By VOA
Israel has conditionally agreed to extend the truce with Hamas beyond Friday. But it is unclear if the two sides can agree on a long-term cease-fire.
Israeli and Palestinian representatives are in Cairo for talks aimed at securing a permanent cease-fire.
Israel is demanding a total demilitarization of Gaza, while Hamas is calling for a complete lifting of the blockade of the coastal territory, by land, sea and air.
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians who fled Gaza during the Israeli airstrikes last month are now returning to find that their homes have been destroyed.
A Palestinian woman, left, cries inside her damaged house, which police said was targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, July 17, 2014.
On the Israeli side of the border, residents are fearful that Hamas gunmen could use underground paths to come into their communities and then kill people or take hostages.
Ebola Deaths Now Over 900
The deadly Ebola outbreak appears to be spreading. Nigeria has confirmed a second death and five new cases.
The new cases in Nigeria raised concerns that the virus will spread farther. 174 million people live in Nigeria. That is more than in any other African country.
Saudi Arabia is investigating the death of a man who traveled through West Africa.
Russian Gangs Steal One Billion Internet Passwords
Hold Security, a U.S. computer security firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has found that a Russian crime group has stolen over one billion passwords from 420,000 websites.
The New York Times reported that the crime ring targeted companies from the Fortune 500 and many smaller websites.
US-Africa Summit Continues
President Barack Obama and African leaders have opened talks on expanding trade, improving security, and strengthening government truthfulness across Africa.
Mr. Obama also has announced $33 billion in U.S. private and public investment in various African countries.
Words in the News
extend – v. to stretch out in area or length; to continue for a longer time
demilitarize – v. to remove weapons and military forces from (an area)
blockade – v. to stop people or supplies from entering or leaving (a port or country) during a war.
outbreak – n. a sudden start or increase of disease or fighting
invest – v. to give money to a business or organization with the hope of making more money
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