Tied up and blindfolded: How BBC team was held at gunpoint by Israeli forces in Syria

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

A BBC team, including British and Iraqi journalists, was detained by Israeli soldiers while filming near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in Syria. The soldiers pointed weapons at the team, confiscated their equipment, and questioned them for several hours before releasing them.

Key Facts:

• The BBC team left Damascus with plans to report near the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights.
• Israeli soldiers detained the team near Quneitra, a city in the buffer zone.
• The soldiers surrounded the team, pointed rifles at them, and took their cameras and phones.
• The BBC crew was held for several hours while soldiers reviewed their footage.
• One journalist was questioned by phone about their activities.
• The BBC complained to the Israeli military but has not received a response yet.
• The incident occurred after Israel increased its presence in the area in December.

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BBC World

Watch: Three things you need to know about the mushroom murder trial

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

An Australian woman named Erin Patterson is on trial for allegedly poisoning her relatives with toxic mushrooms during a meal. Prosecutors presented evidence showing photos on her phone that suggest she measured a deadly amount of the mushrooms. Her in-laws and another relative died soon after eating the meal.

Key Facts:

• Erin Patterson is accused of using poisonous mushrooms in a dish.
• The dish was a beef Wellington, a pastry-wrapped meat dish.
• Prosecutors showed photos from Patterson's phone as evidence.
• The photos allegedly show the use of kitchen scales to measure the mushrooms.
• Three family members of Patterson died shortly after eating the meal.
• The deceased include her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson.
• The trial is taking place in Australia.

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BBC World

Israeli military recovers two hostages' bodies in southern Gaza

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

Israeli military forces found and identified the bodies of two Israeli Americans, Judi Weinstein Haggai and Gadi Haggai, who were killed and taken hostage by gunmen from Gaza. Their bodies were located in southern Gaza and returned to Israel. Currently, 56 hostages are still held by Hamas, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

Key Facts:

• Israeli military discovered bodies of two hostages in southern Gaza.
• The hostages, Judi and Gadi Haggai, were Israeli American citizens.
• Judi was also a Canadian citizen.
• The couple was killed during an attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.
• The bodies were found in Khan Younis, Gaza, and brought back to Israel for identification.
• There are still 56 hostages held by Hamas; at least 20 are thought to be alive.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences and emphasized ongoing efforts to recover hostages.
• The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged for a ceasefire to secure the release of remaining hostages.

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BBC World

Deadly mushroom cook weighed fatal dose on kitchen scales, says prosecutor

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old Australian woman, is accused of using toxic mushrooms to kill three relatives and harm another person in July 2023. Prosecutors claim she measured a deadly amount of mushrooms using kitchen scales. Patterson denies any intention to harm and says it was an accident, insisting she did not know the mushrooms were poisonous.

Key Facts:

• Erin Patterson is accused of killing three people and trying to kill another with toxic mushrooms in July 2023.
• Photos on her phone allegedly show her weighing mushrooms that prosecutors say were death caps, a type of toxic mushroom.
• Patterson's in-laws and another relative died after eating a meal at her home, and a fourth person was hospitalized but recovered.
• The trial has involved over 50 prosecution witnesses in nearly six weeks.
• Patterson admitted to gathering wild mushrooms in the months before the event but denied intending to pick poisonous ones.
• She said she deleted data from her phone after the incident because she feared being blamed.
• Prosecutors allege she practiced using poisonous mushrooms in different foods, which she denies, claiming she meant to add more vegetables to her children's meals.
• CCTV footage shows her disposing of a food dehydrator, which prosecutors say was used to prepare the toxic meal; she denies this accusation.

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BBC World

Three Maori MPs suspended over 'intimidating' haka

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

New Zealand's parliament has suspended three Māori MPs for performing a protest haka, a traditional dance, during a session last year. This action followed their opposition to a bill that aimed to change the understanding of the country's founding treaty, which was ultimately rejected by parliament.

Key Facts:

• Three Māori MPs were suspended for performing a protest haka in parliament.
• Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke received a seven-day ban, while Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer were banned for 21 days.
• The suspension followed their protest against a bill aiming to redefine New Zealand's founding treaty.
• The bill, called the Treaty Principles Bill, was voted down 112 to 11 in April.
• The proposed law sought to legally define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi from 1840.
• The haka protest occurred last November, and a video of it went viral.
• More than 40,000 people protested against the bill during its first reading.
• The Māori Party currently holds six seats in New Zealand’s 123-seat parliament.

