Al-Aqili said Yemen would take action using all available means to defend its sovereignty, stressing that patience had been exhausted. He added that the response would aim to deter further incidents and reaffirm the country’s ability to protect its territory across land, sea and air.

Addressing the audience, Putin also acknowledged the challenges faced by those on the front line and behind the scenes, noting that fear is a natural response in difficult circumstances. However, he emphasised that resilience and unity remain key factors in overcoming adversity, highlighting the mobilisation of millions of people in support of the country’s goals.

Speaking in Brussels on Monday, Albares criticised remarks Rajoy made in a newspaper column published ahead of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final between Spain and France.

Rajoy wrote in El Debate that France had a world-class squad, "but without French players," prompting criticism in both Spain and France.

"I am not a judge, but of course that phrase conceals something terrible," Albares said.

"It is not only hurtful, but extraordinarily dangerous. We cannot allow it. We cannot allow that under phrases spoken in such a way, which seem to conceal, deep down, directly or indirectly, racist and xenophobic sentiments."

The foreign minister urged Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo to publicly reject Rajoy's remarks and called for the article to be withdrawn.

"France, alongside Spain, is a driving force of European construction. We share values. The Popular Party is acting against all of that. Going against all of that is nothing more and nothing less than a former Prime Minister. I respect the figures of former Prime Ministers immensely, but I also demand responsibility from them in how they conduct themselves and what they say," Albares said.

Feijoo, who has a long-standing political and personal relationship with Rajoy, had not publicly responded to the minister's demand at the time of publication.

The controversy also drew criticism from France.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described Rajoy's remarks as unacceptable and said France is a diverse country where everyone has a place.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in, saying a person's national identity should not be judged by their "surname, place of birth, or skin colour."

The celebration attracted a steady stream of visitors, including fans who had travelled from overseas.

Although now approaching the size of her mother, with only her smaller frame and smooth ears setting her apart, Moo Deng has lost little of her appeal.

Moo Deng became a global social media phenomenon shortly after birth through videos shared by her keeper, propelling the endangered pygmy hippopotamus into the international spotlight.

Speaking at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said restoring navigation through the strategic waterway was in the interests of all parties after Iran claimed it had closed the strait and the United States announced further strikes on Iranian targets.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a waterway used for international navigation, and restoring safe and free passage through the strait as soon as possible is in the interests of all parties. The issue of navigation through the strait should be properly addressed. China is willing to maintain communication with relevant countries and the international community on this matter," Lin said.

Iran's claim that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz was disputed by Washington, which maintained that the waterway remained open. The renewed fighting has placed additional pressure on a route that is vital for global energy supplies and commercial shipping.

During the same briefing, Lin rejected allegations from US Federal Maritime Commission chair Laura DiBella that China was using port state control inspections to target Panama after a dispute over port concessions near the Panama Canal.

He said Panama-flagged vessels had been involved in a disproportionate number of maritime incidents in Chinese waters.

"From January to July of this year, Panama-flagged vessels accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total number of foreign-flagged vessel calls at Chinese ports, while their share of vessel accidents and deaths or missing persons reached approximately 50 percent, respectively," Lin said.

Responding to DiBella's comments, Lin defended China's inspection regime.

"Port State control, as an important measure to ensure the safety of vessel navigation and the cleanliness of waters, serves as the primary means by which countries manage the safety of foreign-flagged vessels calling at their ports. China attaches great importance to waterborne traffic and personal safety and conducts port State control inspections on vessels calling at Chinese ports in accordance with laws and regulations, which is fully consistent with international conventions," he added.

Lin also confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai later this week.

At least 27 people were killed after a fire tore through the packed Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar and restaurant in northern Bangkok late on Sunday, leaving dozens more injured.

Footage captured on Monday showed the scale of the destruction, with overturned furniture, abandoned shoes and burnt wreckage scattered around the venue.

The entrance was blackened by the blaze, while shattered windows and damaged musical instruments remained inside as police secured the area and gathered evidence.

The fire broke out shortly before midnight local time in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Firefighters brought the blaze under control about 30 minutes later.

Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A police inspector confirmed that officers were continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses, adding that further details would be released once the investigation progresses.

Officials said nine men and 18 women were among those killed.

Sixty-three people were taken to hospital, including 22 who remain in critical condition.

Most of those who died were found inside the venue's toilets, where they are believed to have sought shelter as the flames spread.

After the strike, people returned to inspect the damage, including a large crater at the impact site.

“Our neighbours had a blacksmith workshop, and it was hit. They [IDF] told us to evacuate the area. So, we evacuated our children before they hit the area. You can see the destruction,” eyewitness Wael Manasra said.

Palestinian media reported that four people were killed and others were injured after the strike hit a blacksmith workshop on Al-Sina'a Street in southwestern Gaza City.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted a “weapons production site,” alleging that Hamas operatives were using the location to manufacture weapon components.

“In a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas operatives operated from a weapons production site to produce weapon components in an attempt to rehabilitate the organisation's military capabilities,” the IDF said in a statement.

The military added that “steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance.”

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led attacks killed 1,139 people, mostly Israeli civilians, and more than 200 people were taken hostage.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's military campaign has killed 73,223 Palestinians and injured 173,654 others since the conflict began.

In January, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced the second phase of President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, aimed at moving from a ceasefire toward demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction.

"You made us proud, truly proud. We cherish you and everything you have accomplished," El-Sisi said.

"You brought joy to everyone's hearts because your performance was characterised by competitiveness, competence, merit, and above all, high values," he added.

