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Eight former premature infants who were airlifted out of al‑Shifa Hospital in November 2023 have been brought back to Gaza, reuniting with their families in Rafah after a humanitarian mission lasting over two years.The children were part of a cohort of at least 25 babies born prematurely who were rescued as Israeli forces stormed the Gaza City medical complex. After receiving critical treatment abroad, the eight toddlers returned accompanied by three relatives and two medical staff, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.Hundreds of thousands gathered in Rafah for the emotional reunion. Since the war began in October 2023, the conflict has claimed more than 72,200 lives, including tens of thousands of women and children."Our feelings are indescribable. This is the most important moment in our lives," said Samer Lulu, father of Kinda Lulu, to Al Jazeera. He added that the joy is tempered by the harsh reality of an uncertain future for Gaza’s children.The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned that the war is reshaping family structures, leaving a growing number of children without parental care. Ulrike Julia, the IRC’s Child Protection Coordinator, emphasized that community‑based care is essential but cannot survive without sustained external assistance.In 2023, the infants were first moved from al‑Shifa to southern Gaza and then evacuated to Egypt for life‑saving treatment. Inside Gaza’s hospitals, doctors faced severe shortages of antibiotics, IV solutions, and even food, supplies that were reportedly blocked by Israeli restrictions.Ola Hijji, mother of toddler Sulaiman Hijji, recalled being forced into a caesarean section at eight months pregnant and losing contact with her child after he was transferred to al‑Shifa’s neonatal intensive care unit. "It’s a beautiful feeling to be reunited," she said.Despite a declared ceasefire in October 2025, Israeli strikes continue near‑daily. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that recent attacks killed over 700 Palestinians and injured many more, including five casualties in a single day of airstrikes across Jabalia and Khan Younis.These reunions underscore the resilience of Gaza’s families while highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support and a durable path to peace.

Caster Semenya, the two‑time Olympic 800‑metre champion, has pledged to fight the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) newly announced gender‑testing policy that would apply to all female athletes competing in strength, power or endurance events. The South African athlete says the rule "undermines women’s rights" and lacks scientific justification. The IOC unveiled the policy last week, stating that including “androgen‑sensitive XY‑DSD athletes” in the female category "runs fundamentally counter to ensuring fairness, safety and integrity in elite competition." The measure is expected to become a universal requirement across Olympic sports, replacing a patchwork of national regulations that have sparked controversy for years. Semanya, who has been embroiled in a long‑running legal dispute with World Athletics over her right to compete despite having a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), told Reuters, "We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard". She added, "Enough is enough – women will not be told how to compete". DSDs are rare conditions involving variations in genes, hormones and reproductive anatomy. Some individuals with DSDs are raised as female yet possess XY chromosomes and testosterone levels typical of males. The IOC’s testing protocol will involve a cheek‑swab or saliva sample to detect the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, with further investigation for any positive results. Semanya rejected the scientific premise of the rule, stating, "There’s no science that XY‑DSD gives an athlete an advantage". She emphasized that athletic success stems from hard work, not genetics, and criticized those who claim intersex conditions confer a performance edge. She also criticized IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman and first African to hold the position, for failing to consult athletes with DSDs before issuing the policy. "They sent us a letter the day they were going to publish the new policy," Semanya said, urging genuine stakeholder engagement rather than a perfunctory "tick‑the‑box" approach. By labeling the policy as a breach of women’s dignity and rights, Semanya aims to rally broader support for intersex athletes and challenge what she describes as a historically flawed testing regime.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a devastating turn, with sexual violence being used as a weapon against women and girls. A report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has documented 3,396 survivors of sexual violence seeking treatment in MSF-supported health facilities across North and South Darfur between January 2024 and November 2025.The MSF report, titled 'There is Something I Want to Tell You…', highlights the pervasive nature of sexual violence in the conflict, with women and girls accounting for 97% of survivors treated in MSF programmes. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias were found to be primarily responsible for the systematic abuse.Children are also among the survivors, with one in five survivors in South Darfur being under 18, including 41 children younger than five. The report describes attacks not only during fighting but also in everyday settings, such as fields, markets, and displacement camps.MSF has called on the international community to urgently scale up health and protection services in Darfur and all of Sudan, and on all parties to the conflict to cease and prevent sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The organisation's emergency health manager, Ruth Kauffman, stated that 'sexual violence is a defining feature of this conflict – not confined to front lines, but pervasive across communities.'The conflict in Sudan has resulted in widespread displacement and human rights abuses, with the RSF's capture of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on October 26, 2025, leading to a significant increase in survivors seeking treatment.

