swayze: "I'm Going Through Hell" (E! Online)

E! Online - Patrick Swayze has always been a fighter on the big screen. Now's he's proving his warrior worth in real life.

Jan 06, 2009 04:31PM

German mogul kills self over financial meltdown (AP)

AP - German billionaire Adolf Merckle threw himself in front of a train after his business empire, which included interests ranging from VW cars to pharmaceuticals to cement, ran into trouble in the global financial crisis, his family said Tuesday.

Jan 07, 2009 05:36AM

Israel begins Gaza attacks lull

Israel halts military operations in Gaza for three hours in the first of planned daily suspensions, it says, as ceasefire calls mount.

Jan 07, 2009 04:48AM

M&S to close stores and cut jobs

Marks and Spencer says it plans to close 25 Simply Food stores and two of its regular stores, and cut 1,230 jobs.

Jan 07, 2009 05:22AM

Pietersen out as England captain

Kevin Pietersen has left his position as England captain and coach Peter Moores will follow, BBC Sport understands.

Jan 07, 2009 05:34AM

Thousands suffer rail disruption

Thousands of rail passengers face long delays after power lines came down stopping all trains in to and out of London Euston.

Jan 07, 2009 05:13AM

Driver caution urged amid freeze

Temperatures plunge to -12C in Oxfordshire on the coldest night so far of Britain's new year big freeze.

Jan 07, 2009 05:36AM

Dispute hits Europe gas supplies

Exports of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine stop altogether with both countries accusing each other of turning off the tap.

Jan 07, 2009 04:49AM

UK car sales fall to 12-year-low

UK car sales in 2008 are 11.3% lower than they had been in 2007, following a 21.2% drop in December.