June 27, 2025

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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

What is the Palestine Action group, and why is the UK banning it?

What is the Palestine Action group, and why is the UK banning it?

June 25, 2025
The United Kingdom has announced it will ban the campaign group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. This move means it will be illegal to be a part of Palestine Action, similar to laws against joining groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS in the UK. The decision has led to protests and the arrest of several protesters.

Key Facts:

  • The UK announced the ban on Palestine Action on June 23.
  • Palestine Action will be banned using the Terrorism Act 2000.
  • Being part of Palestine Action will become a criminal offense in the UK.
  • The decision has led to protests, resulting in the arrest of 13 people and charges against 7 for offenses including attacking emergency workers.
  • Palestine Action is a group that uses direct action to disrupt companies involved in weapons supply to Israel.
  • The group has previously caused damage at facilities, including a Thales factory and RAF Brize Norton.
  • The UK government cited recent acts of damage at RAF Brize Norton as part of the decision to ban the group.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the damage at RAF Brize Norton as disgraceful.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
'Law & Order' star investigates her own family's tragic car crash in 'My Mom Jayne'

'Law & Order' star investigates her own family's tragic car crash in 'My Mom Jayne'

June 25, 2025
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in "Law & Order," explores her family's history in the HBO documentary "My Mom Jayne." The film focuses on her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car crash in 1967. Hargitay investigates her family's past by examining personal and public records, and interviews her siblings to uncover new insights.

Key Facts:

  • Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, was a well-known actress who died in a car crash in 1967.
  • Mansfield was 34 years old at the time of her death, and Hargitay was just 3 years old.
  • Jayne Mansfield was known for her roles in Broadway and films, including "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?"
  • Hargitay's father, Mickey Hargitay, was a former Mister Universe and raised her after her mother's death.
  • In the documentary, Hargitay researches her family's past using books, articles, and old TV appearances.
  • She interviews her siblings to gain a deeper understanding of her family history.
  • Hargitay examines a family storage locker that had not been opened since 1969.
  • The documentary reveals new information that changes Hargitay's understanding of her parents and herself.

Source Information

NPR News
Watch: BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran on the ceasefire with Israel

Watch: BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran on the ceasefire with Israel

June 25, 2025
The BBC reports on a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which follows a period of intense conflict in the Middle East. Iranian laws restrict Lyse Doucet's reporting from being broadcast on the BBC's Persian service.

Key Facts:

  • The BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Tehran about a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
  • The ceasefire came after the White House helped mediate between the two countries.
  • Lyse Doucet's reports cannot be used on the BBC's Persian service due to Iranian laws.
  • Four people died in a missile strike in Beersheba, Israel, reportedly by Iranian forces.
  • Israeli Prime Minister and the US President have closely collaborated on Middle East issues.
  • Videos show heavy traffic in Tehran as residents try to leave the city.
  • Iran and Israel have exchanged multiple strikes, causing casualties and destruction.
  • Israel claims to have targeted Iran's nuclear and military facilities in recent strikes.

Source Information

BBC World
Climate change is making Switzerland’s ebbing glaciers look like Swiss cheese

Climate change is making Switzerland’s ebbing glaciers look like Swiss cheese

June 25, 2025
The Rhone Glacier in Switzerland is showing signs of significant melting related to climate change. Experts have observed that this melting is causing holes to form in the glacier, a situation worsened by less snowfall and higher temperatures. As a result, glaciers across Switzerland and other parts of the world are shrinking and losing mass.

Key Facts:

  • The Rhone Glacier is melting and developing holes due to climate change.
  • Matthias Huss from the glacier monitoring group GLAMOS observed these changes firsthand.
  • A recent mudslide from an Alpine mountain affected a Swiss village, linked partly to glacier changes.
  • Switzerland has the most glaciers in Europe, and these have been steadily retreating since the 1980s.
  • Last month was reported as the second-warmest May worldwide by the European Union’s Copernicus climate center.
  • Less snow and more heat are difficult conditions for glaciers, causing mass loss in many regions.
  • A healthy glacier grows new ice through snowfall while melting at lower levels; this balance is disrupted by warming climates.
  • The melting and formation of holes in glaciers resemble Swiss cheese, indicating a lack of dynamic ice regeneration.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
US didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear programme: Here’s what new intel says

US didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear programme: Here’s what new intel says

June 25, 2025
The United States carried out airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, but a report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggests that these attacks did not significantly damage Iran's nuclear program, which was set back by only a few months. This assessment contrasts with President Trump's claims that the facilities were destroyed completely. Iran had anticipated the strikes and evacuated materials from at least one of the sites in advance.