President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing a request for Arab countries to fund the U.S.–Israel war on Iran, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday. Leavitt said the president is "quite interested" in calling on regional partners to share the expense.The idea mirrors the financing arrangement of the 1990‑91 Gulf War, when a coalition of Arab and Western nations covered roughly 88% of the $61 billion cost, leaving the United States to foot only about 12%.Trump also hinted that, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, other export‑dependent partners should manage the crisis. The strait carries about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG shipments; its shutdown has pushed Brent crude to **$116 per barrel**, up from pre‑war levels near **$65**.Iran, meanwhile, has demanded that the United States pay reparations to Iranian victims as a precondition for any cease‑fire.So far, there is no clear commitment from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members—countries that have themselves been hit by Iranian strikes—to finance the conflict. Analysts estimate the total bill could run into tens of billions of dollars, though exact figures remain uncertain.Experts note a shift in regional attitudes: GCC states opposed the war before it began and continue to call for diplomacy, according to Zeidon Alkinani of the Arab Perspectives Institute. He added that Israel appears to be the primary driver pushing the United States into the confrontation.History shows the United States has repeatedly sought external funding for wars it leads. During the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia contributed $16.8 billion (27% of total costs) and Kuwait $16 billion (26%). Japan, Germany, the UAE and South Korea also supplied sizable sums.Post‑World War II, the U.S. administered the Marshall Plan, providing over $13 billion to rebuild Europe, while Germany and Japan paid reparations and later funded the upkeep of U.S. bases—about $1 billion annually each.In the ongoing Ukraine war, the United States once delivered the largest aid package—€114.64 billion (≈$134 billion) by mid‑2025. Since Trump returned to office in 2025, he has withdrawn **99% of U.S. support**, shifting the financial load to European allies and turning the U.S. into a major arms supplier, with weapons sales reaching a record **$318.7 billion in 2024**. Recent deals, such as a $10 billion weapons package for Ukraine financed by European partners, illustrate this new model.These precedents underscore a pattern: when U.S. leadership faces costly overseas engagements, it often looks to allies—especially those with strategic interests—to share or assume the fiscal burden.

The question of whether a peaceful settlement is possible in Iran remains a pressing concern for the international community. Diplomatic efforts have been underway to find a resolution to the country's complex situation, but a lasting solution has yet to be achieved.The country's strategic location in the Middle East makes its stability crucial for regional and global security. However, Iran's nuclear program and its stance on various international issues have been major points of contention.Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution. The international community continues to seek a negotiated settlement that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

Apple has launched its latest laptop, the MacBook Neo, which marks a significant departure from its traditional Mac lineup. The Neo is powered by an A18 Pro chip typically found in iPhones, offering a highly performant experience, particularly in everyday tasks.The MacBook Neo starts at £599 (€699/$599/A$899), making it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop without sacrificing performance. The laptop features a 13in LCD screen with a resolution of 2408x1506 and 219 ppi, 8GB of RAM, and storage options of 256GB or 512GB.Despite its lower price point, the Neo doesn't feel like a cut-price machine. The laptop has a high-quality aluminium body, sleek lines, and rounded corners, similar to the MacBook Air and Pro models. The keyboard and trackpad are also top-notch, with the trackpad being mechanical rather than haptic.The Neo's performance is impressive, handling complex edits to multiple large file photos in Affinity and Pixelmator Pro without breaking a sweat. It's also capable of light video editing, making it suitable for everyday tasks.The laptop's battery life is excellent, managing about 13 hours between charges for general browsing, note-taking, image editing, chat, and emails. The Neo also features a 1080p webcam, good mics, and decent speakers.However, there are some limitations compared to the more expensive MacBook Air, such as no wifi 7, no Thunderbolt, no 5K display support, and only 8GB of memory. Nevertheless, the MacBook Neo sets a new benchmark for budget-friendly laptops, making it an attractive option for students and those on a budget.

