Palestinian militants in Gaza violated laws of war when launching rockets during their conflict with Israel, asserted the US based human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW).

HRW's Middle East Director, Sarah Leah Whitson, said,

With the aim of doubling free trade over the next decade, the two sides finalised a fair trade agreement in services and investments, ensuring that business professionals can travel easily between nations, as well as agreeing to work towards increased "maritime security cooperation."

An air strike in Syria's Hama province on Sunday has killed dozens of people queueing for bread from a bakery, reports Reuters.

If the initial death toll of 90 is confirmed, the attack would be one of the deadliest air strikes in the Syrian civil war.

Activists uploaded videos showing dozens of blood-stained bodies among piles of rubble and shrapnel.

The Central African Republic’s third largest city has fallen to rebels who are fighting to overthrow President Francois Bozize.

The southern city of Bambari was taken by a coalition known as Seleka, a day after regional leaders called on the rebels to withdraw from cities recently taken and start talks with the government.

Seleka’s campaign started a month ago, with the rebels pushing for a release of political prisoners and payment for former fighters, as per a peace deal signed by the government and armed groups in 2007.

Amnesty International has condemned the execution of six Taiwanese prisoners as “cold-blooded killings”.

The six men had been convicted of murder and were executed in three prisons across the island.

The Russian government has called on South Sudan to punish those responsible for the downing of a UN helicopter, staffed by Russian crew.

"We call on the government of South Sudan to carry out the necessary investigation, punish the guilty and take every measure to guarantee that this never happens again," a statement by Russia's foreign ministry said.

South Sudan has expressed regret for the shooting down, but it is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack.

Egypt’s Vice President, Mahmoud Mekki, announced his resignation today as the country completes its voting process on the controversial referendum on a draft constitution.

Mahmoud Mekki, appointed in August, said the Vice President role did not suit his background as a judge.

Though President Mursi has said the referendum on the constitution will secure democracy, opponents argue the document betrays the revolution that overthrew Mubarak last year.

Explaining his resignation Mekki said,

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, made clear today that Moscow would not mediate on behalf of countries offering Bashar al-Assad asylum, in a push to make him quit Syria.

Speaking to journalists, Lavrov said:

Talks between Farc and Colombia have made progress said both sides prior to the Christmas break.

In a statement, the government's lead negotiator, Humberto de la Calle said,

"Since November 19 when we formally began, we've had 21 sessions and more than 100 hours of intense work, and concrete advances, all as expected."