BBC Verify is checking video footage released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) that shows tunnels beneath a hospital in southern Gaza. The IDF claims they found the body of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, who was a target in previous airstrikes.
Key Facts
The IDF released video footage of underground tunnels in Gaza.
These tunnels are located under a hospital in the southern part of the region.
The Israeli army claims it found the body of Mohammed Sinwar, a Hamas leader.
Sinwar was reportedly the target of Israeli airstrikes on May 13.
BBC Verify is examining the footage to understand what it shows.
BBC Verify is a team that investigates and checks the truth of news stories.
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Frederick Forsyth, a famous author known for writing thriller novels like "The Day Of The Jackal," has passed away at 86 years old. He was a best-selling author who sold 75 million books globally, drawing from his experiences as a journalist and former MI6 agent to create gripping stories. Forsyth's thrillers, including "The Odessa File" and "The Dogs of War," will continue to be popular worldwide.
Key Facts
Frederick Forsyth was a best-selling author known for thriller novels.
He died at the age of 86.
Forsyth sold 75 million books around the world.
His first novel, "The Day Of The Jackal," was published in 1971 and turned into a film in 1973.
Forsyth worked as a journalist and was also an MI6 agent for over 20 years.
He started his career in the Royal Air Force and then became a foreign correspondent.
Forsyth used real-life experiences to inspire his fictional plots.
Forsyth's work includes over 25 novels, such as "The Odessa File" and "The Dogs of War."
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A new rugby league called R360, backed by former England player Mike Tindall, plans to start next year, offering large contracts and global events. Premiership Rugby's chief executive, Simon Massie-Taylor, doubts R360's viability, noting it could conflict with existing rugby structures and possibly harm player careers and established games. The Premiership has seen growth in audiences and believes a new competition might not be sustainable financially.
Key Facts
R360 is a proposed new rugby league fronted by ex-England player Mike Tindall.
R360 aims to start next year, with a schedule running in blocks from April to June and August to September.
Premiership Rugby's CEO Simon Massie-Taylor has not been contacted by R360's organizers and questions the feasibility of their plans.
R360 could conflict with domestic rugby in Europe and affect player Test careers, as players must play in the Premiership to be eligible for England.
Rugby governing bodies have not sanctioned R360, which means it might need significant funds to attract players and organize events.
The Premiership has reported increased fan growth, especially among young adults, and increased viewership for its matches.
Comparisons have been made between R360 and LIV Golf, suggesting financial sustainability concerns.
Before the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the U.S., Premiership Rugby may test hosting games internationally, similar to past events held in Philadelphia.
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A recent decision has been made to provide three-quarters of pensioners with a winter fuel payment. This is due to a change in policy, also known as a U-turn.
Key Facts
Three-quarters of pensioners will receive a payment to help with winter fuel costs.
A U-turn refers to a change in policy where a previous decision is reversed.
The payments are meant to help older people afford heating during the colder months.
The decision was announced on June 9, 2025.
The program offering these payments will be available for over a year.
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The cast for a new Harry Potter TV series by HBO has been announced, including well-known actors and newcomers. This series, based on JK Rowling's books, is planned to be released in late 2026 or early 2027.
Key Facts
Johnny Flynn will play Lucius Malfoy, and young actor Lox Pratt will play Draco Malfoy.
Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will portray Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon Dursley.
Katherine Parkinson will take on the role of Molly Weasley.
Bertie Carvel has been cast as Cornelius Fudge.
Newcomers like Leo Earley, Alessia Leoni, and Sienna Moosah will play Hogwarts students.
Other notable cast members include John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
The series is expected to come out in late 2026 or early 2027.
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A plastic surgeon named Jonathan Peter Brooks was sentenced to life in prison for trying to kill his former colleague, Graeme Perks, by stabbing him and attempting to set his house on fire. Brooks targeted Perks because he was involved in disciplinary proceedings against Brooks at their workplace.
Key Facts
Jonathan Peter Brooks is a plastic surgeon who worked at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
He attempted to murder his colleague, Graeme Perks, in January 2021.
