Ahmed al-Jabari’s assassination in missile strike marks ‘start of broader operation’ that may involve ground troops, says Israel
Israel fires warning shots into Syria as violence escalates in Gaza
Four Palestinian civilians are reported killed in Gaza as fears grow that Syrian civil war could spill across border
Kenyan Amisom peacekeeper held after ‘shooting dead six Somali civilians’
African Union offensive against al-Shabaab may be undermined by what Somali army spokesman calls ‘deliberate killing’
Islamic countries brace for anti-west protests
• Pakistan blocks mobile phone signals in 15 cities
• French embassies and schools closed in around 20 countries
• Tunisia bans protests against Charlie Hebdo cartoons
Palestinian cause is victim of Arab revolts, says David Miliband
Former foreign secretary expresses alarm at fading prospects for two-state solution to Middle East conflict
Kenyan troops close in on al-Shabaab’s Somali stronghold
African Union forces set to take rebel-held port of Kismayo, according to military, as rights groups fear civilian death toll
Egyptian soldier killed and seven injured in Sinai attacks
Security forces had been carrying out raids arresting suspected militants linked to killing of 16 border guards
France opens murder inquiry into Yasser Arafat’s death
Public prosecutor will try to establish if Arafat was poisoned with polonium-210
The abuse of dissenting Jews is shameful
Jewish diaspora support is vital for Israel, yet those who oppose its policies are demonised and vilified
Syrian rebels fight on for Aleppo despite local wariness
Rebels say 70% of city is with regime, but exchanges with the few remaining residents who venture on to streets are civil
Somalis planning on a better future
David Smith talks to some of the extraordinary characters who believe 2012 will be remembered as the year that Somalia, finally, turned the corner
UN observers leave Syria as mandate expires
Departure of last 100 monitors under way as humanitarian situation worsens and regime denies Assad deputy has defected
Israel appoints new home security minister amid fears over strike on Iran
Former intelligence chief Avi Dichter will take role, having previously spoken out against military action against Iran
Sudan reaches agreement on aid access to rebel-controlled areas
Deal between Sudan and South Sudan paves way for relief supplies into two border states for first time in more than a year
Ex-Israeli soldier jailed over deaths of Palestinian women
Unnamed former soldier to serve 45 days in connection with deaths of Palestinian mother and daughter during Gaza war
Syria conflict: rebels withdraw from Salahedin, Aleppo – Thursday 9 August 2012
• Rebels claim Assad’s chief of protocol has defected
• More clashes reported in Aleppo
• All 48 Iranian hostages are alive, Tehran claims