An Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinians, including three children, in northern Gaza near Beit Lahia. The Israeli military said it targeted a person who posed a threat near the border, while Palestinian officials report civilian casualties.
Key Facts
Five Palestinians died in an Israeli drone strike near a mosque in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.
The victims included three children aged 9, 12, and 14, along with two adults.
The Israeli military said it targeted a "terrorist" who approached Israeli troops near the Yellow Line border.
Hamas condemned the attack and called it a massacre.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 2023.
Since the ceasefire, at least 786 Palestinians have died and 2,200 have been injured in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Israeli military reports four soldiers have been killed by Palestinian groups during the same period.
The conflict began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to a large Israeli military operation in Gaza.
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Israeli forces have established a military zone several kilometers inside southern Lebanon, beyond a boundary called the "Yellow Line." This area is very dangerous even though a ceasefire is in place, according to reporting by Al Jazeera.
Key Facts
Israeli forces control territory several kilometers inside southern Lebanon.
The area controlled lies behind a boundary known as the "Yellow Line."
A ceasefire agreement is currently active in the region.
Despite the ceasefire, the zone remains risky and unstable.
Israeli forces have been leveling, or flattening, villages within this zone.
The situation is reported by journalist Zeina Khodr from Al Jazeera.
The "Yellow Line" is considered a de facto boundary between Israel and Lebanon.
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An injured axolotl named "Dippy" was found in a river in Wales and is now healing in a home fish tank. Axolotls are aquatic salamanders native to Mexico and are rare in the wild, but have become popular as pets online.
Key Facts
Dippy was found under a bridge on the River Ogmore near Bridgend, south Wales.
The axolotl had injuries on its tail and stomach, likely from a predator.
Axolotls naturally live only in Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City and are critically endangered.
They have become popular pets partly due to social media and video games like TikTok, Instagram, Minecraft, and Fortnite.
Axolotls can regrow lost body parts, including spinal cords in their tails.
They need cool water (around 16-18°C) and special tank setups to live healthily as pets.
It is illegal to release pet axolotls into the wild.
Dippy’s recovery is being shared on TikTok, and it may have been abandoned by a pet owner.
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Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for killings linked to his anti-drug campaigns. The court found enough evidence to believe Duterte was responsible for numerous murders, but a trial date has not been set yet.
Key Facts
The ICC judges are handling charges against Duterte for crimes during his time as mayor and president.
Prosecutors say Duterte created and enforced a policy to "neutralize" suspected criminals, leading to many deaths.
Police and hit squads are accused of killing people for money or self-protection under Duterte’s orders.
Estimates of deaths during Duterte’s presidency range from 6,000 (police numbers) to 30,000 (human rights groups).
Duterte denies all charges and has not appeared in court, citing health issues.
The Philippines left the ICC in 2019 after Duterte announced the withdrawal.
An appeal to dismiss the case because of the Philippine withdrawal was rejected by ICC judges.
The court’s panel unanimously found substantial grounds for the charges and ruled Duterte fit to stand trial.
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Ruth Slenczynska, a celebrated pianist and the last student of composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, has died at 101. She had a long and distinguished career, starting as a child prodigy and performing for several U.S. Presidents.
Key Facts
Ruth Slenczynska was born in California in 1925 to Polish parents.
She gave her first piano recital at four years old and her orchestral debut at seven in Paris.
Slenczynska studied under famous musicians, including Sergei Rachmaninoff, who mentored her for two years.
She performed for five U.S. Presidents and once played a Mozart duet with President Harry Truman.
Her father pushed her to practice intensely, sometimes up to nine hours a day.
She continued performing into her 90s and released an album in 2022.
Slenczynska died peacefully at an assisted living home in California after health problems following several falls.
She was known for her skill and deep understanding of music and was considered one of the greatest child prodigies since Mozart.
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Four artists have been nominated for this year’s Turner Prize, a well-known British award for contemporary art. Their works include sculptures and a spoken-word performance that explore topics like the history of oil, life in northern England, and political ideas. The nominated pieces will be shown later this year in Middlesbrough, with a winner announced in December.
Key Facts
The Turner Prize started in 1984 to highlight new trends in contemporary British art.
Four artists—Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau, and Tanoa Sasraku—were shortlisted this year.
Simeon Barclay’s work is an hour-long spoken-word performance about his upbringing and the industrial north of England.
Kira Freije’s sculptures use metal and fabric to express human emotions with life-size figures.
Marguerite Humeau creates sculptures referencing nature and future worlds, combining light and sound.
Tanoa Sasraku’s installation focuses on political and military history, with sculptures resembling objects.
Each shortlisted artist receives £10,000, while the winner gets £25,000.
The shortlisted works will be displayed at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art before the winner is announced on December 10.
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The UK and France are planning a new three-year agreement to reduce migrants crossing the English Channel by small boats. The deal, worth over £600 million, includes sending riot police to French beaches, and some funding will stop if France does not reduce crossings within a year.