Brooks broke into Perks’s home in Nottinghamshire, wearing camouflage and carrying a crowbar, petrol, a knife, and matches.
He stabbed Perks, causing life-threatening injuries, and tried to set the house on fire.
Perks survived due to quick medical intervention and skilled surgery.
Brooks was absent during his trial because he was on hunger strike.
The court sentenced Brooks to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years.
Brooks held a grievance against Perks, blaming him for his professional difficulties.
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Sonay Kartal, a British tennis player, achieved her biggest career win by defeating Daria Kasatkina at Queen's Club, which is hosting a women's tournament for the first time since 1973. Other notable events include matches played by fellow British players and the renaming of the main court to honor Andy Murray.
Key Facts
Sonay Kartal defeated world number 16 Daria Kasatkina at Queen's Club.
This is the first women's tournament at Queen's Club since 1973.
The court at Queen's Club was renamed the Andy Murray Arena.
Kartal's ranking improved significantly, reaching world number 50 from outside the top 250.
British player Jodie Burrage lost her match against Amanda Anisimova.
Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu won their doubles match against Jiang Zinyu and Wu Fang-hsien.
Other top-seeded players like Zheng Qinwen, Madison Keys, and Elena Rybakina are competing in the tournament.
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The article discusses why Donald Trump sent the National Guard to protests in Los Angeles. The California governor believes this action is not needed and violates legal guidelines.
Key Facts
Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles during protests.
The National Guard is a part of the U.S. military that can be used for emergencies.
The protests in Los Angeles were likely in response to significant events or social issues.
The California governor disagrees with this decision, calling it unnecessary.
The governor also believes that sending the National Guard is illegal.
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A medical tribunal concluded that Dr. Richard Thompson showed "gross negligence" in the care of Martha Mills, who died from sepsis in a London hospital in 2021. The tribunal found that Dr. Thompson did not properly assess Martha's worsening condition or arrange for her to be moved to intensive care, leading to impaired fitness to practice. Following this, Martha's Rule was introduced, allowing parents in England to request an urgent second medical opinion.
Key Facts
Martha Mills died from sepsis in a London hospital in 2021.
Dr. Richard Thompson was the consultant responsible for her care.
The tribunal found Dr. Thompson guilty of "gross negligence."
Dr. Thompson did not examine Martha in person during a critical time when her condition worsened.
An inquest revealed Martha could have survived if transferred to intensive care sooner.
Martha's Rule was established, allowing parents to request an urgent second medical opinion in English hospitals.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service assessed Dr. Thompson's fitness to practice.
Martha's parents expressed their grief and concern over her treatment and medical care failings.
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Manchester City has signed Rayan Ait-Nouri, a 24-year-old defender from Wolverhampton Wanderers, for £31 million. He is now under contract until 2030 and will be available to play in the Club World Cup. This marks Manchester City's second major signing this summer, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Manchester City signed Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31 million.
Ait-Nouri's contract with Manchester City lasts until 2030.
He will play in the Club World Cup starting with a match against Wydad AC on June 18.
Ait-Nouri played for Wolves after joining from Angers in a £14.9 million deal in 2021.
Last season, Ait-Nouri made 41 appearances for Wolves, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.
Manchester City also plans to sign goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
City has been active in the transfer market, spending £200 million in the January transfer window and agreeing to other significant deals this summer.
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The government reversed its decision to cut winter fuel payments, restoring eligibility to many pensioners. From 2025-26, all pensioners will again receive payments, but those earning over £35,000 will have to repay it through taxes. This change increases the cost but reduces government savings compared to the initial plan.
Key Facts
Originally, winter fuel payments were to be limited to pensioners receiving pension credit.
The change means about 9 million pensioners will now qualify for these payments.
Payments are worth either £200 or £300 per household.
The modification will lead to a projected cost of £1.25 billion, instead of the initial planned reduction to £0.5 billion.
This adjustment means the government saves £450 million instead of £1.5 billion as initially targeted.
The government may need to find other ways to manage a budget gap of approximately £1 billion due to this change.
