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Outrage over Israeli soldier’s vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon

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Outrage over Israeli soldier vandalizing Jesus statue in Lebanon18 Minutes agoYolande KnellMiddle East Correspondent, JerusalemReutersAn online image of an Israeli soldiers apparently hitting a Jesus statue with a sledgehammer has prompted widespread criticism. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar said: “We apologize for this incident and every Christian who was hurt.” Locals claim the statue was placed on a crucifix in front of a home near Debel, which is one of the few villages that has remained inhabited during Israel’s war against Hezbollah. The head of Debel congregation, Father Fadi Flaifel told the BBC, “We reject the desecration and destruction of our sacred symbol of the cross as well as all religious symbols.” It is against the declaration of Human Rights and does not reflect civility. The Israeli military said that it was a genuine image. It also stressed that the soldier’s behavior was “wholly inconsistent” with the values expected from its troops. The US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee – a Baptist minister – said on X, “swift and severe consequences are required”. Right-wing US commentators quickly condemned the photo of the Israeli soldier with the statue of Jesus. Former US congressman and adviser to President Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, posted the photo and called it “horrific”. Former US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene shared the photo and said: “‘Our greatest allies’ that take billions of tax dollars and weapons each year.” A recent survey by the Pew Research Center in the US revealed that 60% of US adults have an unfavourable opinion of Israel. This is up from 53% in the previous year. Huckabee said that the incident was “unfortunate and has already had major repercussions all over the world”. Israeli police claimed this was due to safety concerns during the Iran War. He said that the decision to deny entry to the church leaders was “difficult” to understand or justify, as Israeli restrictions allowed religious gatherings up to 50 people. A 2025 report from the Rossing Center in Jerusalem, an organisation aiming to foster better interfaith relations in Holy Land, describes “a recent surge in overt hostility towards Christianity”. This is attributed to “a continuing deepening polarisation and ultranationalist political tendencies”. It stated that “the Christian community in Israel thrives, unlike anywhere else in the Middle East”. Israel is the only Middle East country that allows freedom of religion for everyone. Lebanese officials say that Israel began a military offensive on 2 March, which has resulted in more than a half million Lebanese being displaced, and 2,290 people having been killed. This includes 177 children and over 100 healthcare workers. Thirteen Israeli soldiers and two civilians have been killed by Hezbollah attacks in the same period, Israeli officials say.IsraelLebanonChristianity

  

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US singer D4vd charged with murder stemming from death of missing teenage girl

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US singer D4vd charged with murder stemming from death of missing teenage girl24 minutes agoNardine SaadandRegan Morris,Los AngelesUS musician D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder stemming from the death of a teenage girl who vanished last year, officials say.The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposing remains were found in September in a Tesla registered to his Texas address.Burke, 21, also was charged in the Rivas Hernandez case with murder for “financial gain” and with murder of a witness to an investigation, the district attorney said.In a statement after his arrest last week, his lawyers said “actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death”.The Los Angeles County DA’s office confirmed that D4vd is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in downtown Los Angeles, and “cannot comment on grand jury investigations”.During a press conference on Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that on 23 April 2025, Rivas Hernandez went to Burke’s house in the Hollywood Hills and “she was never heard from again”.Her dismembered and decomposed remains were found on 8 September 2025 – when the investigation first began – in the trunk of a car registered to Burke. Hochman said that it is a parent’s worst nightmare to have their daughter go out one night, never return. He announced three charges against the singer. The first is first-degree homicide with special circumstances “lying in waiting”. The second charge is a special circumstance of alleged murder to “gain financial gain”. Hochman accused Burke to murder the 14-year old to maintain his lucrative music career “that Celeste threatened on that night”. The third charge is murdering an investigator. He said that evidence showed Rivas Hernandez to be a witness of Burke’s sexual acts. Hochman added that charges include numerous sexual acts and mutilation of a corpse. The DA’s Office could seek the death sentence in this case, he added. Los Angeles Police Department chief Jim McDonnell responded in response to criticisms of the way police handled the case, and their decision to not provide details since the body had been discovered seven months ago. Rivas Hernandez’s parents have not yet spoken out publicly about the case. My duty is to not fuel speculation. McDonnell said that justice is the goal, and this requires patience and discipline from everyone. “This investigation was driven solely by the desire to bring justice to Celeste Rivas, and those who loved her. We had to make sure that nothing we said or did would jeopardize this case. “He said that the condition of the teen’s remains delayed determining cause of death. He said that evidence had been degraded or destroyed due to the “substantial time” that had passed between the death of the teen and its discovery. Hochman explained to the BBC that it was difficult to interview multiple people, including some who were “cooperative”, and others who weren’t. He also said that the evidence needed to be examined. “It is the type of case where you go to get maximum information,” Hochman said, asking anyone who has information to come forward. Burke remains in custody after his arrest on Friday. The BBC has contacted the singer’s attorneys for comments. The singer is from Houston, Texas and is best known for moody indie-pop songs like Here With Me, and Romantic Homicide. He first gained fame as a teenager by posting videos of him playing the video game Fortnite. After learning music production, he produced his debut EP Petals to Thorns in 2023. He was named to Variety’s Young Hollywood List in the same year and opened for SZA during her SOS Tour. In April 2025 he released his debut, accumulating 22 millions monthly listeners on Spotify, and almost 4 million followers on TikTok. On 8 September 2025 investigators discovered the decomposed body and head of the 14-year old girl in a cadaver-bag in the front boot a Tesla registered at his Texas address. The singer canceled his world tour shortly after. In court documents published in February, the grand jury named him as the “target”. It is unclear how the grand jury investigation will proceed.Singer D4vd arrested on suspicion of murdering teenage girlQuestions surround US singer D4vd weeks after teen’s body found in his TeslaLos AngelesUnited StatesCaliforniaMusic