El-Sisi also said Egypt's population of 120 million should be capable of producing many more football stars like Mohamed Salah and the current national team.

Egypt's campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 on July 7, marking the country's best-ever World Cup performance in its fourth appearance at the tournament.

During the summit, Trump criticised Spain, calling it a "wasted cause" and announcing a halt to US trade with the country after Madrid resisted US calls to increase defence spending and support military action against Iran .

Fico said the meeting also showed that some NATO members were interested in opening dialogue with Russia, a position Slovakia has long supported.

He reiterated that Slovakia would not contribute to NATO's €70 billion military aid package for Ukraine or the EU's €90 billion military loan.

"We are in favour of cooperation, dialogue and humanitarian aid; however, we are not in favour of war ," Fico said.

NATO leaders agreed during the July 7-8 summit to provide €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine in 2026, with a commitment to maintain similar support in 2027.

"The Executive Committee meeting held this Saturday, July 11, 2026, decided to initiate the termination procedure for the national head coach, Mr Pape Thiaw, as well as his entire technical staff," FSF Head of Communications Bakary Cisse said.

He added that the decision followed a review of the team's recent performances and future prospects.

Senegal's football federation has also tasked FSF President Abdoulaye Fall with formally notifying Thiaw and overseeing a broader reorganisation of the country's national teams.

Senegal were knocked out in the Round of 32 of the World Cup after surrendering a 2-0 lead to Belgium before losing 3-2 after extra time.

The disappointing campaign has prompted criticism of the federation's leadership, with local reports questioning the team's preparations and raising concerns over the FSF's financial management.

Viory reports that former France international Patrick Vieira, who was born in Dakar, has been linked in local media as a possible successor to Thiaw.

The hospital, deployed as part of El Salvador's humanitarian assistance, provides medical services for people of all ages and also offers veterinary care for companion animals, including dogs and cats.

The initiative was launched by the government of President Nayib Bukele in response to the earthquake emergency.

The Salvadoran team includes doctors, paramedics and veterinary staff. Medical personnel will provide care around the clock, while veterinary services for pets will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Services available at the field hospital include medical consultations, emergency stabilisation for seriously injured patients, psychological support for survivors and treatment for injured or vulnerable domestic animals.

The deployment follows the first phase of El Salvador's emergency response, during which Salvadoran rescue teams helped search for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings and assisted with debris removal in affected areas.

The twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed 39 seconds later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The disaster caused widespread destruction across several states, including La Guaira, and triggered thousands of aftershocks.

According to figures released on Saturday, the earthquakes have killed 4,333 people and injured 16,740 others. Authorities said 31,193 patients have received hospital treatment, with more than 90% having since been discharged.

"We demand that the government of the Republic of Poland take all measures to oppose any development of Ukraine's integration process with the European Union . The European Union cannot be based on an ideology contrary to Christian values, European values," Czarnek said.

His remarks followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's May 26 decree granting a Special Operations Forces unit the honorary title "Heroes of the UPA." While Ukraine says the title was chosen by the unit's soldiers and was not intended as an anti-Polish gesture, Poland holds the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) responsible for the wartime massacres of Polish civilians in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia, which it recognises as genocide.

"Ukraine is not doomed to glorify perpetrators of genocide. Ukraine has its own heroes. But Ukraine will not be free and will not be a member of the European Union," Czarnek said.

Ukraine applied for EU membership on February 28, 2022, four days after the conflict with Russia began. It was granted candidate status in June 2022, with EU leaders agreeing to open accession negotiations in December 2023. Formal talks began on June 25, 2024, followed by a screening process to assess Ukraine's alignment with EU legislation. Ukraine completed that process in September 2025, and on June 15, 2026, the EU and Kyiv opened the first negotiating cluster covering the rule of law, fundamental rights , democratic institutions, public administration reform and economic criteria, Viory reports.

"Should the United States continue to violate its obligations under the MoU, Iran will no longer be bound to fulfil its obligations under the MoU," Iravani said.

He accused Washington of violating the agreement by carrying out military strikes on Iranian territory, including attacks on southern cities and several islands in the Persian Gulf on July 7 and 8.

"The United States bears full international responsibility for all legal and political consequences arising from its unlawful action," he said.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Iravani said responsibility for reopening the strategic waterway and conducting demining operations rested solely with Iran under the memorandum. He warned that any attempts by external powers to establish separate arrangements would breach the agreement, delay the resumption of commercial shipping and increase regional tensions.

The United States has said its latest strikes were carried out in response to attacks on commercial vessels transiting the strait. Tehran has not claimed responsibility for those attacks, Viory reports.

"Yes, we do intend to restore the relationship with Peru. We did not break off that relationship; they did, they decided to. It is good that the president-elect today wishes... to restore the relationship," Sheinbaum said.

She added that she had instructed Mexico's foreign minister to begin discussions with Peru's incoming administration.

"Given her statements, I asked the foreign minister to establish communication with the new team that is going to govern in order to look at the specifics of restoring that relationship," she said.

Peru cut diplomatic relations with Mexico in November 2025 after the Mexican government granted political asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chavez.

Chavez and former president Pedro Castillo were later sentenced to 11 years and five months in prison over Castillo's failed attempt to dissolve Congress and govern by decree in December 2022. Castillo is serving his sentence at the Barbadillo prison complex inside a police base in Lima.

