News

French mosque stabbing suspect still at large after killing Muslim worshipper

The suspect reportedly recorded the attack on his phone and security footage was said to show him shouting insults at “Allah”. President Emmanuel Macron described the victim as “horribly murdered”.

Israeli official says claims IDF targets aid workers are ‘blood libel’ after UK minister calls for investigation

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) admitted its troops were behind the attack on a UN guest house in Gaza last month, killing one staff member, as it had “assessed” there was an enemy presence. It had previously denied responsibility.
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The tank strike in Deir al Balah on 19 March killed one international UN staff member. Pic: AP

40 killed in blast at Iran’s biggest port as Tehran denies explosion ‘linked to fuel for missiles’

Goods inside containers were badly damaged and the explosion was so powerful that windows several miles away were shattered, reports said.
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Iranian Red Crescent rescuers work at the site of the blast. Pic: Reuters

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Firefighters work to extinguish the blaze. Pic: AP

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Pic: AP

The Vatican’s representative to South Sudan says the Pope’s memory should be honoured by seeking peace.

The tomb of Pope Francis opened for visitors at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome on Sunday, a day after world leaders and a crowd of hundreds of thousands attended the funeral of the late leader of the Catholic Church.
Roman Catholic faithful are filing past the simple white tomb in St. Mary Major Basilica. Many are administering the sign of the cross or snapping photos on their cell phones, as ushers urge them to keep moving to accommodate the thousands who flocked to the Rome basilica to see the tomb, forming a long line outside. The tomb was opened on the second of nine days of official mourning for Francis, after which a conclave will be held to elect the next pope.
A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said “Franciscus” – the pope's name in Latin. A light cast its warm glow over the tomb and a reproduction of the late pontiff's pectoral cross on the wall above it.
The wait time is about an hour, according to SkyTV. Some visitors arrived before dawn so th..

Protesters throw powder on Tower Bridge during London Marathon

Two pro-Palestinian demonstrators threw red powder in the air – just moments before leading runners in the London Marathon raced past.

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan – Some in Taiwan are watching with growing unease as the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new leader following the death of Pope Francis. The Holy See is the only European state that maintains diplomatic relations with Taipei, but some fear the growing ties between the Vatican and Beijing could change things.
Taiwan is home to fewer than 300,000 Catholics. By contrast, estimates put the number of Catholics in communist China at anywhere between eight and 12 million, with another 390,000 in Chinese-ruled Hong Kong. Despite these figures, the Holy See continues to recognize Taiwan as the sole “China.”
After Pope Francis’ death, Taiwan’s President William Lai quickly said he planned to attend the funeral. A short time later, however, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that former Vice President and devout Catholic Chen Chien-jen will be Taiwan’s envoy.
POPE FRANCIS EMPHASIZED CATHOLICISM GLOBALLY, REACHED BEYOND US, EUROPE INTO IMP..

Use of toilets at work, in shops and hospitals should be based on biological sex, says watchdog

Interim guidance has now issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission because “many people have questions” about a recent Supreme Court judgment and “what it means for them”.

Pictures of Pope Francis’s tomb released as it opens to the public in Rome basilica

Francis, who shunned much of the pomp and privilege of the papacy, asked to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore – rather than at the Vatican.
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Pope Francis's tomb inside Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pic: AP

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A single white rose left on the tomb. Pic: Vatican

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People line up to pay their respects at the tomb of Pope Francis. Pic: AP

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Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis was laid to rest outside the Vatican. Pic: AP

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Pope Francis in 2015. Pic: AP

Kemi Badenoch does not rule out local coalitions with Reform after Thursday’s council elections

The Tory leader says councillors must do “what is right for their communities” – but shuts down talk of a national deal with Nigel Farage.