Almost 60,000 more pension credit claims have been processed following an awareness campaign.
The Treasury plans to address the financial gap in the 2025 Autumn Budget without increasing long-term borrowing.
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Frederick Forsyth, a famous writer, fighter pilot, journalist, and spy, passed away at 86. He wrote thrillers that often incorporated real-life espionage tactics, drawing from his diverse past experiences. His book, "The Day of the Jackal," is one of his most famous works, inspired by his time as a journalist.
Key Facts
Frederick Forsyth was born on August 25, 1938, in Ashford, Kent.
He worked as a fighter pilot, journalist, and claimed to have been a spy.
Forsyth wrote thrillers based on detailed research and sometimes real espionage methods.
He joined the RAF, lying about his age to fly de Havilland Vampire jets.
Forsyth became a journalist, working for the Eastern Daily Press, Reuters, and later the BBC.
His book "The Day of the Jackal" was inspired by assassination attempts on French President Charles de Gaulle.
Forsyth covered the Nigerian civil war and reported independently after leaving the BBC.
His interactions with mercenaries influenced the realistic elements in his storytelling.
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A 27-year-old mother named Kulsuma Akter was fatally stabbed outside a shop in Bradford while pushing her baby in a pram. Ms Akter's husband, Habibur Masum, has admitted to manslaughter and carrying a knife but denies murdering her. The trial is ongoing at Bradford Crown Court, where evidence has been shown and past domestic violence incidents have been discussed.
Key Facts
Kulsuma Akter was killed on April 6, 2024, in Bradford.
She died from multiple stab wounds while her baby was unharmed.
Her husband, Habibur Masum, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and knife possession but denies murder.
The court viewed footage of the attack, described as "deadly."
Ms Akter had stayed in a refuge due to alleged domestic violence from Mr Masum.
She had expressed fear of being killed by her husband to a social worker.
Arrangements for her relocation were ongoing at the time of her death.
Mr Masum was arrested three days after the incident but denies murder and related charges.
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A former physics teacher, Kirsty Buchan, was removed from the teaching register in Scotland after her explicit OnlyFans page became known to pupils. The General Teaching Council for Scotland decided her actions lacked integrity, and she had not kept her profession and personal activities separate.
Key Facts
Kirsty Buchan was a physics teacher in North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
She posted explicit content on OnlyFans under the name Jessica Jackrabbit.
Students at her school saw the content after she advertised her OnlyFans on Instagram.
The General Teaching Council for Scotland said her behavior lacked integrity.
Ms. Buchan resigned in December 2022 after complaints arose.
She claimed her images had been shared without her consent.
Ms. Buchan did not attend the disciplinary hearing.
Her head teacher described her as enthusiastic but noted she was not clear on boundaries with social media use.
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Women's Super League (WSL) had a 10% drop in average attendance last season. The decrease is linked to the relegation of Bristol City and their replacement by Crystal Palace, who drew fewer fans. Some clubs, like Liverpool, saw attendance increases.
Key Facts
Average WSL attendance fell from 7,366 to 6,662 last season.
Bristol City, with a large fanbase, was relegated and replaced by Crystal Palace, which had lower attendance numbers.
Palace averaged 1,779 fans, significantly lower than Bristol City.
Manchester United and Aston Villa experienced the largest drops in attendance, each by 33%.
Arsenal and Manchester City also saw decreases but still maintained strong numbers, with Arsenal often exceeding 20,000 fans per game.
Liverpool's attendance increased by 54% from the previous season.
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A hospital trust and a staff member were found guilty of health and safety failures related to the death of Alice Figueiredo, a 22-year-old woman who died by suicide while in a mental health unit. The North East London Foundation NHS Trust and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa were convicted under the Health and Safety at Work Act, but cleared of more serious charges. The case highlighted safety lapses which failed to prevent Alice from accessing items she used to harm herself.
Key Facts
Alice Figueiredo, 22, died by suicide in a mental health unit in July 2015.
She had repeatedly attempted suicide using plastic or bin bags before her death.
