US envoy to visit Gaza, as hospital says dozens killed seeking food

4 hours ago Share Save David Gritten BBC News, Jerusalem James Chater BBC News, Sydney Share Save

'I invite Mr Witkoff to see for himself': Says American doctor in Gaza

US special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Gaza on Friday to inspect food distribution sites, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed. Leavitt said Witkoff would visit the territory along with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and "secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear first-hand about this dire situation on the ground". Witkoff, who is on a visit to Israel, also had a "productive" meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the press secretary added. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said 111 people had been killed, 91 of them while seeking aid, in the 24 hours before Thursday midday.

A hospital director told the BBC that more than 50 Palestinians were killed and 400 others injured while waiting for food near a crossing in northern Gaza on Wednesday. Footage showed casualties from the incident near the Zikim crossing being taken on carts to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said Israeli forces fired at the crowds gathered around aid lorries. The Israeli military said troops fired "warning shots" but that it was "not aware of any casualties". Israeli officials have threatened that if there is no progress in the coming days on a ceasefire and hostage release deal, then they may take new punitive steps against Hamas. Israeli media reported that those could include annexing parts of Gaza. Shortly after his envoy's arrival in Israel, US President Donald Trump wrote on social media: "The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" Witkoff will visit Gaza a day after his meeting with Netanyahu, where they focused on "dilemmas" such as food and aid in Gaza, Leavitt said. The announcement comes after reports that he would visit food distribution sites run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). In Gaza, the health ministry said on Thursday that 111 people had been killed and 820 others injured by Israel's military offensive in the last 24 hours. In a separate statement, the ministry said two people had died of malnutrition in the past day, bringing the total number of malnutrition deaths since the start of the war to 159, including 90 children. On Tuesday, UN-backed global food security experts warned that the "worst-case scenario of famine" was "currently playing out" among the 2.1 million population. UN agencies have said there is man-made, mass starvation in Gaza and blamed Israel, which controls the entry of all supplies to Gaza. But Israel has insisted that there are no restrictions on aid deliveries and that there is "no starvation". Despite that, four days ago it implemented measures that it has said are aimed at helping the UN and its partners collect aid from crossings and distribute it within Gaza, including daily "tactical pauses" in military operations in three areas and the creation of what it calls "designated humanitarian corridors". The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that 43 aid packages containing food for residents in southern and northern Gaza had been airdropped, and "it would continue to work in order to improve the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, along with the international community". The UN's humanitarian office has said the tactical pauses do not allow for the continuous flow of supplies required to meet the immense needs of the population, and that desperately hungry crowds continue to offload supplies from lorries as they pass through Israeli crossings.

The director of al-Shifa hospital, Mohammed Abu Salmiya, told the BBC on Thursday morning that it had received the bodies of 54 people who were killed in the incident in the Zikim area on Wednesday, as well as 412 injured people. On Wednesday night, the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency told AFP news agency that at least 30 people were killed when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd waiting for aid there. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its al-Saraya field hospital and al-Quds hospital in Gaza City had received a total of six dead and 274 injured from the same incident. The IDF said in a statement that "dozens of Gazans was identified gathering around aid trucks in northern Gaza, and in close proximity to IDF troops operating in the area". "The troops fired warning shots in the area, not directed at the gathering, in response to the threat posed to them," it added. "According to an initial inquiry, the IDF is not aware of any casualties as a result of IDF fire. The details of the incident are still being examined." International journalists are blocked by Israel from entering Gaza independently, so it is difficult to verify what happened. However, one man interviewed by a local freelance journalist working for the BBC said he knew a teenage boy who was killed. "In the current situation, there is no food or water. People go to get food from the Zikim area, where they are targeted. He went to bring flour but came back carried in the flour bag," he said. "What was his fault? They sniped him in the middle of his head. He wasn't carrying a rock, or a weapon, or doing anything wrong. His only fault was being Palestinian and living in Gaza." Abu Taha al-Kafarneh, a unemployed father of two who was the main breadwinner for his family, was also among the dead, another man told the BBC. "He went to get a bag of flour to secure his food for the day... He didn't want to trade it, sell it, or profit from it like many of the looting merchants," he said. He added: "They [Israel] claim they let food in, but instead increase the number of those killed and martyred as much as they can. The morgue is full." On Wednesday morning, hospital sources told the BBC that six people were killed near an aid distribution centre run by GHF in the Rafah area. The IDF told the BBC a "gathering of suspects" it said posed a threat to its troops were told to move away, and subsequently the army fired "warning shots" at a distance of "hundreds of metres away" from the site. The military also said that "an initial review suggests that the number of casualties reported does not align with the information held by the IDF". The GHF said no killings took place at or near its sites on Wednesday.

