KRAMATORSK, Ukraine (BN24) — French photojournalist Antoni Lallican was killed in a Russian drone strike near the frontline village of Komyshuvakha in eastern Ukraine, the Ukrainian military said Friday.
Ukrainian photojournalist Grigoriy Ivanchenko, who was working alongside Lallican, was wounded in the same attack and later required leg amputation, officials said. The strike hit the area where the two journalists were embedded with Ukraine’s 4th Mechanized Brigade about 15 kilometers from the frontline.
The Hans Lucas photo agency confirmed both journalists were wearing protective gear marked with “PRESS” insignias when the drone strike occurred. A witness told the BBC that the sound of chainsaws used by soldiers to build defensive positions may have prevented them from hearing the drone overhead.
Anastasia Haletska, the brigade’s press officer who was also injured, applied tourniquets to Ivanchenko before both were evacuated to a hospital in nearby Kramatorsk. Lallican died instantly in the attack.
Lallican, a Paris-based photographer, had been documenting the war in Ukraine since March 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion. His work appeared in major French newspapers, including Le Monde and Le Figaro, and earned him the prestigious Victor Hugo Prize for photography in 2024.
His photography captured the human cost of the war, portraying families fleeing, elderly residents refusing to leave their homes despite bombardment, and soldiers living on the frontline. His work spanned from Odesa in the southwest to Kharkiv in the northeast.
The European and International Federations of Journalists said this is the first case of a journalist killed by a drone strike in Ukraine. Since the war began, 17 journalists have been killed while covering the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Lallican on X, formerly Twitter, calling him “a victim of a Russian drone attack” and offering condolences to his family and colleagues.
The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting those documenting war crimes. Sergiy Tomilenko, the union’s president, said Lallican “built a visual bridge between the world and Ukrainian reality” and “now he himself has become part of this tragic story.”
SHOSTKA, Ukraine (BN24) — At least 30 people were injured following a Russian drone strike on a railway station in Shostka, a city in northeastern Ukraine’s Sumy region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday.
In a post on X, Zelensky said preliminary reports indicated that train staff and passengers were present at the site during the attack. Emergency services were on scene assisting the injured, though exact casualty figures were still being confirmed. Zelensky shared video footage showing a train carriage engulfed in flames following the strike.
“The Russians could not have been unaware that they were targeting civilians. This is terrorism, which the world has no right to ignore,” Zelensky wrote. “Every day, Russia takes people’s lives. And only strength can make them stop.”
Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov said three children, aged 8, 11, and 14, were among those injured. Ukrainian Railways officials reported that two strikes hit two passenger trains amid ongoing evacuations from the area. The attack was described as a “vile” effort to disrupt connections with frontline communities.
Shostka is located about 50 kilometers from the Russian border. Oleksandr Pertsovsky, head of Ukrainian Railways, told reporters the attack had no military purpose and was intended to sow panic. He noted an uptick in Russian assaults targeting Ukraine’s railway infrastructure.
Zelensky urged Western nations to move beyond statements of support and take concrete action, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Russian aerial attacks have intensified in recent weeks, with daily drone and missile strikes across Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly called on Western allies for advanced air defense systems to counter the growing threat.
Last Sunday, a massive 12-hour Russian assault involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles killed four people and wounded at least 70 in Kyiv.
Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk stressed that strengthening air defenses in Ukraine also benefits European security amid expanding drone activity in European airspace.
Efforts led by U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders to end the war continue, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly rejected ceasefire proposals. Kyiv and its allies accuse Moscow of stalling peace talks while continuing military operations despite heavy losses.
The U.S. recently approved a program enabling European allies to purchase American-made weapons for Ukraine and is considering a Ukrainian request for long-range missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia.
LONDON (BN24) — Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, while Manchester United handed manager Ruben Amorim a crucial boost by defeating Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford.
In Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge, Arsenal demonstrated their strength with a convincing win at the Emirates Stadium to bolster their hopes of winning their first league title in 22 years. However, the victory came at a cost as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured before halftime for the third time this season.
