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A senior Hamas official has said there is “no point” in further talks on a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, after Israel approved an expanded offensive that may include seizing all of the Palestinian territory indefinitely. Bassem Naim told the BBC the armed group would not engage with new proposals while Israel continued … Read more
The US government is offering migrants who are in the country illegally a sum worth $1,000 (£751) and paid travel if they decide to leave the US. “Self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in Monday’s announcement. Those who … Read more
Paul Kirby and Jessica Parker In London and Berlin Conservative colleague Johann Wadephul: “I’m sure [Merz] will be the next chancellor” Germany’s conservative leader has unexpectedly fallen short of a majority in a parliament vote to become chancellor. Friedrich Merz needed 316 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag but only secured 310, in a significant blow … Read more
The home of Ukrainian Eurovision contestant Khrystyna Starykova has been destroyed by Russian shelling in the city of Myrnograd. The 19-year-old is currently in Switzerland rehearsing for her performance with the band Ziferblat, but posted photos of her damaged apartment block in the Sviltly neighbourhood. “Home. And I dreamed so much of returning home,” she … Read more
Russia says Ukraine launched a drone attack on Moscow days before the start of a ceasefire, ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin to coincide with a World War Two parade. Moscow’s four major airports shut for a few hours on Tuesday amid the barrage, authorities said. There were no casualties and Ukraine has not commented. … Read more
Drone strikes have hit a major power station in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan causing a “complete power outage”, the country’s electricity provider said. Explosions and huge fires have been reported near the city’s main international airport as a paramilitary force targeted the key city for the third consecutive day. Flights have been cancelled … Read more
Germany’s conservative leader has unexpectedly fallen short of a majority in a parliament vote to become chancellor. Friedrich Merz needed 316 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag but only secured 310, in a significant blow to the Christian Democrat leader, two and a half months after winning Germany’s federal elections. His coalition with the centre-left has … Read more
The man who died after collapsing on Errigal mountain in County Donegal at the weekend was Carl Henderson, from Moira, County Armagh. Donegal mountain rescue team said the hill walker, a father-of-three in his 40s, went into cardiac arrest while climbing the peak. Paramedics, who were hiking on the mountain, tried to resuscitate him. He … Read more
Namibia’s agriculture minister has been sacked after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago. Mac-Albert Hengari was arrested on Saturday after allegedly attempting to bribe the victim, now 21, to withdraw the case against him, local media quote the police as saying. Ga6789 Hengari, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to … Read more
Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have demolished the houses of at least 10 alleged militants and detained more people for questioning as investigations continue into the killings of 26 tourists there last week. Indian security forces have used explosives to destroy the properties since last Tuesday’s attack. At least one was reportedly linked to a suspect … Read more