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Israel's Mental Health Crisis: Trauma and Societal TransformationAfter more than two years of relentless bombardment and war – from Israel's operations in Gaza and the Hamas-led assault on southern villages in October 2023 that preceded it, to the country's successive wars and strikes on Iran, Lebanon, Syria and other neighbouring states – analysts, observers, and numerous studies from within Israel have concluded that the country has become moulded by trauma.A recent survey by Maccabi Healthcare Services found that about one-third of Israelis believe they need professional mental health support. Among those who have served in the army, as either conscripts or reservists, the picture is even starker.Rising PTSD Cases and Mental Health EmergenciesIn January, Israel's Defence Ministry reported a near-40 percent rise in the number of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among its soldiers since September 2023, with a 180 percent increase expected by 2028. The government has not published the number of soldiers discharged due to mental health over the same period, despite a legal obligation to do so, Israeli media has reported.Earlier this month, Magen David Adom, Israel's paramedic service, launched a dedicated mental health emergency service after registering a 45 percent spike in the number of calls it was receiving. The majority, it said, were linked to the continued strain of the country's multiple wars.The Statistical Surge in Mental Health IndicatorsThe number of suicides, a key indicator of mental health, has sharply increased across society as a whole, but particularly among the military, with 78 percent of military suicides in 2024 linked to combat operations in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon, The Jerusalem Post reported in February.Incidents of domestic violence, as well as mental health conditions such as depression and stress, have all spiked since what many in the country regard as its endless series of wars began in October 2023, as well.Societal Brutalization and Political ShiftsIsrael's President, Isaac Herzog, appeared to acknowledge the trend in late May, referring to the increase in violence across Israeli society itself, including that perpetrated by rampaging Israelis from illegal settlements against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, and the spike in violence targeting Christians.Speaking at an awards ceremony, he said, "I wish I could speak today only about unity. But to my great sorrow, we are living through days in which violence is not the only thing rearing its head. Alongside it, at the margins of our magnificent Israeli society, a terrible process is creeping in – a terrible process of brutalisation. It is a slow and disturbing process, one that threatens to enter the mainstream of Israeli society, and we will not allow it.""October 7 was like a switch, and the trauma it caused is widespread and ongoing," Tuly Flint, an Israeli mental health practitioner and combat veteran, told Al Jazeera. "People's sense of security was shattered," he said, arguing that the gap between past conflicts and the present ones had created a false sense of safety, alongside misplaced confidence in Israel's military and technological superiority."People have lost confidence in their society, government and institutions," Flint said, describing the sense of institutional betrayal among those who relied on the state for protection, or the moral injury experienced by those who lived through the consequences of its failure to do so. "In some cases, this has led people to embrace right-wing politics, adopt a more forceful response to perceived threats, and lose trust in government," he added.Trauma's Long-Term Implications for Israel's FutureHowever, the degree to which these trends began on October 7, 2023, is unclear, analysts and observers say. Violence has been intrinsic to Israel since its founding in 1948, analysts, such as the noted Israeli sociologist Yehouda Shenhav-Shahrabani, told Al Jazeera, with the events following October 7 merely giving new impetus to existing currents."October 7 was like a new beginning," Shenhav-Shahrabani said. "People create beginnings to erase the trauma of the past. Giving trauma a start date helps explain it."Recounting a conversation he had with his friend, the late Lebanese novelist, Elias Khoury, who had described to him his idea that Israelis need to experience defeat to become "more human" and less hubristic, Shenhav-Shahrabani said, "I'm not sure that's happened. October 7 was a defeat, and since then, Israelis have become even more fascist."There was always a fascist element to zionism, but more liberal strands, such as kibbutzim, obscured it. However, since October 7, it's become more apparent. You can see it everywhere," Shenhav-Shahrabani, who has given up teaching in response to endless criticism from a growing number of right-wing students, said.How its current trauma will shape Israel going forward is unclear, Zahava Solomon, a professor at Tel Aviv University who has researched the phenomenon for the past 40 years, said.Trauma can motivate a society to be strong and aggressive, or to always seek negotiation, she said. For Israel, the past trauma of the Holocaust has, she said, instilled in society an absolute sense of victimhood, one imprinted upon its citizens from the cradle and for whom the mantra of "never again" has become second nature.As for the Palestinians, who have experienced their own victimhood, this carries "dire consequences" for the future.For Flint, however, still on the front line of managing the fallout from the wars' collective trauma, "There's no cure"."There's just recovery. Once people have crossed that threshold, that's it."

