Israel and the Palestinians were waiting on Friday to study the wording of a US statement inviting them to start direct talks on a peace treaty.

Serbia's neighbours in Croatia, Hungary and Bulgaria dealt a blow to the Serb campaign to overturn Kosovo's month-old independence on Wednesday by announcing they would recognise the new republic. In a joint statement issued in Zagreb, Budapest and Sofia, they said the decision was based on "thorough consideration".

Israel rejects charges that its January invasion of the Gaza Strip inflicted civilian death and destruction on an unjustifiable scale.

There are theories among Israelis and Palestinians about what has propelled the two sides towards their second war in four years.

Israel has begun rounding up African migrants in the first stage of an "emergency plan" to deport thousands deemed a threat to the Jewish character.

African migrants chosen for deportation from Israel are nervously awaiting a knock on the door or a tap on the shoulder to begin their departure.

There are theories among Israelis and Palestinians about what has propelled the two sides towards their second war in four years.

Israel and the Palestinians were waiting on Friday to study the wording of a US statement inviting them to start direct talks on a peace treaty.