A gunman opened fire on worshippers marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in southern Yemen, killing nine.

Libyans celebrated their new-found freedom with prayers and joyous chants in Tripoli’s main square today marking the start of a major Muslim holiday.

Palestinian security forces blocked main Gaza Strip road junctions today, burning tyres and snarling traffic in protest at the Hamas government’s inability to pay their salaries.

A Ramadan marked by violence in the Middle East drew to a close across most of the region, and Muslims were preparing for the three-day Eid el-Fitr – a holiday associated with family gatherings over lavish meals and gifts for children.