World News Briefs -- July 25, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Kerry Vows to Press On After Israel Rejects Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal -- Voice of America

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry vowed to press on for a truce after Israel rejected a proposal for a cease-fire between Israel's military and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli public television said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet is seeking modifications before any agreement to end hostilities.

Kerry said late Friday that efforts will continue towards an agreement . He proposed a plan that would begin with a week-long cease-fire starting Sunday to stop two weeks of intense fighting that has sent the death toll soaring among Palestinian civilians.

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MIDDLE EAST

WHO calls for humanitarian corridor to transport Gaza's wounded.

Sources: One-week Mideast cease-fire in works.

Gaza death toll rises amid diplomatic push.

Over 100 Palestinians killed in past 24 hours in Gaza.

Fresh West Bank clashes as Israel girds for 'day of rage'. West Bank Palestinians die in fresh clashes. Gaza violence spreads to West Bank with six Palestinians reportedly killed.

Egyptian militants say Israeli drone kills three fighter in Sinai.

Syria conflict: Isis 'overruns' Raqqa military base.

Iraq still using barrel bombs, human rights group says.

Russia delivering weapons to Iraq.

US Democrat senator threatens to block arms sales to Iraq.

U.S. State official: Iraq plan sound, but 'a race against time'.

Iraq's top cleric sends subtle message to Maliki - step aside.

Post reporter, other journalists appear to have been detained in Iran.

ASIA

Afghan conflict: 15 killed in 'Taliban attack' on buses. Taliban yank 14 Shiites off bus, bind and shoot them on Afghan road.

Wary Pakistan puts military in charge of capital's security.

U.S. could do more to intercept militants, Pakistan says.

China probes more than 25,000 people for graft in first half of year.

Thailand's restive south hit by deadly bomb.

Impossible to determine cause of South Korea ferry businessman's death: agency.

AFRICA

Al-Shabab commanders killed near Mogadishu.

France sends military to guard Air Algerie wreck; black box found.

Air Algerie AH5017: 'No survivors' from crash in Mali.

Air Algérie AH5017 crash brings week's airliner death toll to 450.

Nigeria beefs up security ahead of Ramadan feast.

Boko Haram consolidates power in northeastern Nigeria.

West Africa Ebola death toll reaches 660: WHO.

South Sudanese propose moving capital.

EUROPE

Ukraine and Russia claim border crossfire.

Pentagon says Russia firing artillery directly into Ukraine from within its borders.

Armed Australian police to deploy to MH17 crash site.

EU reaches preliminary deal on Russia economic sanctions.

London's Russian billionaires are "at risk" of sanctions, David Cameron warns.

Russia raises rates in move seen as arming for sanctions.

Ukraine faces bitter election in midst of conflict with Russia.

Speculation grows over potential visit by Pope Francis to U.S..

Poland says may appeal European court ruling on CIA jail.

AMERICAS

Obama will take executive action on immigration after summer, adviser says.

US fighter jets escort plane back to Toronto.

Central American leaders convening at White House.

Central American leaders blame U.S. for border crisis.

White House bemoans lawmakers' delay on U.S. border crisis funds.

U.S. Poll: One-third say impeach Obama.

Argentina is now very close to default.

Venezuelan conspiracy theories a threat to critics.

Drought drains critical US water supply.

Crime-ridden U.S. cities differ on ways to fight gun violence.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Underwear bomber plot failed because he 'wore same pants for 2 weeks'.

Pentagon official: Syrian terrorism ‘probably the number one threat’ to U.S..

Obama administration knew Islamic State was growing but did little to counter it.

Administration official: ISIL 'no longer a terrorist group,' now a 'full-blown army'.

Counter-Terrorism: The most wanted terrorist few have heard of.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

IMF reports cuts growth forecast.

Amazon reports $126m quarterly loss.

Greenspan says bubbles can’t be stopped without ‘crunch’.

Facebook gain makes Zuckerberg wealthier than Google guys.