Declan Rice, who transferred from West Ham to Arsenal for a club-record £105 million ($141 million) last year, ended West Ham’s resistance by scoring on a rebound after Alphonse Areola saved Eberechi Eze’s shot. Bukayo Saka secured the win from the penalty spot in the second half after El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Jurrien Timber. Arsenal now sit one point ahead of Liverpool, who play later against Chelsea. West Ham remain in the relegation zone following their defeat.
At Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim, under pressure due to poor results, enjoyed a rare convincing win to ease concerns ahead of the international break. The home crowd observed a moment of silence to honor victims of a recent terror attack on a Manchester synagogue.
Amorim’s team selection paid off as goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet on his debut. Mason Mount opened the scoring with a well-taken finish from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross in the eighth minute. Bruno Fernandes narrowly missed with a shot that hit the woodwork as United dominated the first half.
Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead with a sharp finish from a long throw-in, marking his first goal at Old Trafford since his £74 million move from RB Leipzig. Sunderland had an initial penalty awarded late in the half, but VAR overturned the decision due to insufficient contact.
Sunderland, who began the weekend in fifth place after a strong start to their return to the Premier League, suffered a reality check with the loss, ending their four-game unbeaten streak.
Elsewhere, Tottenham ended Leeds United’s year-long unbeaten league run with a 2-1 victory at Elland Road. Mohammed Kudus scored his first goal for Spurs to seal the win after Noah Okafor had equalized for Leeds following Mathys Tel’s opener. Tottenham moved into third place, with manager Thomas Frank praising the team’s defensive resolve.
Liverpool can reclaim the top spot if it wins their upcoming match at Chelsea. The defending champions have lost their last two games, including a recent defeat to Crystal Palace and a Champions League loss to Galatasaray. Chelsea, the current Club World Cup champions, is also struggling with a three-game winless streak in the league.
LONDON (BN24) — Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian delivered a moment of magic deep into stoppage time to earn Chelsea a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, plunging the Premier League champions into a third straight defeat and offering a glimpse of a rising star.
In a match marked by high tension and late drama, Estevao’s 97th-minute winner capped off a performance that may be remembered as the breakthrough moment for the 18-year-old winger. Reacting quickest to Marc Cucurella’s low cross, Estevao darted in front of Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson to score his first goal in a Chelsea shirt, sparking wild celebrations on the touchline and resulting in Blues manager Enzo Maresca being sent off.
The result leaves Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, one point clear of Liverpool, after the Gunners defeated West Ham earlier on Saturday.
Moises Caicedo had earlier opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 14th minute with a thunderous 20-yard strike past Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was deputizing for the injured Alisson. Caicedo, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer before opting for Chelsea in a £115 million deal, continued to prove his value on both ends of the pitch. He nearly added a second late on and was instrumental defensively, tracking Robertson’s late run deep into stoppage time just before Estevao’s winner.
Liverpool equalized on 62 minutes through Cody Gakpo, who capitalized on a flick from Alexander Isak following Dominik Szoboszlai’s delivery into the box. But the visitors struggled to impose themselves thereafter, with Chelsea dominating large spells of the second half and creating the better chances.
Arne Slot’s side had looked to regroup after recent losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, with record signing Florian Wirtz initially benched in favor of a more familiar midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai. Wirtz was introduced after halftime in a bid to energize the attack, but the visitors remained disjointed.
Despite Mohamed Salah returning to the starting lineup, the Egyptian’s struggles in front of goal continued. He missed a clear opportunity in the second half, sending a shot wide with only Robert Sanchez to beat, emblematic of his indifferent form this season.
Estevao’s impact was immediate after coming on as a substitute alongside fellow teenagers Jamie Gittens and Marc Guiu. His goal not only handed Chelsea the win but also underscored his growing reputation. Before joining Chelsea in a £51 million move from Palmeiras, Estevao had already made history in Brazil as the first under-18 player to record 20 combined goals and assists for the club, breaking a record previously held by Neymar.
