Israel's controversial plan to take over Gaza City draws significant criticism and concern from international allies and Israeli military officials, raising fears for hostage safety and further displacement of Palestinians, with Germany halting arms exports and the UN calling for an immediate halt, as Gaza's hunger crisis worsens and humanitarian aid efforts are underway to support the wounded.

• Germany Says It Will Suspend Military Exports to Israel for Use in Gaza — New York Times World -
• Netanyahu’s Plan for Gaza City Has Skeptics in Israeli Military — New York Times World -
• Netanyahu Broadly Criticized at Home and Abroad After New Gaza Plan — New York Times World -

• Israel rejects international criticism of Gaza City takeover plan — BBC World -
• With Gaza City Plan, Netanyahu Risks Ending Up in Familiar Deadlock — New York Times World -
• UN chief calls Israel’s Gaza City plan ‘dangerous escalation’ as security council to meet on Saturday – latest updates — The Guardian -
• What to Know About the Israeli Hostages Still Held in Gaza — New York Times World -
• Outrage at Israeli plan to take over Gaza City that could displace 1m Palestinians — The Guardian -
• Israel Says It’s Preparing to Take Control of Gaza City. What Does That Mean? — New York Times World -
• What we know about Israel's plan to take over Gaza City — BBC World -
• UK Foreign Office fails to release 2024 assessment of risk of genocide in Gaza — The Guardian -
• Royal Albert Hall apologises to man refused entry over Palestine flag pin — The Guardian -
• Israel’s delusional, inhuman Gaza takeover plan could be recipe for perpetual war — The Guardian -
• Netanyahu announces plan to take over Gaza City in further escalation | First Thing — The Guardian -
• As Gaza Hunger Crisis Worsens, Israel Lets in Little Aid — New York Times World -
• Lineup announced for Palestine benefit concert at Wembley Arena, helmed by Brian Eno — The Guardian -
• Netanyahu divides Israelis and allies with plan for new military push in Gaza — BBC World -
• Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Military Takeover of Gaza — New York Times World -
• US shrugs off Gaza escalation - drifting further away from allies — BBC World -
• Starmer calls Gaza City takeover plan wrong and urges Israel to reconsider — The Guardian -
• Penny Wong warns Israel that occupying Gaza could violate international law — The Guardian -
• Friday Briefing: Israel Approves Full Military Takeover of Gaza — New York Times World -
• Dr Abed has watched Gaza’s healthcare system crumble. He hopes studying in Australia will help him rebuild it — The Guardian -
• Indonesia says it will treat 2,000 of Gaza’s wounded on uninhabited Galang island — The Guardian -
• Hostages’ families protest against Gaza plan – as it happened — The Guardian -

President Trump's active foreign policy agenda includes a planned summit with Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine war and brokering a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while domestically, Trump orders federal crackdowns on crime in D.C., removes the IRS commissioner, and faces legal scrutiny from the New York Attorney General, as the administration also escalates efforts against drug cartels in Latin America leading to Mexico's rejection of potential US military intervention.

• What Putin Hopes to Gain From a Summit With Trump — New York Times World -
• Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Peace Pledge at White House — New York Times World -
• Trump says he will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday – US politics live — The Guardian -

• Trump says he will meet Putin in Alaska next Friday to discuss Ukraine war — The Guardian -
• Trump removes IRS commissioner Billy Long two months after he was sworn in — The Guardian -
• Texas attorney general seeks to remove 13 absent Democrats from office — The Guardian -
• Trump Directs Military to Target Foreign Drug Cartels — New York Times World -
• Trump administration demands $1bn from UCLA to restore federal funding — The Guardian -
• Trump to Host Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for ‘Peace Signing’ — New York Times World -
• Sheinbaum rejects US ‘invasion’ after Trump orders military to target Mexico cartels — The Guardian -
• Trump calls for Intel boss to resign immediately, alleging China ties — BBC World -
• Trump’s justice department reportedly subpoenas New York attorney general — The Guardian -
• Trump orders seven-day crackdown in Washington DC citing ‘violent crime’ — The Guardian -
• Trump officials reportedly met at White House to discuss strategy around Epstein files — The Guardian -
• Trump firing labor statistics head won’t achieve his agenda, says former chief — The Guardian -
• Trump Wasn’t the First to Deport These Men, and He Won’t Be the Last — New York Times World -
• Secret Service request to raise river level made ‘without knowledge’ of JD Vance, his office says — The Guardian -
• US offers $50m reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro — BBC World -
• Democrats respond to FBI agreement to locate Texas lawmakers: ‘We will not be intimidated’ – live updates — The Guardian -
• Trump administration doubles reward for arrest of Venezuela’s president to $50m — The Guardian -

