Syria declares nationwide ceasefire after U.S.-brokered deal with Israel

The Syrian authorities on Saturday declared an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, marking a significant turning point in the deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria, which prompted a recent Israeli intervention with massive airstrikes.

In a statement issued Saturday morning, the Syrian authorities said the truce aimed to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid "critical circumstances," describing the move as a national and humanitarian obligation.

12 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrike on C. Gaza: sources

At least 12 Palestinians, including an infant, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses reported Saturday.

Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that an Israeli aircraft fired at least one missile at an apartment in the al-Sawahra area, west of the Nuseirat camp.

21 killed, 37 wounded as bus overturns in S. Iran

At least 21 people were killed and 37 others injured on Saturday as a bus overturned on an intercity road in Iran's southern Fars province, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The incident occurred on the road from the counties of Firuzabad to Kavar at 11:00 a.m. local time (0730 GMT), the report said.

DR Congo gov't, M23 rebel group sign declaration of principles to end conflict

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group here on Saturday to end the conflict in the country's eastern region.

After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration lays out a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the foundation for continued talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal.

S. Korea's special counsel indicts ex-President Yoon under detention

South Korea's special counsel investigating former President Yoon Suk-yeol's short-lived martial law imposition on Saturday indicted the ousted leader under detention on additional charges.

Cho Eun-suk, independent counsel leading the investigation into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, prosecuted Yoon for abusing power, obstructing justice, writing bogus official documents, violating the presidential records act and committing other wrongdoings.

Death toll rises to 28 in cruise ship accident in N. Vietnam

The death toll has risen to 28 after a cruise ship capsized in Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam's Quang Ninh province, on Saturday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported.

At around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, the vessel was caught in a sudden storm. By 2:05 p.m., it had lost contact and subsequently sank, according to the state-owned media.

The vessel was carrying 48 passengers, including 24 men and 24 women, with many of them being young people and children, local newspaper Tien Phong (Pioneer) reported.