His composure and timing on Saturday offered a reminder of the attacking pedigree Brazil continues to produce, and why he is already earning international call-ups under Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
For Maresca, the win came at a cost. Centre-back duo Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile were both forced off with injuries, leaving Chelsea short-staffed in defense. With five other central defenders either injured or suspended, squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks.
As for Liverpool, the defending champions head into the international break in urgent need of recalibration. After a week in which late goals have repeatedly haunted them, Slot will look to regroup and reignite a side that has lost momentum in its title defense.
Bayern Munich's Colombian forward #14 Luis Diaz scores his team's third goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern Munich in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on October 4, 2025. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO
FRANKFURT, Germany (BN24) — Luis Diaz scored twice, including one of the fastest goals in Bundesliga history, as Bayern Munich eased to a 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday to move four points clear at the top of the table heading into the international break.
The Colombian winger stunned the home crowd just 15 seconds into the game, capitalizing on a misplaced Frankfurt pass seized by Serge Gnabry to fire home the third-fastest goal ever recorded in the German top flight.
Harry Kane added a second in the 27th minute with a clinical low drive from distance, continuing his prolific form in his first season in Germany. The England captain has now scored 18 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions, including 11 in just six Bundesliga matches.
Diaz sealed the result with his second goal in the 84th minute, taking his season tally to six since arriving from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Frankfurt thought they had equalized through Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s long-range strike in 15 minutes, but the goal was overturned after VAR determined Ritsu Doan had handled the ball in the buildup.
Kane left the pitch late in the second half after a collision with Frankfurt goalkeeper Kauã Santos. He appeared to injure his left ankle but was able to jog off and later assured reporters he would be fit for England’s international fixtures.
“It was just a knock,” Kane said. “It’s an area where I’ve been hit before. I’ll be fine in a couple of days — I’ll be ready to go for the national team on Monday.”
The win marks Bayern’s sixth straight victory to start the season under manager Vincent Kompany, who continues to guide his team through a dominant early campaign.
Dortmund and Leipzig Share the Spoils
Earlier Saturday, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig played out a 1-1 draw at Signal Iduna Park in a clash between Bundesliga title contenders.
Leipzig struck first after seven minutes when Assan Ouedraogo outleapt Dortmund’s Yan Couto to nod down a ball for Christoph Baumgartner, who swept home the opener.
Couto responded midway through the first half, finishing low into the corner after a layoff from Serhou Guirassy. Leipzig’s Romulo thought he had restored the visitors’ lead shortly after, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Julian Brandt missed a late chance to win it for Dortmund, sending a free header over the bar with two minutes left.
“We wanted to win today and we had the chances to do so, but we lacked a bit of luck in the end,” said Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck. “A point is OK.”
The result leaves Dortmund one point behind leaders Bayern, while Leipzig remains a further point behind in third. The draw extends Dortmund’s domestic unbeaten run to 15 matches, dating back to a March defeat also against Leipzig.
Leverkusen Return to Winning Ways
Bayer Leverkusen bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Union Berlin, thanks to goals from summer signings Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane.
Poku opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, converting a cross from Lucas Vazquez. Kofane doubled the lead after pouncing on a poor pass from Union goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow.
While Leverkusen had dropped points from winning positions in earlier matches this season, they maintained control throughout this fixture. However, the win was overshadowed by a serious head injury to captain Alex Grimaldo, who was stretchered off following a first-half collision.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga
Samuel Mbangula’s second-minute strike was enough for Werder Bremen to edge St Pauli 1-0 at home, securing their second win of the season. Augsburg ended a four-match losing run with a 3-1 win over Wolfsburg, dominating throughout to claim a much-needed three points
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, Israel, August 10, 2025. ABIR SULTAN/Pool via REUTERS
JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday he hopes to announce the release of all hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days,” ahead of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt on a new U.S.-brokered plan to end the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem, Israel, August 10, 2025. ABIR SULTAN/Pool via REUTERS
Netanyahu said he dispatched a delegation to Cairo to “finalize technical details,” setting a short timeline for the discussions. “Our goal is to contain these negotiations to a time frame of a few days,” he said in a brief statement.
