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Ultra-Orthodox party quits Israeli government over army exemptions

Ministers from Israel's ultra-Orthodox Shas party resigned on Wednesday over the coalition's failure to pass a military service exemption law but said they would still support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and not back any no-confidence

Syria withdraws army from Sweida after Israel bombs Damascus

Syria's army began withdrawing from violence-hit Sweida on Wednesday after Israeli strikes on Damascus and US calls for a pullback from the Druze-majority city, state media said. Washington, which seeks to mend ties with Syria, said a deal was reached to

'What Israel is doing is a clear signal to Damascus against consolidating power in the South'

FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to Nanar Hawach, senior analyst for Syria at the International Crisis Group, about the sectarian violence in Syria and the Israeli airstrikes on Damascus. He says that 'what Israel is doing is a clear signal to Syrian au

'What Israel is doing is a clear signal to Damascus against consolidating power in the South'

FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to Nanar Hawach, senior analyst for Syria at the International Crisis Group, about the sectarian violence in Syria and the Israeli airstrikes on Damascus. He says that 'what Israel is doing is a clear signal to Syrian au

Trump erased from Chelsea's celebratory photos at FIFA Club World Cup?

Following Donald Trump's attendance at the FIFA Club World Club, rumours have surfaced that winning team Chelsea erased Trump from their celebratory photos. But these claims are false, as Charlotte Hughes explains.

Scandalous" : Angry French react to PM’s idea to cut holidays

🇫🇷 Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed scrapping two public holidays, Easter Monday and May 8th, as part of efforts to cut France’s public deficit. The move has stirred strong reactions across the country.

Europol-coordinated global operation takes down pro-Russian cybercrime network

A coordinated international operation has hit the infrastructure of a pro-Russian cybercrime network linked to a string of denial of service attacks targeting Ukraine and its allies, the European Union's police agency Europol announced Wednesday. FRANCE

US deports five migrants convicted of crimes to Eswatini

Afrika • 20:09

As part of a Trump-era crackdown on undocumented criminals, a plane carrying convicted rapists and child molesters deported from the US has landed in Eswatini. However, rather than being returned to their home countries (Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and

In cosmic first, scientists see planets take shape around a star to form solar system

Astronomers have captured the earliest stages of planet formation around a young sun-like star, offering a rare glimpse into the birth of a solar system. The discovery provides the first conclusive evidence that planet formation is already under way in s

Another key ally quits Netanyahu's governing coalition in a major blow to Israel's leader

Israeli government members from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish party Shas announced on Wednesday their resignation, protesting the ruling coalition's failure to pass a law to exempt their community from military service. However, the party stopped short of wi

Europol-coordinated global operation takes down pro-Russian cybercrime network

EU anti-crime bodies Europol and Eurojust said Wednesday they had coordinated an international operation to dismantle a pro-Russian hacking group accused of launching thousands of online attacks against Ukraine and its allies. The network, known as NoNam

Israel launches heavy airstrikes in Damascus, vowing to protect Druze

Israel launched powerful airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday, blowing up part of the defence ministry and hitting near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw. FRANCE 2

EU proposes 100-bn-euro fund for Ukraine alongside 2028-2034 budget

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed establishing a fund of up to 100 billion euros ($115 billion) to support war-torn Ukraine during the bloc's next 2028-2034 budget period. "This is a long-term commitment to Ukraine's recovery and reconstructi

12-year-old Gaza boy who ate sand in viral video talks about the hunger his family faces

Finding food in Gaza is a deadly endeavor for dozens of Palestinians each day. But those who do survive the trek to food aid sites, often end up empty handed. A video recently went viral of a 12-year-old boy in Gaza who ate sand after theives stole his a

Inside India's ignored conflict: where is Manipur's path to reconciliation?

