Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist movement
A by-election in Holborn and St Pancras has been set for 8 October after Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as an MP. Labour has selected Camden council leader Sagal Abdi‑Wali and the Greens have chosen leader Zack Polanski as their candidate, setting up a high‑profile contest that will test new prime minister Andy Burnham's standing.
Rep. Robert Garcia has launched an investigation into payments by Russian boxing official Umar Kremlev that covered hundreds of thousands of dollars of Donald Trump Jr.'s May wedding weekend in the Bahamas. Garcia has requested records from the White House and Trump Jr., citing national security and corruption concerns after ProPublica reported that Kremlev funded island rentals and a fireworks show.
Haaretz has published book excerpts saying UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Benjamin Netanyahu in late September 2023 that Hamas was planning a major operation. Haaretz says Netanyahu reacted calmly and did not inform Israel's security chiefs; Netanyahu has denied the call, instructed lawyers to sue Haaretz, and rivals have seized the story ahead of the Oct. 27 election.
NAZA, an 80‑minute documentary by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has premiered at the Venice film festival, won a special jury prize and received a 25‑minute standing ovation. The film has presented anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence figures alleging AI‑assisted targeting that killed large numbers of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Israeli ministers and the military have rejected the claims and threatened legal and security action.
The UK has announced a ban on imports and services linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and has coordinated measures with several allies. Israel has closed the British consulate in East Jerusalem and imposed retaliatory diplomatic steps. British Jewish leaders are split and ministers are defending the move as necessary to protect the two‑state prospect.
Israel’s desalination network has largely resumed operations after a major algae-induced shutdown that disrupted drinking water supply across the country. Authorities are mobilising back-up sources while public water use remains under watch as scientists study the bloom’s origin and the broader risk to coastal infrastructure.
The Iran‑aligned Houthis have seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast and key islands in the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait this week, including Mocha, Mayyun (Perim) and the Hanish islands, after government forces withdrew. Saudi and pro‑government forces have launched air strikes in response. The offensive has killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Macklemore has been removed from the remainder of the tour with Ed Sheeran after making pro-Palestinian statements in New Jersey. Sheeran says the decision was driven by promoters, and that he is not using his platform for politics. The controversy has drawn responses from artists and fans worldwide.
A six-storey building in Tal al-Hawa, Gaza City, collapsed overnight after sustaining war-damages. Rescue teams have recovered dozens of bodies, with many more still under debris. The collapse follows months of heavy fighting and a critical shortage of heavy machinery for rescue operations.
More than 130 legal experts have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to broaden UK sanctions on Israeli settlements, saying measures so far fall short of the ICJ advisory opinion. The letter accompanies Ed Miliband’s ban on settlement imports and calls for a Russia-style crackdown across the entire occupation.
Prolonged detentions and indictments are drawing global scrutiny as Russia, Israel and Azerbaijan face court cases and political pressure over perceived rights abuses and censorship. The stories link a broader crackdown on dissent with heightened state security measures.
Thailand has tightened visa-free stays and limited land entries for tourists after a wave of incidents involving Israeli visitors and other travelers. Officials say the measures are aimed at protecting local culture while maintaining tourism, with outreach to guide visitors and avoid clashes.
PISA 2025 data show England and some UK nations performing well in science, with Reading and Maths trailing in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England leads in science; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland trail in reading and maths. A global trend shows declines in reading proficiency, linked to digital distraction and shifting reading habits.
Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed and wounded civilians, including children, amid ongoing clashes and a fragile ceasefire. Medics report multiple fatalities; Israeli officials say targets were Hamas militants. International pressure to sustain the ceasefire remains intense as the region endures renewed violence.
A survey of how intelligence, counter-terrorism, and national security strategies have evolved since the 2001 attacks, reflecting on failures, reforms and shifting threats as the world marks the 25th anniversary.
The Houthi movement has expanded its control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Mokha and surrounding areas, raising concerns over shipping routes through Bab al-Mandab. The fighting has drawn in regional powers and threatens global oil supplies as the conflict tests Yemen’s government and international diplomacy.
