At least two explosions happened in Damascus, Syria, while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts injured at least 18 people, and the cause is not yet known. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the former President Bashar al-Assad left the country in 2024.
Key Facts
Two explosions occurred near the Ministry of Tourism in Damascus.
At least 18 people were injured, including four security personnel.
The reason for the explosions has not been confirmed by Syrian authorities.
The blasts happened during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria.
Macron is meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Assad left Syria in December 2024 after rebel groups took control.
Last week, another explosion in Damascus killed 10 people and injured 20.
Macron expressed France’s support for a peaceful and united Syria during his visit.
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Two new non-invasive tests are being recommended for use by GPs in England and Wales to help diagnose endometriosis faster. These tests include a saliva test that looks for genetic material and a sensor test measuring electrical signals in the gut, aiming to reduce the many years women often wait for diagnosis.
Key Facts
Endometriosis affects about one in ten women and causes pain when tissue grows outside the womb.
Current diagnosis usually requires surgery called laparoscopy under general anaesthetic.
The new tests are called Endotest (saliva test) and Endosure (gut electrical signal test).
Endotest is already used in a pilot NHS study; Endosure is in a clinical study in Worcestershire.
The gut test requires fasting and drinking water during the procedure.
GPs will be able to offer these tests under expert supervision but may not have immediate access everywhere.
The tests are not meant to be the only way to diagnose but will help speed up diagnosis and treatment.
Experts stress that alongside tests, GPs need better training to recognize symptoms and help patients quickly.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus on July 7, 2026, marking a rare visit by a Western leader to Syria. During his visit, explosions occurred near his hotel, but he was unharmed and met with Syrian officials to discuss reconstruction contracts. Syrian authorities say security problems are the main reason investors have stayed away.
Key Facts
Explosions happened in Damascus on July 7, near the hotel where President Macron was staying.
President Macron was safe and already at the presidential palace when the explosions occurred.
Macron met with the Syrian president for talks and planned to sign contracts for Syria’s reconstruction.
This visit is seen as a landmark event because it is the first visit by a Western head of state to Syria since President Assad’s government.
Syrian officials say security issues are the biggest obstacle to attracting foreign investors.
The meeting focused on efforts to rebuild Syria after years of conflict.
The visit reflects steps toward normalization between Syria and Western countries.
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French President Emmanuel Macron made a surprise visit to Damascus, Syria, where explosions were heard near the hotel where he was expected to stay. The visit is notable because Macron helped convince Europe and the United States to lift most sanctions on Syria.
Key Facts
President Macron visited Damascus unexpectedly on July 7, 2026.
Explosions occurred near the hotel where Macron was supposed to stay.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa hosted the visit.
Macron played a key role in persuading Europe and the U.S. to remove most sanctions on Syria.
This visit is the first by a Western head of state to Syria since President Bashar al-Assad came to power.
The visit is seen as a step toward normalizing relations with the Syrian government.
The situation is considered risky due to ongoing conflict and tensions in Syria.
The visit highlights changing diplomatic ties between Syria and Western countries.
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French President Emmanuel Macron was safe after two bombs exploded outside the hotel where he had stayed in Damascus, Syria. The blasts injured 18 people, but Macron had already left the hotel and continued his visit with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Key Facts
Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus where President Macron spent the night.
Macron was not harmed as he had left the hotel before the explosions.
The bombs were reportedly placed in a dumpster and a vehicle near the hotel.
Eighteen people were injured, including four police officers.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
This incident followed a recent bombing at a cafe in Damascus that killed at least 10 people.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa once led rebels against Bashar al-Assad but now seeks democracy and cooperation with the U.S. and Europe.
Syria continues to face attacks from ISIS and ongoing military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against terrorist targets.
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The NATO summit started in Ankara, Turkey, where President Donald Trump urged member countries to spend 5% of their economies on defense. At the same time, the U.S. is slowly reducing its military presence in Europe, expecting other NATO members to take on more responsibility for their defense.
Key Facts
President Trump wants NATO countries to spend 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense by 2035.
This target was increased from the previous goal of 2% defense spending.
The U.S. currently spends about 3% of its GDP on defense.
The U.S. is planning to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany and reduce military equipment there.
Some NATO members like Poland and Nordic countries are leading in raising defense spending; Germany aims to reach 5% by 2029.
President Trump has criticized countries like Spain for not committing to the 5% defense spending target.
Turkey, which hosts the NATO summit, is a member with complex relations involving Russia and human rights concerns.
NATO Secretary General and U.S. officials say that increasing spending by allies will allow the U.S. to focus on other global security priorities.
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President Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Ankara upset with allies who refused to support U.S. actions against Iran. He criticized European leaders for not showing enough loyalty and hinted at reducing the U.S. military presence in Europe. Trump also plans to push NATO countries to spend more on defense and hinted at a focus on Greenland for strategic needs.
Key Facts
President Trump is angry at NATO allies for not supporting U.S. efforts against Iran.