Gazan boy first to be treated in UK for war injuries

5 hours ago Share Save Caroline Hawley Diplomatic correspondent Share Save

BBC Majd al-Shaghnobi arrives at Heathrow airport in London

Majd al-Shaghnobi can't eat or speak or smile like he used to. But with his injured mouth covered by a surgical mask, his eyes were beaming as he arrived at London's Heathrow airport on a flight from Cairo, with his mother, brother and little sister. "I'm happy to be in England and to get treatment," the 15-year-old told me. He was trying to get humanitarian aid in the Kuwaiti area of northern Gaza in February last year when an Israeli tank shell exploded nearby, shattering his jaw bone and injuring his leg. "One of my friends helped me and took me to the hospital," he says. "They thought I was dead. I had to move my hand to show them that I was alive." Doctors in Gaza saved his life and Majd spent months in hospital, breathing through a tracheostomy tube, before he was evacuated to Egypt in February this year - with Israel's permission - for further medical treatment. Now he's in the UK for surgery at Great Ormond Street children's hospital in London to restore the function of his face. He is the first Gazan child to arrive in the UK for treatment for war injuries, almost two years into a conflict in which more than 50,000 children have reportedly been killed or injured, according to the UN children's charity, Unicef.

'They thought I was dead', Majd tells the BBC

His arrival follows months of work by a group of volunteer medical professionals who came together in November 2023 to set up Project Pure Hope, which helps injured and sick Gazan children get to the UK for treatment. It is funded by private donations. "The UK is home to some of the best paediatric facilities in the world, yet while countries like the US, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland and many others have stepped up to help, the UK has yet to do the same," Project Pure Hope says. Majd's arrival in the UK comes less than a week after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to evacuate more badly injured children, although the government has released few details of the plan. Majd's medical team – all working for free – will include craniofacial, plastic and orthodontic surgeons, with hospital bills paid for by private donations. "If we're able to give him a face and a jaw which he can use then it won't be completely normal, but hopefully he'll be able to feed himself and speak, and his facial expressions will be better," says lead surgeon Noor ul Owase Jeelani, a professor of Paediatric Neurosurgery at Great Ormond Street. "Hopefully that's going to make a big impact on how he lives and on his future. "Our hope is that we will be able to help many more children like him in the coming months. It's our collective moral responsibility."

Doctors from the hospital have previously treated patients from Ukraine, and last year helped separate co-joined twins in Israel. Professor Jeelani is disappointed that it has taken so long for the first child from Gaza to be treated for war injuries in the UK. "As a doctor and as a human, I don't quite understand why it's taken us over 20 months to get to this stage," he says. Project Pure Hope has identified 30 critically injured children in Gaza who it hopes to help bring to the UK. It says the government's announcement is "vital and long-overdue", but time is of the essence. "Every day of delay risks the lives and futures of children who deserve a chance to live, to recover and to rebuild a life," said Omar Din, its co-founder.

Ghena (left) and Rama in a playground in the UK

In April, the group of volunteers secured visas for two girls -13-year-old Rama and five-year-old Ghena - with life-long medical conditions to also have privately funded operations in the UK. They were brought to London after being evacuated to Egypt from Gaza, where - with the destruction of the healthcare system there - they weren't receiving the treatment they needed. Since I met them in early May, Rama has put on weight and Ghena, who was deeply traumatised and withdrawn, is noticeably more playful. Ghena has had laser surgery to relieve the pressure in her left eye, which she was at risk of losing. And Rama has had exploratory surgery for a serious bowel condition.

Ghena was at risk of losing her left eye

White House unveils plans for new $200m ballroom

2 hours ago Share Save Bernd Debusmann Jr BBC News, White House Share Save

White House A rendering of the new, 650-person ballroom has been described as "much needed" by the White House

The White House has announced plans to build a $200m (£151m) new ballroom, fulfilling an often-repeated desire of US President Donald Trump. The new ballroom will be built alongside a "modernised" East Wing of the White House, which currently houses the offices of First Lady Melania Trump and other key White House posts. The money will be donated directly by Trump and other so-far anonymous donors, with work beginning in September, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump has repeatedly promised to build a "beautiful" ballroom at the White House, and in 2016 offered to pay $100m during Barack Obama's administration - which the then-President rejected.

