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.

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BBC World

DR Congo bans reporting on ex-President Kabila

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has banned media coverage of former President Joseph Kabila and his political party. This decision follows Kabila's return to the country, amid accusations against him related to rebel groups and a loss of his legal protection.

Key Facts:

• DR Congo has stopped media from covering Joseph Kabila and his party.
• Kabila returned to DR Congo in 2023 after leaving voluntarily.
• The government accuses Kabila of treason and links to the M23 rebel group.
• Kabila denies the accusations and has criticized the current government.
• Breaking the media ban could lead to suspension of media outlets.
• The M23 group controls parts of DR Congo and will not follow the ban.
• Kabila's party has rejected the ban, calling it "arbitrary."
• Rwanda, a neighbor of DR Congo, is accused of supporting the M23 rebels, but denies involvement.

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BBC World

Eleven die in India crush as fans gather for IPL victory parade

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Eleven people died and many were hurt in a crowd crush outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who had just won the Indian Premier League final. The large number of fans who showed up surprised authorities, leading to a stampede as crowds tried to enter through a small gate.

Key Facts:

• Eleven people died in a crowd crush outside the stadium in Bengaluru.
• The incident occurred during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their IPL win.
• More than 200,000 people attended the parade, which was twice the expected number.
• The crush happened because people tried to push through a small gate at the stadium.
• Indian Prime Minister Modi expressed his sadness over the event.
• Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was shocked by the loss of lives.
• The parade included the team's arrival by a special flight and a procession to a hotel and then to a stadium reception.

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BBC World

South African politician sacked over visit to fugitive pastor

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

South African politician Floyd Shivambu was removed from his position as secretary-general of the MK party after visiting Shepherd Bushiri, a controversial pastor facing legal issues. Despite his removal, Shivambu remains a member of the party and will now serve in the National Assembly.

Key Facts:

• Floyd Shivambu was removed from his role in the MK party for visiting Shepherd Bushiri in April.
• Shepherd Bushiri is a pastor who fled South Africa after being charged with fraud.
• South Africa is seeking to extradite Bushiri back to the country.
• Shivambu had praised Bushiri's work on social media.
• The MK party was founded by former President Jacob Zuma.
• Shivambu will now represent the MK party in South Africa's parliament.
• Shivambu accepted the party's decision and will take on a new role.
• Shivambu had been in the position for only six months before his removal.

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BBC World

Act now to save lives in Gaza, ICRC head urges world leaders

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, called on world leaders to quickly help save lives in Gaza, describing the situation there as extremely dire. The ICRC, which operates in war zones, has over 300 staff members in Gaza, most of whom are local Palestinians.

Key Facts:

• Mirjana Spoljaric is the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• She described the situation in Gaza as worse than hell.
• Spoljaric urged world leaders to take immediate action to save lives in Gaza.
• The ICRC is an international organization that works in war zones.
• The ICRC has over 300 staff members working in Gaza.
• Most of the ICRC staff members in Gaza are Palestinians.

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BBC World

BBC rejects incorrect White House claims on Gaza coverage

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The BBC rejected claims made by the White House that it retracted a story about a shooting near an aid site in Gaza. The BBC clarified that it constantly updates stories with new information as it becomes available, and it has not removed any reports.

Key Facts:

• The White House said the BBC took down a story about a shooting in Gaza, which the BBC denies.
• BBC stated it updates its news stories as new information comes in, which is normal for fast-moving stories.
• There were different reports about a shooting near an aid site in Rafah; some said civilians were shot, while Israel said these reports were false.
• International news groups, including the BBC, are not allowed into Gaza, making it hard to confirm reports.
• A separate incident was reported where at least 27 people were said to be shot while trying to get aid.
• The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) stated they fired shots when people moved off the designated paths.
• The BBC mentioned a viral video, unrelated to its reports, which was mistakenly connected to their news stories.
• The current conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

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BBC World

Watch: Searching derelict and desolate area in Madeleine McCann case

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Portuguese and German police are searching for Madeleine McCann in an area near Praia da Luz, Portugal. Their search is focused on a 21 square kilometer area where Christian Brückner, a suspect in the case, once stayed. The suspect is currently serving time in Germany for a different crime.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 when she was three years old while on vacation in Portugal.
• Police are searching a 21 sq km area near Praia da Luz for clues about her disappearance.
• Christian Brückner is the main suspect in the case.
• Brückner lived in the area where police are searching at the time of Madeleine's disappearance.
• He is serving time in Germany for a 2005 crime involving the assault of an American tourist.
• Brückner could be released from prison as early as September.
• The investigators have a limited time to conduct their search, which ends on Friday.