Uzcanga explained that his aim is simply to help those in need during a difficult time, ensuring that victims can be laid to rest with dignity. His actions have resonated widely on social media , with many praising the initiative as a sign of solidarity amid the ongoing recovery efforts.

Speaking at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Friday, Ramaphosa urged African countries to invest more in education, arguing that strong school systems and skills training are key to economic growth and social progress.

Reflecting on South Africa's history , he said education had shifted from being an instrument of oppression to one of the government's biggest priorities.

"From our own country, South Africa, comes a story of optimism and hope, where education was used during apartheid as a weapon to suppress and to exploit the majority of the citizens of South Africa," Ramaphosa said.

He noted that education now receives the largest share of South Africa's national budget, accounting for nearly 24 per cent of government spending.

"And today, education occupies the highest spending item, close on to 24 per cent of the budget, where today school attendance has increased exponentially and where feeding of children at school now amounts to two meals a day for nine million young children on a daily basis, and where the pass rate has also increased exponentially," he added.

Ramaphosa said the investment has created opportunities for learners from poor and historically disadvantaged communities to reach universities, technical colleges and vocational institutions.

"What makes all this extraordinary is that the majority of those who are passing and qualifying for university were learners from poor communities, communities that were relegated by apartheid to the backyard of the education process," he said.

He pointed to Rwanda, China, India and South Africa as examples of countries that have used education to reduce poverty, develop skilled workforces and rebuild their societies.

"Education builds. It unlocks human potential. It dismantles ignorance. Every classroom and every lesson empower and transform not only their own lives but also the lives of the communities that they live in," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa was speaking during a leaders' meeting on Sustainable Development Goal 4 at UNESCO, which focuses on improving access to quality education and strengthening education systems around the world .

Former president Janos Ader criticised the proposed amendment, describing the Tisza Party's initiative as unprecedented.

"After this constitutional amendment, anything can happen to anyone at any time in Hungary. And this leads not to legal certainty but to anarchy," Ader said.

Protesters accused Prime Minister Peter Magyar's government of undermining the constitution and the rule of law. "This is a trampling of the Constitution, the trampling of the rule of law and the death of democracy . If this remains the case and they remove the president of the Republic, then we must stand by them," said influencer Istvan Szakacs, who was previously arrested after posting a Facebook video stating that "If Viktor Orban gets to jail, 500,000 people will march and set him free."

Another demonstrator, identified only as Eszter, criticised Magyar's treatment of the president.

"The way he spoke to the president of the Republic is simply outrageous, shocking, and you cannot do such a thing. They didn't do that to the previous president of the Republic either," she said.

The protest was held in response to the proposed 17th Amendment to Hungary's Fundamental Law, introduced by the Tisza Party. The amendment would make changes affecting several public offices, including that of President Tamas Sulyok, and would also impose a 12-year term limit on Members of Parliament.

Pak arrived in the Chinese capital for a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Footage showed Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Dongsheng welcoming the North Korean premier at Beijing Capital International Airport before the two exchanged handshakes during the official reception.

Pak later met President Xi in Beijing.

The visit comes ahead of events marking the 65th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance on July 11.

Pak is expected to attend the commemorative activities during his stay.

The visit continues a series of senior-level exchanges between Beijing and Pyongyang.

Relations between the two neighbours have remained close, with both countries maintaining co-operation on regional and economic issues.

Xi Jinping last visited North Korea in 2019, his first trip to the country in seven years.

The symbolic ceremony took place on Thursday at the Pushkin Library in Moscow, where blogger Robert and ballerina Matilda exchanged vows and fastened bracelets instead of traditional wedding rings.

The bride also performed a wedding dance as part of the celebration.

According to organisers, the event was designed to highlight how humanoid robots and automation could become part of everyday life.

"We can make our society better and more automated, and shape a post-industrial society where people can live in harmony, leaving more time for art, creativity, and harmony. Robots, in fact, help with automation and free people from routine labor," said IT Imperial Deputy CEO Anna Bagdasaryan.

She added that IT Imperial develops robots with open systems, allowing users to create and programme their own behavioural algorithms.

The company's press office said the ceremony was organised to mark Family, Love and Fidelity Day.

As part of the event, IT Imperial donated books on robotics, artificial intelligence and automation to the Pushkin Library, saying the goal was to help readers better understand modern technologies.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Wednesday, Gharibabadi criticised Trump's approach to international affairs and questioned the US administration's commitment to diplomacy.

"The president that America is currently facing does not recognise international structures, nor international responsibility and rights. He constantly uses offensive language against various countries," he explained.

Gharibabadi said Iran had not entered formal negotiations with the United States, despite technical working groups being established after talks in Switzerland.

"We had not yet commenced negotiations with the US," Gharibabadi continued, adding that technical working groups were established following a meeting in Switzerland, but no sessions have taken place.

He said Tehran cancelled a meeting scheduled for last week, citing what it described as aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Iranian territory.

Gharibabadi said Iran informed Washington that it "would not participate in those talks."

Earlier on Wednesday, US Central Command announced overnight strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused Washington of committing "serious violations of the memorandum of understanding," including "attacks on southern Iran."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched strikes against 85 US military targets across the region in response.

Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 that included a ceasefire and the launch of an initial round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a final agreement.

In recent weeks, both governments have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement.

Tinubu's office said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had been instructed to complete its investigation within 30 days. The probe will examine allegations that forged appointment letters and false claims of presidential backing were used to gain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the council's purported director, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, as a "con artist" with a history of fraudulent misrepresentation. He also insisted that no public funds had been released to the agency, even as questions mounted over how it was included in the national budget.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the government's budgeting process and placed fresh pressure on Tinubu ahead of January's presidential election .

