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Added on the 07/01/2015 14:40:52 - Copyright : Reuters - Next Media
A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the army's Chief Medical Officer announces. With two-thirds of test results in, 668 sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle and escort vessels in its battle group are confirmed to have the virus. SOUNDBITE
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is on board the Dixmude, a French helicopter carrier anchored in the Egyptian port of Al-Arich, where wounded civilians from Gaza are being treated. The minister is spending New Year's Eve aboard the French ship, anchored some 50 kilometers from the Rafah crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, where aid is trickling in. IMAGES
A second US aircraft carrier will be available "if needed" to show support for Israel, the White House says, after a first vessel took up position in the region following the Hamas attacks. SOUNDBITE
The European Commission announces that four aircraft from the EU's fire-fighting fleet have been sent to France, following a request for assistance from Paris. European Commission spokesperson, Miriam Garcia Ferrer, says that "in addition, fire-fighting teams from Germany, Poland, Austria and Romania are their way to support French first responders." SOUNDBITE
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