The Approval of the AmendmentMexico's lower house has approved a constitutional amendment to allow the nullification of elections in cases of foreign interference. The proposal passed the Chamber of Deputies with 307 votes in favour, 128 against, and one abstention.Defining Foreign InterferenceThe reform defines foreign interference as "illicit financing, propaganda, the systematic dissemination of disinformation, digital manipulation, and the intervention of foreign governments or agencies". It also covers acts of political, economic, diplomatic, or media pressure intended to influence public opinion.The Impact on ElectionsThe amendment, which is unlikely to affect the next federal elections in June 2027, still requires Senate approval to take effect. Electoral reforms must be enacted at least 90 days before the start of the election process in order to apply.Reactions from PoliticiansRicardo Monreal, the leader of the ruling Morena party in the lower house, defended the measure as a necessary safeguard of Mexico's democracy. Opposition lawmakers accused the governing party of overstating the threat to justify the reform.Concerns and CriticismsPresident Claudia Sheinbaum recognised previous instances of foreign funding for local candidates and organisations in Mexico. However, some politicians questioned how the new rules would be applied in practice, warning that the broad language of the amendment could create uncertainty.

Olly Murs Steps Into the Unknown for Soccer AidOlly Murs recently completed a brutal 400km journey from Old Trafford in Manchester to the London Stadium by running, cycling and rowing – and raised £830,000 for Unicef. On Sunday, he will take part in the 20th annual Soccer Aid match, along with Jill Scott, Tom Hiddleston, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Owen Cooper and Angry Ginge.Under the VinesPressing concerns: the first season of this breezy wine-making daytime drama saw chalk-and-cheese step-cousins Louis (Charles Edwards) and Daisy (Rebecca Gibney) grow close after jointly inheriting a kaput New Zealand vineyard. But as this second run begins, Louis seems set on heading back to London with his ex.Gardeners' WorldWith summer making an early appearance, now is the time to embrace Monty Don’s colourful, bold flowers. Only got a patio to play with? Rekha Mistry has big plans for a small space. And Carol Klein is discovering the science of what happens to a seed from the very moment it is sown.Hunting Britain’s Fugitives: DispatchesHow many people are at large in the UK, guilty of serious crimes, but on the run and easily evading the authorities? Lawbreakers may think justice will never catch up with them, but some are less successful at escaping the attentions of reporter Matt Shea, who takes it upon himself to track them down and, in spite of the potential threat of violence, confront them.PoniesAmerican widows Bea (Emilia Clarke) and Twila (Haley Lu Richardson) have made an impactful debut as spies in Moscow in 1977: they’ve burned down a pub. How can they top that? A confident comedy drama fleshes out its two protagonists by giving Bea a new mission that requires her to toughen up, while Twila benefits from letting her guard down.Smoggie QueensLike a more chaotic, camper Beautiful People, the series ends with a bang as the gang, through flashbacks, recount a cheating scandal that happened during the final of the Mr Teesside competition. Expect several unreliable narrators, fake chest hair and “Detective Sexy” (AKA Dickie wearing fake breasts and a Sherlock cap).Film choiceFuze (David Mackenzie, 2025), 6.15am, 12.10pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere. Two of the bookies’ favourites to be the next James Bond go head to head in David Mackenzie’s tense, rug-pulling thriller. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as no-nonsense army bomb disposal major Will Tranter, called to defuse a second world war bomb in central London.

The Crossroads of Colombian PoliticsColombia stands at a critical juncture as its electorate prepares to cast ballots in a high-stakes election that promises to define the nation's political trajectory for the coming years. The campaign has crystallized into a stark dichotomy, with voters presented with two fundamentally different blueprints for the country's governance, economy, and social fabric.Defining the Divergent VisionsThe political landscape has narrowed down to a decisive contest between two opposing ideologies. One camp advocates for a transformative approach to social equity and state intervention, while the other champions market-oriented reforms and fiscal conservatism. This is not merely a contest of personalities but a referendum on the direction of the Colombian state.The Stakes of a Binary ChoiceThe polarization reflects deeper societal fractures regarding economic reform, security policies, and the role of the state in addressing inequality. Voters are weighing the risks of radical change against the stability of the status quo, making this one of the most consequential decisions in recent Colombian history.Forecasting the Post-Election LandscapeThe outcome will likely set the tone for regional diplomatic relations and domestic stability, determining whether Colombia moves toward a more progressive or conservative agenda. The result will serve as a bellwether for the broader Latin American political climate.