Getty Images Many White House events are hosted in the much smaller East Room, with large tents set up on the South Lawn for larger events - sometimes with world leaders

In a briefing for reporters at the White House on Thursday, Leavitt said that the "much needed and exquisite addition" to the White House will be approximately 90,000 (8,360 sq m) with a seating capacity of about 650. Currently, many formal White House functions are held in the White House's East Room, which can seat approximately 200 people. The new ballroom, Leavitt added, would also eliminate the need for a "large and unsightly tent" to be installed for state dinners and other large events - which sometimes include world leaders. According to Leavitt, construction is expected to be completed "long before" the end of Trump's term in office in January 2029. "The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organisations to preserving the special history of the White House, while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future administrations and generations of Americans to come," Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said in a statement.

White House A rendering shows what the outside would look like of the renovated East Wing of the White House. The right portion of the building is the East Wing.

Renderings provided by the White House show that the ballroom will be similar architecturally to the rest of the White House, with a lavish interior including chandeliers and ornate columns. Offices currently housed in the East Wing of the White House adjacent to the construction - including that of First Lady Melania Trump - will be temporarily re-located. President Trump has repeatedly voiced his wishes for a new ballroom as part of renovations to the White House, which has already seen the installation of two large flagpoles, new gold decorations in the Oval Office and the bulldozing and paving over of the famed Rose Garden.

Watch: "It’s a disaster" - Trump on need to replace event tent with new ballroom

Young Ukrainians get their way as Zelensky overturns law to defuse crisis

2 hours ago Share Save Zhanna Bezpiatchuk BBC News Ukrainian in Kyiv Share Save

TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP Young Ukrainians were outside parliament again on Thursday as MPs voted to overturn a controversial law

As Ukraine's MPs gathered at parliament in Kyiv on Thursday, some held cardboard signs that read, "We are with our people." It was a message to thousands of young protesters who had taken part in the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. They were out in force again on Thursday. The MPs then entered parliament, the Rada, and took part in a vote that overwhelmingly overturned a law introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky last week that curtailed the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies known as Nabu and Sap - the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

Two MPs hold a cardboard placard that reads "We are with the people"

The signs carried by the MPs outside the Rada were a nod to the placards carried by thousands of young people who had taken to the streets in towns and cities across Ukraine for almost a week. The protesters had demanded that Zelensky and his government "take their hands off" the two anti-corruption bodies, and they threatened to continue carry on until the government made a U-turn. Within days, it did.

Zelensky's original bill had stripped the two bodies of their independent authority to decide who to prosecute in high-level corruption cases, giving that prerogative to the general prosecutor - a presidential appointee. For the placard-waving protesters, safeguarding the independence of Nabu and Sap was as crucial to their European future as the war against Russia was a matter of life and death for their country. In 2022, Kyiv was granted the coveted status of EU candidate country – but on condition it mounted a credible fight against corruption. For Ukraine's Western partners, donors and investors who pour money into the country through international assistance and funding programmes, the existence and independence of the two anti-corruption bodies are non-negotiable. And for Ukraine and its war-shattered economy – that external financial help is critical. It was only 10 days earlier that MPs had backed Zelensky's controversial law, and yet they voted on Thursday by 331 to 0 to overturn it. On both occasions they appeared to be following Zelensky's direction. "Ukraine is a democracy - there are definitely no doubts," he said on social media.

Reuters President Zelensky has sought to reassure Ukrainians that their democracy is in safe hands

Many Ukrainians see the hand of Zelensky's right-hand man, Andriy Yermak, behind the president's recent choices. Yermak's position as head of the presidential office is not regulated by the constitution nor limited by any checks or balances. And questions are being asked about such a role in Ukraine's democracy. Safeguarding that democracy and Ukraine's course towards European integration were the key drivers for the young protesters, while their parents and friends were defending their country on the front lines. MPs did their best to show the problem was now solved, but this crisis has left behind an unpleasant aftertaste. It has brought into question Zelensky's dedication to the anti-corruption reforms. That he seemed ready to compromise on these reforms may have seriously dented the trust the EU put in him.

Children's author Allan Ahlberg dies aged 87

Many of his most well-known works were the result of collaborations with wife Janet, an award-winning illustrator. They went on to sell millions of copies around the world.

He wrote 150 books over a career which spanned more than five decades, including The Jolly Postman, Funny Bones, Peepo! and the award-winning Each Peach Pear Plum.