The hospital acknowledged the risk of bin bags, removing them from patient rooms but not from a communal bathroom.
A jury found the North East London Foundation NHS Trust and manager Benjamin Aninakwa guilty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Aninakwa was previously on a performance improvement plan, raising concerns about his skills.
The hospital had a high turnover of temporary staff on the ward.
This was only the second time an NHS trust faced a corporate manslaughter charge in the UK.
Alice had a history of depression and was previously admitted to hospitals for treatment.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, forgave Zia Yusuf after Yusuf criticized a party MP and resigned as chairman. Yusuf, who later returned in a new role, had called it "dumb" for MP Sarah Pochin to suggest a burka ban. The disagreement was resolved after Yusuf expressed regret and received support from party members.
Key Facts
Zia Yusuf criticized MP Sarah Pochin for proposing a burka ban and resigned as party chairman.
Yusuf described his resignation as influenced by exhaustion and called the incident a "storm in a teacup."
Farage stated that Yusuf quickly regretted his comments and forgave him, advising he should not repeat the mistake.
Yusuf returned to Reform UK in a different role to lead an initiative focused on reducing wasteful spending.
Yusuf has been a substantial donor to Reform UK, contributing over £200,000.
MP Sarah Pochin asked the UK Prime Minister about the possibility of banning the burka for public safety reasons.
Yusuf mentioned his support for banning face coverings in public, including the burka, while acknowledging complexities in the UK.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, expressed views against a burka ban, stating people should choose their attire freely.
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Labour made changes to a policy about winter fuel payments, which affected many pensioners. The change was reversed after complaints, and now more pensioners will get the payment this winter. The payment's cost will be managed without a big increase in borrowing.
Key Facts
In July last year, Labour decided to limit the Winter Fuel Payment to about 1.5 million pensioners receiving certain benefits.
This change aimed to save up to £1.5 billion each year.
Many Labour MPs received complaints about the decision throughout the year.
The policy change affected local elections and was discussed during a by-election in Runcorn, Cheshire.
Recently, Labour reversed the decision, meaning more pensioners will qualify for the payment this winter.
The new policy is expected to cost £1.25 billion.
The government plans to manage this cost without a permanent increase in borrowing.
Labour wants to move past this issue as they focus on the upcoming Spending Review.
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Mark Gordon, on trial with Constance Marten for the death of their newborn baby, argued that the prosecution's case against them was fabricated and similar to a "movie script." He denied claims that their baby, Victoria, died of hypothermia after the couple took her camping, suggesting that the prosecution's account was speculative. The trial at the Old Bailey in London continues as both defendants deny the charges of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death.
Key Facts
Mark Gordon and Constance Marten are on trial for the death of their baby, Victoria.
They are accused of manslaughter by gross negligence and causing or allowing a child's death.
Victoria's body was found in a bag on an allotment in Brighton in March 2023.
The baby died in a tent in the South Downs in January 2023.
Gordon claims the prosecution's case is fiction and denies their baby died from cold weather exposure.
The couple said their baby died during a camping trip, and they stayed with the body for three days.
They had previously been found guilty of concealing the birth and not reporting Victoria's death.
The current trial is a retrial after the jury could not decide on the initial charges.
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The French Open concluded with Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz winning the singles titles, capping a thrilling tournament. Both men's and women's competitions were unpredictable, hinting at exciting rivalries and future matches, including the upcoming Wimbledon. The event also raised discussions about the selection of night sessions and the progress of various players in world rankings.
Key Facts
Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open singles titles.
The tournament showcased unpredictable results, contrasting with past predictable outcomes.
Rafael Nadal was honored for his past wins, alongside other famous players.
Night session choices were criticized for not featuring women’s matches.
French player Lois Boisson reached the semi-finals as a wildcard, significantly improving her ranking.
British player Jack Draper climbed to the fourth spot in the world rankings despite losing in the last 16.
Iga Swiatek’s early exit moved her to seventh in the world rankings.
The Wimbledon tournament is anticipated, with excitement surrounding potential matches and rivalries.
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