Adeyemi is due to appear in court on July 27 on charges including forging official documents, seeking recognition for a fake government agency and opening multiple bank accounts in its name.

"That gold belongs to our people , and that gold must be available to address the terrible, tragic consequences of this double earthquake," she said.

Rodríguez also said she had spoken with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva about accessing Venezuelan resources blocked at the IMF and renewed calls for international sanctions to be lifted.

According to Venezuelan authorities, the June 24 earthquakes have killed at least 3,811 people, injured more than 16,000 and left thousands homeless.

"So what made us angry? That when Orlando Gill... offers his hand with all the humility of a Paraguayan... this son of a bitch refuses his hand and shouts in his face. That is not French," she said.

The senator also dismissed criticism from French supporters on social media and urged Mbappe to "stop crying like a woman."

The dispute began after Amarilla posted comments about Mbappe on social media that he described as racist. Mbappe accused the senator of "brazen racism," while the French Football Federation filed a complaint and French prosecutors opened an investigation.

During Wednesday's session, Senator Juan Carlos "Nano" Galaverna also criticised Mbappe over an on-field exchange with Paraguay defender Juan Jose Caceres and made comments about the player's personal life. Senator Yolanda Paredes described the France captain as "arrogant" and "ill-mannered."

Paraguay's government has distanced itself from Amarilla's remarks, saying they reflect her personal views rather than those of the state. French authorities said President Santiago Peña had also written to French President Emmanuel Macron condemning the senator's comments.

Speaking during her morning press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said Mexico would wait before taking any steps to restore ties, insisting Peru was responsible for severing relations.

"I have not had any communication [with Keiko Fujimori]. Well, we are going to wait. Remember that they broke relations with us. Unlike the case of Ecuador, [where] we broke relations because they invaded our embassy," she said.

Her remarks came after Fujimori, who was declared president-elect on Friday, said last month that she wanted to rebuild relations with Mexico, arguing that the two countries shared longstanding ties that should outweigh political differences.

Sheinbaum said Peru's decision followed Mexico's position on former Peruvian president Pedro Castillo, who was removed from office and detained after attempting to dissolve Congress in December 2022.

The Mexican president defended her government's stance, maintaining that Castillo remains "illegally imprisoned."

"It is not that there was a political affinity. No. [Our position] has evidence. The number of votes needed for that was not reached in Peru's Congress. It is as simple as that. That is our position. But because of that position we took, which is also declarative and at no time represented anything more, they decided to break relations with us," she asserted.

Sheinbaum also confirmed that one person remains at Mexico's embassy in Lima under Brazil 's protection after Brazil assumed responsibility for Mexico's diplomatic representation following the breakdown in relations.

Peru cut diplomatic ties with Mexico in November 2025 after the Mexican government granted political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing prosecution over her alleged role in the attempted coup attributed to Castillo.

"The truth is that this morning, the team from the United States of America would have deserved a red card," Rodríguez said.

The Cuban foreign minister then held up a photograph of what he said was a hospital operating room in Cuba.

"I want to contribute to Permanent Representative Walsh's photo gallery...This photo is dramatic, Mr President. It is an operating room in which they are using the flashlight of a mobile phone for light. It is due to the energy blockade of the United States of America," he said.

Rodríguez later displayed another image, which he identified as being from a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, rejecting US criticism of Cuba's human rights record and allegations of arbitrary detentions.

"Mr Walsh has referred to the issue of arbitrary detentions, human rights, repression and others. I want to show this photo. It is not in Cuba, Mr President. It is in the United States of America during an ICE raid," he said.

"ICE detains a small five-year-old child. Child Liam Conejo. Here he is when he is being held by an ICE thug. This did not happen in Cuba."

Rodríguez concluded by saying Cuba would not change its political course under pressure from Washington, defending the country's sovereignty and independence.

Responding to questions about the use of Italian military bases, Meloni said the government's position had remained unchanged.

"As far as the bases are concerned, it is not that we made decisions or choices in such a way, one day doing one thing and another day doing something else. We have had a very clear line from the beginning of the conflict in Iran, and we maintain that line," she said.

Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump criticised Italy's refusal to support US military action against Iran.

On Tuesday, Trump described Meloni as "a nice person" but said her decision not to become involved had affected their relationship.

"She refused to get involved, so it soured my relationship with her a little bit...I think she made a mistake," Trump told reporters in Turkey. Meloni also voiced concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could destabilise the wider region.

"I am obviously very concerned about what is happening in Iran," she said. "We cannot rule out that this might also spread to other areas of this delicate region." The Italian prime minister argued that military action had failed to produce lasting results and said diplomacy remained the best path toward resolving the crisis.

On NATO, Meloni said discussions with allies had not included any plans to reduce US troop deployments in Europe. She added, however, that Washington had long called on European allies to assume a greater share of the alliance's defence responsibilities.

Speaking publicly, Sheinbaum referred to new reports linking the aircraft used in the operation to an FBI exhibit, saying they raised fresh questions about the role of US authorities.

"The response from Ambassador Ken Salazar, publicly and directly, was that there had been no participation by any agency of the United States . However, in recent days (...) we learned (...) that the plane in which these two members of organised crime arrived is on display at a fair where the FBI claims responsibility for this operation," she said.

She then questioned the accuracy of Salazar's previous statements.

"So, from that point, the first question is: Who is lying? Who lied? Did Ambassador Ken Salazar lie?" she added.

