Republic in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
The US-backed Board of Peace has scaled back its Gaza reconstruction plan to a small pilot camp near Rafah and authorised limited international stabilisation personnel. Hamas has dissolved its Gaza governing body but has not agreed to disarm. Israel has refused major troop withdrawals, continued strikes and delayed legal agreements needed for larger deployments; large-scale rebuilding is unlikely before Israel's October election.
The Gaza ceasefire remains in effect as a technocrat committee in Cairo continues to manage essential civilian services under UN and Board of Peace oversight. Hamas has described its plan as a commitment to reconstruction, while Israel says the move lacks significance. Casualties continue as strikes occur.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
Dua Lipa has voiced support for protests in Tirana over Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner–backed development on Sazan and Zvërnec. Protests have entered their sixth week, with critics urging transparency and environmental protections amid government backing of the project.
England suffers a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final, with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez overturning an early lead from Anthony Gordon. England will play the bronze match against France; Kane contemplates the next steps in his international career as the team shifts focus to Nations League.
At least nine Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza on Saturday, including three children. An airstrike on a Gaza City apartment building killed five people from the same family, with several others wounded. The toll across Gaza has climbed over 73,000 since October 2023, as civilians continue to flee and ceasefire talks remain at an impasse.
Scottish clubs Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell will learn their European paths after the draws in Nyon. Rangers face Jagellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round; Hearts could meet Benfica if they advance from Sturm Graz; Hibs and Motherwell discover potential third-round opponents in the Conference League. The fixtures are two-legged and scheduled in August, with seedings shaping seeds and matchups.
Joshua has come from an early knockdown to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, preserving a potential all-British blockbuster with Tyson Fury. Fury had earlier stopped Mariusz Wach in seven rounds in Thailand. Contracts are reportedly signed, with venue and date still unsettled.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has seen European and several other confederations pull back support after the aborted Forward Enterprise plan to privatise parts of the World Cup, amid varied backing from South American and African bodies.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
EU interior ministers have convened to review migration pressures after a mass influx into Ceuta. Spain has returned most arrivals as Europe debates border controls, returns, and a more unified response to irregular migration.
European football bodies keep pressure on Gianni Infantino after the aborted FFE plan. UEFA has lost confidence and a broad boycott threat remains in motion; multiple confederations express opposition or support as the 2027 election nears.
Uganda has authorised the deployment of its troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force, following a July disarmament agreement. Parliament has backed the move amid mixed voices; the force aims to secure a humanitarian zone and support post-war stabilization, with pledges from several countries.
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimarães to the midfield and introduced him in a warm-up with Como, where a 1-1 draw led to a 4-3 shootout win. Myles-Skelly has started to cement his midfield role, while the club’s transfer activity remains high ahead of the season.
AP and partners report a thriving illicit trade at Gaza's border, with cigarettes, dual-use goods, tech, and daily essentials flowing in despite restrictions. The trade is profiting both sides, fueling prices for residents while supporting militant and military actors. Authorities say flows have increased since a fragile ceasefire, though remain well below prewar levels.
Uganda has approved troop deployment to the Gaza stabilization force; Burundi is eyeing participation, with talks ongoing. The push involves a planned 20,000-strong multinational operation led by the United States, while the African Union weighs its stance as contributing nations discuss numbers, funding, and guarantees for troops.
Kemi Badenoch is alleged to have discussed removing Rishi Sunak in 2023, prompting questions about cabinet loyalty as the party faced an election defeat. The claims hinge on Anthony Seldon’s forthcoming book, which is serialised in The Independent, The Guardian reports.
Serbian state media and UN officials report that Ratko Mladic has died in a UN prison hospital in The Hague, ending decades of investigations into his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. He was 83 or 84, depending on reports. The death follows his 2017 genocide conviction and years in custody.
England expands a seven-minute cholesterol test to 100 pharmacies as part of a national push to spot heart-disease risk early. Patients aged 40-84 without recent tests can get a fingertip cholesterol reading, a blood pressure check, and tailored lifestyle advice. Early detection aims to reduce heart attacks, strokes, and NHS pressure.
The Trump administration has been developing a postwar Middle East strategy. Officials have described a regional alignment with the United States as guarantor, a Gaza disarmament path, security ties with Israel and Syria, and expanded Abraham Accords, including Saudi normalization. Drafts remain unsettled and hinge on the Iran war’s trajectory and regional responses.
Iceland has opened talks on re-engaging with the European Union amid a near-even domestic split over membership. Officials indicate that if talks resume, negotiations could take years and lead to another referendum. Polls show a divided public as Iceland weighs the security and economic benefits of EU membership against its sovereignty.
Shoulder-season savings are shrinking as travel costs edge upward. Industry data shows fall demand is returning to peak levels, with luxury travelers leading the charge toward October and November bookings.
Protests in Tirana mark the 101st day as demonstrators clash with police over a coastal luxury hotel project linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Environmentally sensitive coastlines have already suffered damage, and critics say the plan would restrict public access.
The White House is facing renewed scrutiny over Natalie Harp, Trump’s close aide known as the “human printer,” as reports of her role and gifts surface during the Irish visit. Independent reporting shows Harp’s proximity to the president has sparked internal tensions and renewed questions about media access and internal communications.
Somaliland’s president says the breakaway region is ready to contribute up to 2,000 troops to a US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza if formally asked, while other nations weigh participation and Israel’s recognition boosts Somaliland’s international profile.
Kosovo’s leadership faces a defining verdict as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague convicts former president Hashim Thaci and three other KLA leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sentences range up to 25 years, while some charges are acquitted. Protests erupt in Pristina and at EULEX facilities as the court emphasizes personal responsibility.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has reaffirmed his commitment to the national team after Burnley approached him about a return to club management. He has chosen to remain in charge of Wales, saying unfinished business and a goal to lead Wales to Euro 2028 influenced his decision. Wales’ Nations League schedule begins with away games in Portugal and Denmark.
Nato's secretary general has pressed the UK to show a credible path to reach 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035, saying yearly increments are essential. In London, ministers acknowledge the need for gradual steps, with the spending review next year likely to shape the route. The debate follows Labour and Burnham's commitment to the 3.5% goal and ongoing pressure from allies.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has found Hashim Thaci guilty of murder, torture, illegal detention and cruel treatment related to the 1998-99 conflict. He has been sentenced to 25 years and awaits appeal. Co-defendants Krasniqi, Veseli, and Selimi were also convicted on various counts; crimes against humanity were not proven.
A US-backed Board of Peace has presented a six-month, $2.45bn, 66-project recovery plan for Gaza but implementation has not started. Israel has expanded control over much of the Strip, Hamas has not fully disarmed, donor pledges remain largely unpaid and international forces and Palestinian technocrats have not entered to begin reconstruction.
Protests across Tirana have intensified with clashes at the Education Ministry. Police have used tear gas and water cannon; several arrests have been reported. Demonstrators demand university reforms, higher education funding, and Rama’s resignation amid wider anti-corruption concerns tied to a luxury resort project. The EU is calling for de-escalation and a prompt investigation.