Israel rescues 4 hostages in Gaza as airstrikes kill 93 Palestinians – POLITICO

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple in their 70s, who have been running education programs in Afghanistan for 18 years, have lost contact with their family after being arrested by the Taliban. The couple operates Rebuild, an organization that provides education and training programs, including a project for mothers and children, despite the Taliban's restrictions on women's education. The couple's children are urging the Taliban authorities to release their parents, who have chosen Afghanistan...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed willingness to step down if it meant peace in Ukraine, suggesting he could exchange his presidency for Ukraine's entry into NATO. President Zelenskiy also emphasized his desire for a stronger partnership with the US, beyond mere mediation. Meanwhile, US officials are pushing for Ukraine to hold elections by the end of the year, potentially tied to a truce with Russia, a move that has sparked tensions between President Trump and...

Sir Keir Starmer has the opportunity to make history at his meeting with Donald Trump by showing Churchillian strength and standing up for Britain and Europe, according to political biographer Sir Anthony Seldon. Seldon believes that this visit could be Starmer's "finest hour" and urges him to pledge a major increase in Britain's defence spending while also demonstrating Europe's power to be a challenge to America and Russia. Trump values strength and despises weakness, with...

In Germany's election, opposition leader Friedrich Merz vows to revive the economy and defend Europe's interests, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes for a comeback. The campaign focuses on the economy and migration, with polls showing Merz's Union bloc leading over the far-right Alternative for Germany. Merz promises a strong voice for Germany in the EU, aiming to end the country's three years in opposition and make a comeback. Full Article

Police in Spain rescued 48 South American women who were lured to the country with false job offers and forced into sexual exploitation at clubs. A total of 48 arrests were made, with most of the detainees, including the alleged leaders, held near Alicante. The victims were recruited in Colombia and Venezuela, deceived with promises of work in the cleaning or beauty sectors, and were subjected to strict surveillance and limited outings. Six of the...

Britain will impose new sanctions on Russia to mark the third anniversary of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, with Sir Keir Starmer planning a "triple whammy" of measures including military aid and crackdown on Russian dirty money. The sanctions aim to target Russia's revenues and military capabilities, with the UK working with US and European partners to achieve a "sustainable, just peace" in Ukraine amid growing rift between the US and Europe over support for Zelensky,...