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The LeadGame of Thrones actress Hannah Murray shares her experience of being sectioned in a psychiatric hospital in her new memoir "The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness." The actress describes her mental health journey and the experience of being involuntarily admitted under the Mental Health Act.The Hospital ExperienceThe door to the room opens. A man enters the room. He is a Black man, bald and overweight. He is dressed in uniform. Blue uniform, a blue lanyard that reads "NHS". But I know Steve, the leader of the organisation that introduced me to magic, is a magician. I know he can appear in disguise.I approach the man and try to kiss him.He does not let me kiss him. Then no. It is not Steve.The man has brought me a plate of toast. He has brought me a cup of tea. I add sugar to the tea, which I would never have done in my former life, but a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive … I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and lightI do not eat the toast. I drink the tea. I am alone in the room again and I urinate into the cup and drink that too.I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive. It is the most potent of potions I can drink. I am a self-contained, utterly self-sufficient being. I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and light.I decide to explore outside the room. Outside my sanctuary. He has not come. So maybe I need to go searching for him …The Phone CallTime jumps. I am in a corridor lit by overhead strip lights. The electric light is pale yellow in tone. I am sat on one of three chairs in a row against the wall. The chairs are purple, curved plastic. I am still waiting for him to appear.There are two doors in front of me. One is the door to the blue room with the blue sofa and chair. Behind the other door is an office of some kind, and there is a woman in there, shuffling papers and talking on the phone.The woman comes out of the office. She is holding out my phone. My only possession now – the one artefact from my previous life. There is someone she wants me to speak to.Him.When I hold the phone to my ear, I hear a voice I recognise.But the voice belongs to my mother."Hannah?" she says. "Where are you? What's going on?"There is distress in her voice. Her voice is trembling with pain and anxiety.I do not want to hear it.This is a test. A horrible test, certainly, but one that I can pass. They are trying to tempt me back into the human. They are trying to lure me back into the past.I hang up the phone.But, after a moment, it starts to ring. The word Mum lights up the screen."Talk to her," says the woman.I answer the call.My mother sounds different now. Calmer. She asks again what's going on but gently, even cheerfully. I tell her everything's OK. That I'm fine. I tell her not to worry. I'm in a good place.This is the last time I will ever hear her voice, I think. This is the way I say goodbye.The DiagnosisThey tell me I am being sectioned.The words jar with my beliefs."Section 2 … the Mental Health Act … 28 days … right to appeal … "I cock my head.This does not fit at all. It does not fit in the world of Steve, of Ritual Master, of Shambhala and the invention of magic.I am not concerned. I am concerned only with the energy I can feel spiralling up through my body and the voices I can hear in my head.I pace the hospital corridors, delivering a tearful monologue, delivering the greatest performance of my life. A phrase comes to me. The Girl With All the Gifts. The title of a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2016, starring Gemma Arterton.I am a magician. I am an actress. I am a writer. I have superhuman strength. I can fly. Anything that can be imagined, I can perform it. Every skill and every ability is mine.The film came out as a warning, and a prophecy.And because of me, the apocalypse has been averted.I am the saviour of the planet. I am the girl with all the gifts.The Journey to RecoveryIt was very hard, the journey to get here. It took 27 years. The path was twisting and full of setbacks, there were challenges and so much pain. There were times I wanted to give up. It was very hard. Everyone will have to make their own journey, and their journeys will be their own, unique as snowflakes or fingerprints. That is the beauty of it, the joy of it. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves.But I have laid the groundwork. I have walked the path. It starts with the energy healing, and it goes on and on through the seven dimensions, through increasingly magical planes. It goes on and on until you meet your soulmate, like I met mine.I was in a TV show called Game of Thrones, hidden in plain sight in the midst of a cultural phenomenon. I, the key to the world's salvation, wore the face of a character called Gilly, but really I played every role. Then I worked on a film called Detroit in Boston. David Benioff and Dan Weiss and Kathryn Bigelow were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Numbers are irrelevant. Three counts as four. David and Dan and Kathryn cast me in the roles that brought about my destiny. The end and beginning of the world.I am the Ur-actress. I am every actress. Every performance ever given has been animated by my energy, my talent, by the gestures and facial expressions I am performing here and now.The Memoir and BeyondThis is an edited extract from The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness by Hannah Murray, published by Cornerstone (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.Hannah Murray will be in conversation with Jessie Cave at Kings Place in London on 5 June.

