Today's Newsletter

• The government has rejected a bid by lawyers acting on behalf of Hamas to have the group removed from the UK's list of proscribed organisations, The Times reports. Following submission of an application by Fahad Ansari in April, the Home Office has confirmed that both military and political wings of Hamas remain banned. This means that belonging to the group or publicly supporting it continues to be a criminal offence.

• Following the threat of legal action from the Free Speech Union (FSU), a government consultation on an official definition of anti-Muslim prejudice is to be extended for an extra week, the Daily Telegraph reports. In addition, a link to submit responses to the government's plans has been made public. FSU general secretary Lord Young welcomed the move, while arguing that the government should now "delay coming up with a definition… until it has had a proper chance to consider all the responses."

• Lord Walney has written to Universities UK recommending that urgent action is needed to ensure students are aware of the consequences of supporting Palestine Action following its listing as a proscribed organisation, The Times reports. The former government counter-extremism advisor said there was a "clear danger that individuals may be unwittingly lured into expressing support for an entity whose methods are not only criminal, but now formally recognised as terrorism".

• According to the conclusions of a UN report seen by Reuters, UN sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between al-Qa'ida and its one-time affiliate Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group currently ruling Syria. The report, which is likely to be published next month, comes as diplomats expect the US to seek the lifting of UN sanctions on HTS and Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

• PKK fighters were expected to formally lay down arms at a ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan this morning, AFP reports. The event is understood to have been scheduled to take place at an undisclosed location near the city of Sulaimaniyah, with a PKK source telling AFP that around 30 fighters would take part. It marks the latest step in a months-long negotiated end to the decades-long conflict between PKK militants and the Turkish state.

• In Pakistan, authorities said that armed militants abducted and killed nine bus passengers in the country's southwest Balochistan province on Thursday evening, Reuters reports. The victims' bodies were recovered in a mountainous area overnight. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the killings.

UK faces rising and unpredictable threat from Iran, report warns

BBC News, 10/07/2025

The UK faces a "rising" and unpredictable threat from Iran, and the government must do more to counter it, Parliament's Intelligence and Security committee has warned. The call comes as it publishes the results of a major inquiry which examined Iranian state assassinations and kidnap, espionage, cyber-attacks and the country's nuclear programme. The committee, which is tasked with overseeing Britain's spy agencies, has raised particular concern over the "sharp increase" in plots against opponents of the Iranian regime in the UK. "Iran poses a wide-ranging, persistent and unpredictable threat to the UK, UK nationals and UK interests," said Lord Beamish, committee chair. "Iran has a high appetite for risk when conducting offensive activity and its intelligence services are ferociously well-resourced with significant areas of asymmetric strength."

Also: Channel 4 News, Daily Express, Daily Mail, (£) Financial Times, The Guardian, (£) The Independent, (£) iNews, (£) Reuters, Sky News, (£) The Times

The British youths and gangsters being groomed by Russian mercenaries to turn saboteurs—but could face a gruesome end should they change their mind

Daily Mail, 11/07/2025

Scrambling out of a crammed Kia Picanto, two hooded men slink through the darkness towards a warehouse with one goal in mind: to burn it to the ground. After dousing the front of industrial unit with petrol, one of the thugs lobs a lit rag on the building's fuel-soaked door. As the pair of firebombers sprint off into the gloom, a sudden flash of flame is caught in grainy CCTV camera footage as a roaring blaze starts to engulf the property. The inferno that ripped through Units 1 and 2 of the Cromwell Industrial Estate in Leyton, east London, caused £1 million of damage—and wrote off £100,000 of aid destined for war-torn Ukraine. However, the culprits weren't just arsonists. They were instead a deluded gaggle of Britons recruited as guns for hire by Russia's ruthless Wagner mercenary group.

Welsh teenager accused of terror-related offences as police warn public to 'think twice'

Wales Online, 10/07/2025

Police have issued a statement clarifying details on the 17-year-old boy from Torfaen that is the subject of a counter-terrorism investigation being dealt with by the Central Criminal Court in London. The teenager, who is a white male from the Cwmbran area, is due to be sentenced for terror-related crimes, and is being held in police custody at this time. Police are now urging anyone who is consuming information on the case via social media, to "think twice" about what they read online. They have also said that investigations of this nature are "exceptionally rare" in Gwent, though anyone with concerns can reach out to them by any of the usual means.