According to Sheinbaum, any involvement by a US agency in the operation would raise concerns under Mexico's constitution and international agreements.

The president also questioned the reception given in the United States to relatives of Ovidio Guzman, another son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in connection with the Zambada case.

"Who makes agreements with organised crime ? Because we do not," she said.

She added that diplomatic immunity would not prevent Mexico from defending its sovereignty.

"We cannot be lied to," she stressed.

Zambada was taken into custody on July 25, 2024, after arriving at an airport near El Paso, Texas , with Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

According to Zambada's legal team, and an account previously acknowledged by Guzman Lopez before US authorities, Guzman Lopez forced him onto the flight before both men were detained after landing in the United States.

"Ukraine has the right to defend its territory - territorial integrity. We maintain our humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, but as I have said many times before, Hungary will not provide arms or troops to Ukraine," he said.

Despite Budapest's position on military aid, Magyar said Hungary remained committed to strengthening its own defence capabilities and would gradually increase military spending to meet NATO's long-term target.

"The Hungarian government has already decided to increase the defence spending in a predictable manner, and we will reach the 5 percent by 2035," he said.

NATO leaders are meeting in Ankara on July 7 and 8, with defence spending, continued support for Ukraine and the future direction of the alliance among the key issues on the agenda.

According to Chinese state media , Yang abused his positions to help individuals and companies obtain engineering contracts, land transfers and financing in exchange for cash and other valuables.

The ruling was handed down by a court in Changzhou, which described Yang's crimes as "extremely serious" and said they had caused "exceptionally heavy losses" to the interests of the state and the public.

Although Yang admitted his offences, expressed remorse and cooperated with investigators, the court said the scale and severity of his crimes meant he did not deserve a reduced sentence.

Yang's case forms part of President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted officials across government, the military and the financial sector. While Beijing has portrayed the drive as an effort to root out corruption, critics have argued it has also been used to sideline political rivals.

Death sentences for white-collar crimes remain uncommon in China but can be imposed in cases involving exceptionally large sums. Former banking executive Lai Xiaomin was executed in 2021 after taking 1.8 billion yuan in bribes, while former Inner Mongolia official Li Jianping was executed in 2024 over corruption offences involving more than 3 billion yuan.

In a video address shared on social media on Tuesday, De la Espriella alleged that Petro and Historic Pact candidate Ivan Cepeda were trying to overturn the election result.

"Petro and Cepeda launched their plan B to remain in power no matter what. And they want to do it through a coup d'etat," he warned.

De la Espriella claimed the situation had worsened in recent hours, accusing Petro of exceeding his authority by rejecting the election outcome and declaring Cepeda the winner.

"Cepeda, playing the good cop, is calling for civil disobedience so as not to recognise the votes that, in democracy, in freedom, the Colombian people cast at the ballot box to make me president of all," he added.

The president-elect appealed to Colombia's armed forces to uphold the Constitution and defend the country's democratic institutions. He also urged the international community to remain "watchful, attentive, and supportive of us."

De la Espriella further alleged that Petro and Cepeda were seeking to avoid future investigations.

"Added to this is the fear that both Petro and Cepeda have of the revelations to come, not only regarding all the corruption that ran rampant during these four dark years of government , but also the legal consequences their ties to narcoterrorism will bring, both with criminal groups inside Colombia and with the cartel led by the narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro," he said.

Political tensions increased after Carlos Alonso Lucio, a member of De la Espriella's transition team, said Petro should "be tried" and could face extradition to the United States if requested by US authorities.

De la Espriella later announced the suspension of the presidential transition process with the outgoing administration.

Finance Minister and transition coordinator German Avila subsequently halted transition meetings, saying remarks made by members of the incoming administration had jeopardised the process.

"I'm very frustrated because I believe the referee was completely against us. Every time an Argentine player was touched, he gave them a foul, but we didn't get the same treatment. From the beginning, they wanted Argentina to win," said supporter Farah.

"Messi is FIFA's golden boy, we all know that, and they want him to win," he added.

Despite the defeat, Farah praised Egypt's performance and paid tribute to captain Mohamed Salah. "He's a legend. One of the main reasons we wanted to win today was for Salah as well," he said.

Other supporters also voiced frustration with the officiating, with some alleging that teams from the Global South receive unfair treatment. "Everyone knows Infantino is behind it, and the US is behind it. There's so much politics behind it. They just don't want a team from the Global South to win," one supporter claimed.

Fans said they had hoped to see an Egypt-Morocco final. With Egypt now out of the tournament, many said they would be backing Morocco for the remainder of the competition.

Speaking ahead of talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, Trump said the United States did not require military assistance but wanted to know which allies would stand alongside Washington.

"We didn't need any help at all [...] I was testing people . I was testing to see whether or not they'd be there. Because I'd said that we helped them, but I'm not sure that they'd be there for us," he stated.

Trump claimed several European allies declined to support the United States.

"Italy turned us down. Germany turned us down. France turned us down," he continued. "Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars and they're not there for us? We've always been there for them."

Asked whether the United States could reduce its military presence in Europe, Trump said he was dissatisfied with NATO's response during the conflict with Iran.

"I was very disappointed with NATO [...] We weren't treated well because we did something in Iran. We don't need anybody's help. I didn't even want the help," he said.

He also questioned the value of continued US investment in the alliance.

"We've invested trillions of dollars in NATO. Why? To protect European countries and others," he added. "You would think that they'd be very willing to do something to help us."

