Medical workers work in the Intensive Care Unit where patients suffering from Covid-19 are treated at the Saint-Pierre clinic in Ottignies, Belgium, on April 7, 2021. © Johanna Geron, Reuters
France 24: Europe's Covid-19 death toll surpasses one million as cases continue to rise
Europe passed the grim milestone of one million coronavirus deaths on Monday, as the World Health Organization warned that infections are rising exponentially despite widespread efforts aimed at stopping them.
The death toll across Europe's 52 countries, compiled by AFP from official sources, totalled at least 1,000,288 by 1830 GMT.
"We are in a critical point of the pandemic right now," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on Covid-19. "The trajectory of this pandemic is growing... exponentially.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iran Natanz nuclear site suffered major damage, official says.
Iran to begin 60% uranium enrichment after nuclear site incident.
Iran's foreign minister vows 'revenge' as he accuses Israel of carrying out cyber attack on Natanz nuclear facility.
White House hopes U.S. and Russia can work on arms, Iran.
Iran 'suspends' cooperation with EU on multiple fronts after officials blacklisted.
Lebanon opposition wants joint election push to oust elite.
Foreign firms vie to rebuild ravaged Beirut port.
Israel shocked by self-immolation of traumatised ex-soldier.
Syrian government sacks central bank governor.
ASIA
Biden says US to leave Afghanistan on September 11.
Taliban rejects U.S. peace plan, six month extension in withdrawal deadline.
Taliban says will not take part in any conference until foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan.
Biden sends unofficial US delegation to Taiwan.
UN rights chief fears Myanmar could be heading towards 'full-blown' conflict.
China seeks to speed up its Covid-19 vaccination campaign.
Sanctions on North Korea effective despite illicit activity, analyst says.
Protests continue across Pakistan over arrest of TLP leader.
China accuses Japan of 'irresponsible' Fukushima decision.
AFRICA
Refugees fleeing Darfur violence face ‘disastrous’ conditions: UN.
Benin's Talon reelected president with 86 percent of vote.
Mali ex-rebels say prominent leader Ould Sidati shot dead.
Sudan to receive $400 million from Saudi Arabia, UAE for agriculture, state media says.
Burkina ex-president Compaoré to be tried for Thomas Sankara's murder.
Ugandans criticize oil pipeline deal with Tanzania and Total.
Somali politics in dispute over extension of presidential term.
24 Sudan parties reject Israel normalisation deal .
Nearly a million people facing severe hunger in Mozambique.
Egypt impounds Ever Given ship over $900m Suez Canal compensation bill.
EUROPE
Biden urges Putin to ease Ukraine tensions, proposes summit.
US should stay clear of Crimea & Black Sea ‘for its own good,’ says Moscow's deputy FM, as American warships move closer to Russia.
Ukraine: NATO slams Russia's troop buildup on border.
Coronavirus: Johnson & Johnson delays vaccine delivery to Europe.
France suspends all Brazil flights over Covid-19 variant fears.
Sweden has highest new Covid cases per person in Europe.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny sues prison for withholding Koran.
AMERICAS
US vaccine rollout hits a snag.
Pelosi invites Biden to address Congress on April 28.
COVID’s financial toll: 38 million Americans are now worse off.
IRS chief warns of unpaid taxes hitting $1 trillion.
FBI launches operation to remove malware from computers in US.
By rail, road or on foot, migrants flow across Mexico towards US.
Cuba to enter post-Castro era at pivotal 2021 party congress.
More eruptions likely as Caribbean volcano turns tropics into 'battle zone'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US President Joe Biden delays Afghanistan troop withdrawal to 9/11, defying deal Donald Trump struck with Taliban.
'They are not sleeping': fears over Mozambique jihadists' next move.
Taliban pushes Osama bin Laden truther conspiracy theories.
Tired of Muslim ‘terrorists’, charity tackles cinema stereotypes.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Tech stocks push S&P 500 to record close, buoy Nasdaq.
Oil rises on drawdown in U.S. oil stocks, OPEC demand outlook.
Bitcoin leaps to all-time high ahead of $100bn Coinbase IPO.
U.N. chief calls for wealth tax as pandemic worsens global inequalities.