Key Facts
The UK will sign a three-year deal with France to stop migrant crossings on small boats.
The agreement is worth more than £600 million.
Riot police will be deployed on French beaches as part of the plan.
The UK’s Home Office said some money will be cut after one year if crossings do not decrease.
The BBC visited a migrant camp in northern France to speak with migrants thinking about crossing.
The deal is focused on Channel crossings between northern France and the UK.
This effort is part of efforts to manage migration in Europe.
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St Cwyfan's Church is a small, historic church located on a tiny tidal island off the Welsh coast. Weddings there require careful timing because high tides can make the church temporarily unreachable.
Key Facts
St Cwyfan's Church dates back to the 12th century and sits on Cribinau island near Anglesey, Wales.
The island is accessible only at low tide via a causeway, making timing important for visitors.
By the late 19th century, erosion caused graves to fall into the sea and the church fell into disuse.
Restoration efforts, including a seawall and whitewashing the walls in 2006, helped preserve the church.
The church is known as "the little church in the sea" and is popular for weddings and christenings.
Alex and Jonathan Spall chose the church for their wedding due to personal family ties and the romantic setting.
Guests were advised to wear comfortable shoes like trainers because of the sandy and tidal walk.
Weather and tide times are key concerns for anyone planning a visit or event at St Cwyfan's Church.
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US President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran after requests from Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Munir, who rose to a top military position following a war between India and Pakistan, played a key role in mediating talks between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump extended the US-Iran ceasefire on the advice of Pakistan’s Defence Forces Chief, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The ceasefire was originally brokered through Pakistan-mediated talks between April 8 and April 22, 2026.
Asim Munir held direct consultations with US and Iranian officials, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Munir hosted the first direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad in April 2026.
After talks stalled, Munir visited Tehran to continue efforts to improve US-Iran relations.
Munir’s rise in Pakistan’s military followed a war with India triggered by a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir in April 2025, which India blamed on Pakistan.
The two nuclear-armed countries fought a brief war involving drone, missile, and artillery attacks before a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, brokered through backchannel diplomacy.
Munir was promoted to field marshal in May 2025 for his leadership during the war, becoming Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.
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Prince William and Princess Catherine shared a new photo to celebrate their son Prince Louis' eighth birthday. The picture shows Prince Louis smiling on a boat during a family holiday in Cornwall.
Key Facts
Prince Louis turned eight years old.
The birthday photo shows him wearing a blue zip-up jumper with folded arms.
The picture was taken on a family holiday to Cornwall.
Photographer Matt Porteous took the photo earlier this month.
Porteous has previously taken pictures of Prince Louis and other royal family moments.
Prince Louis is the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
He is fourth in line to the British throne.
Prince Louis usually does not attend many official royal events but appears at major family occasions.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. He will face trial for alleged murder and attempted murder related to his anti-drug campaign in the Philippines.
Key Facts
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is charged with crimes against humanity by the ICC.
The charges relate to murder and attempted murder during his "war on drugs."
ICC pre-trial judges unanimously confirmed the charges and committed Duterte to trial.
Duterte will be the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC.
The ICC prosecutes people accused of serious crimes like war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Duterte’s defense says he is too mentally weak to attend the trial and he missed previous hearings.
The judges found there is strong reason to believe Duterte is responsible for these crimes.
The ICC is under political pressure and facing challenges, including sanctions from the United States.
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The European Union (EU) is concerned about a pipeline project in Bosnia linked to a company with close ties to President Trump. The company, led by Trump associates, is set to build a pipeline to bring U.S. gas to Bosnia, which currently relies on Russian gas. The EU warned Bosnia that rushing the contract could harm its chances to join the EU.
Key Facts
The pipeline will run through Bosnia and Herzegovina, connecting to a U.S. liquefied natural gas terminal off Croatia.
A U.S. company called AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, linked to Trump’s lawyer Jesse Binnall and Joe Flynn, is set to receive the pipeline contract.
AAFS was created in November last year and has no clear track record on large projects.
Bosnia passed a law requiring the contract to go to AAFS without a competitive process, raising transparency concerns.
The EU warned Bosnia that ignoring EU rules and rushing the contract could hurt Bosnia's EU membership prospects.
The pipeline aims to reduce Bosnia’s dependence on Russian gas by 2028, following EU plans to stop Russian gas use.
The involvement of Trump-connected people in the project is a new source of tension between the EU and the U.S.
Related political lobbying by people close to Trump has also influenced sanctions and political situations in Bosnia.
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Prince William and Princess Kate shared a new photo to celebrate their son Prince Louis' eighth birthday. The photo shows Prince Louis smiling and marks a rare public glimpse into the young royal’s life as he grows up.
Key Facts
Prince Louis turned eight years old on April 23, 2026.
The official photo was released by Prince William and Princess Kate on their social media accounts.
Prince Louis was born at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London in 2018.
