Belgian authorities will decide on September 29 whether to grant parole to Mohamed Bakkali, a man convicted for helping organize the 2015 Paris attacks. Bakkali was sentenced in France to 30 years in prison with a minimum of 20 years to serve, but he is currently in Belgium where parole is being considered despite opposition from prosecutors and victims' families.
Key Facts
Mohamed Bakkali coordinated logistics for the 2015 Paris attacks.
He was sentenced in France to 30 years in prison with a 20-year minimum term.
Bakkali is currently in Belgium, where parole can be considered under local law.
Belgium will decide on September 29 whether to release him with electronic monitoring.
Prosecutors oppose Bakkali’s parole request.
Victims and their families have expressed anger over the possible parole.
Electronic monitoring means he would be tracked if released early.
The decision highlights differences in how Belgium and France handle sentenced prisoners.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union has offered Canada a new type of partnership called associate membership, which has never existed before. This offer is partly a response to tensions between Canada and the U.S. under President Donald Trump's policies, and it would allow closer cooperation between Canada and the EU without Canada becoming a full member.
Key Facts
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU’s first associate member.
This associate membership is a new status with no existing rules or full membership requirements.
The partnership aims to cover areas like technology, defense, energy, AI, and economic security.
Canada is interested in a close relationship but does not want full EU membership, which involves giving up some independence.
Canada recently joined the EU’s SAFE defense program, allowing access to European defense procurement.
The offer follows trade conflicts and tensions between Canada and the U.S. during President Trump’s administration.
An official suggested Canada wants an arrangement allowing Canadians to live and work in Europe without visas.
The proposal still needs approval by all 27 EU member countries and may take time to develop.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An attack by a militia believed to be linked to Iran cut Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which helps bypass the busy Strait of Hormuz. This disruption lowers the flow of Saudi oil by millions of barrels a day, causing global oil prices to rise and affecting fuel prices in the U.S. and other countries.
Key Facts
The East-West pipeline is crucial for Saudi Arabia to export oil without using the Strait of Hormuz.
The attack is believed to come from an Iran-aligned Iraqi militia.
The pipeline disruption reduces Saudi oil exports by about 7 million barrels daily.
Iran controls important shipping chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, giving it influence over oil flows.
Since early 2024, Iranian actions have blocked about 10 million barrels a day from the market.
U.S. and international reserves are being used to try to stabilize oil supplies, but their reserves are running low.
Global oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel due to supply shortages and increased demand.
Diesel fuel prices are very high, sometimes reaching nearly $5 per gallon in the U.S., partly because of stronger exports competing with U.S. supply.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Paris to discuss Lebanon's security. They focused on international support for the Lebanese army amid worries about Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the possible end of the UN peacekeeping mission there.
Key Facts
The meeting took place in Paris and involved leaders from France, Lebanon, and Jordan.
The talks focused on Lebanon’s security situation and ways to support the Lebanese army.
There are growing concerns about Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon.
The current UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon may end soon.
France wants a clear and realistic plan to help Lebanon with funding, equipment, and military training.
The discussions come amid broader regional tensions involving Israel and neighboring countries.
The leaders aim to stabilize Lebanon and prevent further conflict in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump is preparing a $2.8 billion arms deal to supply Israel with weapons, including 40,000 bombs, during ongoing military actions in Gaza. The package aims to enhance Israel’s military strength and includes 2,000-pound bombs that were previously paused due to concerns about civilian harm.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration plans a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel.
The deal includes 40,000 bombs to support Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Some bombs weigh 2,000 pounds and had been stopped earlier because of worries about civilian casualties.
The package will help Israel strengthen its military capabilities.
The arms deal comes despite a ceasefire agreement from October last year.
The situation is part of broader Middle East conflicts involving Israel and Gaza.
The U.S. approval of this deal reflects ongoing U.S. support for Israel in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to speak to the European Parliament about Canada’s bid to become an associate member of the European Union. President Donald Trump has called this bid a "hostile act" and threatened to impose more tariffs on the EU if the plan goes ahead.