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BBC World

New Zealand PM 'shock' as aide accused of secretly recording women

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

A member of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's staff resigned after accusations of secretly taking photos and audio recordings of women, including sex workers. Michael Forbes, the aide involved, apologized, and the police decided not to prosecute as they felt the case didn't meet legal requirements.

Key Facts:

• Michael Forbes was Christopher Luxon's deputy chief press secretary.
• A sex worker reported that Forbes' phone recorded audio without consent.
• Forbes' phone contained unauthorized photos and videos of women.
• Prime Minister Luxon expressed surprise and called for safety for women.
• Police received a complaint from a Wellington brothel in July but did not pursue charges.
• Forbes acknowledged personal issues and has sought professional help.
• Luxon wants a review of how such cases are handled across agencies.
• No government officials were aware of previous complaints against Forbes.

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BBC World

Rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to be auctioned in London

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

A rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, created by British artist Clare Leighton in 1931, will be auctioned in London next month. This painting is believed to be the only oil portrait for which Gandhi personally sat. It was made during Gandhi's visit to London for a conference discussing India's self-governance.

Key Facts:

• An oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931, will be auctioned in London.
• The artist, Clare Leighton, painted it while Gandhi was in the UK for a political conference.
• The painting is believed to be the only oil portrait Gandhi sat for.
• Clare Leighton was introduced to Gandhi by her partner, a British journalist supporting India's independence.
• The painting first showcased in 1931 at a London exhibition attended by members of the Indian delegation.
• After the artist's death in 1989, the painting remained in her family.
• It was allegedly damaged in the US in the 1970s and restored in 1974.
• Mahatma Gandhi was a leader for Indian independence and known for non-violent resistance against British rule.

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BBC World

Trump suspends foreign student visas at Harvard

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

Donald Trump has paused the entry of foreign students into Harvard University for six months, citing national security reasons. This decision comes amid ongoing legal disagreements between Harvard and the U.S. government over student visas and security concerns.

Key Facts:

• Donald Trump announced a six-month suspension on visas for foreign students planning to study or join exchange programs at Harvard.
• Trump cited national security concerns, claiming Harvard has ties with foreign countries that could harm U.S. interests.
• This is part of a legal conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration over visa policies and foreign student data.
• A judge recently stopped the Department of Homeland Security from banning international students at Harvard.
• Harvard argued the order infringes on its First Amendment rights and retaliates against the university.
• The suspension includes potential revocation of visas for current international students at Harvard.
• Harvard hosts nearly 7,000 foreign students, who represent 27% of its student body.
• Recent actions follow controversies over universities’ handling of antisemitism and legal challenges regarding student visas.

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BBC World

Burundi's ruling party seeks to tighten grip on power

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

Burundi voters are participating in elections for National Assembly and local council seats amid economic challenges and political tension. The CNDD-FDD party, which has been in power for 20 years, continues to face criticism and allegations of intimidation towards opposition supporters during these elections.

Key Facts:

• The CNDD-FDD party has governed Burundi for the past 20 years.
• Elections are taking place for National Assembly and local council positions.
• President Évariste Ndayishimiye's term runs until 2027, so his position is not affected by these elections.
• Burundi is facing economic issues like high inflation and fuel shortages.
• Opposition parties claim their supporters face harassment from the ruling party's youth league, the Imbonerakure.
• Some political analysts are hesitant to comment on the elections due to fear of repercussions.
• There are severe shortages of foreign currency, impacting Burundi's economy and imports.
• The average Burundian income in 2023 was the lowest in the East African Community at $193.

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BBC World

Madeleine McCann Portugal search enters third day

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

Searches for Madeleine McCann continued for a third day near the area in Portugal where she went missing 18 years ago. German and Portuguese police are looking for evidence linked to the case, focusing on land near where a suspect named Christian Brückner stayed. No significant finds have been reported so far.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday in the Algarve, Portugal.
• She went missing from a ground-floor apartment while her parents were at a nearby restaurant.
• The search is now focused on a 21 square kilometer area between where Madeleine disappeared and where the suspect lived.
• Christian Brückner, a suspect in the case, is currently serving a prison sentence in Germany for a different crime.
• German police consider this a murder investigation, while British police treat it as a missing person case.
• Brückner has denied involvement in Madeleine's disappearance and hasn't been charged in the case.
• Portuguese prosecutors approved a European warrant for German teams to search private land in Portugal.
• The search involves diggers and specialist equipment to examine scrubland and abandoned buildings.