The recent ruling that Meta and YouTube are liable for creating addictive products has intensified the debate on restricting social media use for under-16s. However, there's another crucial aspect to consider: 85% of kids and teens interact online through video games. The suggestion to curb online gaming alongside social media restrictions raises significant concerns about feasibility and impact.Some online games, like Roblox, have proven to be unsafe environments for children, with cases of grooming and child exploitation. Nevertheless, implementing a ban on online gaming would be a regulatory nightmare. Games like Minecraft or EA Sports FC have different online components, making a blanket restriction difficult to enforce.Banning teens from playing games online entirely would be detrimental. Online games are vital social spaces for millions of teens, offering a few arenas where they can interact without adult surveillance. With two-thirds of council-run youth centers lost since 2010, video games fill a critical gap.The core problem lies in the internet's heterogeneous nature. Games, social media, and YouTube are distinct, making it hard to cancel out potential harms without also eliminating benefits. Instead of banning young people, the focus should be on taking back the internet from manipulative big tech companies.Parents concerned about their children's safety can use existing parental controls to mitigate risks. Features like chat restrictions, time limits, and age-appropriate settings can ensure children enjoy games while staying safe. A ban would introduce no further benefit and could cause significant harm.

The world of unofficial World Cup songs has come a long way since 'Vindaloo' by Fat Les became a surprise hit in 1998. The song, which was co-written by Keith Allen and Guy Pratt, was a quirky tribute to the England team's participation in the tournament. Despite its lack of musical sophistication, 'Vindaloo' captured the hearts of football fans and became a cultural phenomenon.Since then, unofficial World Cup songs have become a staple of the tournament. Some have been created organically by fans, while others have been produced by celebrities and music executives looking to capitalize on the excitement. However, not all of these songs have been well-received. The article cites Will Grigg's song as a notable exception, while also mentioning Freddie Flintoff's cover of Rasputin as a low point.The current trend in unofficial World Cup songs is the use of AI-generated music. One song in particular, 'Imbattables' by French artist Crystalo, has gained millions of streams on YouTube. While it may be catchy, the song has been criticized for not promoting actual French musicians.In contrast, JJ Bull's unofficial anthem for the Scottish team, The Tartan Army, has been praised for its substance and musical quality. The article concludes that while AI-generated songs may be the future of unofficial World Cup music, there is still room for creativity and authenticity in the tradition.

England's World Cup preparations took a hit with a dismal 1-0 defeat to Japan, with Harry Kane's absence from the squad being keenly felt. Coach Thomas Tuchel experimented with various formations and players in Kane's absence, but the team struggled to create scoring opportunities.Tuchel deployed a fluid front four consisting of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Anthony Gordon against Japan, but the system failed to yield the desired results. The lack of creativity and goal-scoring threat without Kane was evident, raising concerns about England's reliance on their captain for goals this summer.“Why would Argentina not rely on Messi or Portugal on Ronaldo?” Tuchel said, highlighting the importance of key players to top teams and nations. He emphasized that Bayern Munich and no other team in the world have the same threat without Kane, underscoring his influence on the team.Tuchel, who was also without several key players including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, John Stones, Reece James, and Bukayo Saka, tried different approaches in recent matches. Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that England can win games without Kane, but acknowledged that having him makes it “easier to win matches.”The coach reiterated that he is not looking for a second Harry Kane, as there is no replacing the influential striker. Tuchel stated that Kane's absence disrupts not only the team's on-field performance but also the squad's dynamics, given his role as captain and a key personality.Tuchel's comments suggest that England's World Cup prospects are heavily dependent on Kane's form and availability. The team's performance in their final camp before the World Cup has given Tuchel “more clarity” over his 26-man squad selection, but the absence of Kane and other key players has raised concerns about their readiness for the tournament.