Asia-Stillehavet • 18:19

Call it India’s ignored conflict: it’s been two years since violence in Manipur erupted, yet 60-thousand remain displaced by intercommunal tensions between the majority Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities. We’ll ask why mediation efforts have stalled and

Europol-coordinated operation takes down pro-Russian hacking group

Europol and Eurojust coordinated an international operation that dismantled the pro-Russian cybercrime network NoName057(16) behind thousands of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine and its allies. Raids in 12 countries led to arrests and the disruption of the

France in revolt over PM's proposition to abolish two public holidays as part of budget cuts

French Prime Minister François Bayrou presented a severe €43.8 billion in budget cuts on Tuesday, including a proposal to abolish two public holidays – Easter Monday and May 8, which marks the Allied victory over the Nazis. The proposition drew fierce cr

Norway's Abrahamsen wins Tour de France stage 11 as Pogacar crashes

Norwegian rider Jonas Abrahamsen won the 11th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday as race favourite and three-time champion Tadej Pogacar crashed near the finish with 4 kilometers remaining. Pogacar fell after hitting the back wheel of another rider

Chaos on the Israel-Syrian border

Israeli troops moved in Wednesday to control crowds and stop Druze residents from crossing into Syria, following deadly unrest in southern Syria that led Damascus to deploy its forces. In Golan Heights, soldiers used tear gas as dozens attempted to breac

‘Easy Money, Heavy Cost’: Israeli campaign warns citizens against spying for Iran

Israel is urging its citizens to resist the urge to spy for Iran with a nationwide advertising campaign launched on Wednesday, saying that the consequences outweigh any financial reward. "For 5,000 shekels is it worth ruining your life/family?" the campa

Ties to Syrian Druze prompt Israeli response

Israel’s influential Druze minority, with ties to southern Syria, has raised alarm over reported massacres across the border. Despite no direct attack, Israel struck Syria, citing its pledge to prevent enemy forces and instability near its borders, as FR

NASA captures closest-ever images of the Sun

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe and the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter have captured the closest-ever images of the Sun. Flying within just 3.8 million miles, Parker revealed dramatic solar eruptions and fine structures in the solar wind, while Solar Orbiter observed

Israeli air strikes on Damascus hit Syrian army headquarters and near presidential palace

Israeli air strikes in Damascus on Wednesday hit the army headquarters and near the presidential palace, killing at least three people and injuring 34, Syrian officials said. Syrian troops began withdrawing from the city of Sweida, where more than 300 ha

Scrapping two French bank holidays: Unfair or necessary?

As France's prime minister suggests scrapping two public holidays as part of his budget plan, we take a look at how France compares to other EU nations when it comes to bank holidays and paid vacation days. We also find out why the choice of dates is pro

The situation in Syria's Sweida poses political and security threat to Damascus

The ongoing unrest in Sweida has become both a political and security challenge for the Syrian government. What began as local clashes has now escalated into a broader crisis, with Druze armed groups resisting central authority, as FRANCE 24's Wassim Nas

Crush at Gaza aid site kills at least 20 Palestinians as Israeli strikes kill 41 more

Dozens of Palestinians have died in a stampede at a Gaza aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Wednesday, the group said, in the first acknowledgment of deadly violence at its operations. The GHF has blamed arme

Film show: Your must-see summer movies

Get ready for your ultimate cinema fix! This week on arts24, Eve Jackson and film critic Emma Jones dive into the hottest summer movie releases – from the psychological pandemic drama "Eddington" to the blockbuster reboot of "Superman", plus the colourfu

Our highlights from the 2025 Avignon theatre festival

The Avignon theatre festival is a three-week concentration of performing arts – dance, drama, readings and debates – which is now in its 79th year. Hundreds of events are crammed into the relatively small French city, often in beautiful historical sites.