Roughed up by Ramos Mohamed Salah's Liverpool career has been marked by significant moments, including his reaction to being injured by Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final, which showcased his impact on the English game and the respect he had earned. Persistence pays off against Spurs in 2019 Salah's determination and persistence were key factors in Liverpool's success, as seen in their 2019 match against Tottenham, where he played a crucial role in securing a win. Keeping his cool to set up glory in Madrid Salah's penalty in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham was a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and help Liverpool secure their sixth European Cup. Turning doubters to believers Salah's goal against Manchester United in the 2019-20 season was a significant moment, helping to convince fans that Liverpool could win the league, and ultimately contributing to their title win. Weaving magic against Manchester City Salah's goal against Manchester City in 2021 was a testament to his skill and creativity, as he weaved past four defenders to score a crucial goal for Liverpool.

The Diplomatic Standoff in Tehran Pakistan's powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arrived in Tehran on Friday as diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Iran and the United States intensified. Pakistani officials are reportedly playing a growing mediation role as regional powers push to prevent a wider conflict. But Iranian officials have tempered expectations for a quick breakthrough. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said differences in the mediated talks between Tehran and Washington remain "deep and significant", signalling that major obstacles still stand in the way of a formal agreement. Meanwhile, outrage is growing over Israel's treatment of Gaza aid flotilla activists after organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said at least 15 detainees reported incidents of sexual assault, including rape, following their seizure by Israeli forces in international waters. The allegations have added to mounting international scrutiny over Israel's handling of pro-Palestinian activists and detainees. Iran's Strategic Position on Hormuz Hormuz 'security service': Iran said fees and tolls linked to transit through the Strait of Hormuz are part of a "security service" provided to vessels crossing the strategic waterway, as Tehran rejects US threats of escalation and asserts control over the strait under what it calls a "new reality". Iranian officials say more than 30 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy over the past day. War halt 'essential': An Iranian official said stopping the war "on all fronts" is a necessary condition for any future negotiations with the US, while stressing that no final agreement has yet been reached despite ongoing efforts to bridge differences between Tehran and Washington. The source added that a positive diplomatic atmosphere alone is "not enough" to secure a deal. The Decisive Stage of Diplomacy 'Turning point': Iran said intensive diplomacy with the US has reached a "decisive" stage, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei citing the presence of senior Pakistani officials in Tehran as part of efforts to secure a peace agreement. He said Iran would not publicly discuss details of nuclear negotiations after past talks "led us into war", while reiterating Tehran's right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy. Sanctions not a priority: An Iranian official says ending the war, lifting the US blockade and ensuring stability in the Strait of Hormuz remain Tehran's main priorities in ongoing peace talks, while stressing that lifting sanctions on oil exports and releasing frozen assets are "not details for us". The official also praised Qatar's role in supporting Pakistani-led mediation efforts. UN push on Hormuz: France has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution proposing an international mission to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as a competing US-Bahraini proposal faces resistance from Russia and China, which have signalled they may veto the measure. The dispute over control of the strategic waterway has become a key obstacle in efforts to end the US-Israeli war on Iran amid rising oil prices and shipping disruptions. US Position and Domestic Pressures Diplomatic efforts continue: The US said "some progress" has been made in talks with Iran, though major differences remain over Tehran's enriched uranium programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan and Qatar step up mediation efforts in Tehran as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Washington still has "other options" if diplomacy fails. Domestic pressure grows: Jason Campbell of the Middle East Institute said President Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure to de-escalate the war with Iran as oil prices rise and US midterm elections approach, despite Trump insisting the conflict "will be over soon". Campbell said Tehran believes it can withstand prolonged economic and security pressure, while "time is not a neutral factor" for the White House. Escalating Regional Conflicts US sanctions in Lebanon: Washington has imposed sanctions on nine individuals in Lebanon, including two military officers accused of links to Hezbollah, even as the US continues to mediate talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Deadly strikes in Lebanon: Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon have killed at least 11 people, including several healthcare workers and paramedics, in the latest violence to test the fragile US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The strikes hit multiple locations in the Tyre district, including Deir Qanoun en-Nahr, Hannaouiyah and Nabatieh, as Israel says it will continue targeting Hezbollah despite the truce. Lebanon economy strained by war: Business owners in Lebanon said the wars involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iran are deepening the country's economic crisis, with rising fuel and supply costs driving inflation higher and hurting livelihoods. In Beirut, barber Mario Habib says soaring generator, petrol and product costs have reduced business, as economists warn Lebanon's fragile recovery could stall if the conflict continues. Hamas accuses Israel of seeking Palestinian displacement: Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Israel's war on Gaza aims to "end the Palestinian presence" in the territory rather than merely occupy it, rejecting calls for Hamas to disarm and warning that Palestinians would continue to resist what he described as efforts to force them from their land.