Global diplomatic efforts focus on the Ukraine conflict, with talks of a potential 'freeze' and Putin briefing Chinese and Indian leaders, while Hong Kong faces international condemnation for transnational repression, Colombia and Peru dispute an Amazon island, and Brazil navigates strained relations with the US over its Bolsonaro trial comments and environmental policy, alongside Grenada's move to drop allegiance to King Charles.

• Mexico’s President Says U.S. Forces Are Unwelcome in Her Country — New York Times World -
• War of Words Erupts Between Colombia and Peru Over Island in Amazon — New York Times World -
• ‘Transnational repression’: Australia condemns Hong Kong’s attempts to silence exiled dissidents — The Guardian -

• What’s Behind the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict — New York Times World -
• Vance and Lammy Mix Fishing and Foreign Policy at UK Estate — New York Times World -
• Russian Strikes Kill 3 in Ukraine, Which May Be Left Out of Peace Talks — New York Times World -
• Top US diplomat in Brazil summoned to foreign ministry over Bolsonaro trial comments — The Guardian -
• India’s Modi Left Soul-Searching After Failed Courtships of Xi and Trump — New York Times World -
• Grenada government and opposition join forces to drop oath of allegiance to King Charles — The Guardian -
• The U.S. Says Britain Is Chilling Free Speech. Many Britons Point the Finger Back. — New York Times World -
• US envoy to Israel taunts Starmer and likens Gaza assault to Dresden bombing — The Guardian -
• Putin Briefs Leaders of China and India on Talks With U.S. on Ukraine — New York Times World -
• US and UK disagree about Gaza policy, Vance suggests before Lammy meeting — The Guardian -
• ‘Freeze’ in Ukraine war may be close, says Tusk, as US and Russia plan talks — The Guardian -
• Canada’s Girl Guides Suspend U.S. Trips Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown — New York Times World -
• Vance says UK and US have ‘disagreements’ over Gaza, as he confirms Trump does not back Palestinian state recognition – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Eight bat researchers mostly from Asia and Africa refused entry into Australia to attend global scientific event — The Guardian -
• Ukraine conflict could be ‘frozen’ sooner rather than later, says Poland’s Tusk after talk with Zelenskyy – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Ex-president can be buried in Zambia against family's wishes, court rules — BBC World -
• Can Russia’s Economy Withstand Trump’s Threats to Impose Sanctions? — New York Times World -
• Congo’s Teens Brave Bombs, Rebels and Abduction to Play Hoops — New York Times World -
• Is the world's oldest leader set for an eighth term? — BBC World -
• Russian football clubs given €10.8m in Uefa ‘solidarity’ funds since Ukraine invasion — The Guardian -
• Myanmar military junta using European technology for drone attacks, report says — The Guardian -
• How a Pro-Palestinian Group Fell Foul of a Long Unused U.K. Terrorism Law — New York Times World -

Major violent incidents include a **shooting at Emory/CDC in Atlanta and a fatal school stabbing in Sheffield, while arrests for impersonating a nurse in Florida and a Surrey murder highlight other serious crimes, alongside convictions for a neo-Nazi plot and police misconduct in Australia, and ongoing legal proceedings related to the "mushroom murderer" in Australia**.

