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Israel Gaza Conflict

Eurovision Song Contest: New Voting Rules Implemented Amid Controversy

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor November 21, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Eurovision Song Contest Overhauls Voting ⁤Rules Amidst ⁣Geopolitical Concerns

GENEVA – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced meaningful changes ⁤to the voting system of⁢ the Eurovision Song Contest, ⁤effective with the 2026 Grand Final on Saturday, May ⁢16. The revisions come following controversy surrounding‍ the 2024 contest and escalating calls for Israel‘s exclusion due to the war⁢ in⁤ Gaza.

The EBU ⁢stated the “fairness of the‌ Contest is always protected,” emphasizing the importance of the event to its members and audiences. Recent editions ‍have seen increasing geopolitical tensions impact the traditionally celebratory competition.

Several countries, including Ireland, the netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, threatened to boycott‌ the 2026 ⁤contest if israel was allowed ⁣to participate. The EBU had previously pledged‌ to discuss Israel’s‌ participation with its members and hold a vote‍ in November.

Under the new rules, fans will be limited to casting 10 votes each,⁤ down from 20. Juries will return for the semi-finals for the ⁢first time since 2022, establishing‍ a 50-50 split between jury and audience votes in the final. The number of jurors will increase from five‌ to seven, and all jurors⁣ will ⁢be required to sign a⁤ declaration confirming independent and impartial‌ voting. The EBU will ‍also add jurors aged 18-25 to “reflect the‍ appeal” of⁣ the contest to ‌younger audiences.

The EBU is also prohibiting participating broadcasters and artists from engaging in promotional campaigns by‍ third parties that coudl influence voting outcomes.This follows reports⁢ that an Israeli government ⁣agency paid⁢ for advertisements⁤ and utilized state social⁤ media ⁣to encourage votes for its contestant,‌ Raphael, according to the⁣ BBC.

“These measures are designed to keep the focus where ⁤it belongs – on music, creativity ‍and ⁢connection,” said EBU Director General Noel ‌Green.”While we are ‌confident the ⁢2025 Contest delivered ‍a valid and‌ robust result,⁣ these changes will help provide stronger‌ safeguards and increase engagement so fans ⁢can‍ be sure that every vote counts and ⁤every voice is heard.”

Green added, “The‌ Eurovision Song Contest must always remain a place where music takes center stage – and where we continue‍ to stand truly ⁢United by Music.”

November 21, 2025 0 comments

World

Title: UK, Australia, Canada Recognize Palestinian State Amidst Israel Condemnation

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 22, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

UK, Australia, adn Canada Formally Recognize Palestinian State

LONDON/CANBERRA/OTTAWA – In a coordinated diplomatic move, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have formally recognized the State of Palestine, signaling growing international concern ⁣over the stalled peace process and the escalating humanitarian ⁤crisis in gaza. The ‌announcements, made Wednesday, represent a meaningful shift in policy ⁤for ⁣all three nations.

The UK’s decision ends decades of maintaining ‌that recognition⁢ must come as ‌part of a ‍negotiated⁢ two-state solution. Though, the government has grown increasingly⁢ pessimistic about the viability of such a solution, particularly in light ‍of the devastation in Gaza and continued Israeli⁤ settlement expansion in the West Bank. More⁢ than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza,and around 90% ⁢of the ⁤population has been displaced during nearly two years of conflict.

“This move has ⁣symbolic and historic weight, makes clear the UK’s concerns about the survival of a two-state solution, and is intended to keep that⁤ goal relevant and‌ alive,” said Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of⁣ the UK in the⁣ World Programme at Chatham House.

The UK’s recognition also acknowledges the historical context of the Balfour Declaration of 1917,‍ which promised‍ “a national‍ home for the Jewish people” but also stipulated that “nothing⁣ shall be ‍done, nothing which may prejudice the civil and religious rights” of the Palestinian people.

Australia’s Foreign minister Penny Wong stated the recognition reflects the‌ country’s support for a two-state ⁣solution, based on 1967 borders,⁢ and is in line⁢ with relevant UN ⁣resolutions. Canada’s Global Affairs ‌Canada echoed this sentiment, ⁤emphasizing the importance of a thorough,⁣ just, and lasting peace.

The move comes after independent experts commissioned by the‍ UN’s Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,a charge Israel has rejected as “distorted and false.” Israel’s continued expansion ⁤of⁢ settlements⁣ in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law,‍ has also contributed to⁢ the ⁣growing international pressure.

Burcu Ozcelik,senior research fellow for Middle East Security ⁤at the Royal United Services Institute,noted the importance of the decisions by France and the UK,given their historical involvement in the region. However,she cautioned,”But without the ‍United States ⁣coming on board with the idea of a Palestine,I think very little will change on the ground.”

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian head of mission in the UK,‍ welcomed the recognition as a⁢ correction of a colonial-era wrong.‍ “The issue today is ending the denial of our existence that started 108 years ago,‌ in 1917,” he said. “And I think today, the British people should celebrate a day when history is being corrected.”

