A gang that was stealing ancient relics from a desert cave - close to where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found - has been arrested, Israeli authorities say.

The Syrian army accuses Israel of air strikes on areas near Damascus, but there is no confirmation from Israel.

At least one of 43 Mexican students who went missing in Guerrero state has been identified from charred remains, an official says.

Russia's Vladimir Putin hopes a permanent ceasefire will soon be agreed in Ukraine, after Moscow talks with French counterpart Francois Hollande.

US President Barack Obama has briefly visited a Washington hospital for tests following a persistent sore throat, the White House says.

The funeral of Akai Gurley, a New York man fatally shot by police last month, is held in Brooklyn, as protests continue around the country.

Hundreds of thousands take shelter as Typhoon Hagupit sweeps across the eastern Philippines, toppling trees and threatening coastal areas.

A Cuban doctor who recovered from Ebola after receiving experimental treatment in Switzerland is welcomed back to Havana.