Trump made the remarks as leaders from all 32 NATO member states gathered in Ankara for a two-day summit focused on defence spending, arms production and support for Ukraine.

His comments shifted attention toward burden-sharing within the alliance and the future of the US military presence in Europe.

Youssouf also highlighted Russia’s backing for reforms to the UN Security Council, including support for Africa’s long-standing demand for greater representation. The African Union is calling for two permanent seats with full rights, as well as five non-permanent seats, as part of efforts to strengthen the continent’s voice in global decision-making.

The controversy began after Mizrachi shared the decision on social media , saying the device was intended to track the delivery of aid to affected communities. Cabello responded by stressing that humanitarian assistance should not be politicised, particularly during a national emergency. Panama is among several countries that have provided aid to Venezuela after the earthquakes struck the country’s northern region.

Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump argued that the Arctic island was strategically important to US national security , citing the presence of Russian and Chinese ships in nearby waters.

"It was Greenland that, and it continues to be, that should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark. And when they wouldn't go along with it, and with all the money we spent to help them with Russia, and we don't have to spend any money, we could remove all of our soldiers out of Europe," Trump said.

He also warned European allies to focus on immigration and energy policies.

"If they're not careful with those two things, you're not going to have a Europe anymore," he added.

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Both the Danish and Greenlandic governments have repeatedly rejected the idea of a US takeover, maintaining that the island's future should be determined by the people of Greenland.

Trump's remarks came as NATO leaders gathered in Ankara on July 7 and 8 to discuss defence spending, continued support for Ukraine and the future direction of the alliance.

Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela in quick succession just after 18:00 local time (23:00 BST) on 24 June 2026. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed 39 seconds later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake.

The earthquakes struck near Yaracuy state and were felt across much of Venezuela and neighbouring countries, with tremors reported as far away as the Brazilian Amazon.

The disaster caused widespread destruction, with buildings collapsing in several cities, including the capital, Caracas, trapping residents beneath the rubble.

Venezuelan authorities launched large-scale search-and-rescue operations immediately after the earthquakes, deploying emergency teams across the affected regions as crews worked around the clock to locate survivors.

More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, while the magnitude 7.5 quake was the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than 125 years.

As rescue efforts continue, families are still searching for missing relatives. Colombia n-Venezuelan national Moises Leonel Perez travelled from Bogotá to Venezuela's Caribbean coast after losing contact with his mother following the June 24 earthquakes. Perez, who moved to Colombia in 2018, returned to Venezuela to help search for her after repeated attempts to reach her failed.

Twelve days after the disaster, Venezuelan authorities said the earthquakes had killed 3,535 people , injured 16,740 others and left more than 17,000 people homeless, with recovery and rescue operations continuing across the affected regions.

Speaking on the alliance's security priorities, Rutte argued that NATO members must rapidly increase defence production to respond to evolving global threats.

" Russia is pouring almost half of its national budget into its war machine," he said.

He also accused China of expanding its military capabilities without sufficient openness.

" China continues to modernise its armed forces and expand its nuclear capabilities without transparency," he said.

Rutte claimed the DPRK was continuing to strengthen its nuclear programme while supporting Russia.

"The DPRK continues to expand its nuclear programme and supply Russia," he added.

Turning to Iran , the NATO chief said recent US military action had weakened Tehran's capabilities but cautioned that the alliance should remain alert.

"While recent US action has significantly degraded Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, we must remain vigilant. These countries are increasingly working together," he warned. "I assure you, they do not have our best interests in mind."

Rutte said NATO must respond by dramatically expanding its defence industry.

"To meet the challenge, we need a transatlantic defence industrial revolution. The hum of machinery must become a roar. Now, that sounds dramatic, but it can be done," he added.

His remarks came as the Russia- Ukraine conflict entered its fourth year, with Ukraine continuing to receive military support from NATO member states. Russia has repeatedly criticised Western arms deliveries, arguing they prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the continued supply of weapons "will not prevent us from achieving our goals."

Rutte's comments also followed the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, which Washington said was aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Rescue teams, firefighters and police launched a large-scale operation to search through the rubble, using heavy machinery to clear debris amid fears that more people could still be trapped.

Before emergency crews arrived, local residents rushed to help those buried beneath the collapsed structure.

Ayaz Khan said neighbours managed to pull several children from the rubble before municipal authorities reached the scene.

"Residents had already pulled out two or three bodies of the children before BMC's (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) arrival," he said.

"There was an innocent little girl here, too. Man, she was four years old. What was her fault? She also died."

Khan also criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, claiming concerns about the condition of the buildings had been raised but no action was taken.

"BMC people were supposed to come. They had visited here, people say. After that, they visited, took photos and left. They had come and gone back. If they had taken action at that very time, this accident wouldn't have happened," he lamented.

The collapse came as heavy monsoon rains caused widespread disruption across Mumbai and other parts of India. Schools and colleges in the city remained closed on Monday after more than 265 mm of rain fell within 24 hours.

According to the disaster management minister, record rainfall across Mumbai, Palghar and Raigad has claimed 13 lives in recent days through building collapses, landslides and falling trees.

India's Meteorological Department said monsoon conditions are expected to continue across central parts of the country for the next three days, bringing further heavy rainfall.

The severe weather has also disrupted operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with runway operations suspended at intervals on July 5 and 6.

“I didn't know what the hell a red card was. When I found out, I said, you got to be kidding,” Trump said.

Balogun was dismissed in the second half of the United States' 2-0 win on July 1 after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) alerted the referee to a high challenge on a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender.