  

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BBC News World

Japan on high alert for ‘huge’ second quake after issuing tsunami warning

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Japan on high alert for ‘huge’ second quake after issuing tsunami warning1 hour agoChika Nakayama,Kurumi Mori,Tokyo correspondentandFlora DruryReutersOfficials in Japan have warned of an increased risk of a “huge” earthquake in the next week after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast, triggering an evacuation order and warnings of 3m tsunami waves.Thousands of people were told to leave coastal areas for higher ground after the quake in waters off Iwate prefecture, 530km (330 miles) north of the capital Tokyo.The biggest waves measured 80cm but the meteorological agency in earthquake-prone Japan warned that quakes “causing even stronger shaking” could occur in the next week, producing bigger waves.Later, the agency warned the risk of a quake measuring 8.0 or higher was now “relatively higher than during normal times”. The Japanese are still haunted by the memory of the 2011 tsunami that killed over 18,000 people. Tokyo felt tremors. In Hokkaido, tsunami alerts were still in place for two hours after the earthquake struck at 16:52 local (08:52 BST). “As soon we heard the earthquake alarm, everyone ran downstairs,” Chaw su Thwe, a Myanmar citizen living in Hokkaido told the BBC. This time, the shaking was milder. She added that local authorities were using loudspeakers to warn residents of a possible tsunami. “Office workers were allowed to leave early. Minoru Kihara, Japan’s Cabinet secretary, told reporters that “a number of bullet trains had been affected and 100 homes were left without power.” He said that there were no immediate reports about major injuries or damage. A tsunami warning was issued along part of Japan’s eastern coast. The warning is the second highest level of alert. People are told to evacuate immediately coastal areas and riverside area and move to higher grounds or an evacuation building. “Tsunamis are expected to hit repeatedly.” Japan’s Meteorological Agency told reporters that people should not leave the safe ground until the warning was lifted. Prime Minister Sanae Taichi also echoed this plea. Since then, the government issues warnings and advisories for people to get to higher ground.Does Japan’s megaquake warning mean the ‘big one’ is coming?JapanEarthquakes

  

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BBC News World

US intercepts and seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Trump says

