Militants defy Abbas with surge of attacks

Gaza militants struck the border with Israel and launched barrages of rockets into the Jewish state on Wednesday, defying calls for a halt t...

Gaza militants struck the border with Israel and launched barrages of rockets into the Jewish state on Wednesday, defying calls for a halt to attacks from the frontrunner to succeed Yasser Arafat.

Violence has surged in the Gaza Strip ahead of Sunday’s presidential election, likely to be won by moderate Mahmoud Abbas, who has called for a truce in the 4-year-old uprising to allow talks with Israel to resume.

Raising doubts over new peace hopes following Arafat’s death, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he did not think the Palestinians could achieve anything if violence continued.

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Troops shot dead a Palestinian gunman who attacked them at the Erez border crossing, the day after an Israeli shell killed seven young Palestinians in a Gaza strawberry field. Islamic Jihad and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed the attack.

Twelve soldiers were wounded by a rocket attack from Gaza on a base inside Israel. The Islamic militant group Hamas said it fired at the base to avenge the deaths on Tuesday.

India warns of ‘likely humanitarian consequences’ after US H-1B visa fee hike

India1 hr ago

India voices concerns over new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa, citing humanitarian impact and family disruptions. Government urges US to address issues, while industry and policymakers study the move for mutual benefits. September 21 deadline for H-1B visa holders to return to US could affect skilled Indian professionals, who make up 72% of beneficiaries.

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