Trump argued that the challenge did not warrant a sending-off.

“I understand sports really well, really well. And that wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction,” he said.

The US president also criticised the referee, describing him as “very suspect” while making indirect references to his “past.”

“I don't like to create controversy,” Trump added.

Explaining why he contacted FIFA, Trump questioned the automatic suspension that accompanies a straight red card.

“It's one thing to penalise somebody for the game but how do you penalise them for a game that hasn't been played yet. It's very unfair you can't do that so yes I asked for a review by FIFA. I spoke to a man who's highly respected and by the way whose level of respect has gone up tenfold and he was good before this started.”

Trump insisted he did not pressure FIFA to overturn the decision.

“I'm very glad all I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, you have to do this,” he said.

FIFA later suspended the automatic one-match ban, allowing Balogun to play in the United States' Round of 16 match against Belgium. The governing body said the suspension would be held in abeyance for one year under a disciplinary probation provision.

The decision prompted criticism from some fans and commentators, who questioned the consistency of FIFA's disciplinary process and the influence of political intervention in football .

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States , Mexico and Canada, has also faced scrutiny over issues including travel restrictions affecting some participating teams and officials, as well as debate over ticket prices, travel costs and the use of hydration breaks during matches.

The video, widely shared online, shows a uniformed officer approaching the vehicle before tossing an object inside. Moments later, two people are seen jumping out as a gas canister detonates.

The authenticity, date and location of the footage could not be independently verified.

Palestinian media reported that the incident took place during an Israeli raid on the Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, on Sunday.

Israeli media reported that the officer seen in the video was detained. According to the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth , Israeli police launched an investigation into the incident.

Police told the newspaper that the officer's actions "were not in line with approved procedures and instructions."

The raid also reportedly left casualties. Palestinian media said a 16-year-old boy died after being shot by Israeli forces during the operation, while two other children were reportedly wounded in the lower limbs.

Violence has continued across the occupied West Bank since October 7. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 759 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers during that period. Official Israeli figures say more than 26 Israelis have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians in the West Bank over the same timeframe.

Speaking about Iran, Trump said his administration's priority remained preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

"I went in for one reason very strongly, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he said.

Trump also claimed the United States would take possession of Iran's enriched nuclear material.

"We're going to be getting the, as I call it, dust, the enriched material, nuclear dust, I call it. It seems to have taken off, but it's enriched material. We're getting it."

He said lower global oil prices reflected actions taken by the United States and argued that predictions of a sharp increase in oil prices had not materialised.

According to Trump, US naval operations disrupted maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz by targeting Iranian capabilities.

"So we took them out late at night with no lights, with no nothing, and our great Navy, which did the greatest blockade anyone's ever seen. Not one ship got through in two months."

Trump said the blockade was later eased because negotiations were progressing.

"And we then freed up the blockade because we're close to maybe making a deal. I don't know."

Despite expressing hope for a diplomatic outcome, he warned that military action remained an option.

"Look, we're going to win one way or the other. We're either going to make a deal or we're going to finish the job, okay? And it won't be tough to finish the job."

Trump said he preferred an agreement because he did not want ordinary Iranians to suffer.

"I'd rather make a deal because I don't want to affect 91 million people."

He added that the United States had the capability to rapidly strike Iran's critical infrastructure if necessary.

"We can knock down their bridges in one hour. We can knock out their energy supply, all of those big plants that they built, big, beautiful, modern plants."

"We can knock out their electricity and power generating plants in, I would say, a small part of an afternoon. Every plant will be gone. And they know that. They know that."

Aid organisations say the steady arrival of people is placing the camp under increasing pressure, with fears of disease outbreaks as some wait days for onward travel. Relief groups are providing food, water and essential supplies, while authorities prepare for continued inflows. The situation follows recent demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants, amid a broader pattern of xenophobic tensions in South Africa, prompting neighbouring countries to organise repatriation efforts for their citizens.

Developers said the climb was designed to test the robot’s balance, mobility and communication systems in challenging environments. While it was not able to complete the entire ascent on its own, the team described the mission as a key step towards more ambitious goals, including future climbs on Mount Everest and potential applications in space exploration . The project could also support the use of humanoid robots in rescue operations, scientific research and environmental monitoring in remote areas.

Carrying flags and banners reading, "NATO chain will be broken," "No to NATO," and "Murderer USA, get out of the Middle East," protesters accused the alliance of driving conflict rather than promoting peace.

One demonstrator, Senem Guneysu, said security measures linked to the upcoming summit reflected priorities that did not represent the public.

"For days they have placed Ankara under lockdown because NATO leaders are coming. […] We do not want NATO or its member states in this country. I came here to tell them, once again and as loudly as possible, that they are not welcome," she said.

Another protester argued that NATO had consistently used military action to advance Western interests.

"Since its founding, NATO has served one purpose: to preserve capitalism through bloodshed, bombs, oppression and exploitation," the protester asserted.

"This so-called defence alliance carries out its interventions by engineering regime change in countries that do not conform to Western imperialism, fuelling sectarian conflicts, arming militant groups, planning military coups and operating through clandestine networks, turning countries into bloodbaths," she continued.

Criticism also focused on the upcoming summit, with demonstrators claiming it would prioritise military planning instead of diplomacy .

"NATO is the war organisation of the imperialist states. They are meeting in Ankara to plan new massacres," another protester claimed.