`Serious blunder´ over Islamic State murder of Rochdale Imam

PA Media, 10/07/2025

A “serious blunder” by counter-terrorism police led to missed opportunities to disrupt a plot by Daesh extremists to kill a Rochdale Imam, a public inquiry has found. Highly respected Jalal Uddin, 71, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in a public park by Mohammed Kadir, then aged 24, because he practised a form of Islamic healing the terror group regarded as “black magic”. Kadir, from Oldham, fled to Syria afterwards, but his getaway driver, Mohammed Syeedy, 21, a former Manchester United steward and charity worker from Rochdale, was jailed for life for the murder on 18 February 2016. A third man, Mohammed Syadul Hussain, who had already come under police scrutiny after his nephew, aged eight, went into school saying he wanted to join the Taliban, was jailed for five years for helping Kadir leave the UK days after the killing.

Also: The Guardian

Emergency crews tested with 'terror attack' drill

BBC News, 10/07/2025

An exercise to test the "ability of emergency workers in dealing with a terrorist attack" was carried out in Lincoln on Thursday. It was held at the University of Lincoln and simulated someone driving into a crowd and then stabbing people. Participants included more than 200 personnel, including police, fire and rescue and the ambulance service. More than 60 volunteers played the role of victims. Assistant Chief Constable Chris Davison, from Lincolnshire Police, said the exercise showed they were "in a good place to be able to respond as and when they happen". The exercise began at 11am and concluded at 1pm, with the area closed off. It was organised as part of a general training programme and not in response to any specific intelligence or threat, Lincolnshire Police added. ACC Davison said while terrorist attacks were "particularly rare" in the county, it was still "hugely important" to be prepared.

Lib Dems blast Government over misogyny law as £150,000 bill is revealed

PA Media, 11/07/2025

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have accused the government of “talking a good game” on misogyny as it emerged £150,000 was spent on a working group for a law that was eventually scrapped. The Scottish government initially refused to include misogyny in the controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, instead saying a separate offence would be created. But First Minister John Swinney announced, earlier this year, that plan would be scrapped and sex would be added to the current hate crime legislation through an amendment. In preparation for the misogyny bill being introduced to Holyrood, the Scottish government commissioned Baroness Helena Kennedy KC to chair a working group which would help to develop the proposals. Responding to a parliamentary question from the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the working group had cost £143,668.

Charity given formal warning for posting video supporting Hamas

PA Media, 11/07/2025

A Cardiff-based Islamic charity has received a formal warning from the Charity Commission after a video supporting Hamas was shared on its social media following the October 7 attacks. The Al-Manar Centre Trust, which operates a mosque in the Welsh capital, posted the content in November 2023. The Charity Commission subsequently launched an investigation, stating the video "could be understood as demonstrating support" for the militant group. This inquiry has now concluded, with the commission finding “misconduct and/or mismanagement by trustees”. As a result, the charity has been issued with an order mandating action regarding its social media practices.

Network Rail hacker spared jail because of overcrowding crisis

(£) Daily Telegraph, 11/07/2025

An IT worker who hacked the Network Rail network with an anti-Islam message walked free after a judge took into account prison overcrowding. Customers who connected to the Wi-Fi at 19 major railway stations across the UK viewed information about major terror attacks, including 7/7 and the Manchester Arena bombing. John Wik had discussed defacing the page with a colleague, citing the “significant political damage” he could cause. The hacker worked for Global Reach providing public Wi-Fi networks to major companies, including Network Rail. Wik hijacked the usual Wi-Fi terms and conditions page with his anti-Islam message, which was headed: “We love you, Europe. The Islamisation of Europe is already happening and it’s getting worse each day.”

Kneecap banned from advertising on the London Underground

ITV News, 10/07/2025

Belfast rap trio Kneecap have said they are “banned” from advertising one of their posters on the London Underground. The group have been in the headlines since one of their members, who is due to appear in court next month, was accused of supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. On Thursday, in a social media post, they said: “We’ve been banned from advertising on the London Tube. How petty can political policing and interference get… After using the tube to advertise loads of times for gigs, records and our movie, all without issue. The below poster has been rejected because: ‘It is likely to cause widespread or serious offence to reasonable members of the public on account of the product or service being advertised, the content or design of the advertisement, or by way of implication.’”