Key Facts
Canada wants to become the first associate member of the EU, a new type of relationship not fully defined in EU treaties.
EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen supports the idea, seeing closer ties with Canada as beneficial.
President Trump warned he would "stop trading" with Europe and add serious tariffs if Canada gains this associate status.
An associate member might attend EU summits and participate in some EU programs but would not have full voting rights.
Canada and the EU have had a free-trade agreement for nearly ten years, although some EU countries still have not approved it.
The EU says the closer partnership with Canada is not meant to oppose the US but to strengthen the EU and Canada together.
France’s Europe Minister said the US cannot veto the EU’s political decisions, including deeper ties with Canada.
Experts say the partnership could help both Canada and the EU resist economic pressure from President Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists found that chemotherapy drugs using platinum, given to children with cancer, can cause many DNA changes in healthy cells. This may help explain some long-term health problems seen in survivors, especially in the liver.
Key Facts
The study looked at healthy tissues from children treated with platinum-based chemo drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin.
Platinum chemo caused a big increase in DNA mutations in many organs and blood cells, aging tissues genetically.
Researchers used a sensitive method called NanoSeq to detect subtle DNA changes missed by usual tests.
A unique DNA damage pattern named "SBSA" was found only in liver tissue, not in blood or other organs.
Platinum exposure increased liver mutations about 12 times compared to untreated children.
Even small exposure, such as one cycle of carboplatin, increased DNA mutations significantly.
Many mutations linked to cancer genes were found, but their presence does not mean cancer will develop.
Platinum chemo remains important and effective for treating childhood cancer despite these findings.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump threatened to impose serious tariffs on the European Union after the EU proposed making Canada its first associate member. EU leaders said the move was meant to strengthen cooperation, not to target anyone, while Canadian and European officials reacted with mixed views.
Key Facts
President Trump called the EU’s offer to Canada “laughable” and warned of heavy tariffs or stopping trade with Europe.
The European Commission president said the cooperation with Canada is for common strength and not against any country.
Canada is set to address the European Parliament about this proposal.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political challenges ahead of key state elections and canceled a planned UN trip.
Some Canadian conservatives criticized the idea, fearing higher taxes and more EU regulations affecting Canadian industries.
Experts said “associate membership” might lead to several agreements but not full institutional membership for Canada.
The proposal triggered debates about Canada’s role in international partnerships and its relationship with both Europe and the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, injuring at least 16 people, including children. The attacks targeted over 10 locations in Kyiv and other regions, while Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted many of the incoming targets.
Key Facts
At least 16 people were injured in the attacks on Kyiv, including a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy.
India has warned that new U.S. tariffs on Russian oil could harm relations between the two countries. The U.S. Congress passed a bill allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, aiming to press Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Key Facts
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill with sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors.
The bill allows President Trump to impose tariffs up to 100% on countries, including India, that buy Russian oil and gas.
The bill also extends sanctions on Iran and targets Russian officials and a fleet of tankers that bypass sanctions.
India is the third-largest oil importer in the world and buys a significant amount of Russian oil.
India’s government said it is committed to energy security for its 1.4 billion people.
India warned the U.S. that tariffs on Russian oil imports could affect India-U.S. ties and global energy markets.
India plans to protect its trade and economic interests and work with trade groups on the bill’s impact.
The bill has been sent to President Trump to sign into law.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has warned that he may impose heavy tariffs on the European Union if it goes ahead with a plan to make Canada its first associate member. The EU proposal aims to strengthen ties with Canada as both face challenges from global conflicts and tensions with the US and China.
Key Facts
President Trump called the EU’s plan to associate with Canada “laughable” and threatened tariffs or trade restrictions.
The EU proposal was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deepen relations with Canada.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively seeking closer links with the EU amid worsening US-Canada relations.
The US previously placed tariffs on large amounts of trade between the US and Canada.
EU diplomats expressed uncertainty about the meaning and feasibility of the associate membership proposal.