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US seizes Iranian flagged cargo ship, Trump claims52 minutes agoKathryn A ArmstrongEPAThe US has intercepted a cargo ship with Iranian flag in the Gulf, as part of its Naval Blockade, Donald Trump said. The US president wrote on the Truth Social platform that Touska was seized after the US Navy failed to respond to an order to stop. Iran has yet to comment on the incident. The announcement came after White House confirmed US Vice President JD Vance will lead another delegation for the second round of talks about ending the war with Iran. Iranian state media reported that officials would not participate as long as the US blockade is in place. “Today, a cargo ship with Iranian flag, named TOUSKA, weighing nearly as much as a carrier aircraft, tried to get through our Naval Blockade and it didn’t go well for them,” Trump said. He said that the US had warned the vessel to stop but it was ignored. “Our Navy ship stopped them in their tracks by blowing out a hole in their engineroom.” “The TOUSKA has been placed under US Treasury Sanctions due to their previous history of illegal activities. We have full control of the ship and are examining what’s inside! US Central Command released footage that it claimed showed a navy vessel intercepting cargo ship. Trump says US navy seizes Iranian-flagged ship after first round of talks failed earlier this month. Trump announced the naval blocade following the failure of the first round of talks. Trump announced the naval blockade after a first round of negotiations earlier this month ended without an agreement. The ceasefire will expire on Tuesday. According to a White House official, Vance will be joined by Trump advisers Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Jared Witkoff, who were also present at previous talks. Iran’s official news agency IRNA has denied reports of a second round with the US. It added that the US blockade, along with “excessive” demands and threatening rhetoric from Washington, had “so far hindered the progress of the negotiations”.Nevertheless, preparations for further discussions have begun in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. US Central Command/XGuests were told to leave the hotel where talks between the US delegation and Iranian delegation took place last weekend, the BBC’s Pakistan reporter reported. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz sharif spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian Sunday evening, according a statement issued by his office. The statement did not mention any further talks between Iran, and the US. The Strait of Hormuz remained shut on Sunday after the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps announced that it would end a temporary reopening to the US naval blockade. Iran said that it would remain closed until the US ended their naval blockade. The strait is used to transport about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG. Trump has said that Iran cannot “blackmail the US” with threats about the waterway. He threatened to knock down every bridge and power station in Iran if Tehran refused to agree to a peaceful deal. “If they don’t take the DEAL… it will be my honour to do what needs to be done,” Trump wrote on Sunday in another Truth Social posting. The US president also accused Iran of violating a ceasefire on Saturday by attacking ships in Strait of Hormuz. He said that a French ship as well as a UK freighter were among the targets. CMA CGM, a French shipping company, confirmed that one vessel was fired upon. They told AFP that the vessel “was the victim of warning shots”. According to the UK’s transport and defence ministries, there were no reports on Saturday of attacks on UK-linked vessels. However, two reports were made of a cargo ship and a tanker being attacked in strait. According to tracking site MarineTraffic, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was at a standstill Sunday. The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported that two tankers “sailing on the flags of Botswana, and Angola”, wanted to travel through Hormuz, but were “forced by the timely action of Iran’s armed forces to change course and withdraw”.

  

