DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — An Israeli strike early Saturday killed at least two children in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials said.
Despite an October ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas, the enclave has seen near-daily Israeli attacks that have killed over 1,007 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry said.
Saturday’s strike hit an apartment in Gaza City around 2 a.m local time, according to the ministry, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue teams work on recovering more bodies. There was no immediate information on the number of the wounded.
At the site of the attack, an Associated Press reporter saw scattered rubble and chunks of concrete stained with blood.
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The bodies of the two sisters, 4-year-old Zina and 14-year-old Lana, were sent to Shifa Hospital’s morgue, where they lay shrouded in white hospital bags, surrounded by family members.
“I was sitting at home. The rocket fell on us without a warning,” said their cousin, Mohammad Safadi, who had a forehead wound.
He said both he and his wife were wounded in the attack.
“This ceasefire the occupation and the negotiation team speak of … is this really a ceasefire? We are civilians. I never held a weapon,” Safadi added.
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The Israeli military didn’t immediately issue a statement, but said it was looking into the incident. Israel says it is targeting Hamas and other militants who pose a threat.
Five Israeli soldiers have been killed since the truce.
The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive in the Gaza Strip has since killed 73,018 Palestinians, including those slain since the ceasefire, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Saturday.
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The health ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records that are generally considered reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. It does not distinguish between civilians and militants but says women and children make up around half of all fatalities.
Residents may have already seen the sign, but this Wednesday (June 24) will be residents’ first opportunity to try the new Smashbox takeaway on Market Street.
Howfeners can head down during the restaurant’s first week for a 25 per cent discount on all items, from shakes to the famed smashburgers themselves.
Owner Muhammed Haque said: “We’re really looking forward to opening – we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready.
(Image: Smashbox)
(Image: Smashbox)
“This is going to be our fourth location, and we’re looking at potentially opening another one soon too.
Nine people are currently fighting for life in hospital following a devastating train crash in Bedfordshire. Emergency services attended a collision involving two East Midlands Railway trains on the railway line in Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5.15pm on Friday evening (June 19).
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Tragically, the driver of one of the trains was pronounced dead at the scene. In an update this afternoon (Saturday), Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said 28 out of more than 80 people remain in hospital for treatment today, including nine people who are in a critical condition.
She told reporters at a press conference: “Tragically, the driver of one of the trains died in the collision. His family have been informed and our deepest condolences are with them, his friends, and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway.
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“The driver’s family, as you would expect, are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time. Over 80 people were treated at hospital last night. As of this morning, 28 remain in hospital, and nine are in a critical condition.”
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The two trains involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both to London St Pancras. A major incident was declared following the collision. An investigation is underway, with a Rail Accidents Investigation Branch van and a Deutsche Bahn vehicle seen on nearby Ampthill Road, which has been closed off this morning.
King Charles said he was ‘greatly saddened’ by crash, and is being kept regularly updated on developments. “His thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased and with all those injured or affected by such a tragic incident,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson added.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail said on Saturday morning: “We’re deeply saddened that a railway colleague has tragically died following the incident near Bedford. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues, and with everyone affected.
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“Our teams are on site working closely with the emergency services and industry partners. We want to thank the emergency services and the wider railway family for their professionalism and swift response. In the meantime, we ask passengers to please check before they travel.”
But if you’re finding it hard to choose, why not pick the movies and shows leaving the subscription service soon? After all, you won’t have a chance to do so again any time soon.
Here’s what’s on its way out in June 2026 from today on in the UK, per The Independent:
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Leaving Saturday, 20 June
1) North Shore
Starring Game of Thrones star John Bradley alongside Downtown Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt, the six-episode show’s synopsis reads: “When a UK minister’s daughter dies mysteriously in Sydney, a London detective must team up with his Australian counterpart to unravel the mystery.”
This Romanian rom-com focuses on “two young artists, a violin player and an actress, [who] fight to achieve their dreams and keep their relationship together during Christmastime.” It stars Raluca Aprodu, Dragoș Bucur, and Ducu Darie.
5) #Selfie
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The Romanian coming-of age flick follows a group of teenage girls (Flavia Hojda, Crina Semciuc, Olimpia Melinte, and more) who flee pre-exam stress by going on a seaside adventure.
6) #Selfie 69
Another of the Romanian movie series is set to leave on the same day. This comedy is a sequel to #Seflie, with some familiar names in the cast list. It focuses on “a trio of party-loving friends [who] make a bet: who can get married in three days” after a breakup?
