Israeli officials would not reveal on Wednesday whether the government would respond positively to a US demand for a four-month halt to construction in east Jerusalem, in exchange for the Palestinians agreeing to direct talks with Israel during this period. Read the full story

US President Barack Obama quit a recent meeting with Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu to have dinner in private after the latter failed to hand a written promise of concessions on Jewish settlements, reports say. Read the full story

The United Nations Human Rights Council has passed three resolutions in condemnation of Israel’s “grave human rights violations” in the occupied Palestinian territories. Read the full story

Brazil has highlighted Iran’s role in the region, reiterating that Tehran must be part of a solution to any conflict in the Middle East. Read the full story