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BBC World

Cologne evacuates 20,000 so WW2 bombs can be defused

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The city of Cologne is moving about 20,500 people from the city center to safely defuse three large bombs from World War Two. The evacuation affects homes, businesses, a hospital, and a train station, and is considered the largest operation of its kind since the war ended.

Key Facts:

• Cologne is evacuating about 20,500 people to defuse three unexploded World War Two bombs.
• The bombs were found in Deutz, a neighborhood in Cologne, within a shipyard.
• A 1,000-meter radius is sealed off around the bombs for safety.
• Homes, businesses, schools, a hospital, and a major train station are evacuated.
• People refusing to leave can be escorted by police or fined.
• Bomb disposal is set for Wednesday, but only after everyone leaves the area.
• Transport is highly disrupted, with road closures and train cancellations.
• Two centers are available for evacuees without a place to go.
• Scheduled events, like weddings, have moved to new locations due to evacuation.

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BBC World

Search in Madeleine McCann case resumes in Portugal

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Searches for Madeleine McCann have resumed in Portugal, focusing on abandoned buildings near where she disappeared in 2007. Portuguese and German authorities are conducting searches across a large area, concentrating on locations connected to the prime suspect, Christian Brückner.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
• Authorities from Portugal and Germany are searching abandoned buildings and wells near where she vanished.
• The search area covers about 21 square kilometers (13 square miles) near Lagos.
• Christian Brückner is the prime suspect, as identified by the German police in 2020.
• Brückner is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated crime.
• The search site is approximately 3.5 miles from the resort where Madeleine's family stayed.
• Roads around the search area have been closed, and a well has been drained as part of the search efforts.
• This is the first search in two years, with the last focused on a reservoir in the region.

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BBC World

Deadly mushroom lunch cook tells court she threw up toxic meal

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, is on trial for murder after serving a meal with toxic mushrooms that killed three people, including her relatives. She pleads not guilty, insisting that the incident was an accident and that she also became ill after consuming some of the meal. The trial has attracted widespread attention, with numerous witnesses and details about the meal preparation discussed in court.

Key Facts:

• Erin Patterson is accused of murder and attempted murder after a meal with toxic mushrooms killed three people.
• She denies the charges, claiming the toxic meal was an accident and made her sick as well.
• The victims included Ms. Patterson's former in-laws and another family member, while one guest survived after hospital treatment.
• Ms. Patterson admitted in court to lying about having cancer to encourage her guests to visit, instead of admitting she planned weight-loss surgery.
• She told the court that she added dried mushrooms bought from a store, and thinks there might have been wild ones mixed in.
• After the incident, she disposed of a food dehydrator and wiped her phone, fearing being blamed.
• The ongoing trial at the Victorian Supreme Court began nearly six weeks ago, featuring testimony from over 50 witnesses.
• Erin mentioned her love for fungi and her history of mushroom hunting, highlighting her potential exposure to wild varieties.

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BBC World

Vanuatu looks into revoking Andrew Tate's golden passport

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Vanuatu is considering revoking Andrew Tate's citizenship because he obtained a "golden passport" around the same time as his 2022 arrest in Romania for serious crimes. The country's government is concerned about people with criminal backgrounds gaining citizenship, and they are reviewing Tate's situation to potentially cancel his citizenship.

Key Facts:

• Andrew Tate got Vanuatu citizenship through a program that requires a $130,000 investment.
• He was arrested in Romania in 2022 for rape and human trafficking charges.
• The European Union will end Vanuatu's visa-free travel privileges in late 2024 due to security concerns with the citizenship scheme.
• Vanuatu is reviewing the possibility of revoking Tate's citizenship.
• The government does not want to grant citizenship to people with questionable backgrounds.
• The passports-for-sale scheme is a way for Vanuatu to make money but has been criticized for being used by those with criminal intentions.
• Vanuatu gave Tate citizenship in December 2022, the same month he and his brother were arrested in Romania.
• Romania does not have a formal extradition agreement with Vanuatu.