Source Information

BBC World

Watch: Hungry elephant wanders into Thai grocery store

BBC World • June 05, 2025 • World

A well-known elephant named Plai Biang Lek from Khao Yai National Park in Thailand wandered into a local grocery store and ate various foods before being escorted out. He consumed sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and bananas.

Key Facts:

• Plai Biang Lek is an elephant from Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.
• The elephant is known for going into homes in search of food.
• He traveled about one kilometre from the park to a local grocery store.
• In the store, Plai Biang Lek ate nine bags of sweet rice crackers, a sandwich, and some bananas.
• Shopkeepers managed to guide him out of the store after his meal.

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BBC World

The country where the left (not the far right) made hardline immigration laws

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Denmark has established strict immigration laws, led by center-left politicians, which is surprising since such policies are usually associated with far-right parties. Denmark's approach to managing asylum-seekers and economic migrants has attracted international attention, making it a leading example of tough migration policies in Europe.

Key Facts:

• Denmark is known for its strict immigration policies.
• These policies are driven by center-left politicians, not the far-right.
• Denmark gained attention for allowing authorities to take jewelry and valuables from asylum seekers to cover living costs.
• Since 1985, the number of immigrants in Denmark has increased significantly.
• In 2015, over a million migrants entered Europe, with many heading to Denmark.
• Denmark is considering processing asylum seekers outside of Europe.
• The Danish government has made over 50 amendments to tighten immigration laws in recent years.

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BBC World

'I was pushed across the border into Bangladesh at gunpoint'

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

A 58-year-old woman named Shona Banu from Assam, India, says she was forced across the border into Bangladesh by Indian police. Her case is among several where people in Assam are reported to have been pushed into Bangladesh without official process.

Key Facts:

• Shona Banu lives in Assam, India, and claims she was sent to Bangladesh at gunpoint by Indian police on 25 May.
• She spent two days in harsh conditions between the borders before being handed over to Bangladeshi officials.
• Banu has lived in Assam all her life but has been trying to prove she is an Indian citizen, not an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh.
• The BBC found at least six other cases of people being forced across the border in similar ways.
• Indian Border Security Force and Assam police did not comment on these incidents.
• India and Bangladesh share a long, porous border that is difficult to secure completely.
• Allegations claim that over 1,200 people were pushed into Bangladesh in May, with some being later identified and returned as Indian citizens.
• The issue of illegal immigration is a hot topic in Assam, affecting local politics and social tensions.

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BBC World

US vetoes UN call for unconditional Gaza ceasefire

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution had support from all other members and included demands for the release of hostages and lifting aid restrictions. The US stated the resolution did not address concerns about Hamas, which it labels as a terrorist group.

Key Facts:

• The US blocked a UN resolution for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
• All other 14 Security Council members voted for the resolution.
• The US says the resolution could harm peace efforts and does not address Hamas as a terrorist group.
• The UN, US, UK, and EU classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.
• Over two million people in Gaza might face starvation, according to the UN.
• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) now distributes aid, replacing UN agencies.
• Deadly incidents have occurred on routes to GHF's aid distribution sites.
• Israel's military action in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following attacks by Hamas.

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BBC World

Are the surprise airfield attacks a turning point for Ukraine?

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) conducted a significant operation called "Spider's Web" targeting Russian airbases. The attack involved drones and resulted in damage to Russian aircraft, with Ukraine claiming many planes were destroyed or severely damaged.

Key Facts:

• Ukraine's Security Service, known as the SBU, led an operation named "Spider's Web."
• The operation targeted Russian strategic aviation at four airbases: Olenya, Ivanovo, Dyagilevo, and Belaya.
• Ukrainian drones were used to damage or destroy Russian bombers and transport aircraft.
• Ukraine claims that 41 Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed, with half being beyond repair.
• The operation was reportedly planned for over a year and a half.
• Satellite images and drone footage released by Ukraine show damaged Russian planes.
• Drones targeted key parts of the aircraft, like fuel tanks, leading to fires and explosions.
• The Kremlin has not provided much information about the attacks.

Source Information

BBC World

Putin will seek revenge for Ukraine drone attack, warns Trump

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airbases. Putin reportedly told Trump he would respond to the attack, while Russian officials have not confirmed this. Ukrainian and U.S. officials continue discussions on defense support and peace efforts.