Royal children are usually kept out of the public eye to protect their privacy.
Prince Louis is well known for playful moments at royal events, like the viral clip from the 2022 Trooping the Colour parade.
On his birthday, Prince William had a royal engagement visiting the Jaguar TCS Racing team, a Formula E electric car racing team.
Formula E is a global racing series focused on all-electric cars and sustainability, with a net-zero carbon footprint.
Prince Louis was likely at school during his father’s engagement on his birthday.
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Israeli and Lebanese diplomats are meeting in Washington for talks aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia. These are the first direct talks since 1993 and aim to end violence and resolve border disputes in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
Israel and Lebanon are having direct talks at the U.S. State Department to discuss peace and ceasefire terms.
The talks follow a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia active in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s government seeks to end Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon and deploy its army to the borders.
Hezbollah holds significant influence in Lebanon and receives support from Iran.
Israel wants to remove Hezbollah’s military threat; its Defense Minister has mentioned plans similar to previous Gaza operations.
President Donald Trump’s administration promoted the ceasefire and wants to reduce Hezbollah’s power in Lebanon.
The negotiations are seen as a first step toward normalizing relations between Israel and Lebanon.
Experts say the process will be difficult due to Iran’s support of Hezbollah and Israel’s military actions.
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In Gaza City, many people displaced by recent fighting are living in tents surrounded by rubble, facing serious problems with rats. These rats have become more aggressive, attacking residents like a young child who was bitten and now fears for her safety. The rats also spoil food, clothes, and belongings, adding to the challenges for families struggling with poverty and lack of resources.
Key Facts
Samah al-Dabla and her children live in a tent in Gaza among rubble and are troubled by rats invading their shelter.
A rat attacked Samah’s three-year-old daughter, Mayaseen, biting her hand and causing bleeding.
Medical help was sought at a local hospital, but the child remains scared of rats.
Rats have become more aggressive, possibly because they feed on human bodies under the rubble.
Many people in Gaza live in tents due to destruction and forced evacuations from recent Israeli attacks.
Families struggle with basic needs like clean water, food, power, and protecting against pests like rats.
Attempts to buy rat poison are limited by high costs, and rats damage food supplies, clothes, and tents.
The rat problem is widespread and worsening as summer approaches, with no clear reconstruction plans yet.
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China built up a large stockpile of oil last year, much more than other countries, to prepare for potential supply problems. This stockpile now gives China an advantage as the Iran war disrupts oil supplies near the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
China added around 1.1 million barrels of crude oil per day to its reserves in 2025.
By December 2025, China’s strategic oil stocks reached nearly 1.4 billion barrels.
The increase happened due to lower oil prices, higher geopolitical risks, and a new Chinese law requiring larger reserves.
China did not join the International Energy Agency’s recent large release of oil reserves.
The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve held about 409 million barrels as of March 2026, well below its 714 million barrel capacity.
China also controls over 70% of the global supply chains for solar, wind, battery, and electric vehicles.
The Iran war has caused an oil shock by disrupting supply near the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s energy strategy was designed to handle crises like the current conflict.
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Several candidates are competing to become the next United Nations secretary-general starting in 2027. They emphasized the importance of peace and restoring trust but did not take strong positions that might upset the UN member countries who will vote for the new leader.
Key Facts
The current UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, will finish his second term at the end of 2026.
Four main candidates are running: Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), and Macky Sall (Senegal).
Each candidate answered questions from representatives of the 193 UN member states and civil society groups during three-hour sessions.
Candidates focused on promoting peace and rebuilding confidence in the UN.
They avoided making controversial statements that could harm their chances in the voting process.
The new secretary-general will start their term on January 1, 2027.
The election process is currently ongoing with many member states involved.
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European Union leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Cyprus to mark the release of a 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine. The loan had been delayed due to disagreements but was preliminarily approved before the planned talks in Ayia Napa.
Key Facts
The EU will release a 90-billion-euro (about $105 billion) loan to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky will join EU leaders in Cyprus for meetings.
The loan was delayed due to a dispute involving Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Zelensky.
Preliminary approval of the loan was given on Wednesday.
Final approval is expected by Thursday before the EU-Ukrainian talks.
The meetings will take place at Ayia Napa marina in Cyprus.
The loan aims to provide badly needed financial support to Ukraine.
The delay had caused a deadlock in EU financial aid to Ukraine.
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A second French peacekeeper died in Lebanon after being wounded in an ambush on UN forces. The attack happened over the weekend and was blamed on Hezbollah, although the group denies responsibility.
Key Facts
The ambush occurred on a Saturday against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Staff sergeant Florian Montorio was the first French soldier killed in the attack.
The second French soldier died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in the ambush.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of the second peacekeeper.
Hezbollah has denied being responsible for the attack.
The incident happened amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.
UN peacekeepers are in Lebanon to help maintain peace and security.
The attack has increased concerns about violence and stability in the region.
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