7) The Secret
Based on a true story, this drama has a pretty juicy description: “A dentist and a Sunday school teacher begin a torrid extramarital affair that leads them to make a murderous pact.” Stars include James Nesbitt (Cold Feet), Genevieve O’Reilly (Andor), and Laura Pyper (Emma).
8) Who Are You: School 2015
This 16-episode Korean school drama involves “a bullied high school orphan [who] finds herself in the place of an identical-looking girl who’s gone missing” after losing her memory. Cast members include Yook Sung-jae (The Golden Spoon) and Nam Joo-hyuk (The Great Battle).
The arrests took place after searches on Thursday (June 18) at homes in Hartlepool.
The suspected heroin haul was discovered in the kitchen of a house on Gullane Grove. Two men, aged 22 and 30, and a 22-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
Gullane Grove, Hartlepool (Image: Google Maps)
Suspected cocaine was seized at a home on Octavia Drive, where three women aged 41, 35, and 27, and a 19-year-old man, were also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.
The seven individuals were taken into custody and later released on bail pending further enquiries.
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Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Adrian Dack said: “We know the problems that drug dealing, and the ASB that comes with it, causes for our communities.
“These searches resulted from information provided to us by the public.”
“We always act upon information given to us, and we’d ask you to continue speaking to us. You can call us directly on 101 with or provide details online via our website.
“Alternatively, if you feel uncomfortable providing information directly to us, you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The World Cup 2026 is into the second round of group stage fixtures, with sides including England, Germany and France well-placed to put a foot in the round of 32 over the coming days.
Despite the fact that their opponents could finish with a better goal difference, Mexico have secured top spot in Group A thanks to a subtle change in group stage rules that is new for this World Cup.
For the first time ever, the tournament is using head-to-head records – rather than goal difference – as a tiebreaker for teams who are level on points in the groups.
This new rule is sure to influence the eventual round of 32 fixtures, so here’s more information on how it could affect the final group stage games.
What is Fifa’s new head-to-head rule?
Essentially, the new rule means that a team’s head-to-head record against another team is the first thing to separate teams who are level on points. This is the same as the system used in Uefa competitions.
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Goal difference is then used as the next differentiator, with the total number of goals scored in all group matches then considered before the highest “team conduct” score, which takes into account the total record of yellow and red cards.
Interestingly, if two teams still can’t be separated after all these criteria, then the team that is ranked higher “according to the most recent published edition of the Fifa/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking” will go through.
In terms of tie-breaking criteria for the group stages, Fifa’s official website reads that the following criteria – in the same order as below – will be used to determine group rankings:
The greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned
Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned (in other words, head-to-head record)
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned
How does the head-to-head rule apply to Mexico?
For a team to secure top spot in a group after just two games, a group either needs to have two draws or for the team in first place to have beaten any team(s) on three points.
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Mexico have won both of their opening games, and they now sit three points clear of second-placed South Korea. However, they cannot be overtaken as they beat South Korea 1-0 in the game between the two nations.
The new rule means that England will top Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia (Reuters)
How can the rule affect other teams?
The fact that some teams can secure top spot after just two games comes with both advantages and disadvantages for the other teams in the group depending on how they’ve performed so far.
In Mexico’s example, El Tri could opt to rest their entire starting XI, so the Czech Republic – who currently sit in third, two points behind South Korea – could benefit, leaving South Korea needing to beat South Africa to be certain of second place.
Who else could win their group on matchday two?
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As mentioned, the US have secured top spot thanks to Turkey losing to Paraguay, while Germany could win their group if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador don’t beat Curacao.
Sweden can qualify as group winners if they beat the Netherlands and Japan don’t win against Tunisia, while Lionel Messi and Argentina can top their group if they beat Austria and Algeria fail to beat Jordan.
Finally, Thomas Tuchel’s England can ensure they qualify top of Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia.
Karen gives first aid at packed public events (Picture: Roo Pitt | Pitt Stop Marketing)
Not all heroes wear capes… our Unsung Heroes series celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work.
Today it’s Karen, 47, from west London, who administers first aid at public events.
What do you do?
I’m a cycle responder volunteer, so I bike through busy events to provide fast first aid assistance. I’ve done it for 11 years. Last year, our team helped at 220 events. I volunteer 500 hours in total per year.
What sort of events?
Trooping the Colour, London Marathon, football parades. Royal events are my favourite. I love the aeroplane fly-bys.
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Any brushes with royalty?
At the King’s Coronation I watched his carriage pass by – that was exciting!