But Netanyahu also made clear that Israel will not fully withdraw from Gaza, a key demand of Hamas. He said Israeli forces will retain control of areas they currently occupy and that Hamas will be disarmed in the second phase of the plan, either through diplomatic means or military force.
The prime minister’s remarks came shortly after Hamas said it had accepted parts of the U.S. proposal. President Donald Trump welcomed the group’s statement but warned Hamas to act quickly, saying “all bets will be off” if it delays. He also ordered Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza to facilitate the deal. Residents reported a noticeable easing of Israeli strikes on Saturday, though Gaza hospital officials said at least 22 people were killed, including women and children.
Israeli Strikes Persist as Forces Shift to Defensive Stance
Israel’s military said it has been instructed to prepare for the first phase of the U.S. plan and has shifted to a defensive posture in Gaza. Officials said Israeli forces will refrain from new offensive strikes while talks unfold.
Still, violence continued in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood, where an Israeli strike killed at least 17 people and wounded 25 more, according to Al-Ahli hospital director Fadel Naim. Israel’s military said the target was a Hamas operative and expressed regret over civilian casualties. Shifa Hospital director Mohamed Abu Selmiyah reported five additional deaths across Gaza earlier in the day.
The escalation comes just days before the second anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. Trump has vowed to end the conflict and secure the release of all hostages before Tuesday’s anniversary, touting his plan as a decisive step toward lasting peace. The proposal has received widespread support from key mediators, including Egypt and Qatar.
Egypt to Host Indirect Negotiations
Egyptian mediators said Monday’s talks aim to pave the way for a mutual exchange: the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to lead the American team. Negotiators will also examine maps outlining phased Israeli military withdrawals from specific areas of Gaza, according to an Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Arab mediators are simultaneously preparing for intra-Palestinian dialogue to unify political factions regarding Gaza’s future. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which had previously rejected the U.S. plan, now says it supports Hamas’ response.
Plan’s Terms and Uncertainty Ahead
Under Trump’s plan, Hamas would release 48 remaining hostages — about 20 of whom are believed to be alive — within three days, relinquish power, and disarm. In return, Israel would halt its offensive, withdraw from much of the territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and allow large-scale humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
Hamas has signaled willingness to release hostages and transfer power to other Palestinian groups but said other provisions require further consultations. Its statement did not address disarmament, a critical Israeli demand.
Some Israeli officials expressed cautious optimism. Amir Avivi, a retired general and chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, said Israel can pause operations temporarily for a hostage deal but warned the offensive will resume if Hamas refuses to surrender weapons. Others argue Hamas’ language merely reframes its longstanding positions without real concessions.
Mixed Reactions and Public Hopes
Two right-wing members of Netanyahu’s coalition, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticized aspects of the plan but did not threaten to leave the government. In Tel Aviv, speakers at the weekly rally over the war expressed a rare note of cautious optimism.
A group representing families of Israeli hostages said hopes of reunification “have never been closer,” urging Trump to “keep pushing with full force” while warning against extremists “on both sides” seeking to derail the plan. Across Europe, demonstrations calling for an end to the war have intensified.
Palestinian Concerns and Ongoing Violence
In Gaza, many residents expressed skepticism that negotiations would succeed. “We want practical implementation. We want a truce on the ground,” said Sameer Qudeeh of Khan Younis. “I hope Hamas ends the war, because we are truly tired,” said Mohammad Shaat as residents navigated shattered streets.
Israel’s military warned Palestinians not to return to Gaza City, labeling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Residents reported no major ground advances Saturday but said artillery fire and drone activity persisted.