In a tribute on X, he said: "You were a pioneer of great children's literature, both in picture books and poetry.

"You were clever, funny and wise. My children loved your books. So did and so do I."

Francesca Dow, head of children's literature at Penguin Random House, said: "Allan was one of the most extraordinary authors I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with.

"His brilliant books – so many of them created with his late wife, Janet, the highly talented illustrator – have been described as 'mini masterpieces'.

"Allan's are some of the very best – true classics, which will be loved by children and families for years to come. Dear Allan, we will all miss you enormously."

Ahlberg is survived by his wife Vanessa, daughter Jessica and stepdaughters Saskia and Johanna.

Born in Croydon in 1938, he was brought up by his adoptive parents in Oldbury, and worked as a postman, plumber and gravedigger before training to become a teacher at Sunderland Teacher Training College, where he met his first wife Janet.

In 1975, the Ahlbergs published their first book together, Here are the Brick Street Boys.

That was swiftly followed by The Old Joke Book, Burglar Bill and Each Peach Pear Plum, for which Janet was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustrators in 1978.

The Jolly Postman, which was published in 1991, won the Kurt Maschler Award and has sold over six million copies.

The second in the series, The Jolly Christmas Postman (1991), won a second Kate Greenaway Medal.

His book Woof!, about a little boy who turns into a dog, inspired a TV series which ran on former ITV between 1989 and 1997.

He made headlines in 2014 when he turned down a lifetime achievement award after discovering it was sponsored by Amazon, which was facing criticism over its tax arrangements at the time.

Former nurse loses legal challenge over private gender clinic

6 hours ago Share Save Sophie Hutchinson Health correspondent Judith Burns BBC News Share Save

Getty Images

A former nurse has lost her High Court challenge against the registration of England's first private gender clinic for teenagers. Susan Evans, and a mother who asked not to be named, had argued that the health regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) had "acted irrationally" in registering the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic. On Thursday, Mrs Justice Eady said she was satisfied the steps taken by the CQC were "rationally focused" and it had "patient safety foremost in mind" when it assessed the clinic. The clinic, which is rated "outstanding", said the ruling "demonstrates the diligence and integrity" of its work. Ms Evans said she was "extremely disappointed".

The Gender Plus Hormone Clinic is believed to be the only private organisation in England which is registered to treat 16- and 17-year-olds with hormones for gender incongruence, defined as a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity. Cross-sex hormones, such as oestrogen or testosterone, are given to people who identify as a different gender to their biological sex. The medication helps someone who is transitioning to develop characteristics associated with their preferred gender. For instance, it would help a trans man, a biological female who identifies as a man, develop a deeper voice and facial hair. NHS guidance on the prescription of the hormones to young people was updated following the publication of the Cass Review last year. The review stressed the need for "extreme caution" when using hormones in the treatment of 16- to 17-year-olds.

The two women alleged that when the CQC inspected and registered the Gender Plus clinic it did not take this into account NHS guidance says all young people, who are recommended for hormone interventions, must have the decision reviewed and endorsed by a national multi-disciplinary team that can consider all aspects of their care. Gender Plus Hormone Clinic, which was set up by Dr Aidan Kelly and is led by nurse consultant Paul Carruthers, had told the court it follows the NHS guidance and had set up its own multi-disciplinary team. Its procedures were reviewed by the CQC inspectors. In the ruling, Mrs Justice Eady said: "I am satisfied the steps taken by the CQC were rationally focused on scrutinising the actual process by which the clinic provided the service in issue. I duly reject this objection. "What is, moreover, clearly apparent from the CQC's evidence is the detailed scrutiny that was undertaken in order to be able to assess clinic's compliance with the regulatory requirements. "It is apparent that this was an assessment that drilled down to the detail of the service provided... with patient safety foremost in mind." She said the question whether the CQC had adequately considered "the particular, and changing, approach adopted by the NHS", was important. But she concluded the criticisms of the clinic were about the internal structure of the organisation and "focused on issues of form rather than substance".

Speaking after the judgment, Ms Evans said: "I am extremely disappointed at the outcome of this judicial review." The unnamed mother added: "To say I am disappointed is an understatement."

The NHS has opened three specialist children's gender clinics and has plans for a further five, covering the seven NHS regions in England, by the end of 2026. It is understood the NHS multi-disciplinary team has not yet received any recommendations for hormone treatment for 16- and 17-year-olds since the Cass Review. The ruling means Gender Plus can continue to deliver services from its clinics in London, Birmingham and Leeds. Responding to the court ruling, Gender Plus Hormone Clinic said: "This Judicial Review further demonstrates the diligence and integrity of our work. "We operate according to the highest standards, always putting patient safety and wellbeing at the heart of every decision. We couldn't have hoped for a better outcome."

