Erstellt am: 4. 8. 2014 - 13:14 Uhr

Gaza conflict puts US in a "difficult position"

Reality Check: are developments in Gaza putting strain on the US-Israeli relationship? An update on military manoeuvres in Eastern Ukraine.

Gaza and US-Israel relations

APA/EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told US officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry, not to force a truce with Hamas.

The US has used unusually direct language to denounce the shelling of a UN school on Gaza in which some 3,000 people had taken shelter, an attack which killed 10 people. Reports are also emerging that Israel spied on Secretary of State John Kerry during peace talks earlier this year. We ask how current developments are affecting the US – Israel relationship.

Ukraine

Government forces are said to be closing in on separatist rebels in the eastern cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, and residents are stocking up on supplies in preparation for a possible siege. Meanwhile on the other side of the border, Russia is this week to stage military exercises involving bombers and fighter jets. Our correspondent reports on the latest developments.