A major earthquake struck off the Russian coast. The quake triggered a tsunami alert across the Pacific. The United States Geological Survey reported the event. The impact zone included areas near Alaska. Japan also issued a tsunami advisory. Waves of up to one meter were possible. The earthquake occurred near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Initial reports indicate no major damage.

A magnitude 8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Arab countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt joined calls Tuesday for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian territory.