Dalia Cusnir, the sister-in-law of Israeli hostage Eitan Horn, has urged US envoy Steve Witkoff to "bring an end to this war".

Mr Witkoff is currently on a visit to Israel.

She was speaking to the BBC after France, the UK and Canada separately announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood.

Eitan Horn was taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack. More than 60,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, and 154 people, including 89 children, have died from malnutrition, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

US to deny visas to Palestinian officials

3 hours ago Share Save Tom Bateman State Department correspondent Share Save

AFP The statement came from the office of Marco Rubio's State Department

The US says it is going to impose sanctions on the Palestinians' self-governance organisation as well as the body that represents it on the international stage. The sanctions affect both the Palestinian Authority (PA) which was established by the Oslo peace accords, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) which was recognised after the same process as the official representative of the Palestinian people in return for it recognising Israel and renouncing violence. The State Department said it would deny visas to PLO members and PA officials.

The timing and language of the statement suggest it is the Trump administration's response to this week's French-Saudi led conference at the United Nations held to rally support for a future two state solution. The meeting came as France, the UK and Canada committed to recognising an independent, demilitarised Palestinian state later this year, in some cases subject to certain conditions. The US castigated these moves, having privately warned of diplomatic consequences if those attending the UN conference made "anti-Israel" declarations. In its sanctions announcement, the State Department accused the PA and PLO of taking actions to "internationalise its conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ)". It also referred to a series of long-standing complaints by the US and Israel that the PLO and PA had continued "to support terrorism including incitement and glorification of violence (especially in textbooks), and providing payments and benefits in support of terrorism to Palestinian terrorists and their families". The Trump administration earlier this year lifted sanctions on violent Israeli settlers who have killed Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. One leading Palestinian politician described the sanctions move as "revenge" by the US for the commitments to recognise Palestinian statehood by a growing number of countries. The PA appeared to echo that sentiment in a statement released on Thursday. "These campaigns have been escalating in response to the significant and successive achievements of Palestinian diplomacy," it said. "Particularly the recent recognitions of the State of Palestine by key countries, the successful United Nations conference in New York, and the historic declaration issued therein."

Reuters Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this week that the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets set conditions

EU-US tariff deal not finished yet, say Europeans unhappy with Trump's terms

7 hours ago Share Save Laura Gozzi BBC News Share Save

Getty Images Since the deal was announced criticism of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has mounted

It was all handshakes and smiles when European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump announced that a EU-US trade agreement had been reached after months of wrangling - beating Trump's deadline of 1 August to make a deal. Many across Europe breathed a sigh of relief that European negotiators had avoided 30% tariffs threatened by Trump months ago. Other countries are still racing to finalise deals with the US to avoid sweeping levies. But since news of the US-EU deal was announced last weekend, not only has criticism mounted, but it has become clear many details are yet to be ironed out, there are several discrepancies between the two sides and some EU countries will be disproportionately affected.

Only a first step?

Few European leaders rejoiced at the announcement that a 15% tariff would be applied on most EU exports to the US - an improvement on the 30% tariff initially threatened by Trump, but still a substantial hike from the former 4.8% average rate.

Yet, while expressing regret that the EU had not adopted a tougher negotiating stance, many begrudgingly agreed the deal had at least brought a semblance of certainty and predictability to Europe's businesses after a number of fraught months. "I would have wished for a different outcome," Germany's finance minister Lars Klingbeil said. "Still, all in all, it is good that there is an agreement with the US, that there are no further escalations." As of Thursday, a joint statement had yet to be released, although the Commission has emphasised it will not be a legally binding document but a "set of political commitments". "From there will flow the additional negotiated exemptions that we're looking to bake into our agreement with the US," Commission trade spokesperson Olof Gill said. The Commission's general outline of the deal stressed it was not legally binding. The White House fact sheet on the agreement presents none of these caveats and says it achieves "historic structural reforms", but US Commerce chief Howard Lutnick admitted on Wednesday that talks would continue and that EU and US officials were still discussing some aspects of the framework. "This isn't the end of the story and we won't leave it at that," French President Emmanuel Macron said. "It's the first step in a negotiation process that will continue." Trade agreements usually take between 18 and 24 months of bilateral negotiations, says Cinzia Alcidi of the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels. "To give some certainty to the industry and private sectors now, the 15% blanket tariff will apply – but then there will be efforts to get some goods a different deal," she says.

