Its very easy for the news to pass you by in the week, so we have put together a round-up of the most important stories from the past few days - and where to read more about them on the BBC website.

An alliance of Syrian rebel factions claimed they had broken a weeks-long government siege of the countrys second biggest city.

Damascus denied this, saying the rebels had been pushed back after intense air strikes by pro-government forces.

Rebels break siege of Syrian city

Distressing scenes inside an Aleppo hospital following the apparent chlorine attack

Separately, the UN launched an investigation into claims that a toxic gas - believed to be chlorine - was used by pro-government forces in an attack on Aleppos rebel-held areas.

If confirmed, such an attack would amount to a war crime, the UN said.

Aleppo chlorine gas attack investigated

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump endured several days of negative headlines after a string of controversial comments.

First, the billionaire contender described incumbent Barack Obama as the founder of the so-called Islamic State (IS).

Mr Trump also attacked his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, calling her a co-founder of the jihadist group, only to later say he was being sarcastic.

Obama is founder of IS - Trump

Earlier, the hotel developer-turned-politician appeared to urge his supporters to take up arms against Mrs Clinton to stop her from appointing liberal judges to the US Supreme Court if she won the November election.

Mr Trump later somewhat softened his rhetoric as polls suggested his support had been falling.

In addition, several leading Republicans have deserted Mr Trump.

Republican letter urges party to cut Trumps funding

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalated again, more than two years after Russias annexation of Crimea.

Moscow accused Kiev of trying to stage armed incursions in the southern peninsula, showing on state TV what the Kremlin said were saboteurs working for Ukrainian intelligence.

Ukraine denied the claim as preposterous, saying Russia had amassed tens of thousands of soldiers in Crimea.

The US later urged restraint by both sides.

Russia sends new air defence missiles

Rio Olympics: Phelps and Manuel make splashes, Biles the greatest

Michael Phelps now has 22 gold medals - more than any Olympian

Michael Phelps became the first swimmer to win four successive Olympic gold medals in one event - in the 200m individual medley.

It was the 22nd gold for the 31-year-old - a world record.

Michael Phelps beats Ryan Lochte to win 22nd gold

In gymnastics, American Simone Biles gave a stunning performance to win the womens all-around Olympic gold medal.

The 19-year-old - described by many as one of the greatest ever gymnasts - had already led the US to victory in the team event.

Why Simone Biles is the best at the Games

Meanwhile, Americas Simone Manuel became the first black female swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal.

Manuel and Canadas Penny Oleksiak claimed joint gold in the 100m freestyle final.

Simone Manuel and Penny Oleksiak take joint gold

Why Manuels gold medal matters

Worlds longest hunger strike over

Irom Sharmila had been protesting against the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act

In India, local activist Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year-long hunger strike against a controversial security law, in order to compete in local elections.

She tasted honey to symbolically break her fast in front of journalists.

Her campaign had led to her being detained and force-fed through a tube in her nose.

Whats next for worlds longest hunger striker?

Allies unveil new details of nuclear submarine deal

Watch BBC crew take cover as group comes under fire. VideoWatch BBC crew take cover as group comes under fire

Global bank stocks slump despite Biden reassurances

The long wait for justice over apartheid crimes

Could waste plastic become a useful fuel source?

When might the asteroid hit Earth? Our quiz...

The King and his kids - inside Hagis plan to restore Romanias glory

The sleeping giant of sea level rise

Can Shark Tank fuel Kashmirs business dreams?

7 best moments from this years Oscars

The best fashion looks at the Oscars

Willow oil a political and legal tightrope for White House

The effect of TikToks beauty filters

The return of the US lost language

Allies unveil new details of nuclear submarine deal

Global bank stocks slump despite Biden reassurances

US court rules Uber and Lyft workers are contractors

Retrial for worlds longest-serving death row inmate

King Charles makes first special stamp appearance

Asia cheers as Michelle Yeohs Oscar dream comes true

Gary Lineker to return as BBC denies climbdown

Vinyl records outsell CDs for first time in decades

Two killed after truck hits pedestrians in Quebec

7 best moments from this years Oscars

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