The Venice film festival features a four-hour documentary on Elon Musk that critics say is highly critical. Musk has branded the film a hit piece, while director Alex Gibney defends it as rigorous inquiry. The documentary includes AI-generated Musk commentary and details about Musk's business ventures and public presence.
Two UK legal cases unfold: a Liverpool man connected to an Elbit attack raid has been convicted of criminal damage, while eight Palestine Action defendants face trial for a Bristol arson-related incident. One suspect remains at large after bail was lifted for a wedding trip.
Sen. John Fetterman has recorded a one‑minute video praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and saying he will work with President Trump to defend Pennsylvania’s steel industry. The appearance has deepened Democratic concern about Fetterman’s loyalty, sharpened talk of a possible party switch and handed Republicans a high‑profile talking point before the Nov. 3 midterms.
Ed Sheeran has had all four remaining supporting acts withdraw after promoters removed Macklemore from the US leg of the Loop tour following his onstage “Free Palestine” chants and the performance of his protest song “Hind’s Hall.” Venue owners including Gillette Stadium had told promoters they would not host shows with Macklemore on the bill, and several openers cited solidarity and objections to wealthy venue influence.
Adidas faces backlash after an Israel-only campaign featuring Shalev Biton, an ex-soldier who lost a leg, prompts boycott calls amid Gaza war coverage. Adidas says the posters were local to Israel and not a global campaign, while activists accuse the brand of normalising violence. The controversy follows similar criticism of Ralph Lauren’s campaign featuring Gal Gadot.
The West Bank is facing a surge in settler violence as international attention mounts. US Ambassador Huckabee has met Palestinian Americans in Turmus Ayya, calling for accountability and stating there is no plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza. Britain, France and Canada announce sanctions on settlement-linked activity, signaling growing international pressure on Israel. The political landscape in Israel remains unsettled as elections approach.
Palestinian rights groups report increased casualties and displacement as Israeli ministers push for hardline measures; Western states expand arms exports while debates over sanctions deepen. The pieces highlight the diverging international responses to the Gaza crisis.
The opposition blocs have completed their lists ahead of the Knesset vote. Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar leads in polls, with Bennett–Lapid’s B’Yachad and Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu joining forces with other factions. Netanyahu faces a tight race as mergers stall and Arab parties loom as potential kingmakers.
The US-backed Plan for Gaza’s post-war governance has progressed in principle, with a 6-month recovery program outlining 71 projects. But Israeli opposition and political dynamics ahead of October elections are delaying disarmament and broader reforms; smaller projects to repair critical infrastructure are moving forward.
New York City is preparing for the UN General Assembly week as Prime Minister Netanyahu returns to address the body. Officials say protests are anticipated amid calls by New York’s mayor to arrest Netanyahu under an ICC warrant, though the city lacks authority to do so. Israel defends the visit, while observers warn of heightened security and urban disruption.
As the High Holy Days approach, Jewish communities confront rising antisemitic threats and political tensions. Leaders urge preparedness over hope, while incidents and surveys show an uptick in fear and division since 9/11’s 25th anniversary.
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.
Israeli strikes have continued in Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure and operatives while warning civilians to evacuate. Reports indicate casualties including civilians and Hamas fighters, with the Gaza war entering a new phase since the 2025 ceasefire. International efforts to broker a lasting peace remain stalled.
With nearly all ballots counted, Magdalena Andersson's centre‑left bloc has edged ahead of Ulf Kristersson's centre‑right coalition by roughly 26,000 votes, putting Andersson on track to reclaim the prime ministership. The Sweden Democrats have lost ground, falling from second to third place and weakening their immediate path into government.
Israel has destroyed an extensive tunnel network under the Ali al-Taher ridge and declared operational control of the heights, saying the complex contained command centres, rockets, missiles and drones. The blast registered as a 4.1-magnitude tremor, Israeli leaders have said forces will remain to prevent Hezbollah’s return, and Lebanese towns reported shock and damage on the night of the explosions.