Key discrepancies and interpretations

According to the White House, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors will fall under the 15% tariff, with no mention of that number being the upper limit. But the EU says the two sectors will remain on the current 0% rate for now and until new global tariff rates are agreed. Any future tariffs, according to the EU, will be capped at 15%. Tariffs on steel and aluminium, according to the US, will remain at 50%. The EU says Brussels and Washington will work to cut that number and that they will be replaced by a quota system to come beyond 1 August. Some of the most glaring discrepancies can be found in the language used by the two sides to describe the EU's investment commitments. Where the US statement says the EU "will" purchase $750bn (£568bn) in US oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear energy products, the EU says only that it "intends" to do so as it weans itself off Russian gas and oil. Not only is it unclear whether the US can even provide such amounts to the EU, says Cinzia Alcidi, but the EU cannot decide purchases on behalf of the private sector. Similarly, the US says the EU will invest $600bn by the end of Trump's second term – but the EU states simply that "companies have expressed interest" in investing that sum by 2029. As Brussels cannot force private firms to invest in the US, there is technically no guarantee that amount can or will be reached. According to the US, the EU has "agreed to purchase significant amounts" of US military equipment. There is no mention of this in the EU statement. Nearly 80% of the EU's defence investment already goes to the US, and scaling up further may not be possible; besides, such a commitment would be at odds with von der Leyen's recent ReArm Europe plan, which calls for investments in Europe's domestic defence industry. And while negotiations continue, the US will also apply a 15% tariff on wine and spirits, the Commission said on Thursday, adding it would continue to try and achieve a carve-out. On Wednesday, Macron said the agreement had the merit of offering "predictability in the short term" - but also called for Europe to be firmer with the US. "In order to be free you have to be feared. We weren't feared enough," he said. Given the amount of detail that still needs hammering out, the next phase of negotiations is set to continue for some time - and after the backlash the Commission received this week, European negotiators may feel under greater pressure to stand their ground.

Getty Images The German automotive industry will face billions in extra costs from the new tariffs

Which countries will be worse off?

England's Ella Toone has revealed her grandmother passed away on the morning of the Euro 2025 final.

It was a game the 25-year-old started as the Lionesses beat Spain in a penalty shootout in Basel to retain their title.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Toone reflected on the sad news as she paid tribute to her "football loving, crazy, funny Nana Maz".

She previously revealed her grandmother had put a bet on her - then aged six - that Toone would grow up to play for England.

"Even in the highest of highs, life can hit you with the lowest of lows," said the Manchester United midfielder, whose father died last September just days before his 60th birthday.

"I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.

Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis

4 hours ago Share Save André Rhoden-Paul BBC News Share Save

Getty Images

Justin Timberlake has revealed he is living with Lyme disease. The 44-year-old said he was "shocked" to receive the diagnosis but it explained why he "would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness". The Cry Me A River singer shared his diagnosis on Instagram following the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. A few people diagnosed and treated for the disease can continue to have symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy, that can last for years.

Timberlake said he was faced with the decision to stop his tour early but ultimately decided to keep going. Writing on Instagram on Thursday, he said: "As many of you know, I'm a pretty private person. But as I'm reflecting on the tour and festival tour - I want to tell you a little bit about what's going on with me. "Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease - which I don't say so you feel bad for me - but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes. "If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has - then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically." According to America's Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), patients treated with antibiotics in the early stages of the infection usually recover quickly and completely. It adds most patients treated in later stages respond well to antibiotics, but some may have suffered long-term damage to the nervous system or joints. Justin Bieber, Shania Twain and Avril Lavigne are among other singers to have struggled with Lyme disease.

'Trying to be more transparent about struggles'

But Timberlake said the "joy that performing brings" outweighed the stress his body was feeling and he was "glad I kept going". His two-year world tour, which started in April 2024, concluded in Turkey on Wednesday. "Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget," he said, adding he was trying to be "more transparent" about his struggles so "they aren't misinterpreted" . The star had come in for criticism from some fans on social media for underwhelming performances.