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BBC World

South Korea's new president Lee Jae-myung pledges to 'unite' country

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

Lee Jae-myung has been elected as South Korea's new president and promises to unite the country after a period of political turmoil. He aims to restore democratic principles and has announced plans for a new government task force to address economic challenges. Lee's presidency follows a contentious election after the impeachment of the previous president.

Key Facts:

• Lee Jae-myung won the South Korean presidency with 49.4% of the vote.
• The election followed the impeachment of the previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who tried to impose martial law.
• Lee pledged to unite the country and protect democratic institutions.
• He announced the creation of an emergency economic task force.
• The new president has faced political scandals in the past, including allegations of corruption.
• A court trial regarding election law violations is pending for Lee, but sitting presidents in South Korea cannot be prosecuted for criminal offenses.
• Lee's victory is seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with the previous government.

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BBC World

US Navy to rename ship honouring gay rights leader and veteran Harvey Milk

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

The US Navy plans to rename a ship named after Harvey Milk, a gay rights leader and Navy veteran. This decision is part of a broader effort to align with the Trump administration's policies, which aim to limit diversity and inclusion programs in the military.

Key Facts:

• The USNS Harvey Milk ship is currently named after Harvey Milk, who was a gay rights leader and the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.
• Documents obtained by CBS News show plans to rename the USNS Harvey Milk ship, with a public announcement expected during Pride Month in June.
• The decision is part of a broader policy by the Trump administration to reduce diversity and inclusion efforts in federal departments, including the military.
• Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, stated that the renaming aligns with the goal of "re-establishing the warrior culture" in the military.
• Other ships, such as those named after Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Harriet Tubman, are also recommended for renaming.
• A directive instructed military personnel to stop hosting events linked to heritage or awareness months like Pride Month and Black History Month.
• President Trump's executive orders banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the government and established recognizing only two sexes as official policy.
• The decision faced criticism from prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who opposed the renaming and broader DEI policy changes.

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BBC World

South Korea's new president has a Trump-shaped crisis to avert

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, has taken office immediately following the previous president's impeachment. His immediate challenge is dealing with tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which threaten South Korea's economy and its relationship with the US and North Korea.

Key Facts:

• Lee Jae-myung became president without the usual transition period because the former president was impeached.
• Lee won the presidency with nearly 50% of the vote, focusing on strengthening democracy and uniting the country.
• Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on South Korean imports in April, including steel and cars.
• The tariffs could lead to an economic crisis in South Korea, whose economy is already struggling.
• The US guarantees South Korea's security against North Korea with 28,500 troops stationed there.
• Trump has linked trade negotiations with South Korea to military protection costs.
• Trump previously questioned the need to have US forces in South Korea unless Seoul paid more for their presence.

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BBC World

Boulder attack renews safety concerns for US Jewish communities

BBC World • June 04, 2025 • World

A group in Boulder, Colorado advocating for the release of hostages in Gaza was attacked, resulting in 12 injuries. The suspect reportedly planned the attack for a year and expressed intentions to harm people he associated with Zionism. This incident is part of a pattern of attacks raising safety concerns among Jewish communities in the United States.

Key Facts:

• On Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, an attack on a group discussing hostages in Gaza left 12 people injured.
• The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, is accused of using incendiary devices in the attack.
• Soliman allegedly told police he wanted to harm "Zionist people" and had planned the attack for a year.
• This attack follows other recent incidents against Jewish people, including a shooting outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
• There are increasing concerns about antisemitism within North American Jewish communities.
• The group targeted in Boulder, called Run For Their Lives, meets regularly to call for the release of hostages taken to Gaza.
• The Muslim Public Affairs Council condemned the attack, stating it threatens values of safety and dignity.
• Israel's actions in Gaza since October 2023 have been controversial, with ongoing criticism about military operations.

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BBC World

IDF says roads to Gaza aid centres are 'combat zones' as sites close for day

BBC World • June 03, 2025 • World

Aid distribution centers in Gaza are closing for a day as roads leading to them are declared "combat zones" by the Israeli military. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation plans to resume aid on Thursday, addressing safety and organization concerns. The UN calls for an independent investigation, highlighting risks civilians face in receiving aid.