Some allies refused to open air bases for U.S. strikes on Iran or help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump mocked several European leaders publicly during the weeks before the summit.
The U.S. has already reduced its military forces in Europe, cutting one brigade combat team and canceling troop deployments to Poland.
The Pentagon is reviewing U.S. forces in Europe and may make adjustments based on allies’ cooperation.
Trump wants NATO countries to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
He also wants to take control of Greenland from Denmark to improve defense capabilities against Russia, a plan opposed by Denmark and NATO.
During the summit, Trump will meet with Turkish President Erdoğan, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Syrian President al-Sharaa.
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China tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific. This rare launch raised concerns among the U.S. and other countries in the region because it was seen as increasing tensions and militarization in Asia.
Key Facts
The missile was launched on July 6, 2026, from a Chinese nuclear submarine into international waters in the South Pacific.
China said the test was routine training, followed international laws, and was not aimed at any country.
The missile carried a dummy warhead, meaning it was not armed with a nuclear weapon.
Experts think the missile was either a JL-2 or JL-3, with the JL-3 having a range over 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles).
Some countries, including New Zealand, said the launch violated the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, which China has ratified.
Australia and Japan protested the test because China gave little prior notice of the launch.
The missile test increased concern about China’s growing military power and lack of transparency.
China urged others not to read too much into the test but did not provide detailed information in advance.
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A violent clash at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has caused 26 deaths and left 77 people, including prisoners and guards, injured. The government has started three investigations to understand what caused the violence and prevent future incidents.
Key Facts
26 people died in the prison clash: 19 inmates and 7 prison officials.
77 others are in hospitals, including 54 inmates and 23 prison staff.
The fight began Sunday between rival gangs involved in illegal drug trade.
The inmates attacked guards and tried to break out but were stopped.
The government set up three investigations: by police, by the prison department, and a committee led by a retired judge.
Investigations will check for security problems and prison overcrowding as possible causes.
Sri Lankan prisons hold 39,000 inmates but were built for only 10,000, causing severe crowding.
Security at the prison has been increased with army troops and tanks deployed.
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French President Emmanuel Macron is safe after explosions occurred near central Damascus during his visit to Syria. The blasts happened close to the Four Seasons hotel, and several people were injured, but Macron continued his trip as planned.
Key Facts
Two explosions took place on a main street in central Damascus, about 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel.
Several people were wounded in the blasts.
President Macron was meeting Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace during the incident.
Macron did not hear the explosions while traveling to the meeting.
His visit to Syria is the first by a European Union leader since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s long rule.
After Syria, President Macron will attend the NATO summit in Turkey.
Earlier in the month, a bomb blast in Damascus killed nine people and injured 22.
Syrian state television confirmed Macron’s meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa and welcomed him.
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A violent clash at a prison in Negombo, Sri Lanka, has left 26 people dead, including seven prison officials and 19 inmates. Around 77 others are in the hospital, and three investigations are underway to find out what caused the violence and how to prevent future incidents.
Key Facts
The clash happened between rival gangs connected to illegal drug trade inside the prison.
The violence started on Sunday and escalated on Monday when inmates attacked prison guards.
Inmates tried to break through the main gate but were stopped by security.
26 people died: 7 prison officials and 19 inmates.
77 people are hospitalized: 23 prison officials and 54 inmates.
Three investigations are being conducted: a police probe, an internal prison department review, and a committee led by a retired judge.
The prison system is severely overcrowded, holding over 39,000 inmates in facilities designed for about 10,000.
Security has been increased with army troops and tanks deployed around the prison.
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Two explosions happened in Damascus, the capital of Syria, near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his official visit. The incidents occurred on Tuesday and were recorded on video.
Key Facts
At least two explosions took place in Damascus on Tuesday.
The explosions happened close to a hotel.
French President Emmanuel Macron was staying at that hotel.
Macron was on an official visit to Syria’s capital.
Video footage captured one of the explosions.
The exact cause or details of the explosions were not provided in the article.
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Explosions happened in Damascus while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting Syria and meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron was staying, but he was safe and the visit continued.
Key Facts
Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during Macron's visit.
Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Syrian state media reported the blasts were caused by explosive devices.
A vehicle was set on fire, and blood stains were seen near the explosion site.
No group has said they were responsible for the explosions.
There were no immediate reports about injuries or deaths from the blast.
A recent bombing in Damascus killed at least 10 people and wounded 20.
Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the explosions during Macron’s visit.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top general claim that Russia is fighting a war against NATO in Ukraine, despite ongoing losses on the battlefield. Analysts say Russia's public statements about military gains do not match verified facts, as Ukraine continues to hold parts of contested areas.
Key Facts
Russian General Valery Gerasimov said Ukraine’s Western supporters are trying to claim battlefield gains.
Putin urged continued analysis of Western involvement in the Ukraine war.
Putin claimed Russia fully controls Kostiantynivka, but Ukraine still holds parts of the city.
Moscow reports claiming it has gained over 3,000 square kilometers in 2024 are disputed; actual gains are much smaller.