Key Facts:

• Donald Trump had a phone call with Vladimir Putin about Ukraine's drone attack on Russian airbases.
• Putin said he must respond to the drone attack, according to Trump.
• Russian officials have not confirmed Putin's statement but mentioned military options are possible.
• The call between Trump and Putin lasted over an hour and did not result in any immediate peace.
• Ukraine attacked Russian airbases using drones on June 1, targeting aircraft thought to carry nuclear weapons.
• Trump previously criticized Putin for escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities.
• Ukrainian officials are meeting with U.S. senators to discuss defense support and stopping the fighting.
• Recent peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul did not achieve a major agreement but included prisoner swaps.

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BBC World

Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent heat deaths as Hajj pilgrimage begins

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Saudi Arabia is taking measures to prevent heat-related deaths as over 1.4 million Muslims begin the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Authorities have implemented safety actions like planting trees and installing cooling units, and they have restricted entry for those without official permits to reduce risk.

Key Facts:

• Over 1.4 million Muslims have started the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
• Saudi Arabia has increased safety measures due to high temperatures, which are expected to reach 44C (111F).
• Thousands of trees have been planted, and hundreds of cooling units have been installed.
• Children under 12 are not allowed on the pilgrimage, and unregistered pilgrims may face fines and entry bans.
• Officials stopped more than 269,000 people from entering Mecca without permits.
• Many pilgrims who died last year were unregistered and lacked access to proper cooling facilities.
• The Hajj is a religious duty in Islam, requiring Muslims to make the journey at least once if they can afford it and are healthy.
• Saudi authorities have expanded shaded areas and introduced cooled roads to reduce heat stress.
• The cooling system at Mecca’s Grand Mosque is reportedly the largest in the world.

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BBC World

200-year-old condom 'in mint condition' says museum

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

A 200-year-old condom, made from a sheep's appendix and featuring an explicit design, is on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The condom was bought at an auction and is part of an exhibition on 19th-century prostitution and sexuality, showcasing items like prints, drawings, and photographs.

Key Facts:

• The condom dates back to around 1830.
• It is made from a sheep's appendix.
• The condom has an explicit print showing a nun and three clergymen.
• It was purchased by the Rijksmuseum at an auction last year.
• The condom is part of an exhibition about 19th-century prostitution and sexuality.
• The curator Joyce Zelen mentioned it had not been used and is in excellent condition.
• It was likely a luxury item from a high-end brothel in France.
• The phrase "Voilà mon choix" is inscribed on the condom, meaning "There is my choice."

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BBC World

Tanzania announces shutdown of X because of pornography

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Tanzania is restricting access to the social media platform X due to concerns about the sharing of pornographic content, as stated by the information minister. The government has previously shut down X, known as Twitter, and other platforms, like Clubhouse and Telegram, which led to criticism of digital repression. Human rights groups have highlighted the inconsistency in government actions as officials continue to use these platforms, and ongoing political tensions add to the concerns.

Key Facts:

• Tanzania is blocking access to X, citing the presence of pornographic content.
• This move comes before upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in October.
• The government previously restricted X during the 2020 elections.
• Other platforms like Clubhouse and Telegram are also difficult to access without VPNs in Tanzania.
• A rights group criticized the government for using X while blocking it for others.
• X changed its policy last year to allow consensual adult content, which the Tanzanian government opposes.
• Recent hacks of official accounts in Tanzania showed false information, adding to the controversy.
• Human rights campaigners report being detained and abused in Tanzania amid political tensions.

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BBC World

Gaza now worse than hell on earth, humanitarian chief tells BBC

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated that the situation in Gaza is now "worse than hell on earth," urging world leaders to intervene. She stressed the need for both sides to respect international humanitarian laws, which aim to protect civilians during conflicts.

Key Facts:

• Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, described the Gaza conflict as worsening beyond previous conditions.
• She emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity and dignity during war.
• The ICRC is a global humanitarian organization that enforces the Geneva Conventions.
• The Geneva Conventions are international laws designed to protect civilians during conflicts.
• Spoljaric argued that no side in a conflict can ignore these rules, regardless of the situation.
• The ICRC has a field hospital in Rafah, Gaza, which has been overwhelmed by casualties.
• Israel restricts international journalists from entering Gaza, relying on reports from organizations like the ICRC.

Source Information

BBC World