Key Facts:

  • The US targeted Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
  • A report by the DIA states the strikes only delayed Iran's nuclear progress by a few months.
  • The report suggests that most of the damage was to aboveground structures, not the underground facilities.
  • Iran moved enriched uranium out of the Fordow site before the strikes.
  • President Trump stated the facilities were destroyed, but the report contradicts this.
  • The bombings heavily damaged the electrical system at the Fordow site.
  • Iran expected attacks and claimed to have evacuated key sites beforehand.
  • The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, mentioned that assessing the full impact on underground facilities is not yet possible.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Iran's nuclear programme is damaged but is it destroyed?

Iran's nuclear programme is damaged but is it destroyed?

June 25, 2025
The United States conducted strikes against Iran's Fordo nuclear facility. A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report indicates the strikes have only temporarily set back Iran's nuclear program. A full assessment of the damage is still ongoing.

Key Facts:

  • The Fordo site in Iran is considered one of the most monitored places globally due to its nuclear facilities.
  • The U.S. strikes aimed at Fordo did not destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities; they only delayed progress by a few months.
  • The initial assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is labeled "low confidence" because detailed information is still being gathered.
  • Multiple bombs were used, but it seems the underground facility was heavily protected, preventing full destruction of the core equipment.
  • Iran's centrifuge machines, which are used to enrich uranium, might have been damaged by the attack.
  • Intelligence agencies are using various methods, such as satellite images and seismic detectors, to assess the damage accurately.
  • Before the attack, lorries were reportedly seen at Fordo, possibly moving enriched uranium and centrifuges to other locations.
  • Even with recent setbacks, Iran's nuclear program could still continue if relocated or reconstituted elsewhere.

Source Information

BBC World
Trump pushes back after leaked report suggests Iran strikes had limited impact

Trump pushes back after leaked report suggests Iran strikes had limited impact

June 25, 2025
A leaked report suggests that recent US strikes on Iran only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months. President Trump and his officials disagree, claiming the strikes severely impacted Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Pentagon's initial assessment was made with "low confidence," meaning it is not very reliable, and further investigations are ongoing.

Key Facts:

  • A leaked report claims US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were less effective than stated.
  • President Trump and his officials said the strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear program.
  • The Pentagon's initial assessment was considered "low confidence," indicating uncertainty.
  • The FBI is investigating the leak of the damage report.
  • Officials say Iran's uranium stockpile was not destroyed, and the nuclear program was only set back a few months.
  • Entrances to Iran's nuclear facilities were blocked, but underground structures remained mostly intact.
  • Trump compared the impact of the strikes to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth questioned the leaked report's accuracy and motives.

Source Information

BBC World
7 Israeli troops killed in Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79

7 Israeli troops killed in Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79

June 25, 2025
On Wednesday, Israel reported one of its most deadly days in recent months when a Palestinian attacker killed seven Israeli soldiers by attaching a bomb to their vehicle. In the same period, 79 people were reportedly killed in Gaza due to Israeli military actions. Efforts for a ceasefire led by the U.S. are ongoing, but have not yet succeeded.

Key Facts:

  • Seven Israeli soldiers died when a bomb was attached to their armored vehicle.
  • Israeli attacks have reportedly killed 79 people in Gaza, including 33 trying to get aid.
  • Since the recent conflict began, over 860 Israeli soldiers have died.
  • The initial Hamas-led attack on Israel killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
  • Gaza health authorities report over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict.
  • Efforts are being made for a ceasefire, but they have repeatedly stalled.
  • The U.S. President mentioned progress in Gaza ceasefire talks but provided no details.
  • The latest death toll in Gaza is reported to be the highest for any Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel gives hope for long-term peace

A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel gives hope for long-term peace

June 25, 2025
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran is currently holding after recent conflicts, although Iran remains firm on not abandoning its nuclear program. Iran plans to stop cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while the U.S. claims its strikes have severely damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Israel and Iran began on the 12th day of conflict and is currently in effect.
  • The U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
  • Iran plans to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, which monitors its nuclear program.
  • Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and will continue.
  • The IAEA seeks to resume inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
  • U.S. intelligence suggests recent strikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months.
  • Israeli officials claim the strikes will delay Iran's nuclear capabilities by many years, but provided no evidence.
  • Officials from Iran acknowledge damage to their nuclear sites but defend their right to a nuclear energy program.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Eurostar passengers face severe delays and cancellations after cable theft

Eurostar passengers face severe delays and cancellations after cable theft

June 25, 2025
Eurostar passengers are experiencing long delays and trip cancellations due to two incidents in France. First, two people died on the tracks, and then cables were stolen, leading to disruptions on routes between cities like London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Key Facts:

  • Eurostar passengers face delays and cancellations after incidents on the railway in France.
  • Two separate fatalities on the LGV Nord line between Lille and Paris occurred on Tuesday.
  • These incidents closed the line for much of the day, leading to ongoing delays.
  • On Wednesday, 600 meters of copper cables were stolen from the railway near Lille, further affecting services.
  • Train routes are being changed, causing longer travel times.
  • Travelers on affected routes can change plans for free or get a refund.
  • Eurostar is giving water to passengers on delayed trains and stations are crowded.