Also: BBC News

PC punched in airport brawl 'absolutely terrified'

BBC News, 10/07/2025

A police officer has told a jury she was "absolutely terrified" after she was floored with a punch to the face as she tried to arrest an assault suspect at Manchester Airport. Greater Manchester PC Lydia Ward suffered a broken nose in the incident at the Terminal 2 car park pay station area on 23 July last year. Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, are accused of assault. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. PC Ward told the trial she remembered "falling on the floor and everything went black" after a "really forceful" blow to her face.

Gaza activists can't win—they're either performative, extremist or antisemitic

(£) i, 11/07/2025

When people wave flags, take to the streets or post on social media, some deem it performative, writes Pravina Rudra. But how else should people raise awareness or put pressure on the government.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Bonfire topped with migrants effigy set alight in Northern Ireland

(£) Daily Telegraph, 11/07/2025

A bonfire in Northern Ireland topped with a model migrant dinghy and a sign reading “Stop the boats” has been set alight as police investigate the display as a hate crime. The effigy, which features 12 dummies wearing life jackets, was erected in County Tyrone, in the village of Moygashel near Dungannon, as part of the annual 12 July loyalist celebrations. It was set alight on Thursday at 11pm despite widespread calls to take it down. An Irish tricolour flag was also placed atop the bonfire and another sign, positioned alongside an image of two guns, read “Veterans before refugees”. The bonfire was one of around 300 lit as part of annual celebrations marking the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over the deposed Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1689.

Also: Daily Mail

'Dark side' of social media exposed as MPs warn of repeat of Southport riots

Daily Mirror, 11/07/2025

The UK's online safety laws would not have "made a difference" to the rapid spread of hate and misinformation that triggered the Southport riots, MPs have said. In a stark report, the Commons' technology committee warned of the "dark side" of profit-hungry social media firms. It said their business models “incentivise the viral spread of misinformation” and demanded more be done to tame algorithms that bombard users with harmful posts. In a bleak conclusion, MPs on the committee said Brits are not being kept safe by the UK's Online Safety Act as the law has "major holes".

Also: The Guardian

Big tech must carry the can for false and hateful posts

(£) The Times, 11/07/2025

My committee heard overwhelming evidence that last summer’s riots were fuelled by the spread of misleading content across social media, writes Chi Onwurah.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

UN report sees no active Syrian state links to Al Qaeda

(£) Reuters, 11/07/2025

UN sanctions monitors have seen no "active ties" this year between al-Qa'ida and the Islamist group leading Syria's interim government, an unpublished UN report said, a finding that could strengthen an expected US push for removing UN sanctions on Syria. The report, seen by Reuters on Thursday, is likely to be published this month. Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham is al-Qa'ida's former branch in Syria but broke ties in 2016. The group, previously known as al-Nusra Front, led the rebellion that toppled President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive in December, and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria's interim president. The report comes as diplomats expect the US to seek the removal of UN sanctions on HTS and Sharaa, who has said he wants to build an inclusive and democratic Syria.

Kurdish PKK fighters to begin disarming at key ceremony

AFP, 11/07/2025

PKK fighters were to begin laying down their weapons at a ceremony in Iraqi Kurdistan Friday, two months after the Kurdish rebels ended their decades-long armed struggle against the Turkish state. The disarmament ceremony marks a turning point in the transition of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from armed insurgency to democratic politics, as part of a broader effort to draw a line under one of the region's longest-running conflicts. Founded in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK took up arms in 1984, beginning a string of bloody attacks on Turkish soil that sparked a conflict that cost more than 40,000 lives. But more than four decades on, the PKK in May announced its dissolution, saying it would pursue a democratic struggle to defend the rights of the Kurdish minority in line with a historic call by Ocalan, who has been serving a life sentence in Turkey since 1999.