The LeadBlue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a test in Florida on Thursday, an incident which the aerospace company called an "anomaly." All personnel have been accounted for, and the company has promised to provide updates as they learn more about what caused the explosion.The Explosion DetailsA livestream posted by NSF, an aerospace news organization, captured the fiery plume of the explosion. Homes shook in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach around 9pm, with residents turning to social media to ask what happened. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36 is visible from the beach, and the internet quickly filled with photos of the orange fireball. Emergency officials confirmed there was no threat due to fumes or other potential hazards.Recent Setbacks for Blue OriginThis explosion marks another setback for Blue Origin, which is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The New Glenn rocket was already grounded in April, as the Federal Aviation Administration required Blue Origin to investigate an engine mishap. The FAA has not yet commented on whether Thursday's explosion will trigger another investigation.Industry Competition ImplicationsThe incident comes at a critical time for Blue Origin's space ambitions. Earlier this week, NASA announced it had chosen Blue Origin over Elon Musk's SpaceX to conduct the first of three uncrewed lunar missions this year to kickstart construction of a $20 billion moon base. Both companies are competing to provide crew landers for upcoming Artemis missions, including the planned 2028 return of humans to the moon on Artemis IV. Both companies have built large new facilities in or close to Cape Canaveral's Kennedy Space Center to support crewed and cargo missions in partnership with NASA.Future Outlook for Blue OriginDespite the explosion, Blue Origin's space ambitions remain significant. The company has a vested interest in space tourism, having sent an all-female, star-studded crew including Gayle King and Katy Perry into space last April. Elon Musk, whose SpaceX lost the NASA contract to Blue Origin, commented on the incident, writing "Most unfortunate. Rockets are hard." This latest explosion may delay Blue Origin's timeline but is unlikely to derail their long-term space exploration goals, though it may create opportunities for competitors like SpaceX to gain ground in the increasingly competitive private space race.

The Rise of Tim Payne New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely star after an influencer from Argentina called on his followers to unite and make the little-known 32-year-old a “hero” of the upcoming World Cup. The Social Media Campaign El Scarso, a football influencer also known as Valen Scarsini, identified Payne as the least-known player at the World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico based on his small social media following. Payne had around 4,700 followers on Instagram earlier this week, but his following has grown at a rate of almost 1,000 per minute to more than a million by Friday. The Impact on Payne's Fame Payne’s following is now six times greater than New Zealand’s captain and best-known player, Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood. Scarsini, who has more than 500,000 followers, implored his base to “start mentioning Tim Payne everywhere.” The Future of Tim Payne's Career Now there is even a song supporting Payne, who recently made his 50th appearance for New Zealand after making his debut at 18. Payne, who plays his club football for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Men, responded Friday to his new-found social media fandom, expressing his gratitude to Scarsini and his fans.

The Plan Switzerland has qualified for the World Cup for the sixth time in a row and will head to the US west coast with high expectations. Coach Murat Yakin has set ambitious goals, stating, "We want to play the best World Cup seen from a Swiss team." Switzerland's World Cup History Switzerland has never advanced past the quarter-finals at the World Cup, with their last appearance at that stage being in 1954 on home soil. They have typically been eliminated in the last 16, as seen in their 2022 loss to Portugal. Group B Fixtures 13 June v Qatar, San Francisco (noon local, 8pm BST) 18 June v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Los Angeles (noon local, 8pm BST) 24 June v Canada, Vancouver (noon local, 8pm BST) The Coach: Murat Yakin Murat Yakin's appointment as coach in August 2021 was a surprise, given he was managing second-tier FC Schaffhausen at the time. Despite some challenges, he extended his contract to 2028 after a positive Euro 2024. Star Player: Granit Xhaka At 33, Granit Xhaka remains Switzerland's most important player, dictating the tempo of the game and ensuring a balance between defense and attack. This could be his last World Cup, but he may continue his international career afterward. One to Watch: Johan Manzambi Johan Manzambi, a Geneva-born midfielder, has impressed with his performances at Freiburg. Europe's top clubs are monitoring him, and he could become one of the most expensive Swiss transfers after the World Cup. Unsung Hero: Remo Freuler Remo Freuler, a midfielder from Zurich, has worked hard to reach the top. He complements Xhaka well in midfield, excelling in running capacity, one-on-one situations, and footballing intelligence.