Source Information

BBC World
Nato set to agree big spike in defence spending at 'historic summit'

Nato set to agree big spike in defence spending at 'historic summit'

June 25, 2025
At a Nato meeting in The Hague, leaders discussed increasing defense spending to 5% of their economic output. The United States pushed for this change, aiming to balance the financial responsibilities among member countries. Some countries, like Spain and Belgium, expressed doubts, but the goal is to enhance mutual defense and continue supporting Ukraine.

Key Facts:

  • Nato leaders met in The Hague to discuss defense spending increases.
  • The US president has been encouraging allies to raise their defense budgets.
  • Leaders aim to increase spending to 5% of economic output.
  • Spain rejected the 3.5% defense spending target by 2035.
  • Some Belgian leaders also have concerns about higher spending targets.
  • The summit included discussions on supporting Ukraine.
  • The meeting was short, with a summary agreement at the end.
  • Discussions highlighted Nato's commitment to mutual defense agreements.

Source Information

BBC World
UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira – Start time, fight card, how to watch, venue

UFC 317: Topuria vs Oliveira – Start time, fight card, how to watch, venue

June 25, 2025
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will fight for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. The event takes place at T-Mobile Arena, with the main fight starting shortly after 04:00 GMT on Sunday.

Key Facts:

  • Ilia Topuria, a former featherweight champion, will fight in the lightweight division.
  • Charles Oliveira holds UFC records for most submission wins, most finishes, and most bonuses.
  • UFC 317 will occur at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with a capacity of 20,000 for the event.
  • The main event between Topuria and Oliveira is scheduled for shortly after 04:00 GMT on Sunday.
  • Islam Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to move up to the welterweight division.
  • Topuria initially hoped to fight Makhachev, but now understands Makhachev's decision to change weight class.
  • The fight will be broadcast at 7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET on Saturday for viewers in those time zones.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Greetings from Odesa, Ukraine, where a Black Sea beach offers respite from war

Greetings from Odesa, Ukraine, where a Black Sea beach offers respite from war

June 25, 2025
People in Odesa, Ukraine, are enjoying the beach despite the ongoing war with Russia. The swimming ban due to mines has been lifted, allowing residents to try to live normally amid regular attacks.

Key Facts:

  • Odesa is a city in Ukraine by the Black Sea.
  • Ukraine has been dealing with a Russian invasion for three and a half years.
  • Odesa and other cities face frequent night attacks by Russia.
  • People in Odesa visit the beach to relax and enjoy life.
  • There was a swimming ban at the beach due to floating mines, but it is no longer in place.
  • In 2022, police patrolled the beach to enforce the swimming ban.
  • The beach is a place where people try to live normally, even under the threat of war.

Source Information

NPR Home
Court says Australian broadcaster ABC wrongfully dismissed journalist

Court says Australian broadcaster ABC wrongfully dismissed journalist

June 25, 2025
A court ruled that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation unlawfully fired a radio journalist, Antoinette Lattouf, for sharing a Human Rights Watch post on social media related to Israel's military actions in Gaza. ABC was found to have violated employment law and was ordered to compensate Lattouf for her dismissal.

Key Facts:

  • ABC fired journalist Antoinette Lattouf in December 2023 over a social media post about Israel and Gaza.
  • Lattouf shared a report from Human Rights Watch accusing Israel of using starvation in Gaza.
  • She was let go three days into a five-day temporary contract.
  • The Federal Court found ABC broke employment law by firing her for her political views.
  • The court ordered ABC to pay Lattouf $70,000 in compensation.
  • ABC's management acknowledged mishandling the situation and apologized.
  • Other journalists and tech employees globally have been fired for similar expressions of support for Palestinians.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
NATO leaders agree to hike military spending and restate ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defense if attacked

NATO leaders agree to hike military spending and restate ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defense if attacked

June 25, 2025
NATO leaders agreed to increase their defense spending after being urged by U.S. President Donald Trump. They committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035. However, some countries, like Spain, have said they cannot meet this target.

Key Facts:

  • NATO leaders agreed to boost defense spending, committing to 5% of GDP by 2035.
  • The U.S. President encouraged this decision, emphasizing mutual defense commitments.
  • Spain announced it cannot achieve the spending target, calling it "unreasonable."
  • A review of the spending progress will happen in 2029.
  • The defense spending goal is to respond to security threats, notably from Russia.
  • Some countries like Poland and the Baltic states support the spending increases.
  • NATO aims to support Ukraine's path to NATO membership but faces challenges.
  • Economic challenges and tariff policies may impact countries' ability to increase defense budgets.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Israel was once deterred from striking Iran. Now Netanyahu takes a victory lap

Israel was once deterred from striking Iran. Now Netanyahu takes a victory lap

June 25, 2025
Israel recently launched strikes against Iran after years of hesitation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, historically deterred by caution from both the U.S. and his own security officials, now celebrates what he calls a "historic victory" due to shifting regional dynamics.

