From NPR news, in Washington, I am Jack Speer.A US general was killed today when a man believed to be an Afghan soldier opened fire at a military base there.The victim's been identified as Major General Harold Greene described as a top US trainer.His family has been notified.Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby confirmed the assailant fired into a group of international soldiers.Many were seriously wounded, others received only minor injuries.The assailant was killed.Officials say the man dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire at a base west of the Afghan capital Kabul.Approximately 15 people were wounded, half of them Americans,also among the wounded a German brigadier general.At Russia's request, the United Nations Security Council is scheduling an emergency meeting.They mean to discuss the humanitarian situation in Ukrainewhere fighting has now reached the main rebel stronghold Donetsk.Pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces were said to be exchanging rocket fire in neighbourhoods on the edge of that citywith fears that its spread inward can further escalate the rapidly evolving humanitarian crisis.The White House says the currrent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should pave the way for talks to seek a long-term truce.NPR's Craig Windham has more.White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the situation in Gaza remains volatilebut the ceasefire presents an opportunity.We have noted for some time that an immediate ceasefire was critical to bringing about the kind of calm in which negotiations could occur.Earnest says the US wants to help achieve a durable solution for the long-term.Israel and the Palestinians had delegations in Cairo.