France’s Europe Minister said the US has no power to veto EU decisions on political partnerships.
The EU faces security risks due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing global trade tensions.
Mark Carney was scheduled to address the European Parliament to discuss the cooperation plans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Owen Ndlovu, a well-known South African sports broadcaster, was kidnapped and found dead with gunshot wounds near Johannesburg. Police are searching for three suspects and investigating the killing.
Key Facts
Owen Ndlovu was taken from his vehicle while picking up his wife from a church in Katlehong.
Three men forced Ndlovu into the back of the vehicle, one reportedly carrying a gun.
The vehicle was found abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
Ndlovu’s body was discovered the next morning in Thokoza, near Katlehong.
Police are treating the case as a murder and awaiting post-mortem results.
Ndlovu worked for South Africa’s public broadcaster SABC and was involved in sports and music rights.
Violent crime, including carjackings and murders, is a major issue in South Africa, with thousands of such crimes recorded recently.
Authorities ask the public to assist in the investigation and emphasize the priority of fighting crime.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel is using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to monitor land in the West Bank and identify unauthorized changes. This technology helps Israel speed up demolitions of Palestinian homes by detecting buildings considered illegal in areas where Palestinians find it hard to get permits.
Key Facts
Israel employs an AI tool called ImiSight, developed by the Israeli weapons company Rafael, to monitor land in the West Bank and the Naqab desert.
ImiSight identifies changes in the landscape, which Israel uses to justify demolishing structures.
Many Palestinian and Bedouin communities have difficulty obtaining building permits from Israeli authorities.
Israel established a Land Authority enforcement unit in April 2025 to operate in the West Bank using AI technology.
Rights activists and organizations describe this use of AI as part of efforts to displace Palestinians and expand control over the territory.
New satellite technology processes images using AI directly in space, speeding up surveillance and detection.
The use of AI and satellite advances reduces the need for human review, allowing faster decisions on demolitions.
Israeli officials and ImiSight representatives did not respond to requests for comment from Al Jazeera.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
European and Arab military leaders met in Paris to discuss how to support Lebanon’s army as the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon is set to end by the end of 2026. They explored ideas for a new international force to help train and support Lebanese troops amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Key Facts
UNIFIL, a UN peacekeeping mission with about 7,500 personnel, will end its mandate at the end of 2026.
Lebanon and France want to extend the UN mission, but the US and Israel have not supported this extension.
Paris talks considered creating a new mission led by France and Italy, possibly outside the UN system, or a mission led by the European Union.
The new mission ideas focus on training, providing equipment, sharing intelligence, and mentoring the Lebanese army.
Lebanon’s army is financially weak and is under pressure from Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah, an armed group backed by Iran, which refuses to disarm.
A donor conference to raise money for Lebanon’s army is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.
Leaders from Lebanon, France, and Jordan are working to gain international support for Lebanon’s military.
The current conflict risks creating a security gap after UNIFIL withdraws, increasing concerns about renewed violence in southern Lebanon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A group of UK lawmakers called for a ban on nearly all gambling advertisements to protect people’s health. They suggest the ban would reduce problems like debt and addiction but might shrink the gambling industry. The gambling industry opposes the ban, saying it could increase illegal gambling.
Key Facts
The UK House of Lords report recommends banning most gambling ads, with exceptions for lotteries and racecourses.
Gambling ads have grown a lot since 2005, with industry spending around £2 billion on advertising in 2024.
About 1.4 million people in Great Britain have gambling problems.
The proposed ban aims to decrease harms such as financial trouble, family problems, and suicide linked to gambling.
The industry group Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) warns a ban could boost illegal gambling sites that keep advertising.
Regulators are working to stop illegal gambling, but legal market ads are also linked to harm.
Before 2005, only bingo, pools, and lotteries could advertise on TV in the UK.
Some industry measures already limit ads, such as not advertising during live sports games.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nearly half of England’s parliamentary areas have poor access to nature, with many homes located too far from parks or waterways. A wildlife charity warns this problem worsens health risks, especially during extreme heat, and urges the government to take faster action to ensure everyone can reach green or blue spaces within a 15-minute walk.