• Atlanta shooter dead and officer injured after shots at Emory campus and CDC — The Guardian -
• Florida woman arrested after posing as a nurse and treating thousands of people, officials say — The Guardian -
• Man jailed for life for murdering ex-fiancee at luxury Surrey hotel — The Guardian -

• Star of HBO’s Chimp Crazy sentenced to nearly four years in prison — The Guardian -
• Rotherham abuse survivors welcome police climbdown over internal inquiry — The Guardian -
• Eleven domestic workers arrested over illegal abortions in Hong Kong — BBC World -
• It’s a Laburglary! Thousands of dollars worth of Labubu dolls stolen from LA store — The Guardian -
• Teenager found guilty of murdering Harvey Willgoose, 15, at Sheffield school — The Guardian -
• Fort Stewart shooting suspect was relentlessly mocked for stutter, soldiers say — The Guardian -
• Concerns over ‘gaps’ in police support for stalking victims in England and Wales — The Guardian -
• Bush pilot ditched Outback Wrangler star’s mobile phone after fatal helicopter crash, trial hears — The Guardian -
• Rupert Lowe reports charity rowers to coastguard as possible ‘illegal migrants’ — The Guardian -
• NSW police officers jailed for assaulting woman suffering mental health episode during welfare check — The Guardian -
• Mushroom murderer tried to kill husband with pasta, cookies and curry, court was told — BBC World -
• 'I loved them' - Police interview Australian mushroom murderer — BBC World -
• Erin Patterson tells police she ‘loved’ poisoned parents-in-law in newly released interview footage — The Guardian -
• Neo-Nazi leader sentenced to 20 years for plot to attack Maryland’s power grid — The Guardian -
• Judge tells colleagues to be ‘on their guard’ over expert witness evidence — The Guardian -
• Released violent offenders to be ‘locked’ in restriction zones in England and Wales — The Guardian -
• Convicted rapist quits Australian parliament after losing legal bid to stay — BBC World -
• Convicted rapist Gareth Ward resigns from NSW parliament moments before he was to be expelled — The Guardian -

The ethical implications and performance issues of AI technology are in focus, with AI clones and explicit AI-generated content sparking criticism, while climate-related events such as wildfires in California, Greece, and Turkey, and heavy rainfall in Asia cause widespread disruption, as Covid-19 cases rise in the US and environmental concerns are highlighted in Brazil and the Florida Everglades.

• I made an AI clone of my dead son - and let a journalist interview him — BBC World -
• Rapidly spreading brush fire prompts evacuations for thousands in California — The Guardian -
• Elon Musk's AI accused of making explicit AI Taylor Swift videos — BBC World -

• West coast sees highest Covid-19 levels as cases rise across US, CDC data says — The Guardian -
• Why Hiroshima and Nagasaki are safe to live in today — BBC World -
• One dead as wildfires rage in southern Greece — BBC World -
• ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Florida Everglades Is Testing Environmental Law — New York Times World -
• Brazil’s president signs environmental ‘devastation bill’ but vetoes key articles — The Guardian -
• Wildfires force Turkey to close key waterway — BBC World -
• Asian hornet’s unique buzz may hold secret to containing invasive species — The Guardian -
• ‘Top marks’ for sharp-eyed snappers as UK nets new butterfly species — The Guardian -
• Heat alert for England as temperatures forecast to climb back above 30C — The Guardian -
• Weather tracker: heavy rainfall across India, Japan and Hong Kong causes widespread disruption — The Guardian -
• OpenAI unveils ChatGPT-5 and its hyped ‘PhD level’ intelligence struggled with basic spelling and geography — The Guardian -
• England’s swimming waters five times more likely to be polluted than in EU, research finds — The Guardian -
• Heartbreaking search for missing children after India flash floods — BBC World -
• Is Perrier as pure as it claims? The bottled water scandal gripping France — BBC World -
• Six-year-old girl dies of influenza after twice being discharged from Sydney hospital — The Guardian -

US tariffs lead to record gold prices and dented profits for Jaguar Land Rover, as Crocs experiences a significant slump in sales and stock value, while a bidding war for NHS landlord Assura and River Island's rescue plan dominate UK business news, alongside NYC's energy company facing criticism for increased disconnections amidst calls for a price hike.

