Hundreds protest in Syria after Christmas tree set alight – POLITICO

The housing minister in England and Wales has pledged to abolish the centuries-old leasehold system before the next general election, banning the sale of new leasehold flats in favor of commonhold tenure. Homeowners will gain greater control over their properties, with measures outlined in a white paper marking the end of the "feudal" system, which has been criticized for unfair costs and practices. The proposed reforms will eliminate extra expenses like ground rent, giving homeowners...

A survey by health campaign group MedAct reveals that 7 in 10 healthcare workers frequently encounter patients struggling to pay their energy bills, leading to respiratory issues. High energy costs are forcing people to live in cold, damp homes, causing a preventable public health crisis. Healthcare workers report that these conditions contribute to avoidable hospital admissions and recurrent illnesses, highlighting the urgent need for action to address this issue. Full Article

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported that closures of Kerem Shalom, Erez, and Zikim crossings are preventing vital humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians in need in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire expiring, Israel is calling for a continuation of phase one, impacting aid delivery. UNICEF warned that aid restrictions will severely compromise lifesaving operations for children and families in Gaza, highlighting the importance of maintaining the ceasefire for humanitarian response. Full Article

In a groundbreaking surgery in 1985, twins Holly and Carly were separated by a team of 26 clinicians, led by surgeons Lewis Spitz and Edward Kiely at Great Ormond Street Hospital. While Carly tragically passed away, Holly underwent numerous operations and maintained contact with Professor Spitz over the years. Now living in Texas, Holly Queiroz reunited with Professor Spitz and Mr Kiely via video call ahead of her 40th birthday, marking a heartwarming moment after...

The Hagelandse 101 walking event in Belgium is now the Hagelandse 106 and 60, with longer routes of 106 km and 60 km respectively, and an added try-out walk of 38.5 km on June 8, 2025, in Aarschot to help participants prepare for the challenging hills. Organizers are increasing the number of spots available to 5,000, aiming to accommodate more walkers and ensure everyone is ready for the hilly terrain. Jo Langela, one of the...

Donald Trump criticized European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, for their talks over Ukraine, launching a furious attack on Volodymyr Zelensky for saying a peace deal is far away. Despite UK MPs urging to shun Trump, Sir Keir emphasized America's importance in peace efforts. Trump threatened to withdraw military aid to Ukraine and questioned the strength of European leaders in dealing with Russia, deepening the diplomatic crisis after Zelensky was bullied in the White House....