Oman has postponed a planned regional meeting on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and Gulf states expected to discuss future management of the strait. Tehran and Muscat have been pursuing a regional framework, amid sanctions, blockades, and rising oil prices. Bahrain says it will not attend until diplomatic ties with Iran resume. The pause preserves room for dialogue while signaling regional actors seek stability.
The Houthis have captured Mokha and Mayun (Perim), extending their reach near a key shipping lane. The developments threaten flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global oil and cargo, while Saudi exports remain stressed by past disruptions and shifting routes. Authorities note ongoing tensions and potential further escalation.
Pink has addressed backlash over her reposting of a message criticizing Macklemore’s remarks at Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium show, stating she does not speak for Israel or any government. She reiterates Hamas is a terrorist organization and Palestinians deserve a future with dignity, while she explains she would have chosen different words if she had written the post herself.
Trump has said reunification of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland would be a “fantastic thing,” adding it may happen soon. He met Ireland’s prime minister in Dublin and indicated the UK will have a say. The comments echo ongoing discussions about the Good Friday Agreement and consents around a possible referendum.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have intensified cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, including missiles and drones at King Khalid airbase and strikes on Abha, Khamis Mushait and other sites. Government forces report advances on multiple fronts inside Yemen, while civilians flee amid escalating fighting and displacement.
The Guardian and The Times of Israel report on the Venice-winning NAZA documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. Israeli ministers have condemned the film, with the culture minister threatening citizenship revocation for the directors. The IDF denies allegations of planned or approved strikes in Gaza and challenges the film’s anonymous whistleblower approach. The Gaza death toll exceeds 73,000.
Israeli documentary NAZA, which alleges AI-assisted targeting caused mass civilian deaths in Gaza, has sparked fierce political backlash after winning a Venice Film Festival prize. Israeli officials threaten citizenship revocation for the directors and pledge legal action, while critics warn against threats to artistic freedom amid ongoing Gaza war.
B’Tselem’s report portrays an accelerated, integrated set of Israeli policies in the West Bank, including violence, movement restrictions, economic strangulation, social-political destruction, and ethnic cleansing. The document argues these measures are dismantling Palestinian life and suffocating daily existence, with checkpoints, land seizures, and rising unemployment central to the framework.
Khalil, a Columbia graduate and a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Columbia University, its trustees, and SIPA dean Yarhi-Milo, accusing them of deliberate indifference, doxing of group members, and harassment tied to Palestinian advocacy. The suit seeks campus access restoration, end of the group's suspension, and damages to be determined at trial. The action follows Khalil’s 104-day detention by ICE and a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests during the Gaza war.
The billionaire owner of Gillette Stadium has confirmed he pressured Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s participation in a US tour, citing a history of antisemitic rhetoric. Macklemore was removed from remaining dates, drawing scrutiny of the interplay between wealth, politics and culture.
The Loop Tour has faced disruption as four supporting acts quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped over pro-Palestinian comments. Promoter and venues say decisions were final; Sheeran has publicly distanced himself while stressing he won’t discuss Gaza or political issues at shows.
The Trump administration has notified Congress of a proposed $2.8bn sale to Israel that includes roughly 40,000 2,000-pound bombs. Representative Gregory Meeks has said he will not support the transfer, citing concerns about use in densely populated Gaza and Lebanon, but the White House can proceed without Congress by declaring an emergency.
Morocco and Israel have agreed to elevate diplomatic missions to full embassies and appoint ambassadors. The move will expand direct flights and deepen economic and security ties, with timelines set for the end of the year. The US and Morocco have reiterated recognition of Western Sahara as Morocco’s sovereignty.
The US State Department has extended visa denials to Palestine Liberation Organization members and Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, saying they have failed to meet commitments and have pursued international legal actions and unilateral recognition that undermine peace. The Palestinian mission to the UN will keep staff waivers so diplomats can operate in New York.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has pledged to donate $2 million to aid in Gaza and to encourage more venue owners to contribute, following Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian remarks and Macklemore’s decision to donate $1 million to Palestinian groups. Ed Sheeran has distanced himself from the controversy, while other tour openers have withdrawn.