Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Oct. 12

NEW YORK -- At least four people were killed and about 20 were injured in a deadly shooting early Sunday morning at a crowded bar in Beaufort County in the U.S. state of South Carolina, local authorities said Sunday.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office said that shortly before 1:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) Sunday, deputies were called to several reports of a shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, Live 5 News reported. (US-South Carolina Shooting)

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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is ready to receive hostages "immediately," amid reports that Hamas may release them later in the day under certain conditions.

Netanyahu's office said the prime minister had spoken with Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, about preparations for their return. An Israeli official told Kan public broadcaster that the army expects the hostages to arrive before Monday morning.

"The IDF has completed its preparations for the release of the hostages and assesses that all of them will be released before Trump's arrival," the official said. (Israel-Hamas-Hostages)

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YAOUNDE -- Voting for Cameroon's presidential election started early on Sunday as voters queued up outside polling stations across the country.

According to the Cameroonian electoral body, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), more than 8 million voters are set to cast their votes in over 31,000 polling stations.

Voting began at 8 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) and will end at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT). Voters are choosing between incumbent President Paul Biya and nine opposition candidates. (Cameroon-Election-Kicks Off)

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ANTANANARIVO -- The Malagasy presidency said on Sunday that an "attempt to seize power illegally and by force" was currently underway in Madagascar.

In a statement, the presidency said that the attempt was "contrary to the Constitution and the democratic principles of the country."

The statement described the situation as of "extreme gravity" and condemned "in the strongest terms" this attempted destabilization. (Madagascar-Presidency) Enditem