Emma De Ruiter
Culture news
Top Russian publisher rejects accusations in 'LGBT extremism' probe
The Kremlin has for years been hardening repressive laws against the LGBTQ community as part of what President Vladimir Putin touts as a drive to promote 'traditional values', including cracking down on films, books, art and culture.
USA
Pete Hegseth asks US Army chief to step down as Iran war grinds on
Randy George 'will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately,' said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman. George has held the post since August 2023 under the Biden administration.
Lebanon
Strikes kill seven in Beirut as Israel vows to occupy southern Lebanon
Heavy strikes hit Lebanon's capital Beirut overnight as Israel claimed it had struck a "senior Hezbollah commander" and another member of the group. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country's military intends to occupy a swathe of southern Lebanon.
Iran
Trump says Iran war could end in 'two weeks', with or without deal
US President Donald Trump said the war in Iran could end in 'two weeks, maybe three', adding that 'whether we have a deal or not, it's irrelevant.' The White House announced Trump will address the nation with an update on Wednesday night.
Lebanon
UN Security Council to meet after peacekeeper deaths in Lebanon
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two of its personnel were killed Monday in an explosion and another died late Sunday when a projectile hit their position. The UN force said it launched an investigation into the separate incidents.
Iran
Netanyahu says Iran war goals achieved 'beyond halfway point'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump's partner in attacking Iran, said more than half of his military aims had been achieved, but both leaders refused to put a timeline on an operation that has ignited a month-long regional war and jolted global markets.
Israel
Israel approves death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killings
The bill would make the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank found guilty of intentionally carrying out deadly attacks deemed "acts of terrorism" by an Israeli military court.