Experts say Putin is spreading false information to maintain support inside Russia.
Russia often marks small advances by soldiers planting flags before being repelled.
Ukrainian officials say Russia is trying to justify expanding the war by calling it a fight against NATO.
Russia plans partial military mobilisation after September parliamentary elections amid economic and fuel shortages.
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Marine Le Pen faces a verdict in her trial over alleged embezzlement of 4.4 million euros from the European Parliament, which could affect her 2027 presidential campaign in France. Meanwhile, China launched a long-range missile into the Pacific Ocean, raising tensions with Australia and New Zealand, and French football captain Kylian Mbappé responded to racist comments made by a Paraguayan senator following France’s World Cup win over Paraguay.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen is on trial for allegedly embezzling 4.4 million euros from the European Parliament.
The trial verdict will influence the start of the 2027 French presidential election campaign.
Jordan Bardella, Le Pen’s party’s second-in-command, has gained popularity and may be a presidential candidate.
China tested a long-range missile over the Pacific Ocean, which followed a defense agreement between Australia and Fiji.
Australian officials view China’s missile test as a sign of growing nuclear capabilities.
A Paraguayan senator made racist remarks about French football captain Kylian Mbappé after France beat Paraguay in the World Cup.
Mbappé called the senator "detestable" and unfit for office; French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the racist comments.
The incident sparked a national conversation in France about racism and sportsmanship.
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Explosions occurred near the hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Syria. Macron was safe and did not hear the blasts, and his visit continued as planned.
Key Facts
Explosions were heard close to the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.
French President Emmanuel Macron was staying at that hotel.
Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Smoke was seen rising near the hotel after the explosions.
Macron was not harmed and was unaware of the explosions.
The Élysée Palace confirmed the visit continued despite the incident.
The incident took place during Macron’s official visit to Syria.
The situation is developing and updates may follow.
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A UK-based couple used a Sri Lankan surrogacy agency and later found out through DNA tests that the twins born were not biologically related to the intended father because donor sperm was used by mistake. The couple denied agreeing to use donor sperm and had to apply for adoption to gain legal parentage of the children.
Key Facts
The couple, called PP and QQ in court papers, used a Sri Lankan surrogacy agency named Wish Fertility.
The agency originally said embryos were made with PP’s sperm but later said donor sperm was also used after claiming the couple consented.
DNA tests for the twins' UK citizenship showed PP was not the biological father of either child.
The couple denied signing any form allowing donor sperm use.
The couple had previously lost twins born after IVF in India due to health problems.
A judge said the couple were not at fault and wanted to raise the children they love.
The judge found it unlikely the clinic could not tell which sperm was used and found no evidence PP’s sperm was used at all.
The couple had to apply for an adoption order instead of a parental order to become legal parents.
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The stars of the movie The Odyssey attended its world premiere red carpet event in London. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, adapts the Ancient Greek epic poem about Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War.
Key Facts
The Odyssey world premiere took place in London.
Christopher Nolan directed the film.
Matt Damon plays the main character, Odysseus.
The story is based on the Ancient Greek epic poem by Homer.
The film shows Odysseus’s journey back home after the Trojan War.
Other stars include Anne Hathaway and Zendaya.
The movie’s budget is rumored to be $250 million (about £187 million).
The release of the film is highly anticipated for 2026.
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Hamas announced it is dissolving its government body in Gaza and will transfer control to a United Nations-backed group called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This move aims to establish an alternative leadership focused on peace and rebuilding, but violence continues and key parties remain skeptical about the change.
Key Facts
Hamas declared the end of its Government Emergency Committee and plans to hand over governance to the NCAG.
The NCAG is supported by the United Nations and was created under President Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
The U.S. State Department said this change could mark a historic shift by removing Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from governing Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Hamas would keep military control and called for the full implementation of the Trump peace plan, including disarming Hamas.
The Board of Peace group expressed caution, saying actions must follow promises before they accept the change.
Violence between Hamas and Israeli forces continues despite the announcement.
Hamas compared the new arrangement to Hezbollah’s model in Lebanon, which mixes political and military power.
The main demand from international groups is a single authority with control over security and weapons in Gaza.
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A detailed report about mother and baby homes, Magdalene Laundries, and workhouses in Northern Ireland will be published. It is based on records and survivor testimonies and will guide a future public inquiry and financial support scheme for people affected by these institutions.
Key Facts
Over 10,000 women and girls passed through these institutions from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Many of the women had become pregnant because of sexual crimes.
The institutions were mostly run by religious groups and operated in secrecy.
The Truth Recovery Independent Panel, set up in 2023, includes experts and survivors and prepared the report.
A public inquiry lasting about three years and costing £14 million was approved in June 2026 by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
A financial redress scheme will give £12,000 to mothers or children who lived in these institutions, with £2,000 for family members of deceased individuals since 1953.
Around 10,000 people are expected to apply for the compensation, with a total of £90 million planned to be paid out.
The inquiry and compensation scheme need more legislation this autumn before they can formally start.
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