Small boats crossings hit 25,000 for the year

7 hours ago Share Save Daniel Sandford BBC News Joshua Askew & Bob Dale BBC News, South East Share Save

PA Media This group of migrants were brought ashore to Dover on Wednesday

More than 25,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far in 2025, according to official figures. The Home Office said 898 people in 13 boats were brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday, bringing the annual total to 25,436. The 25,000 mark has been passed much earlier this year than in previous years - in the record year of 2022 is was not passed until 27 August. It comes as ministers continue to grapple with the challenge of cracking down on people-smuggling gangs.

Chris Philp MP, shadow home secretary, called it a "national emergency", and accused Labour of "doing nothing" to stop the crossings.

The government has said it is sharing intelligence and strengthening cross-border cooperation with France to "smash" people-smuggling gangs. On Thursday the National Crime Agency announced it had worked with Bulgarian authorities to seize 25 small boats intended for use in the Channel.

PA Media 2025 is the first year in which more than 25,000 migrants have made the crossing before the end of July

In the whole of 2020 there were 8,461 crossings, while in 2019 that number was 1,835. In 2018, there were 297 people recorded making the journey, although figures were only published from 3 November. The annual total for 2025 hit 10,000 at the end of April, and 20,000 by the end of June. The jump in arrivals this year has coincided with a rise in the number of people making the journey in a single craft. The average for 2025 is currently running at 59 people per boat - up from 49 in 2023.

What is the government doing?

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. "The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice. "That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage. Campaigners have long argued the government should introduce "more safe and legal routes" to help reduce small boat crossings by making smugglers "redundant".

The France return deal

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month agreed to a pilot scheme in which some migrants who crossed the channel would be detained and returned to France. In exchange, others would be allowed to come into the UK from France via a legal and controlled route. The idea is to deter migrants from making the crossing. Shadow home secretary Mr Philp claimed the deal with France "will not even make a dent". French police have also been changing their tactics. They deliberately punctured a boat in July as it was leaving the beach because it was dangerously overcrowded.

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Jeremy Clarkson 'devastated' as his farm has TB

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PA Media TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson said everyone at the farm is "devastated"

TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has announced that his farm has "gone down with TB". In a social media post on X the former Top Gear host said everyone at his Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire "is absolutely devastated". He later wrote that the infected cow is "pregnant with twins," at the site which featured in Amazon Prime Video documentary series Clarkson's Farm. Cattle which fail a TB test, or animals that have inconclusive results for two consecutive tests, and are classed as "reactors", must be isolated then sent to slaughter.

Bovine Tuberculosis (Bovine TB) can be infectious to all mammals, including humans. It is mainly a respiratory disease, which can be transmitted through nose to nose contact and also through contact with saliva, urine, faeces and milk. Cattle can become infected when directly exposed to infectious cattle or other infectious animals and their excretions.

PA Media Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire featured in the show Clarkson's Farm

It is recognised as a problem which devastates farm businesses, spreading from badgers to cattle, and from cow to cow. Badger culling has long been a part of the Government response to the disease, despite criticism from wildlife and animal welfare campaigners. The Government last month said it will not be extending the badger cull and retains its commitment to end the practice before the next election. Oxfordshire is an "edge area" for TB, meaning it is a buffer zone between high risk and low risk areas - so most herds are subject to six monthly TB tests by default. There have been several cases in the area of Oxfordshire near to Diddly Squat Farm in recent weeks, according to ibTB, a mapping platform for the disease in England and Wales.

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At the start of the 40th over - after two long rain delays, with cloudy skies and a green pitch at his disposal - Josh Tongue had the in-form Ravindra Jadeja in his sights.

The first ball of the over flew past wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for four byes. The second was short, wide and flashed for four. The third was a beauty on a good length, nibbling away from the left-hander and taking the edge.

From unreachable to unplayable, bizarre to brilliant.

Three balls that encapsulated England in their entirety, as they restricted India to 204-6 on day one of the fifth Test at The Oval.

Neither Tongue, nor India's batters, seemed to know what was coming next, as the sheepish giggle after Jadeja's wicket suggested.

Four overs previously, a similar delivery accounted for Sai Sudharsan after a gritty 107-ball 38, while he had started the day with a nine-ball over that conceded 11 runs from wides.

"Tongue looked like the bowler I would least like to face," former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special.

"You'd have no chance of lining him up - he was wide down the leg side, wide down the off side, half-volley, bouncer and then all of a sudden right in the perfect zone."

Lottie Woad shot a level-par first round to lie five shots off the Women's Open lead jointly held by Japanese duo Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda.

England's Woad began as favourite at Royal Porthcawl, having won two events and narrowly missing out on a first major title in July.

