Palestinian Islamist group Hamas "bears principal responsibility" for escalating tension in Gaza and southern Israel, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says.

The US Federal Reserve may launch a new bond-buying stimulus programme at the start of next year, released minutes reveal.

David Healy's last-gasp equaliser gives Northern Ireland a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan in the World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

Sir Kenneth Branagh is to appear in his first Shakespeare play for a decade, to be staged in an old church at next year's Manchester International Festival.

A one-off Olympic episode of Superstars will be aired over Christmas with 10 London 2012 gold medallists taking part.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says the country's military is prepared to extend its operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

China is set to reveal the new leaders who will rule the country for the next decade, with Vice-President Xi Jinping on course to take the top post.

Computer security pioneer John McAfee says he is hiding from police in Belize, who want to speak him over the killing of a US businessman.