PKK disarmament to take a few months in Iraq, Turkey ruling party says

(£) Reuters, 10/07/2025

The handover of weapons by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq, following its decision to disband, should be completed within a few months, a spokeperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party said late on Wednesday. Speaking to broadcaster NTV, Omer Celik said a confirmation mechanism, including officials from Turkish intelligence and the armed forces, will oversee the handover process. "The disarmament ... process [in Iraq] needs to be completed within three to five months... If it exceeds this period, it will become vulnerable to provocations," Celik said on NTV. The PKK, which has been locked in a bloody conflict with the Turkish state for more than four decades, decided in May to disband and end its armed struggle.

Armed men kidnap, kill nine bus passengers in Pakistan, say officials

(£) Reuters, 11/07/2025

Armed men killed nine bus passengers after kidnapping them in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Friday. The passengers had been kidnapped from multiple buses on Thursday evening, said provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind. Their bodies with bullet wounds were found in mountains overnight, another government official, Naveed Alam, said. No one has claimed responsibility. Separatist Baloch militants have in the past been involved in such incidents, killing passengers after identifying them as coming from the eastern Punjab province.

Israel PM sets out red lines for lasting end to war in Gaza

AFP, 10/07/2025

Israel is ready to negotiate a lasting deal with Hamas to end the Gaza war when a temporary halt to hostilities begins, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. But Netanyahu said the Islamist militants must first give up their weapons and their hold on the Palestinian territory, warning that failure to reach a deal on Israel's terms would lead to further conflict. His comments came as Gaza's civil defence agency said eight children—killed as they queued for nutritional supplements outside a health clinic—were among 66 people who died in Israeli strikes across the territory Thursday.

Netanyahu says he hopes hostage deal can be done in few days

(£) Reuters, 11/07/2025

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he hoped to reach a deal in a few days for the release of more Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Netanyahu said 50 hostages were still being held captive by Hamas. Of that figure, he said, only 20 are believed to be alive. "I want to take them all out," Netanyahu said in an interview on Newsmax that aired on Thursday. "We now have a deal that supposedly will get half of the living and half of the dead out. And so we'll have ten living left and about 12 deceased hostages, but I'll get them out, too. I hope we can complete it in a few days."

EU strikes deal with Israel to increase aid to Gaza

(£) Financial Times, 11/07/2025

The EU has struck a deal with Israel for a “substantial increase” in aid deliveries to Gaza, Brussels said on Thursday.

Ten children among at least 15 killed waiting for Gaza health clinic to open, says aid group

Sky News, 10/07/2025

Ten children and two women are among at least 15 killed in an airstrike near a Gaza health clinic, according to an aid organisation. Project Hope said it happened this morning near Altayara Junction, in Deir al Balah, as patients waited for the clinic to open. The organisation's president called it a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and a stark reminder that no one and no place is safe in Gaza". "No child waiting for food and medicine should face the risk of being bombed," added the group's project manager, Dr Mithqal Abutaha. "It was a horrific scene. People had to come seeking health and support, instead they faced death." Operations at the clinic—which provides a range of health and maternity services—have been suspended. Some of the children were reportedly waiting to receive nutritional supplements, necessary due to food shortages.

Also: AFP, BBC News, CNN, The Guardian, ITV News

UN investigator and critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza tells AP she was shocked by US sanctions

Associated Press, 11/07/2025

An independent UN investigator and outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza said Thursday that “it was shocking” to learn that the Trump administration had imposed sanctions on her but defiantly stood by her view on the war. Francesca Albanese said in an interview with the Associated Press that the powerful were trying to silence her for defending those without any power of their own, “other than standing and hoping not to die, not to see their children slaughtered.” “This is not a sign of power, it’s a sign of guilt,” the Italian human rights lawyer said.

Thirty years ago we said never again, Srebrenica. How much longer before we declare: never again, Gaza?

  The Guardian, 11/07/2025

When it comes to the horrors of genocide we say these words with an ironic frequency, writes Ed Husic. How do we short-circuit the re-run of this pitiful, shameful cycle?