The 21-year-old, playing in her second tournament since turning professional, made lengthy birdie putts at the first and sixth holes as she reached the turn in level par.

A superb approach to within four feet set up another birdie at the 14th and Woad also birdied the last to sign for a 72.

However, she was unable to build any real momentum during her opening round and some solid putting for pars and bogeys prevented irretrievable damage to her tournament chances.

"It was a bit mixed," Woad said. "It's one of those rounds that could have got away from me so I am happy I hung in there."

Scoring was generally good on a breezy day when short bursts of rain punctured longer spells of sunshine at the links course in south Wales.

Okayama, appearing at a Women's Open for the first time since 2018, did not drop a shot after a bogey at the first hole and made six birdies in her round of 67.

The only blemish on Takeda's scorecard was a double-bogey seven at the ninth, with four birdies on the back nine putting her alongside Okayama at the top of the leaderboard.

After participating in the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP), Rees-Zammit was initially signed to the Kansas City Chiefs, but was cut after failing to impress during pre-season appearances in 2024.

Rees-Zammit then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he spent the entire 2024 season as part of the franchise's practice squad.

Despite being eligible for elevation to the Jaguars' active 53-man roster on two occasions as part of the NFL's IPP player rules, the Jaguars never opted to elevate Rees-Zammit, including at both of their international games in London.

The Welshman temporarily left the franchise at the end of the 2024 season, but was soon re-signed as part of the expanded off-season roster.

Reports out of the Jaguars' training camp in July suggested Rees-Zammit had missed practices due to a lower back injury, and his future with the franchise was placed in doubt.

And on Thursday, Rees-Zammit announced his decision to leave the NFL and return to rugby.

Before leaving rugby union in January 2024, Rees-Zammit had won 32 caps for Wales.

His former club, Gloucester, return to Premiership action on 25 September, while the United Rugby Championship season starts the following day.

Max Verstappen has ended questions about his future by saying that he will definitely stay with Red Bull for next season.

The four-time world champion is under contract to Red Bull until 2028 but had been courted by Mercedes and had been considering his options.

Verstappen said at the Hungarian Grand Prix: "I've never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well. And that's why I have nothing really to add ever.

"But yeah, I think it's time to basically stop all the rumours. And for me, it's always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.

"I think that was also the general feeling in the team anyway, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car.

"And I think when you're not interested in staying, then you also stop talking about these kind of things. And I never did."

Verstappen's confirmation effectively confirms George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain at Mercedes next season.

Russell, who had already expected that Verstappen would be staying at Red Bull, said he was "not in a hurry" to sign a new contract.

He has made it clear he wants reassurances about his position at Mercedes given what he describes as a "unique situation" at the team.

Karun Nair leads India's fightback on day one of the fifth and final Test against England as they close on 204-6 at stumps, on a day where England's efforts are overshadowed by a shoulder injury to Chris Woakes just before the close of play at The Oval.

MATCH REPORT: England v India fifth Test - day one

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England pace bowler Chris Woakes looks likely to be ruled out of the remainder of the decisive fifth Test against India after suffering a shoulder injury on the opening day at The Oval.

Woakes was tumbling to make a boundary stop late on Thursday when he landed awkwardly. He went from the field with his left arm in a makeshift sling, in obvious discomfort.

The Warwickshire man is likely to have a scan overnight and England will provide an update on Friday.

"It doesn't look great," fellow pace bowler Gus Atkinson told BBC Sport. "I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game."

Atkinson added: "It's the last game of the series and when anyone gets injured it's a shame. We're hoping it's not too bad. Whatever it is, he will get full support from everyone."

Woakes was still at the ground after India closed Thursday on 204-6, undergoing treatment and assessment from the England medical staff.

It is cruel on Woakes, the only England pace bowler to have featured in every Test of the gruelling five-match series.

On flat pitches in the previous four Tests, he struggled to make a impact, taking 10 wickets. On day one at The Oval, Woakes had India opener KL Rahul play on to his stumps before suffering the injury.

Given his poor record away from home, Woakes was already facing a battle to be part of England's squad for the Ashes tour this winter. At 36, there will be concerns this injury threatens his future in international cricket.

Woakes' injury is also a huge blow to an England pace attack already depleted by injuries and exhaustion.

Captain Ben Stokes, England's leading wicket-taker in this series, is missing the final Test with a shoulder injury, while Mark Wood is a long-term absentee. Olly Stone is only just returning to fitness following a knee injury.

Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were both left out at The Oval following their previous workload in this series.