Venezuela examining petitions on referendum

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is warning that the United States’ definitive policy is fighting Islam, Iran and Shia Islam. The Leader also criticized US officials for claiming that Iran’s policies in the region have led to the sanctions against Tehran.
  
• Muslims all around the world are celebrating Eid al-Mab’ath, the day when Prophet Mohammad was appointed to prophethood by God. The 27th of the month of Rajab on the lunar calendar marks the day when he was ordained. The event is one of the greatest occasions marked by Muslims.
  
• Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu says he won't run for the leadership of the ruling AKP if the party no longer agrees on his chairmanship. Davutoglu also called for the party to stay united under the new leadership. AK Party will convene a congress on May 22 to pick a new leader.
  
• Israeli warplanes have once again carried out air raid against Palestinians in the Gaza strip hours after shelling the coastal enclave. An elderly man and three children were injured as Israeli jets pounded Shijaiyah area, east of Gaza City. They also hit a Hamas security post in northern Gaza, destroying it completely.
  
• Double bomb explosions in the Syrian province of Homs have left 12 civilians dead and dozens more injured. The attacks occurred in the village of Mukharam al-Fawkani. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings.
  
• Relative calm prevails in Syria’s Aleppo province following a US-Russia deal to extend a cessation of hostilities in the war-torn country. Reports say people in several districts of Aleppo ventured out onto the streets where shops have opened. The Syrian Army announced a two-day truce late on Wednesday.
  
• New Zealand's UN Ambassador has warned that the Daesh terrorist group is looking to increase its revenues following major defeats in Iraq and Syria. Gerard van Bohemen said ISIL wants to make more money from taxation, smuggling antiquities and kidnapping for ransom.
  
• Venezuela has started the verification of nearly two million voters’ signatures, petitioning for a referendum on ousting President Nicolas Maduro. The center-right opposition presented the petition to the National Electoral Board or CNE. Maduro says he would allow the referendum if the appeal is validated by the electoral commission.

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