• Banker Bao Fan reportedly released from Chinese detention after two years — The Guardian -
• Trump calls for Intel boss to resign immediately, alleging China ties — BBC World -
• Jaguar Land Rover’s profits dented by US tariffs and drop in sales — The Guardian -

• Bidding battle for NHS landlord Assura intensifies as watchdog steps up investigation — The Guardian -
• River Island gets green light for rescue that saves more than 4,000 jobs — The Guardian -
• Gold futures jump to record high after US tariffs on cast bars — The Guardian -
• New Tariff on ‘Transshipped’ Goods Mystifies Importers — New York Times World -
• New York energy company ramps up disconnections as it seeks 11% price hike — The Guardian -
• Trump firing labor statistics head won’t achieve his agenda, says former chief — The Guardian -
• Can Russia’s Economy Withstand Trump’s Threats to Impose Sanctions? — New York Times World -
• Crocs US sales tumble as shoppers choose trainers — BBC World -
• Crocs shares slump 30% amid tariffs and decline of ‘ugly shoe’ trend — The Guardian -
• UK ministers push ahead with discount on bills for households near new pylons — The Guardian -
• London councils to lose millions in funding despite high poverty levels — The Guardian -

Anti-ICE protests lead to arrests in NYC, while Texas Democratic lawmakers face removal threats over redistricting, and UK police prepare for anti-migrant protests across England and Wales, with further scrutiny on Labour cabinet ministers' rental incomes and challenges to cultural events in Madrid, while a former Scottish First Minister describes her criminal inquiry as "mental torture".

• Several people arrested at anti-Ice protest outside NYC immigration court — The Guardian -
• Nicola Sturgeon says facing criminal inquiry was like ‘mental torture’ — The Guardian -
• Three thousand riot officers readied for weekend of protests in England and Wales — The Guardian -

• Four Labour cabinet ministers earn rental income, analysis finds — The Guardian -
• Kristi Noem responds to South Park’s crude takedown of her in episode targeting Ice — The Guardian -
• Miriam González Durántez weighs up move to lead new Spanish liberal party — The Guardian -
• Madrid cultural diversity festival ban is ideological, its organisers claim — The Guardian -
• Timetables, tricky tickets and high prices: the problems with European cross-border rail travel — The Guardian -
• Ohio Planned Parenthood affiliate rejects Medicaid amid fears over Trump cuts — The Guardian -
• Police in England brace for disorder as far right promote anti-migrant protests — The Guardian -

**Three more 9/11 victims identified through DNA testing, highlighting ongoing efforts to account for all losses, while Seoul addresses loneliness through unique convenience stores, a starfish captivates Argentina amid science budget cuts, and a major First Nations art award is announced in Australia, as debates over free speech in the UK and gender roles in South Korea** reflect broader societal discussions.

• 'An escape from feeling lonely': The Seoul 'convenience stores' fighting isolation — BBC World -
• A Starfish Has Captivated Argentina. It Didn’t Ask to Be Political. — New York Times World -
• Three more victims of 9/11 terrorist attacks identified in New York City — The Guardian -

• Samuel Taylor Coleridge wanted to ‘bid farewell’ to writing at 22, letter reveals — The Guardian -
• Natsiaa 2025: Gaypalani Waṉambi wins $100,000 award for ‘exquisite’ artwork made with discarded road signs — The Guardian -
• Star of Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut threatens legal action over ‘false and seriously defamatory’ Instagram claims — The Guardian -
• Pro-Palestine protesters plan to march across Brisbane’s Story Bridge – as it happened — The Guardian -
• Should Soccer Star Son Heung-min Have Held an Umbrella for a Female Reporter? — New York Times World -
• Dutton blaming migrants for housing crisis ‘undermined’ Coalition at election, Andrew Bragg says — The Guardian -

The passing of former FBI and CIA Director William H. Webster and Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell marks the end of significant eras in US history and space exploration, with NASA celebrating Lovell's legacy and highlighting the dwindling number of living Apollo Moon astronauts.

• William H. Webster, Who Ran Both the F.B.I. and the C.I.A., Dies at 101 — New York Times World -
• Nasa Apollo missions: Stories of the last Moon men — BBC World -
• Jim Lovell, who guided Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, dies aged 97 — BBC World -