In southern Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya field hospital received 10 bodies and more than 70 injured following Israeli strikes. Gaza’s Health Ministry raised the Palestinian death toll to over 67,000, adding more than 700 verified names. Women and children comprise about half of the dead, according to the ministry, whose figures are widely considered the most reliable by U.N. and independent experts.
The United States carried out a deadly military strike on a vessel suspected of transporting illegal drugs near the coast of Venezuela, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday. Four men were killed in the operation, the fourth such strike in recent weeks, as President Donald Trump intensifies the use of military force against drug cartels in the Caribbean.
Hegseth said the attack took place in international waters and targeted a vessel “transporting substantial amounts of narcotics — headed to America to poison our people.” He shared a nearly 40-second video showing a boat moving through the water before being hit by a barrage of projectiles that caused a massive explosion.
“These strikes will continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!!!” Hegseth wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Neither Hegseth nor Trump provided evidence to support their claims that the vessel carried drugs. Hegseth said intelligence “without a doubt” confirmed that those aboard were “narco-terrorists,” though he did not disclose the quantity or type of narcotics allegedly found. Trump asserted that the boat carried enough drugs to kill between 25,000 and 50,000 people.
The Venezuelan communications ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Traditionally, maritime counter-drug operations have been conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, the nation’s primary maritime law enforcement agency. The use of the U.S. military for such missions marks a significant shift in strategy.
Earlier this week, the Pentagon notified Congress that Trump has determined the United States is engaged in a “non-international armed conflict” with drug cartels. The confidential legal rationale, reviewed by Reuters, seeks to justify using military force in the Caribbean against trafficking organizations designated as terrorist groups by the administration.
Legal experts, including former military lawyers, have questioned whether the administration’s justifications meet international law standards. They argue that targeting suspected drug traffickers with military force at sea, rather than apprehending them, may violate the laws of war.
The strikes come amid a major U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean. The Pentagon has deployed F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico, eight U.S. warships carrying thousands of sailors and marines, and one nuclear-powered submarine to the region.
The Trump administration has released few details about previous strikes, including the identities of those killed or specifics of the narcotics cargo. It has also signaled potential future actions against cartels operating over land, raising further legal and diplomatic questions.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to overthrow him and denies any involvement in drug trafficking. In August, the U.S. government doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, alleging ties to drug networks and criminal groups — allegations he has rejected.
The strike near Venezuela underscores Trump’s aggressive approach to what his administration has framed as an “armed conflict” against drug cartels. It also reflects the widening scope of U.S. military operations beyond traditional counter-narcotics measures, testing both domestic legal boundaries and international norms.
WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump on Friday ordered Israel to immediately stop bombing the Gaza Strip after Hamas said it had accepted key elements of his peace plan to end the nearly two-year war and release all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Hamas announced that it was prepared to free the hostages and transfer authority in Gaza to other Palestinian actors, though it noted that some parts of Trump’s proposal required further internal consultation. Senior Hamas officials indicated that significant disagreements remained and that additional negotiations would be necessary.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was ready to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan, referring to the release of hostages. But in a statement, his office reiterated that Israel would seek to end the war on its own previously stated terms, without clarifying how differences with Hamas might be resolved.
Trump welcomed Hamas’s initial response, writing on social media:
“I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out.”
Hamas emphasized that questions regarding Gaza’s future and Palestinian rights should be settled through a unified Palestinian position and international law. The statement made no mention of disarmament — a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.
Trump’s latest push comes days before the second anniversary of the Hamas-led assault and as he seeks to fulfill his pledge to end the war and bring the remaining hostages home.
Key mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, welcomed the developments. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Doha would “continue discussions on the plan.” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged all sides to “seize the opportunity to bring the tragic conflict in Gaza to an end,” while French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that “the release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach.”
The main organization representing the families of Israeli hostages called Trump’s directive “essential to prevent serious and irreversible harm” to the captives, urging Netanyahu to begin “efficient and swift negotiations” for their return.