Trump denies urging Zelensky to strike Moscow amid sanctions plan

Donald Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum threatening sanctions on Russia’s economy by targeting its trading partners to pressure an end to the Ukraine war. Russia is taking the threats seriously but remains ready to respond. Meanwhile, Trump denies cla

Israel strikes Syria's Sweida, Damascus

The Israeli army said Wednesday that it struck near the entrance to the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus. The strike came as clashes continued in the southern Syrian city of Sweida after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups

Uncertainty for Afghans who supported US after Taliban takeover

Thousands of Afghans who supported the US during its mission in Afghanistan face deep uncertainty since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Many are still awaiting resettlement, fearing retaliation for their past cooperation with Western forces. Burea

Retired IDF Major General Giora Eiland on FRANCE 24 to discuss situation in Gaza

Giora Eiland, former Head of Israel's National Security Council, was FRANCE 24's guest to discuss the situation in Gaza with Gavin Lee, and explain the plan he suggested for the enclave at the beginning of the war, although the government did not accept

Sycamore Gap tree vandals jailed over 4 years in England

The vandals who cut down England’s beloved Sycamore Gap tree were sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in prison for causing irreversible damage and serious distress. The tree stood for nearly 150 years before Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers set o

Italy and Norway kick off the Women’s Euro quarter-finals

The Women’s Euro quarter-finals begin on Wednesday with a match between Italy and Norway. Without a title since 2000, Norway is counting on this tournament to regain their former glory, while Italy hope to confirm their resurgence by reaching their first

France: Opposition slams PM Bayrou’s budget cut plan

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has sparked a political firestorm with his sweeping budget cut proposals, aiming to slash €44 billion in public spending. Opposition parties across the spectrum have condemned the plan as unjust and socially damaging

Trump admin in 'denial' over climate change, having cut funding to NOAA and National Weather Service

Located in a low-lying stretch along the Guadalupe River in flash flood alley, Camp Mystic lost at least 27 campers and counselors. Local officials, under growing scrutiny for a lack of warnings ahead of the July Fourth storm that killed at least 132 peo

French papers divided over PM Bayrou's 'shock treatment' budget

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 16: French left- and right-wing papers have different evaluations of Prime Minister François Bayrou's proposed new budget: necessary "shock treatment" or a "purge"? Next, British papers explain the unprecedented superinjunc

Thousands of Afghans and families brought to UK after data breach

Thousands of Afghans who worked with the UK government and their families were brought to Britain in a secret programme after a 2022 data breach put their lives at risk, a minister revealed Tuesday. Defence Minister John Healey unveiled the scheme to par

Two years on, ethnic conflict still grips India's state of Manipur

Asia-Stillehavet • 09:20

It has been two years since violence erupted in India's northeastern state of Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Since then, more than 200 people have been killed and over 60,000 displaced. Despite the imposition of martial law and a heavy

France's PM Bayrou faces backlash over budget cut proposals

France's PM François Bayrou has unveiled a sweeping €44 billion budget-cutting plan for 2026—freezing most public spending, eliminating two holiday leave days, and enforcing an “année blanche” on welfare and pensions—which has triggered fierce criticism

What you need to know about the Druze minority in Syria

Origin of the movement, role in the Syrian revolution, and position under the new Syrian regime — here’s everything you need to know about the Druze minority, which Israel invoked to justify its strikes on the city of Sweida earlier this week.

Israel: Major cracks in Netanyahu coalition

A religious party has quit Israel's ruling coalition in a dispute over military service, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a razor-thin majority in parliament but still enough political support to secure a potential Gaza ceasefire. FRANCE 24

Israel bombs Syria army HQ, fighting reignites in Syria's Druze city of Sweida

Fighting between Syrian government forces and local Druze fighters continued in the southern Druze city of Sweida on Wednesday, violating a ceasefire announced only a few hours earlier that aimed to quell days of deadly sectarian violence. Israel respond

Netanyahu under mounting political pressure after party quits over military service exemption

The United Torah Judaism party has decided to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition over its failure to secure military service exemptions. Members of the ultra-orthodox community have been exempted from enlisting in the army since 19

'Inheritance unequally distributed': Advanced economies all experiencing 'great wealth transfer'

France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed scrapping two public holidays—possibly Easter Monday and Victory in Europe Day—as part of sweeping budget cuts. He argues the move could boost economic activity and contribute to €44 billion ($51.3 bil

Israeli ultra-Orthodox party quits Netanyahu's ruling coalition

The United Torah Judaism party has decided to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition over its failure to secure military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. The party's departure has weakened the prime minister's grip on power,