Key Facts:

  • Israel launched 12 days of strikes on Iran, followed by a ceasefire.
  • Netanyahu has warned about Iran’s nuclear program for over 30 years.
  • U.S. and Israeli officials previously deterred attacks due to fears of retaliation.
  • The U.S. once used a strategy to support Israel while restraining it from attacking Iran.
  • Regional threats like Hamas and Hezbollah have weakened, influencing Israel's decision.
  • Netanyahu claims that recent military actions are possible with little damage to Israel.
  • Shifts in the Middle East made the strikes more feasible, according to experts.

Source Information

NPR Home
US ‘totally committed’ to Article 5, NATO chief insists on day 2 of summit

US ‘totally committed’ to Article 5, NATO chief insists on day 2 of summit

June 25, 2025
At the NATO summit, Mark Rutte stated that the U.S. remains committed to the alliance, and NATO members are discussing increasing defense spending. The U.S. wants allies to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, but some countries are hesitant to meet this target by 2035.

Key Facts:

  • NATO is having its annual summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
  • The U.S. is pushing for NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense.
  • Currently, the target for defense spending is 2% of GDP.
  • Nine NATO members spend less than the current 2% target.
  • The U.S. commitment to NATO and its defense principle (Article 5) was affirmed by Mark Rutte.
  • Some countries like Germany and the UK plan to increase their defense spending.
  • Spain and Belgium have expressed difficulties in meeting the proposed 5% target by 2035.
  • U.S. President Trump has raised doubts about the U.S. commitment but later reassured support for NATO.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Young Palestinians in Gaza turn plastic into fuel

Young Palestinians in Gaza turn plastic into fuel

June 25, 2025
Young Palestinians in Gaza are making fuel by melting plastic in makeshift burners due to limited access to commercial fuel. They collect plastic waste, convert it into crude fuel, and sell it locally, often used in generators and for transport. Many of the youth involved are displaced and need this work to support their families in a tough environment.

Key Facts:

  • Young Palestinians in Gaza use makeshift burners to create fuel from plastic.
  • They collect plastic waste, process it in metal drums, and extract crude fuel.
  • The fuel is bottled and sold to people passing by.
  • The production takes place in open air, resulting in black smoke in the area.
  • The workers use small tents for storing materials and resting.
  • Most workers involved are displaced and rely on this income.
  • The fuel is cheaper than commercial options and is used locally.
  • The UN reports severe food insecurity in Gaza, with many facing starvation.
  • Israel’s conflict in Gaza has caused significant casualties and injuries.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
12 posts from ‘12 day war’: How Trump live-posted Israel-Iran conflict

12 posts from ‘12 day war’: How Trump live-posted Israel-Iran conflict

June 25, 2025
After 12 days of conflict between Iran and Israel, a ceasefire was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceasefire followed U.S. air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran's missile response to a U.S. airbase in Qatar. President Trump shared updates and comments on social media during the conflict.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced after 12 days of airstrikes.
  • The U.S. carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
  • In response, Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, but no injuries were reported.
  • President Trump discussed the conflict on his social media platform, Truth Social.
  • Trump mentioned he had previously given Iran a 60-day ultimatum to negotiate a deal.
  • Trump confirmed the U.S. maintained control over Iranian skies after the strikes.
  • Despite the tensions, Trump emphasized that no Americans were harmed during the exchanges.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference at NATO summit

WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news conference at NATO summit

June 25, 2025
During a NATO summit, U.S. President Trump discussed increasing defense spending among NATO members and clarified his stance on NATO's mutual defense promise, known as Article 5. Trump also talked about a ceasefire between Iran and Israel that his administration helped negotiate, despite recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump attended a NATO meeting in the Netherlands.
  • Trump has pushed NATO countries to increase their defense spending to 5% of their GDP.
  • Trump’s comments about Article 5, which involves mutual defense among NATO members, caused concern.
  • Most NATO members, except Spain, seem ready to agree to Trump's defense spending request.
  • Trump played a role in a ceasefire between Iran and Israel amid U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites.
  • A U.S. intelligence report noted the strikes only temporarily set back Iran’s nuclear program.
  • Trump disputed the intelligence report’s claims and compared the impact to historical events like Hiroshima.
  • The U.S. administration plans to investigate who leaked the intelligence report.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour