From Israeli strikes to Iranian disinformation: non-coronavirus news you may have missed

Taliban violence continues despite the US deal in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia says Palestine remains a central issue for Arab states

A Palestinian demonstrator throws a tear gas canister away during clashes with Israeli soldiers on May 1, 2020, in the village of Kfar Qaddum in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, during a weekly demonstration against the expropriation of Palestinian land by Israel. AFPShow less

Saudi cabinet affirms Palestinian cause will remain 'central issue' for Arab states

Saudi Arabia's cabinet on Tuesday affirmed the Palestinian cause will remain a "central issue" for Arabs and Muslims, according to a statement issued by Saudi news agency.

The cabinet also reviewed the results of the emergency Arab League meeting, which condemned the Israeli authorities plans to annex any Palestinian land, the agency said on Wednesday.

The Palestinians have threatened to annul peace agreements if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved ahead with his plan. The EU and the UN have also expressed strong opposition.

Taliban not living up to US deal, says defence secretary

Afghan special forces stand guard at the site of a suicide bombing on the outskirts of Kabul on April 29, 2020. AP

The Taliban is not living up to commitments made under an agreement with the US earlier this year, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday,

The statement comes amid fears that the fragile deal could crumble because of a political deadlock in Kabul and increasing violence elsewhere.

After lengthy talks behind closed doors, the Taliban and Washington signed an agreement in February to halt violence and move towards talks with the Afghan government, but attacks by the group have since increased.

Israel vows to continue Syria attacks until Iran leaves

A member of the Israeli security forces walks past election posters of Israel's Blue and White political alliance leader Benny Gantz, Arab Israeli member of the Joint List Ahmad Tibi, Isreali Defense Minister Naftali Bennett and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the divided West Bank town of Hebron. AFP

Israel will keep up its operations in Syria until its arch enemy Iran leaves, Defence Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday after strikes on Iranian-backed militias and their allies killed 14 fighters.

Israel has launched hundreds of attacks in Syria since the start of the civil war in 2011, targeting government troops, allied Iranian forces and fighters from Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The Jewish state rarely confirms details of its operations in Syria but says Iran's presence in support of President Bashar Al Assad is a threat and that it will continue its attacks.

Facebook suspends disinformation network linked to Iran's state media

Iran's state broadcaster used hundreds of fake social media accounts to covertly spread pro-Iranian messages since at least 2011, aimed at voters in countries including Britain and the US, Facebook said on Tuesday.

In a monthly report of accounts suspended for “co-ordinated inauthentic behaviour”, Facebook said it removed eight networks last month, including one with links to the Iran Broadcasting Corporation.

Nathaniel Gleicher, the social media giant’s head of cyber-security policy, said the network had “substantial connections” to previously identified Iranian disinformation campaigns.