UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk has called for an international investigation into allegations of torture and other abuses of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Falk said in a report that Israeli violations were happening on a “massive scale” and the blockade on Gaza was “collective punishment” of the Palestinian people.

"The treatment of thousands of Palestinians detained or imprisoned by Israel continues to be extremely worrisome," he said.

The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his first conciliatory gesture towards protestors, agreeing to meet with them this week, amid mass demonstrations against government policies, that have been criticised of restricting lifestyles.

"The people of South Sudan should remain calm and patient as we work with the African Union to resolve this impasse with Sudan."

A boat carying migrants has sunk off the coast of Australia, with at least 13 people confirmed dead.

Searches are still ongoing, however no survivors have yet been found. The boat sunk around 120km off Christmas Island and is thought to have had 55 people on board.

The Australian air force spotted the boat on Wednesday but it had disappeared by the next day. A search was launched for the boat, and bodies were found on Friday and Saturday.

Officials from the Obama administration suggested to the Associated Press today that approval to provide lethal aid to the Syrian rebels could be decided upon this week, and outlined the possibilities of enforcing a no fly zone over Syria. 

A Peruvian court has sentenced Florindo Flores, also known as Comared Artemio to life in prison.

Flores, one of the leaders of the Shining Path rebel group, was found guilty of terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Judge Clotilde Cavero said: "It was proven that he (Artemio) ordered the execution of a number of civilians, police and soldiers. It was proven that he belonged to the Central Committee of the Shining Path. It was proven that he was the top leader in the (Alto) Huallaga (Valley),"

Three months before Kenya’s deputy president is due to go on trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, 93 victims of violence that followed a disputed election in 2007 have pulled out from proceedings.

According to Kenyan media outlet, CapitalNews, the 93 victims informed the court that they did not support the prosecution of Kneya’s newly elected president Uhuru Kanyatta and deputy president William Ruto, who stands accused of orchestrating the violence.