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20M from the Trump administration—or an apology

ABC News, 11/07/2025

Weeks after being released from immigration detention, Mahmoud Khalil, a key negotiator and spokesperson during Columbia University's pro-Palestinian campus protests, has filed an administrative complaint against the Trump administration seeking $20 million in damages. Khalil, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than three months as the Trump administration pushed for his deportation, alleges false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other alleged wrongdoings. The complaint, a precursor to a federal lawsuit, was filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Also: BBC News, Daily Mail, (£) Reuters, Sky News

Armenian police detain seven opposition figures on suspicion of terrorism

(£) Reuters, 10/07/2025

Police in Armenia arrested seven people associated with a pro-Russian opposition party on suspicion of terrorism following a slew of raids on their homes on Thursday amid a wider government crackdown ahead of parliamentary elections. The people are affiliated with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), also known as Dashnaktsutyun, a group part of the pro-Russian parliamentary coalition headed by Robert Kocharyan, a former president of the South Caucasus country. Armenia's Investigative Committee said police had arrested seven individuals and charged one of them with preparing a terrorist act. Reuters was not able to determine the identities of all seven of the people. ARF said in a statement that raids were ongoing at several MPs' homes as of early Thursday morning and that at least one politician and the son of another had been arrested.

Swedish minister reveals teenage son linked to extremist groups

BBC News, 10/07/2025

Sweden's migration minister says he will not resign after it was revealed his teenage son has links to white supremacist groups. Johan Forssell confirmed on Thursday that the person named by the anti-racism watchdog Expo recently as being a "close relative" of an unnamed minister and "active in the far right" was his 16-year-old son. Forssell said he had not known about his son's activities until he was contacted by the country's security service a few weeks ago and that he had followed all proper protocol. "Perhaps many parents can relate to not having a complete picture of what their children are doing on social media," he told Swedish broadcaster TV4. Forssell's comments came after Expo said last week that the close relative of a government minister had "collaborated" with a member of the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR) group.

Australian envoy’s antisemitism plan criticised as ‘Trumpian’ over concerns changes could be used to silence dissent

The Guardian, 10/07/2025

The antisemitism envoy’s recommendations to remove funding from universities, charities and cultural bodies if they promote or fail to act against antisemitism have sparked concerns among academics and peak bodies that funding could be weaponised to censor opinion and silence dissent. Jillian Segal’s 20-page plan, released on Thursday, made a series of sweeping recommendations, including launching a “university report card” and withholding government funding from universities, cultural institutions and festivals that “facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism”—a move she later clarified was a “last resort”. The powers would also allow public grants provided to university centres, academics or researchers to be terminated “where the recipient engages in antisemitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions”.

Warnings over push to curb some protests after attacks

Australian Associated Press, 10/07/2025

Curbing protests following a spate of attacks on Jewish institutions will have a "chilling" impact on free expression, human rights' lawyers say, as a landmark plan to address antisemitism is revealed. The Victorian government is drafting laws to ban protests outside places of worship and demonstrators wearing face coverings following high-profile incidents involving masked neo-Nazis and the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne’s Ripponlea area. Another arson attack on an east Melbourne synagogue, one of four antisemitic incidents over the weekend, has prompted the premier to set up a task force and promise further action if required. Human Rights Law Centre legal director Sarah Schwartz accused Premier Jacinta Allan of conflating acts of violence with peaceful protest.

Envoy rejects anti-Semitism plan's free speech concerns

Australian Associated Press, 11/07/2025

Concerns that a sweeping plan to tackle anti-Semitism will stifle legitimate criticisms about Israel have been dismissed by the government-appointed envoy who authored the report. Recommendations in a report from Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal, are being considered by the federal government as it examines ways to combat a surge in discrimination against Jewish Australians. But contention has emerged over the report's recommendation to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. Some detractors—including the original author of the definition, Kenneth Stern—argue it conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel and Zionism. Segal said those criticisms misunderstood the definition.

Rescuers search for missing crew from Red Sea attack as US alleges Yemen rebels ‘kidnapped’ them

Associated Press, 10/07/2025

Rescuers found four more crew members Thursday who went missing after Yemen’s Houthi rebels sank a ship in the Red Sea as the US alleged the group may “have kidnapped” others on board. The Houthis released dramatic footage of the sinking of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned Eternity C, which the rebels targeted with gunfire and explosive drones for hours, killing at least three crew members. The attack on the Eternity C, as well as the sinking of the bulk carrier Magic Seas after another attack Sunday, represent a new level of violence being employed by the Houthis after months of holding their fire in a campaign they tie back to the Israel–Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Vessel manager confirms one of five suspected deaths tied to ship sunk by Houthis in Red Sea