Earlier this week, Trump unveiled a proposal that would halt fighting, secure the release of 48 remaining hostages — around 20 believed to be alive — within three days, and initiate a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from much of Gaza. Hamas would disarm and relinquish political control, while Israel would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow a major influx of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
The plan would also scrap proposals to relocate Gaza’s population abroad. Instead, the territory’s roughly 2 million residents would fall under temporary international administration, overseen jointly by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan does not outline a future reunification of Gaza with the West Bank in a Palestinian state.
Trump warned Hamas that it must agree by Sunday evening or face a severe escalation.
“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas,” he wrote. “THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
Senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera the plan “cannot be implemented without negotiations.” He said the group agreed in principle to return all hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners but cautioned it might take longer than 72 hours to locate remains of captives who have died.
He added that Hamas was open to transferring its weapons to a future Palestinian governing body, though this was not included in the official statement. Another official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby TV that Hamas rejects foreign administration of Gaza, calling the entry of outside forces “unacceptable.”
Since ending a previous ceasefire in March, Israel has tightened its blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, medicine and other goods for more than two months. Israeli forces have flattened and depopulated large parts of the territory, pushing hundreds of thousands to flee.
Humanitarian officials say Gaza City entered famine shortly before Israel’s most recent offensive. Olga Cherevko, a spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office, described seeing displaced families living in the Shifa Hospital parking lot, unable to move south due to lack of resources.
Most of Hamas’s senior leadership in Gaza and thousands of fighters have been killed, but the group retains influence in areas beyond Israel’s military control and continues sporadic attacks. Hamas has consistently said it will release remaining hostages only in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal — conditions Netanyahu has rejected.
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when thousands of Hamas-led militants attacked Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducting 251 others. Israel’s military response has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which the U.N. and independent experts view as the most reliable source for wartime casualties.
The offensive has displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s population, rendering large parts of the territory uninhabitable.
BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Lamine Yamal will miss Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury, Barcelona confirmed Friday.
The 18-year-old winger, who returned to the starting lineup in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks. The setback comes after Yamal had only just recovered from a previous groin injury that kept him out of four matches.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had previously expressed frustration over the player’s workload, suggesting that his involvement in Spain’s September qualifiers may have contributed to the problem.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente responded to those concerns while unveiling his squad on Friday, denying any rift between himself and Flick.
“There is no conflict with Flick,” De la Fuente said. “I was simply surprised by those statements because he has been a national team coach, and I thought he had that empathy.”
De la Fuente emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixtures, saying the focus should remain on Spain’s World Cup ambitions rather than off-pitch comments.
“We are playing for the World Cup, that is what really matters. The rest is not important,” he said.
Flick previously stated that he had exchanged brief messages with De la Fuente but admitted communication between the two could be improved. De la Fuente tried to close the discussion on Friday, offering clarification on the injury timeline.
“When the match ended, [Yamal] had some kind of discomfort,” he said. “But I have never played without discomfort. Nothing happened. Our medical staff has explained it, and I have explained it. Nothing more.”
The latest injury puts Yamal’s participation in the October 26 Clasico against Real Madrid in doubt.
Spain will also be without Nico Williams and Dani Carvajal for the October internationals. Williams has not featured since sustaining a groin injury during the 6-0 win over Turkey, with Athletic Bilbao reportedly requesting that his minutes be carefully managed.
Alvaro Morata has been left out of the squad following a slow start to the season with Como.
“The risk in football and in sports always exists. If he is playing at his club, he is assuming those risks,” De la Fuente said. “We are talking about completely normal situations.”
Spain, currently leading Group E with six points from two matches, will host Georgia in Elche on October 11 and Bulgaria in Valladolid on October 14 as it continues its campaign toward World Cup qualification.
NEW YORK (BN24) — Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced Friday to more than four years in prison following his July conviction on prostitution-related charges, with the judge citing his abuse of power over women he claimed to love.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to 50 months behind bars, also imposing a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised release. The sentence fell between the 11-year, three-month term prosecutors sought and the 14-month sentence requested by defense attorneys, which would have amounted to time served.