🌟The Bright Side: Solar-skimming probe reveals new insights into space weather threats

The closest images ever taken of the Sun are proving to be a treasure trove for scientists. The newly released NASA images taken by the Parker Solar Probe during a historic flyby beginning on December 24, 2024 are set to enhance our knowledge of space we

New PM and US ambassador: What we know of Ukraine's government reshuffle

After weeks of speculation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a government reorganisation naming Defence Minister Rustem Umerov as the next US ambassador and economist Yulia Svyrydenko as prime minister. Svyrydenko played a key role in con

UEFA Euro 2025 highlights attention given to women's football

As the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 breaks attendance records in Switzerland, FRANCE 24's Perspective programme discusses a boost in support for the women's league and how it's covered in the media. A French broadcaster that was supposed to show a group stage

Grand Canyon: Wildfires destroy historic lodge and scores of buildings

Wildfires are still burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which has now been closed to visitors for the remainder of 2025.

Trump calls for release of Epstein files as critics rise

President Donald Trump urged the US Justice Department on Tuesday to release all “credible” information from its investigation into notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as he attempted to quell growing criticism from his supporters over his handling o

France: Plan to scrap two public holidays sparks backlash

The French government’s proposal to eliminate two public holidays as part of a broader cost-cutting plan has sparked widespread backlash. Critics argue the measure unfairly targets workers and undermines hard-won social rights, while unions warn it could

Allegations of human rights abuses in Sweida

Ongoing sectarian violence in Sweida has led to hundreds of deaths, including many Druze civilians allegedly executed by Syrian government forces, exacerbating fears of human rights violations. Reports describe extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions

'Epstein files' keep on haunting Trump's camp

A perceived lack of transparency surrounding the U.S. investigations into Jeffrey Epstein has opened an unusual rift between President Donald Trump and his otherwise loyal Republican base. After the Trump administration backtracked on promises to release

Tirsdag 15. juli 2025

Syria : government forces enter Sweida

Syria 's defense minister announced a ceasefire shortly after government forces entered a key city in Sweida province on Tuesday, a day after sectarian clashes killed dozens, while neighboring Israel again launched strikes in the area.

Mexico: Femicide filmed by a surveillance camera

⚠️ This content includes explicit material. Viewer discretion is advised. 📍Guadalajara, Mexico — A surveillance camera captured the moment a woman named Carla was shot and killed in the street by her ex-partner using an AR-15-style assault rifle. This

House Republicans block second Democratic Party attempt to release Epstein files

US House Republicans on Tuesday voted down a second Democratic attempt at forcing the Justice Department to release documents on the Epstein case. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Eric Lisann about the grow

House Republicans block second Democratic Party attempt to release Epstein files

House Republicans on Tuesday voted down a second Democratic attempt at forcing the Justice Department to release documents on the Epstein case. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks to legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Eric Lisann, about the growin

Cuban minister steps down after falsely saying country has no beggars

Cuba's labour minister stepped down on Tuesday after sparking criticism for having said that there are no beggars in Cuba, only people disguised as such. Scenes of people begging or scavenging through garbage have become frequent in Cuba as the country s

No, incinerators were not installed at 'Alligator Alcatraz'

As criticism of the Trump administration's detention centre "Alligator Alcatraz" mounts, a rumour has been circulating online that incinerators have been installed at the site for malicious purposes. But these rumours are false, as Charlotte Hughes expla

MSF accuses Ethiopian soldiers of 'targeted killing' of three staffers in Tigray in 2021

Afrika • 20:16

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said that three of its staff were intentionally killed by Ethiopian soldiers in Tigray in 2021. The victims were not caught in the crossfire, but were shot at close range while clearly identifiable as aid workers. The vi

India orders airlines to inspect certain Boeing models after Air India crash

Asia-Stillehavet • 19:43

India and Singapore ordered their airlines to examine fuel switches on several Boeing models with South Korea set to do the same after the devices came under scrutiny following last month's crash of an Air India jet killed 260 people. FRANCE 24's Mark Ow