Iran coal mine explosion death toll rises to 42
Craig TaylorSeven more bodies have been recovered from the Zemestan-Yurt mine, state media report. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Syria safe zones: Fighting ‘eases’ as plan takes effect
Russia says regional players back a “de-escalation zones” deal, but some Syrian rebels reject it. BBC News – Middle East
Hamas chooses Ismail Haniya as new leader
The 54-year-old takes over in a week that saw the militant group adopt a new policy document. BBC News – Middle East
Syria government ‘producing chemical weapons at research facilities’
Munitions are made at three sites closed off to OPCW inspectors, a Western intelligence agency says. BBC News – Middle East
Syria war: Putin says ‘safe zones’ have international support
Russia, the US, Turkey, Iran and Syria all support the plan, the Russian president says. BBC News – Middle East
Syria war: Many dead in IS attack on displaced people’s camp
Many civilians are among more than 30 people killed in the incident near the Iraqi border. BBC News – Middle East