(£) Reuters, 10/07/2025

Greece's Cosmoship Management on Thursday said one person is believed dead and four more have not been seen since Houthi militants attacked the Eternity C cargo ship in the Red Sea this week. Maritime security sources have said that four people were believed to have been killed during the repeated raids on the Liberia-flagged ship that started on Monday. Twenty-one mariners, including at least two armed guards, later abandoned the vessel. Since then, ten of them have been rescued. The manager of the Eternity C said another ten individuals remain unaccounted for and that the company was working through multiple channels to verify a Houthi claim that the Iran-aligned group had picked up some crew after the vessel went down on Wednesday. The company said it has asked all ships in the area to assist in the ongoing search, and is also working to provide families with timely updates.

Houthi leader says group won't permit sea passage of goods related to Israel

(£) Reuters, 10/07/2025

Yemeni Houthi militia leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday that no company could be permitted to transport goods related to Israel through designated areas at sea. He reiterated that a Houthi ban on navigation the group sees as associated with Israel through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea would remain in place. The Iran-aligned Houthis sank two ships in the Red Sea earlier this week after months of calm.

Trump claimed the Houthis were dead. Now they are more powerful than ever

(£) Daily Telegraph, 11/07/2025

A little over two months ago, Donald Trump was emphatic in claiming to have halted Houthi militants’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The US president said the militants had agreed to a ceasefire after a campaign of air strikes which he said had bombed the Iranian-backed group into surrender. “[The Houthis] just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated,” he said on 6 May. “They say they will not be blowing up ships any more.” Despite Trump’s confidence, this week the Houthis have sunk two vessels in quick succession on the critical shipping route and shattered months of relative calm off Yemen’s coast.

War crimes are likely being committed in Darfur, ICC finds

BBC News, 11/07/2025

There are "reasonable grounds" to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in western Sudan, said the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the UN Security Council on Thursday. Targeted sexual violence against women and girls of specific ethnicities was named as one of the most disturbing findings to emerge from the ICC probe on crimes committed in Darfur. War broke out between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, leading to what the UN calls "devastating civilian casualties". ICC deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said it was "difficult to find appropriate words to describe the depth of suffering" in the region.

Also: Associated Press

Benin bets on free vets and schools to turn people away from jihadism

AFP, 10/07/2025

In jihadi-threatened north Benin, the army is waging a campaign away from the front—a programme of social projects, including free veterinary care, to tempt locals away from extremism. Located just south of Niger and Burkina Faso—which together with neighbouring Mali form the world's terrorism epicentre—Benin's north has come under increasing pressure from Islamist extremists, many of them linked to al-Qa’ida. Besides fighting off the militants, the 3,000 Beninese soldiers deployed to the region have worked to win the trust of northern communities both threatened by the jihadis' advance and courted by well-funded Islamist groups.

This summary is not a statement of Home Office policy or opinion. Note that these outlets have a local or regional UK focus and/or a daily reach of less than 100k, and a minority may be funded by foreign governments.

Over 200 culture workers demand British Museum apologise for Israeli embassy event

Middle East Eye, 10/07/2025

Over 200 historians and artists, including William Dalrymple, Paloma Faith and Juliet Stevenson, have denounced the British Museum’s decision to host an event for the Israeli embassy in May, and have demanded that its management issue an apology.

Kneecap 'banned' from advertising on London Tube for being 'offensive'

(£) The National, 10/07/2025

Kneecap have claimed they have been banned from advertising on the London Tube as a poster for their upcoming gig was rejected due to likely causing “widespread or serious offence”.

US threatens ICC: Drop Israel war crimes probe or 'all options on the table'

Middle East Eye, 10/07/2025

A senior legal advisor to the US State Department has issued a dramatic threat to the International Criminal Court's oversight body, warning that "all options are on the table" if the court does not drop investigations and arrest warrants against the US and Israel.

Spain and Ireland to join more than 20 states to declare ‘concrete measures’ against Israel

Middle East Eye, 10/07/2025

More than 20 countries are convening in Bogota next week to declare “concrete measures against Israel’s violations of international law”, diplomats told Middle East Eye.