Karen says that the volunteering is her ‘relaxation’ (Picture: Supplied)
Why are cycle responders so useful?
We quickly reach a person who needs help with a surprising amount of equipment.
What kit do you use?
A pocket defibrillator, oxygen, airway management kit, blood pressure monitors, medication, dressings, burn packs and more.
Any common call-outs?
On The Mall there’s a particular tree that triggers allergic reactions in many people.
Any strange situations?
A lady fainted at one Trooping the Colour parade, then her husband fainted. They were very confused to wake up next to each other on the floor. Both were fine.
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What medical emergencies can you treat on the spot?
Diabetes, asthma, allergies, fractures, serious cuts. For a cardiac arrest, I can open airways to help with breathing and try to restart the heart with my defibrillator.
When an ambulance can’t make the journey, cycle volunteers are there to help (Picture: Getty Images)
Footage shows the moment a motorhome thief crashed into a railing before somersaulting off a footbridge.
Dashcam footage shared by Essex Police shows Ricky Halford, 43, leading police on a chase through the streets of Avelely after failing to stop.
After attempting to drive up a pedestrian walkway, he hit a railing and became stuck. Halford then somersaulted from the vehicle into the underpass below. He was soon arrested after a footchase.
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Halford, 43, of Homefield Rise, Orpington, Kent, has admitted to the theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen, and driving without insurance at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court.
Becky Hill performance during TRNSMT festival was booed by the crowd (Picture: Martin Grimes/Getty Images)
Becky Hill has sparked a fierce debate among festivalgoers after being booed by some audience members during a surprise set at TRNSMT.
A TikTok video from the weekend appears to show sections of the crowd leaving while others boo after the singer revealed she would be performing an entire set of unreleased music.
The clip, which has attracted thousands of views, was captioned: ‘Not Becky Hill getting booed and everyone leaving.’
The reaction has divided fans online, with some arguing that the chart-topping singer badly misjudged her audience by turning a festival slot into what was effectively an album preview.
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‘Sorry but a festival slot is not the time to do a set full of new songs only,’ one viewer wrote.
Another added: ‘Worst idea ever at a festival.’
A third commented: ‘I love Becky Hill but I would of been fuming, no Disconnect or Afterglow.’
Others questioned whether audiences should really be expected to stand through half an hour of songs they’ve never heard before.
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‘No one goes to a gig to hear songs they don’t know,’ one person argued. ‘They want to sing along with the hits. Even Bowie did a tour that was just the hits.’
The moment occurred during Hill’s appearance as TRNSMT’s secret act on the King Tut’s stage.
Although organisers had initially kept her involvement under wraps, her appearance was revealed earlier this month.
The singer warned the crowd she’d be singing all new songs (Picture: Martin Grimes/Getty Images)
When she took to the stage, however, Hill had another surprise for fans. ‘The reason why it’s a secret set is because it’s all new music,’ she explained.
‘Sometimes as an artist you have to ditch the tunes they know you for and play something new.’
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The singer is currently gearing up to release her third studio album, Rebecca, in September, and used the set to give fans an early taste of material that has yet to be released.
Predictably, not everyone was thrilled by the prospect.
Some audience members reportedly drifted away as the set continued, while videos circulating online appear to capture pockets of dissatisfaction among the crowd. However, plenty of fans rushed to Hill’s defence.
‘Everyone is overreacting to this, to be honest,’ one person wrote.
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‘She was doing a secret set, announced months after the rest of the lineup, on a smaller stage, in a slot normally reserved for newer artists. Festivals are all about discovering new music, this is fine.’
Hill is known for songs like Disconnect (Picture: Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images)
And those who stuck around were ultimately rewarded.
According to reports from the festival, Hill closed her set by treating loyal fans to two of her biggest hits, Afterglow and Disconnect, prompting cheers from the remaining crowd.
The singer’s gamble raises an interesting question about what festivals are actually for.
For some fans, they are a place to hear the songs they already know and love. For others, they remain one of the few spaces where artists can still take risks and introduce audiences to something new.
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Unfortunately for Becky Hill, a sizeable portion of the TRNSMT crowd appears to have voted for the former.
Chronic illness is a concern for many, especially those who struggle with arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus or gout.
Help can be found from the medical specialty of rheumatology, which works to reduce inflammation, chronic pain and joint or organ damage.
Many rheumatologists take a holistic approach that includes medical and lifestyle solutions, so they have clear ideas about the role diet can play in their patients’ health.
While eating anti-inflammatory foods can help with some symptoms, experts we spoke with noted that there’s no single “magic” food to cure these diseases.