Key Facts:

• Aid distribution centers in Gaza will close for a day due to safety concerns around "combat zones."
• The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aims to organize and improve its aid services.
• On Tuesday, at least 27 Palestinians died near an aid center from Israeli fire.
• The Israeli military identified "suspects" near the aid routes and opened fire.
• There is a reported lack of clarity about the GHF and its accountability.
• The UN warns of over two million people at risk of starvation in Gaza.
• GHF requires residents to collect aid from a limited number of centers under military control.
• Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore has become the new head of the GHF.

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BBC World

South Africa's hunt for 'Tiger' - alleged illegal mining kingpin

BBC World • June 03, 2025 • World

South African police are searching for James Neo Tshoaeli, also known as "Tiger," who is accused of running illegal mining operations at an abandoned gold mine where 78 bodies were found. Tiger escaped police custody four months ago, and his whereabouts remain unknown. His family in Lesotho has not seen him in eight years and is concerned about his safety.

Key Facts:

• James Neo Tshoaeli, known as "Tiger," is wanted by South African police for leading illegal mining activities.
• Police found 78 bodies in an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa.
• Tiger escaped police custody four months ago, and efforts to find him have not been successful.
• Four policemen, accused of helping Tiger escape, are currently out on bail.
• Tiger's family, including his mother and younger brother in Lesotho, has not seen him in eight years.
• His family recalls him as a peaceful person from his youth who supported them financially.
• A friend from Stilfontein suggests Tiger was not the top leader but had a supervisory role in the mines.

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BBC World

US steel and aluminium tariffs doubled to 50%

BBC World • June 03, 2025 • World

US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will double from 25% to 50%. The increase aims to support the American steel industry but exempts the UK, keeping its tariffs at 25% due to ongoing trade discussions.

Key Facts:

• The tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the US are increasing from 25% to 50%.
• The change applies from Wednesday and focuses on protecting the US steel industry.
• The UK is exempt from the new tariffs, maintaining a 25% rate.
• US is one of the largest importers of steel, mainly from countries like Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea.
• In March, carve-outs from tariffs were ended, leading to this increase.
• Trump stated the higher tariffs would push businesses to buy American-made products.
• Steel imports to the US fell 17% in April following earlier tariff increases.
• The European Union is in talks with the US to address these trade issues.

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BBC World

Oreo maker sues Aldi in US over 'copycat' packaging

BBC World • June 03, 2025 • World

Oreo's parent company, Mondelēz International, has sued Aldi in the US, alleging that Aldi used packaging similar to Oreo to confuse shoppers and benefit from the brand's reputation. Mondelēz accuses Aldi of copying the packaging of several of its popular snacks, aiming to protect its brand image.

Key Facts:

• Mondelēz International filed a lawsuit against Aldi in the US.
• The lawsuit claims Aldi's packaging for its products is similar to that of Mondelēz, causing confusion for consumers.
• Mondelēz also alleges unfair competition and unjust enrichment from Aldi.
• The lawsuit includes side-by-side photos comparing Mondelēz and Aldi products.
• Mondelēz is seeking damages and wants Aldi to stop selling these products.
• Aldi's UK branch is not involved in the lawsuit, and they operate separately from the US branch.
• Aldi, known for discount products, previously faced a similar lawsuit over a cider product.

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BBC World

The Today Debate: Israel-Gaza - are we witnessing war crimes?

BBC World • June 03, 2025 • World

The BBC hosted a special debate discussing whether war crimes are being committed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The debate included experts in international relations and human rights. It examined the situation amidst ongoing violence and military actions in the region.

Key Facts:

• The BBC's Anna Foster hosted a debate on possible war crimes in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• Experts on the panel included Lyse Doucet, Michael Kleiner, and Baroness Helena Kennedy.
• Daniel Levy, involved in past Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, also participated in the debate.
• Recent military action by Israel includes airstrikes on Gaza, targeting what they call "terror targets."
• Videos show the aftermath of Israeli strikes on civilian locations in Gaza.
• The ongoing violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths, according to local health authorities.
• Human rights issues were central to the debate, discussing the impact on civilians.
• Diplomatic efforts in the region continue amidst the conflict, including recent visits by international leaders.

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BBC World