Mosul / AFP The US-led coalition bombed a key bridge in Mosul on Tuesday to isolate extremists whose stiff resistance in the east of the city is threatening to bog down Iraqi forces. The number of civilians displaced since last month’s start of the offensive against Mosul—the IS group’s last stronghold in Iraq—rose to 68,000, but most of the …

  Jerusalem / AFP A Palestinian was shot dead at a West Bank checkpoint on Tuesday after walking towards guards with a knife in his hand, Israeli police said. “A Palestinian attempted to cross the checkpoint using the vehicle lane and approached security guards brandishing a knife,” police spokeswoman Luba Samri said in a statement. “The terrorist was neutralised,” she …

  Ankara / AFP The Turkish government on Tuesday withdrew a controversial bill from parliament that could overturn men’s convictions for child-sex assault, after an angry public backlash that saw thousands take to the streets. Critics had said the bill—which would allow the release from jail of sex assault convicts if they marry their victims—would legitimise rape of minors. Its …