The Olympic Champion's Record Ambition Keely Hodgkinson has dangled the intriguing possibility that July's London Diamond League meeting could be the day where she takes down Jarmila Kratochvilova's 42-year-old 800m world record. The Olympic champion said she would wait until closer to the time before deciding whether to attempt to better the Czech's time of 1min 53.28sec, the oldest track and field world record still standing. A Potential Record-Breaking Showdown She joked that the meeting could turn into a "battle of the world records", with Josh Kerr, Britain's 1500m 2023 world gold medallist, aiming for a world mile record and the pole vaulter Armand Duplantis also competing. "I would love to have that happen on home soil," she said when asked about taking a crack at the 800m world record. "There's just the whole crowd and everything. As a British person it's just so much fun and it's definitely the main thing I'm looking forward to this year." Peak Physical Condition Hodgkinson confirmed she was in prime shape having kicked on in training after breaking the world indoor record in February and winning the world indoor championships in March. "So far, the preparation has gone very, very well," she said. "I'm very happy with where I'm at, I'm building on the indoor season that we've had. I've been healthy for a year now. I've not missed a training session, so I'm in a really, really good place." Outdoor Season Strategy The 24-year-old starts her outdoor season next week with a 400m in Rome before travelling to Stockholm on 7 June for her first 800m of the season. "The lineup in Rome is crazy," she said. "I've really thrown myself in the deep end. But it's quite good to put myself in a position where on paper, I think I'm going in slowest and against girls that have been doing this event and are world finalists and Olympic medallists." Long-Term Athletic Goals Hodgkinson said she has identified some major targets away from winning medals. "I was thinking about it the other day: 'Wouldn't it be really cool if I could do a sub-50, a sub-2 and a sub-4 in my career?" she said. "It's very difficult. But it's a nice little challenge to have in the background." These goals refer to sub-50 seconds in 400m, sub-2 minutes in 800m, and sub-4 minutes in 1500m.

The LeadSam Campbell's new Channel 4 mockumentary, Make That Movie, has been crowned the funniest TV show of the year. The series, which follows a former big-shot director helping ordinary people create bizarre, low-budget films, is a chaotic celebration of 'outsider art' and unhinged creativity.The Surreal Premise of 'Make That Movie'At the heart of the show is a high-concept premise that defies logic. Campbell plays a version of himself who was once a successful director but now spends his time driving around in a van with a giant model film camera on top. His mission is to help people in need by producing bizarre low-budget productions based on their outlandish ideas.Snake Transformation Thriller: A Da Vinci Code-style story where a couple changes into snakes (but not simultaneously).Cyber-Thriller for Pensioners: A Lawnmower Man-style plot where seniors physically enter computers by singing songs and inserting USB cables into their mouths.Animated Feet: A project designed to cheer up a couple trapped in a cave.A Refreshing Pivot from Trauma to AbsurdityThe show arrives at a critical cultural moment. The review highlights a 'decade-long tailspin' where television was dominated by trauma-focused narratives. Had *Make That Movie* been attempted a few years ago, executives would likely have forced a subplot about dissociating from an abusive childhood. Instead, the show offers pure, unadulterated silliness.Celebrating the 'Outsider Art' of Bad CinemaSam Campbell is described as having an 'alien' quality, a stark contrast to the typical 'everyman' comedian. His stock in trade is looking like a frozen Paul McCartney, and this unique persona drives the show's success. By worshipping films like Birdemic: Shock and Terror, Campbell validates 'bad' cinema as a form of glorious outsider art.The Future of Sam Campbell's Comedy EmpireWhile the format is packed with content—23 minutes to meet characters, hear ideas, and watch the finished product—the sprinting pace is by design. The review suggests that nothing will kill the show faster than lapsing into formula. As long as Campbell and his uncomprehending face remain fixtures on television, the show is poised to become a lasting cult classic.