Jordan targets organisations over alleged links to Muslim Brotherhood

Middle East Eye, 10/07/2025

Jordan launched legal action on Wednesday against organisations accused of links to the Muslim Brotherhood, as part of its increasing crackdown on the group.

After purge on Palestine Action, let's see how meticulously Terrorism Act enacted on streets of NI

(£) Belfast Telegraph, 10/07/2025

John Laverty writes: “The government's renewed interest in the Terrorism Act 2000 will surely see paramilitary flags here being taken down... or perhaps not.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

This summary is not a statement of Home Office policy or opinion. Note that some of these outlets have lower reach with UK audiences and/or may be state/government funded. Please also note that foreign media outlets may not have equivalent editorial standards to UK-based outlets.

The Take: Is direct action for Palestine ‘terrorism'? The UK says it is

Al Jazeera, 10/07/2025

Podcast looking at what the decision to ban Palestine Action reveals about the UK’s approach to protest and civil disobedience, and how might it reshape the wider Palestine solidarity movement.

UK warning that Iran is hosting Al Qaeda headquarters

The National Newspaper, 10/07/2025

Intelligence officials in the UK believe that Iran is hosting the headquarters of al-Qa’ida, giving the terrorist leadership a lifeline after years of setbacks.

Army's top brass reiterates resolve to take action at all levels against India-backed proxies

Geo News, 10/07/2025

The Pakistan Army's top brass has reiterated its vow to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against Indian-backed and -sponsored proxies, the Inter-Services Public Relations said on Thursday.

Nine bus passengers abducted and killed in Balochistan attack

Geo News, 10/07/2025

At least nine passengers were abducted and shot dead after gunmen intercepted a bus travelling from Quetta to Lahore, officials in Balochistan confirmed on Friday.

Israel says would negotiate permanent Gaza ceasefire during 60-day truce

AFP, 10/07/2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel was ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a 60-day truce but only if the Palestinian territory was demilitarised.

Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian man in West Bank: Health ministry

Al Arabiya, 10/07/2025

Palestinian authorities said Israeli troops killed a 55-year-old man in the north of the occupied West Bank on Thursday—an incident the Israeli army said involved a stabbing attack.

Israeli attacks kill 82 amid forced displacement plans, truce talks in Gaza

Al Jazeera, 10/07/2025

Israeli attacks across Gaza killed at least 82 people on Thursday, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, amid ongoing ceasefire talks and criticism of plans to forcibly transfer Palestinians to Rafah.

UN expert Albanese rejects ‘obscene’ US sanctions for criticising Israel

Al Jazeera, 10/07/2025

UN expert Francesca Albanese has slammed the decision by the US to sanction her as “obscene”, saying she is being targeted for calling out Israel’s actions in Gaza.

US, Europe sound alarm over Hezbollah’s efforts to expand overseas footprint

Al Arabiya, 10/07/2025

The US and Europol led a meeting this week with representatives from 30 governments to address efforts to counter Hizballah’s international fundraising networks and warn that the group remains a dangerous threat.

Dr Anwar Gargash hails PKK leader's call to move away from violence

The National Newspaper, 10/07/2025

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, has praised the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for calling for the group to lay down its weapons.

Jordan takes legal action against groups linked to Muslim Brotherhood

The National Newspaper, 10/07/2025

Jordan has launched legal action against organisations "operating under the influence" of the Muslim Brotherhood as part of an escalating crackdown after the group was banned in April.

Al Jazeera (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• LIVE: Israel pounds Gaza, Netanyahu says deal could be ‘few days’ away; Trump slaps 35 percent tariff on Canada starting August 1; UN expert Albanese rejects ‘obscene’ US sanctions for criticising Israel; ‘Crimes against humanity’ in Sudan’s Darfur: ICC deputy prosecutor

Al Arabiya (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Netanyahu says he hopes hostage deal can be done in few days; Gaza’s struggle, Syria’s future, and US politics recap; Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say; Israel says would negotiate permanent Gaza ceasefire during 60-day truce; US, Europe sound alarm over Hezbollah’s efforts to expand overseas footprint

Geo TV (Pakistan, Urdu and English)

• Updates: Israel's war on Gaza continues; Nine bus passengers abducted and killed in Balochistan attack; Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others; Army's top brass reiterates resolve to take action at all levels against India-backed proxies