Submit your Article

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered fresh negotiations for the release of all hostages while approving plans for a major assault on Gaza City, BBC reported.

He rejected a Hamas-backed ceasefire proposal that offered only a partial hostage release, insisting Israel will accept a deal only if all captives are freed and Hamas is disarmed.

The Israeli military has begun preparations for a ground offensive, warning Gaza City’s one million residents to evacuate south. Heavy bombardment continued on Thursday as aid groups vowed to stay and support those unable to flee.

The war, sparked by Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, has killed about 1,200 people in Israel and over 62,000 in Gaza, according to BBC.

President Donald Trump has scaled back plans for steep tariffs on European pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, confirming both will face a 15 percent rate under a new US-EU trade deal, according to BBC.

Last month, Trump said pharmaceuticals and semiconductors were not covered by the US and EU's handshake trade deal - meaning those sectors could have faced tariffs rates of 250 percent and 100 percent respectively.

The agreement, struck with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, lowers most EU tariffs to 15 percent and commits Europe to scrap duties on US industrial and farm goods. In return, US tariffs on European cars will drop from 27.5 percent to 15 percent once EU legislation is passed.

Ireland welcomed protection for its pharma exports, while EU officials said the deal brings stability. But wine and spirits were left out, disappointing producers on both sides, BBC reported.

McDonald’s Japan has postponed its planned “One Piece” toy promotion after a recent Pokemon card giveaway sparked chaos. The limited-edition cards, offered with Happy Set meals, triggered long queues, bulk purchases, and widespread food dumping as customers sought the cards for resale. Some were later listed online for thousands of pounds.

According to BBC, the company apologized and said it will review future campaigns. Instead of the new promotion, customers will receive toys from previous Happy Set packages. Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has urged McDonald’s to improve its sales strategy and take stronger steps to curb food wastage.

The UK and 26 other countries have urged Israel to allow foreign journalists independent entry into Gaza, condemning restrictions on press freedom and attacks on reporters, BBC reported.

Since the war began in 2023, at least 192 journalists, mostly Palestinian, have been killed — the deadliest conflict for the press on record. Recent strikes killed six reporters, including four from Al Jazeera. Israel claimed one had Hamas ties but offered no evidence.

With international media barred, local journalists continue reporting under air strikes and food shortages. Aid groups warn of mass starvation as Israel advances a ground offensive in Gaza City. The UN cites Gaza’s health ministry figures showing more than 62,000 killed since the conflict began, according to BBC.

Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, is stirring dangerous surf, rip currents, and strong winds along the US East Coast, despite not making landfall. Officials warn the risks will last for days, with beaches closed, evacuations ordered, and flooding fears growing, BBC reported.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are already seeing tropical storm conditions, and impacts are expected to spread north into Virginia and New England. Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay out of the water after dozens of rescues.

Once a Category Five, Erin is now a Category Two hurricane with winds of 105mph (165km/h). It has already knocked out power to thousands in Puerto Rico and disrupted life in Turks and Caicos. Authorities continue to urge coastal residents to follow safety guidance, according to BBC.

Frank Caprio, the Rhode Island judge and social media star known for his warmth, humor, and compassion, has died at 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Over a 40-year career in Providence, he presided over thousands of cases, often showing empathy for people’s personal circumstances, BBC reported.

Caprio became a viral sensation through his TV show Caught in Providence, with clips of him inviting children behind the bench or displaying kindness in court earning billions of views online. He was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys and inspired countless acts of kindness.

His son David urged fans to “spread a little kindness” in his memory. Caprio is survived by his wife Joyce, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, according to BBC.

Ukraine faced one of its largest attacks in weeks as Russian forces launched over 600 drones and missiles. One person was killed in Lviv, and 15 were injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics plant was damaged, BBC reported.

The strikes come as US President Donald Trump pushes diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed readiness to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, citing Switzerland, Austria, or Istanbul, but dismissed Budapest due to Hungary’s ties with Moscow.

Ukraine said it intercepted most of the attacks and struck Russian military targets in Rostov and occupied Donetsk in retaliation. Officials warned more air defenses are needed as Russia intensifies bombardments while front lines remain largely stagnant, according to BBC.

US has sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors over investigations involving American and Israeli citizens, citing “judicial overreach” and national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court a “threat” and accused it of politicization, BBC reported.

The sanctioned officials—Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada) and Nicolas Guillou (France), and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)—are barred from accessing assets in the US.

The ICC condemned the move as an attack on its independence and the international legal system. France criticized the sanctions for undermining judicial independence, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed them.

According to BBC, the decision follows earlier US sanctions on the ICC chief prosecutor and UN human rights experts who have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting calls from international officials to respect the rule of law.