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“One thing I really want people to hear is that in 99.9% of cases, nothing you ate or didn’t eat caused your autoimmune disease,” said Dr. Amanda Moyer, who practices adult and paediatric rheumatology at OU Health at the University of Oklahoma. “Likewise, there is no one special food that will cure it.”
“Diet is powerful, but it is not a magic on-off switch for autoimmunity,” Moyer said. “That doesn’t mean food doesn’t matter, because it impacts how you feel day-to-day, how your medications work, your weight, your heart health and long‑term risks of complications. But I don’t want patients carrying unnecessary guilt or being blamed for a disease process they did not create with their lunch.”
Here are some of the top foods these experts frequently recommend to patients.
HakanEliacik / 500px via Getty Images
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Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that can lower inflammatory markers.
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen
Dr. Kam Shojania is head of the rheumatology division at Vancouver General Hospital in Canada. He tells his patients to think of extra-virgin olive oil as a practical anti‑inflammatory staple to drizzle on food.
“People are shocked to learn olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that data has suggested can lower inflammatory markers and protect blood vessels,” he said.
“Oleocanthal has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. There’s also emerging research on its immune effects, including in inflammatory arthritis and lupus.”
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Fatty fish has proven results for autoimmune disease
“The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have the strongest evidence of any single food intervention in rheumatology,” said Dr. Devon Charlton, a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and director of rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Regional Orthopedics.
“I recommend eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies two times per week.”
He cited a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of nearly 26,000 participants that concluded those who consumed 1 gram per day of EPA and DHA showed a 15% to 18% reduction in confirmed and probable autoimmune disease.
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“It was an effect that grew stronger with longer duration of supplementation and persisted for two years after participants stopped taking it,” he said.
Fibremaxxing can help fight inflammation
Dr. Micah Yu is quadruple board-certified in rheumatology, internal medicine, integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine. He encourages his patients to increase their fibre intake whenever possible.
“Fibre helps lower inflammation, and can help reduce joint inflammation,” he said. “In addition, those who eat more fibre have been shown to have a lower weight, which can help with disease symptoms.”
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Yu encourages his patients to seek out fibre from natural sources like beans, fruits, vegetables and other whole foods, not supplements.
Fermented foods support gut-based immune strength
If you check in Dr. Yoon Qiu’s refrigerator, you’d probably find a bag of cabbage and a few jars of fermented foods. The rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine at Emory Healthcare is a big fan of cabbage, since this member of the brassica family contains sulforaphane, which is anti-inflammatory. Even better, Qiu said, “It lasts a long time in the fridge”.
Even longer lasting, and possibly even more beneficial, can be fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, which are both made with cabbage. “I recommend eating fermented foods to support the gut biome,” Qiu said.
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Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images
Cabbage contains sulforaphane, which is anti-inflammatory.
Since as much as 80% of your immune system lives in and around your gut, the gut microbiome is key for regulating immune responses.
Research has shown that a diet high in fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and decreased markers of inflammation, including several directly involved in autoimmune flares. Fermented diets outperformed high-fibre diets for inflammation reduction.
Nuts can calm inflammation
“If I had to pick one thing to put on every rheumatology patient’s grocery list, it would be a big bag of lightly seasoned nuts, like almonds,” Moyer said.
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“They’re easy to snack on, provide protein, fibre and healthy fats, and they fit beautifully into the kind of eating pattern that helps calm inflammation,” she said.
“On a practical level, I like sustainable, not punitive, changes. I snack on nuts myself, especially almonds, and I’ll often grab a new flavour when I go to the store, as long as they aren’t sodium bombs.”
What you eat is just one part of your health story
Charlton often reminds his patients that food is an adjunctive, not primary, therapy. “If you’re on methotrexate, warfarin or other medications, discuss any significant dietary additions with your rheumatologist,” he said.
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“Patients who stop disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic medications in favor of dietary interventions risk irreversible joint damage, organ involvement or even death.”
“No one should be trading methotrexate (a drug that treats severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis) for olive oil shots,” Shojania agreed.
“The sweet spot is evidence‑based medication plus a Mediterranean‑leaning eating pattern, ideally designed with a registered dietitian so it fits your culture, budget and real life.”
Finally, Moyer said it’s important to keep the big picture in mind: “My parting advice is to relax, focus on whole foods, mostly plants, with lean proteins and healthy fats, and to be cautious about expensive supplements. And when you do have that scoop of ice cream or piece of birthday cake, enjoy it. Then go back to your overall pattern, which is what really counts.”
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