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BBC News World

Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician tells BBC

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A senior Iranian politician told BBC that Tehran would never cede the Strait of Hormuz. 12 hours ago, Lyse DoucetChief International Correspondent, TehranBBC “Never.” A senior Iranian legislator says that’s the time when they’ll be willing to give up control of the Strait of Hormuz. Ebrahim Azizi is a former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. He told the BBC in Tehran that “it’s our inalienable rights.” “Iran will decide on the right of passage including permissions for ships to pass through Strait. “And he said that’s about become enshrined into law. Azizi, a member of a hardline-dominated parliament, is a key player. He described the strategic strait Iran weaponised during this conflict as one of its assets to face the enemies. Azizi reflects the thinking of some of the top decision-makers in the new order that has emerged from this war. The new order is militarised and dominated by hardliners. Most notably, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mohammad Eslami explains that Iran’s first priority after the war was to restore deterrence. The Strait of Hormuz was one of Iran’s main strategic leverages. “Tehran will discuss how other nations could benefit from Iran’s framework for the Strait of Hormuz, but control is what matters most.” “But this is a future that some of Iran’s neighbors reject, who are already furious over its attacks against their countries during the five-week war. The war has now been put on hold in a fragile interim ceasefire. In a recent interview, Dr Anwar Gargash described it as “an act of hostile piratery”. He warned that if Iran did not relinquish control of these waters, it would set “a dangerous precedent” for other strategic waterways around the world. Azizi’s response was a reference to US military bases in the Middle East, which were regularly targeted by Iran’s missiles and drones. He added that the US was “the largest pirate in the entire world”. Azizi said that “we have always said that we need to work together in order to secure our region”. That vision has been shattered by most Gulf states except for Oman which is one of Iran’s closest friends and controls the southern coast. It was involved in discussions with Tehran this month to ensure smooth and safe passage of vessels. There have also been signs of disagreements – it’s unclear how deep – within Iran’s political and military elite. This was displayed in recent rare and strongly-worded criticism of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi who posted a statement to social media on Friday stating that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely opened”. US President Donald Trump responded with a capitalised “THANK YOU” in The state-run Mehr news agency said the foreign minister’s post had “provided the best opportunity for Trump to go beyond reality, declare himself the winner of war and celebrate victory”. Another news agency, Tasnim, described it as a “bad and incomplete tweet that created misleading ambiguity about reopening of Strait of Hormuz”. Araghchi stressed that only ships authorised by IRGC navy were allowed through designated routes which required payment. Azizi dismissed any impressions regarding rifts within regime The fate of this strait is decided by the highest levels of government. The Iranian government has not yet confirmed whether its own team led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will return to Pakistan. Local media reports that Iran will not attend as long as the US blockade on Iranian ports is in place. Trump has repeatedly ordered Iran open this maritime route, including in a social media post with expletives on 5 April where he warned Iran it would “live in hell” if they didn’t comply. He’s now accused Tehran trying to “blackmail’ the US. Azizi mocks, “I don’t think I can expect much from someone who lies.” “We are defending our rights against American blackmail. “Like other high-level Iranians he mocks Trump on social media. The ban will be lifted when it is safe, but Azizi, who has a parliamentary portfolio that includes national security, refused to say when. He only said, “When it is safe and secure, we will lift the restriction so that the enemy won’t take advantage”. I also asked him about the recent arrests and what Amnesty International and other human rights groups claim are dozens death sentences given to protesters arrested during the January nationwide protests which were crushed by lethal force and killed thousands. Azizi reiterated the government’s claim claiming that the US and Israeli spy services (the CIA, Mossad) were involved in the unrest. He dismissed the rising concern among some Iranians about internal security tightening further. “Even in a ceasefire there are rules,” he said. The BBC’s chief foreign correspondent, Lyse Doucet, is reporting from Tehran under the condition that her material not be used on BBC’s Persian Service. These restrictions are applicable to all international media organizations operating in Iran. Iran: ‘No sign of peace deal but mediators are still communicating.’ Strait of Hormuz is closed again after ships attacked.

  

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford agrees to sell $21m private jet following outcry

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford agrees with outcry to sell $21m Private Jet17 minutes agoAna FaguyGetty imagesThe Canadian province Ontario is now selling the jet it recently purchased for Premier Doug Ford. Ford’s office had stated that he would use the jet for official travel including to the US in order to advocate against Trump’s tariffs. Ford’s office confirmed the purchase on Friday. However, political opponents criticized him for buying a “gravy” plane and calling it “out of touch”. On Sunday, Ford announced that he would sell it “as soon as possible”. Ford said that despite his best intentions, he agreed with those who have said the time is not right to purchase a government aircraft. Ford said that the province worked with Bombardier, and other partners, on the sale. The plane is a Bombardier Challenger 650 Executive Jet, built in Canada in 2016 “I will continue to build relationships with business and government leaders in Canada and the United States to fight tariffs, create jobs and attract investments for Ontario workers,” said he. NurPhoto via Getty ImagesCritics were quick to call the purchase unnecessary. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a taxpayers’ group that said Ford should “stick with flying commercial”. Marit Stiles, leader the left-leaning Ontario New Democratic Party claimed Ford changed his mind only after “the temperature [got] too high”. She said that Ford was turning the plane in mid-air to make an emergency landing after he was caught living like a “rockstar” on “your money”. Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser accused Ford for wanting to “live as a billionaire” using “your money”. Fraser said on Facebook that Ford’s attempt to purchase a private jet when families are struggling is a good indicator of his character. According to an Angus Reid poll from earlier this summer, Ford’s polling hovers at 31%. It is one of the lowest polling numbers in Canada for a premier who won his rare third consecutive majority government last year. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized for $21m in private jet purchaseThe blunt Canadian taking his fight against Trump to WashingtonCanada

  

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