The Escalation in Gaza Israeli forces have launched a significant attack on central Gaza, despite a recent ceasefire agreement. This development has heightened tensions in the region and raised questions about the stability of the peace process. Details of the Attack The attack, which occurred on May 23, 2026, targeted central Gaza, causing widespread concern among local residents and international observers. The Israeli military's actions have been met with criticism and calls for restraint. Implications of the Attack The attack on Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement has significant implications for the region. It underscores the challenges in maintaining peace and the need for diplomatic efforts to address underlying issues. The Path Forward The international community is closely watching the situation, with many urging all parties to work towards a sustainable ceasefire and to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict.

The Devastating Impact of Coastal Erosion The remains of the road linking two towns in south Devon lie crumbled on the foreshore in a mess of tarmac, steel, and concrete. The dramatic coastal road, known as the Slapton Line, has an environmentally protected freshwater lake on one side and the sea on the other, and links the towns of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. The Event Details Winter storms demolished a section of the A road between Torcross and Slapton, which is at the frontline of rising sea levels and coastal erosion, fulfilling a destiny that was predicted more than 30 years ago, but that has not been prepared for. The Data Analysis Over 10,000 properties are at risk from coastal erosion in the next 80 years. Up to 20,000 properties are at risk according to some calculations. At least 3.7 miles (6km) of railways and 114 miles of roads are at risk. The East Riding of Yorkshire is experiencing some of the highest rates of coastal erosion in Europe, with soft cliffs of boulder clay at Holderness retreating at rates of up to 4.5 metres per year. The Impact Analysis Communities across the UK are at the forefront of an eroding coastline, with the retreat accelerated by the climate crisis. The government is running a £36m series of pilot projects that have been extended this year with another £18m, where attempts are being made to help communities come to terms with the reality of their future, adapt, and leverage enhanced financial support. The Prediction In Norfolk, the impact of the climate emergency and sea level rise on the 21 miles of soft cliffs is likely to cause the loss of up to 1,600 homes in 80 years. In Yorkshire, 30 miles of the East Riding coast are designated as “no active intervention”, with almost 5,000 homes (one third of all homes), 1,550 non-residential properties, and much of the coastal road network projected to be lost in 80 years.

The Plight of Gaza's Children In a corridor inside Nasser Hospital, Iman Abu Jame sits beside her six-year-old son, Yasser, as she watches his frail body, exhausted by illness, and tries to make sense of what has happened to him. Yasser's skin is covered in angry rashes and burn-like wounds that doctors cannot explain. His body is frail from hunger. The Crisis in Gaza's Camps The family lives in a cramped tent in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, an area full of fellow displaced people, which Iman describes as catastrophic. The heat is suffocating. Garbage piles up around the tents. Contaminated water is all many families can access. Insects and rodents crawl through overcrowded shelters where thousands of displaced people are packed together with no sanitation and little food. Malnutrition and Infections Before the war, Yasser was healthy, Iman says. Then came the hunger. Months of severe food shortages and soaring prices left the family unable to afford even basic meals. Malnutrition weakened his body first. Then came the infections. The Spread of Disease Medical teams from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) say skin diseases are spreading at alarming rates among displaced families forced to live in overcrowded camps. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, more than 17,000 ectoparasitic infections – caused by parasites living on or under a human's skin – were recorded in 2026 alone. The Impact on Children Among the 1,325 people diagnosed with skin diseases, more than 62 percent were children. Dr Rana Abu Jalal, who works at the clinic, says doctors are witnessing a 'sharp rise' in skin diseases, particularly scabies, with many cases progressing into severe infections and painful abscesses.