The rally formed part of a wider wave of anti-NATO demonstrations held across Turkey in recent days, including in Ankara, ahead of the summit scheduled for July 7 and 8.

The tradition stretches back to Mexico's first time hosting the tournament in 1970. This year, after briefly being halted at another church over concerns it was inappropriate, the custom was revived by the cathedral, where the figure remained on display throughout the competition.

The cathedral's location, just steps from FIFA's Fan Fest in the Zócalo, turned the statue into an unlikely pilgrimage site. Supporters from Mexico and beyond stopped to pray, pose for photographs or quietly ask for a little divine intervention before kick-off.

It made little difference on the pitch.

England ended Mexico's dream with a dramatic 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca, despite playing much of the second half with ten men. Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane's penalty helped send England into the quarter-finals, silencing a stadium that had hoped faith might provide one final advantage.

The Baby Jesus will remain dressed in Mexico's colours until the end of the tournament, cathedral officials say, regardless of the result.

Perhaps that is the more enduring story. Football can inspire prayer, hope and ritual. But even with what may have been the holiest supporter at the World Cup, there are some miracles that never arrive.

Fans gathered at Newark Fan Village watched Brazil fall 2-1, yet many said the team had done enough to deserve a different result.

Mario Medina believed Brazil controlled the match but paid the price when Norway's star striker made the difference.

"It was a good match. Brazil lost because they chose to. Brazil had the opportunity the whole time - they controlled the match for the full 90 minutes - but unfortunately, the ‘monster’ (Erling Haaland) arrived and finished them off," he said.

Norway secured victory with two late goals from Erling Haaland before Neymar Jr converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but Brazil's late response was not enough to avoid elimination.

For supporter Gabriela Sayani, the defeat was painful but not the end of Brazil's story.

"My heart is broken. I think the team needed to be united. You know that with Brazil, you have to be strong. We’ll see - in four years, we’ll be back again," she said.

Another fan, Isabel Gonzalves, also defended the team's performance.

"Nothing was missing - it’s just what happens in a game: the winner wins. Brazil did what they could, but didn't win because it wasn't meant to be. Still, Brazilian soccer always stands tall," she said.

The victory sent Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country's history , surpassing its previous best finishes in 1938 and 1998 when it reached the Round of 16.

Norway will face England in the quarter-finals in Miami on July 11.

During an emotional meeting on Thursday, Cantillo embraced members of Mexico's Topos rescue team, thanking them for refusing to give up while he remained trapped.

Fighting back tears, he recalled how the rescuers stayed with him throughout the ordeal, offering water , encouragement and hope as they worked to reach him.

"You are the angels that God sent," Aaron told the rescuers as he hugged them one by one and thanked them for saving his life.

Cantillo was rescued after spending more than four days beneath collapsed debris following the powerful earthquakes that struck La Guaira on June 24.

According to the latest official figures, 2,595 people were killed and 12,400 others were injured after two earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck just 40 seconds apart.

"They will fear that Ukraine will put a heavy burden on the EU budget," Fico said. "Yes, that is the other side of Ukraine's entry into the European Union . Therefore, everything has its time, and Ukraine must be patient. It must be very, very patient," he added.

Fico also questioned the European Union's proposed €90 billion ($103 billion) support package for Ukraine, claiming the bloc was funding Ukrainian weapons production that could later be sold back to EU member states.

"We are already in a mess. If we give someone 90 billion for the production of weapons, for support, for all sorts of things, they will manufacture weapons from it and then sell them back to the European Union," he said.

The Slovak prime minister said Slovakia's presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4) would focus on competitiveness, EU enlargement, people-to-people relations and practical cooperation, while making peace a fifth priority.

The European Union formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024. On Friday, EU member states reached a technical agreement to begin opening another accession negotiating cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, with formal approval expected on July 14.

Among those attending was Reyhaneh Abdi, who spoke of her grief during the ceremony.

"I loved my leader with all my soul, and my greatest wish was to sacrifice my life for him, but it didn't happen. Now, I am deeply ashamed before my leader that I survived, while my leader was martyred, by the most wicked creatures and the lowest of people ," she said.

Another mourner, Saeid Khane-Baz, said Khamenei's death would not weaken the Islamic Republic.

"They are so weak to think that by martyring the high official, the commander-in-chief, the Supreme Leader, the country will be destroyed. No, they are mistaken. They have trained many soldiers. I am also a soldier. We are all soldiers, and we will remain soldiers of this country," he said.

Iranian authorities have introduced extensive arrangements to accommodate the large crowds, converting mosques, parks and stadiums into temporary facilities and setting up camps for mourners.

A public funeral procession is scheduled to take place on July 6 before ceremonies move to the holy city of Qom on July 7.

The funeral observances are expected to conclude in Mashhad, where Khamenei is due to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine on July 9.

De Ogum is part of a community of pais and mães de santo - priests and priestesses of Afro-Brazilian religions - who regularly hold ceremonies to support Brazil during major football tournaments.

"We are Brazilians, so first of all, we have to support ourselves and pull things a little in our favour. And there is also the player who was born here in my neighbourhood, Vinicius Junior, who lived in the same neighbourhood as me, here in Portão do Rosa, in São Gonçalo. This is very important to us," he said.

The priest said his support for Vinicius Junior also reflects pride in the forward's stand against racism in football. "The greatest pride is honouring our Black people ," he said.

Brazil take on Norway on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in the Round of 16. It will be only the second World Cup meeting between the two sides. Their only previous encounter came at the 1998 World Cup in France, when Norway defeated Brazil.