Combs, 55, was convicted on two counts of arranging for paid male escorts to travel across state lines to participate in drug-fueled sexual performances, sometimes called “Freak Offs,” with Combs’ girlfriends while he recorded video and masturbated. The jury acquitted him on more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have resulted in a life sentence.
The founder of Bad Boy Records, credited with elevating hip-hop’s stature in American culture, has been held at a Brooklyn jail since his September 16, 2024 arrest. He will receive credit for more than a year already served and has indicated plans to appeal his conviction.
Subramanian said he considered multiple factors in determining the sentence, including Combs’ achievements as a self-made artist who has “inspired and lifted up communities worldwide.” The judge cited Combs’ work history, family background including his father’s murder, and impressive rehabilitation efforts behind bars.
“The court hopes you will continue to do that,” Subramanian said, referring to Combs’ jail activities. However, the judge emphasized he had to consider “all” of Combs’ history when imposing sentence.
“You abused the power and control with women you professed to love,” Subramanian said. “You abused them physically, emotionally and psychologically.”
Combs delivered an emotional plea for mercy before sentencing, telling the court his arrest and trial permanently changed his outlook. “I can’t change the past but can change the future,” he said. “I ask your honor for mercy. I beg your honor for mercy, to be a father again, a son again and be a leader in my community again and get the help I desperately need.”
The music executive promised he would never be violent again. “They need me, they’re scared and I’m scared,” he said, referring to his family. “I have nobody to blame but myself. I will never put my hands on another person again. I have learned my lesson.”
After saying he had been “stripped down to nothing,” Combs turned to his family and sobbed. “You taught me better,” he said. “You raised me better.”
Combs told the court he wanted to take responsibility for his actions, stating that one of the hardest aspects of his case was being unable to express remorse. “I want to personally apologize to Cassie Ventura to any harm I have caused her emotionally or physically,” he said. “I don’t take that lightly. I would like to apologize to her family, I am so sorry. I would like to apologize to Jane, I’m sorry. I brought you into my mess.”
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo argued his client should receive a sentence close to time served, citing Combs’ long-standing mental health challenges he is willing to address. “Sean Combs has genuine psychological challenges,” Agnifilo said, referencing the slaying of Combs’ father during his childhood. “In 2014, 2017, 2020 he reported to three different doctors and he had PTSD.”
During the two-month trial, prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office argued Combs coerced two former girlfriends, rhythm and blues singer Casandra Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane, into participating in the performances through violence and threats to withhold financial support.
Jurors viewed surveillance footage showing Combs kicking and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016, an incident she testified occurred after a Freak Off. Jane testified that Combs attacked her last year and ordered her to perform oral sex on a male escort after she declined to participate.
Combs’ lawyers acknowledged he physically abused his girlfriends but argued they willingly participated in the sexual performances. Both Ventura and Jane testified they sometimes consented because they loved Combs and wanted to please him.
Defense attorneys urged leniency by highlighting Combs’ efforts to help fellow inmates at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he taught a six-week course on business management and personal development called “Free Game with Diddy.” Course requirements included inmates writing essays about “lessons learned from Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ journey,” according to court filings.
Defense lawyers also argued that Combs’ acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges meant evidence of his abuse should not influence sentencing decisions.
Prosecutors countered that federal guidelines call for enhanced sentences when crimes involve threats or bodily injury, noting that others convicted on prostitution-related offenses involving violence regularly face significant penalties.
Combs represents one of the most prominent men in the entertainment industry to face trial on sex crimes charges. The New York-born entrepreneur’s conviction marks a dramatic fall from his position as a titan of hip-hop who helped shape the genre’s commercial success and cultural influence.
The sentencing hearing at Manhattan federal court concluded a legal saga that began with his arrest over a year ago and resulted in his conviction on Mann Act violations for facilitating interstate travel for prostitution purposes.
Combs pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings and maintained through his attorneys that the sexual encounters were consensual, despite acknowledging the physical abuse directed at his partners.