The Human Side of a Scientific Titan Stephen Hawking is celebrated as a pioneer of black hole theory and the author of the best-selling A Brief History of Time, which has sold more than 13m copies. However, a new authorized biography reveals that his father, Frank Hawking, harbored significant doubts about his son's potential during his formative years. The Father’s Secret Code and Hidden Doubts Previously unknown diaries, kept by Frank Hawking for over 60 years, offer a raw and honest insight into the family's struggles. Frank wrote many entries in a secret code to ensure privacy, but the content reveals his deep anxiety about Stephen's future. In 1961, Frank lamented that his son "hangs round the house with little initiative and does not study much." Source Material: Access granted to biographer Graham Farmelo. Content: Over 200,000 words translated from the diaries. Key Insight: Frank worried Stephen had an inferiority complex regarding his father's career. The Contrast Between Expectation and Reality The diaries also document the harrowing period following Stephen's diagnosis of motor neurone disease at the age of 21 in 1963. Frank struggled to come to terms with the slow, ghastly progression of the illness, writing that he "did not enjoy being with him" due to the difficulty of communication. This stark contrast between the father's initial concerns and Stephen's eventual triumph over medical expectations adds a profound layer to his legacy. The Future of Hawking Scholarship The book, titled Hawking, is set to be published on 24 September 2026 by John Murray. Described as the "definitive portrait of an exceptional life and intellect," this biography promises to reshape the narrative of one of history's greatest minds by grounding his genius in the very human anxieties of his upbringing.

The Launch of Starship V3 SpaceX launched its biggest, most powerful Starship yet on a test flight Friday, an upgraded version that NASA is counting on to land astronauts on the moon. The redesigned mega-rocket made its debut two days after SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced he’s taking the company public. It blasted off from the southern tip of Texas, carrying 20 mock Starlink satellites for release halfway around the world. Key Features of the Upgraded Starship At 407ft (124 meters), the latest model eclipses the older Starship lines by several feet and packs more engine thrust. Starship is meant to be fully reusable, with giant mechanical arms at the launchpads to catch the returning rocket stages. The Significance of the Test Flight This marks the 12th test flight of the rocket that Musk is building to get people to Mars one day. But first comes the moon and NASA’s Artemis program. NASA is paying SpaceX billions of dollars – and also Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin – to provide the lunar landers that will be used to land Artemis astronauts on the moon. The Future of Lunar Missions A moon landing by two astronauts – Artemis IV – could follow as soon as 2028 using either Starship or Blue Moon, whichever lander is safer and ready first. It will be NASA’s first lunar landing with a crew since 1972’s Apollo 17. The goal this time is a moon base near the lunar south pole, staffed by astronauts as well as robots.

Blockade Halts Gaza Resident's Hajj Journey On 22 May 2026, a Palestinian resident of Gaza who had secured a Hajj visa was stopped by Israeli authorities at the Erez crossing. The traveler, whose identity has not been disclosed, was barred from leaving Gaza despite having all required documentation, illustrating the growing impact of Israel's security measures on religious travel. Numbers Behind the Restriction: Pilgrimage Stats and Permit Shortages In 2025, approximately 1,200 Gaza residents were granted Hajj visas, a 15% drop from the previous year. Since the escalation of the blockade in early 2024, exit permits for religious travel have fallen by 40% according to the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf. Saudi Arabia continues to allocate a fixed quota of 2,500 Hajj slots for Gaza, but only 1,100 have been utilized in the past two years. Regional Repercussions of Travel Restrictions The incident has amplified existing tensions between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Saudi Arabia. Humanitarian groups argue that restricting religious pilgrimage violates international norms, while Israeli officials cite security concerns linked to potential militant infiltration. The episode may influence upcoming diplomatic talks on normalization between Israel and Gulf states, adding pressure to address humanitarian corridors. What Lies Ahead for Gaza's Pilgrims Analysts predict that unless a transparent permit‑issuance mechanism is established, the number of Gaza pilgrims will continue to decline. Potential developments include: International mediation to create a joint Israeli‑Palestinian oversight panel for religious travel permits. Increased reliance on indirect routes via Egypt, which could raise costs and logistical hurdles. Possible escalation of diplomatic protests at the United Nations, urging adherence to freedom of religious practice. For now, the blocked pilgrim remains in Gaza, awaiting a decision that could set a precedent for future religious journeys from the enclave.