Key Facts
44% of parliamentary constituencies in England have at least 20% of homes more than 15 minutes’ walk from green or blue spaces.
Blue spaces include areas with water such as rivers, lakes, or seas.
Seven of the 10 poorest constituencies have low access to nature.
Extreme heat in England recently increased the need for cool, shaded natural areas.
The Wildlife Trusts and partners presented a green paper calling for better nature access and biodiversity protection.
The charity wants the government to let communities buy land for nature, treat green spaces as essential infrastructure, and require eco-friendly housing development.
Public consultation showed people rely on nature for physical and mental health benefits, especially during heatwaves.
Access to rivers in cities is proposed to become a legal right.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The war in Yemen has intensified, with Houthi militants gaining control of key islands along the Red Sea, threatening important global shipping routes and oil supplies. The conflict has caused many civilian deaths and displaced over 100,000 people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Key Facts
Houthi militants have quickly advanced along Yemen's west coast.
They control islands near the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital shipping route for 15% of world trade.
The strait of Hormuz, another key oil route, remains mostly blocked after US and Israeli airstrikes.
The conflict risks causing higher global oil prices.
Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 between government forces and Iran-backed Houthis.
Over 150,000 people have died, primarily from air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition.
Around 4.5 million people have been displaced over the past ten years.
More than 18 million Yemenis need humanitarian aid, according to the UN.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing President Donald Trump to impose sanctions and up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India, a major buyer of Russian crude oil, faces economic risks from this bill as it relies heavily on discounted Russian oil to meet its energy needs.
Key Facts
The US House passed a bill giving President Trump power to sanction countries buying Russian oil and gas, with tariffs up to 100%.
India buys about 37% of Russia's crude oil exports, making it one of the largest customers along with China.
Russian oil made up around 30% of India's crude imports in fiscal 2026, worth about $40.8 billion.
The bill could lead to tariffs on Indian exports to the US, impacting India's economy beyond just oil imports.
India says it is closely watching the situation and is committed to ensuring energy security.
Replacing Russian oil would increase costs due to higher crude prices, shipping, and insurance.
The bill pressures India to change its trading practices with Russia under threat of economic penalties.
The US may shorten the usual 180-day deadline for countries to reduce Russian energy imports.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study found that human-caused climate change contributed to the glacier collapse that caused deadly floods on the Nepal-Tibet border in August. The disaster was triggered by multiple factors including rising temperatures, melting glaciers, thawing frozen ground, and weak geology in the area.
Key Facts
Over 1,400 people died and thousands are missing due to floods and landslides on 26 August.
The glacier collapse caused a strong impact similar to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.
July and August temperatures were about 1.5°C (2.7°F) warmer because of human influence.
Glaciers in the region are thinning by around half a meter (1.6 feet) each year.
Heavy snowfall in previous months increased meltwater contributing to the disaster.
A 2015 earthquake may have weakened the rock under the glacier, making collapse more likely.
Nepali leaders emphasize the country’s vulnerability to climate change despite low greenhouse gas emissions.
Nepal’s Prime Minister will speak at the UN General Assembly about the flood and climate justice.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Oasis Hub Bath, a community center in the city, received £272,702 from the National Lottery Community Fund to cover its main costs for three years. The hub runs two affordable food pantries serving around 600 people weekly and offers other support services such as health checks and advice sessions.
Key Facts
Oasis Hub Bath opened in 2018 in the city centre.
The hub operates two low-cost food pantries helping about 600 people each week.
The National Lottery Community Fund granted £272,702 to support the hub’s operations for three years.
Pantry members pay £5 or £7.50 per week for food and household items; some fresh food is free.
To join the pantry, households must earn less than £18,000 a year, struggle to afford food, and live in certain areas of Bath.
The hub also provides services like advice from Citizens Advice and health checks with healthcare partners.
Some pantry users say the services have helped them manage costs and health issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