September 22, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Spain’s PM wants Israel banned from sports events after cycling race chaos

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor September 16, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Spain‘s Prime Minister Calls for Israel’s Exclusion from Sporting Events Following Vuelta Protests

Madrid, ⁣Spain – Spanish⁢ Prime minister Pedro Sánchez has voiced support for banning Israel from international sporting events, following ‌disruptions to the Vuelta a españa cycling race caused by protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Demonstrators blocked the road during the twenty-first stage of the race, from Alalpardo to Madrid, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in an attempt to halt the competition.

The⁢ protests,which reportedly drew an estimated 100,000 people to the streets according to ⁣the central government’s representative for the ⁢Madrid region,were linked to ‌calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to arms‌ sales to Israel. Sánchez and his government have publicly expressed admiration for‌ the demonstrators, a stance that has drawn ⁤sharp‍ criticism‍ from the⁢ Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), ⁤the sport’s ‍governing body.

The UCI ‍released a statement expressing “total disapproval of and deep concern about the events‍ that marked” the Vuelta, and “strongly condemns the exploitation of sport for political purposes in general, and especially coming‍ from⁤ a ⁢government.” The ‍association further stated that the Spanish Prime Minister’s support for‌ actions hindering the race is “contradictory to the Olympic values of unity, mutual ⁤respect,⁤ and ‌peace,” and questioned Spain’s ability to host future international sporting events safely and ‍in accordance with the Olympic Charter.

Guillén, a representative involved with the Vuelta, indicated the protests will likely have repercussions for future sporting events involving Israeli participants, stating, “After this vuelta, the international entities⁣ will need⁢ to make decisions and cycling will need ⁣to have⁤ some internal discussions to‌ find solutions.” ‍

The controversy raises concerns about the potential impact on upcoming events, including the Tour de France, which is scheduled to begin with a⁢ stage in ⁢Barcelona next year.Guillén expressed hope that the‍ situation would be resolved before then, stating, “Hopefully, everything will be solved by then. I don’t want to speculate with any possibilities. I’m sure Barcelona will have a great Tour de France.”

September 16, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Madonna’s Plea to Pope Leo for Gaza Children

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor August 12, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Breaking: Madonna Publicly Appeals to Pope francis for Intervention in Gaza, Citing child Casualties – Pop icon madonna has directly implored Pope Francis to travel to Gaza, urging him to leverage his position to facilitate humanitarian aid and advocate for an end to the ongoing conflict. The plea, shared publicly, underscores growing international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.

The appeal follows reports detailing the devastating impact of the conflict on children in Gaza. UNICEF reported last week that over 18,000 children have been killed in Gaza in the past 22 months.This equates to an average of 28 children killed each day, a figure UNICEF likened to the loss of an entire classroom of students daily. The conflict began following the October 7,2023,Hamas attack on Israel,which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 240 hostages.

MadonnaS direct message to Pope francis reads: “Most Holy Father. Please go to Gaza and bring your light to the children before it’s to late. As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone. You are the only one of us who cannot be denied entry. We need the humanitarian gates to be fully opened to save these innocent children. There is no more time. Please say you will go. Love, Madonna.”

The Vatican has consistently called for a ceasefire in Gaza since Pope Francis assumed the papacy in May 2023.In July 2024, the Pope stated his “grate concern” over the “dire humanitarian situation” in Gaza, highlighting the “severe hunger” and exposure to “violence and death” faced by civilians. He reiterated his appeal for a ceasefire,the release of hostages,and adherence to international humanitarian law.

madonna’s advocacy joins a chorus of prominent voices speaking out about the crisis. World Health Association (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus publicly thanked Madonna for her “compassion, solidarity and commitment to care for everyone caught in the #gaza crisis, especially the children.”

Members of U2 – Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. – released individual statements on Sunday, emphasizing the worsening humanitarian conditions and the urgent need for action. The statements followed a concert in Las Vegas where the band displayed messages of peace and solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians.

The situation in Gaza remains critical. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as of August 8, 2024, over 2.1 million people – approximately 85% of the population – are internally displaced, facing shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter. The rafah crossing, the primary entry point for humanitarian aid, has faced repeated closures and restrictions, further exacerbating the crisis.

August 12, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

U2 Members Release Individual Statements on Israel and Gaza

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor August 11, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

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Breaking: U2 Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Criticizes Israel’s Conduct in Gaza, Calls for End to Starvation as Weapon of war

U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. has issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israel’s response to the october 7th Hamas attacks, specifically citing the “indiscriminate decimation” of homes and hospitals in Gaza and the imposition of famine. The statement, released on November 29, 2023, expresses shock at the scale of civilian casualties and calls for greater outrage both within israel and among the global Jewish diaspora.

Mullen jr. began by acknowledging the horror of the initial Hamas attacks, describing the October 7th massacre of Israelis, including the killings at the Nova Music Festival near Re’im, as “harrowing to watch.” He stated that Israel’s response,up to a point,was “expected” following the attacks and the subsequent hostage-taking.

However, Mullen Jr. sharply contrasted the expected military response with the reality on the ground in Gaza. He explicitly stated that the “indiscriminate decimation of most homes and hospitals in Gaza, with a majority of those killed being women and children,” and the “imposing famine” were “not expected.”

“It’s difficult to comprehend how any civilised society can think starving children is going to further any cause and be justified as an acceptable response to another horror,” he wrote. “To state the obvious, starving innocent civilians as a weapon of war is inhumane and criminal.”

The statement expresses dismay at the lack of widespread condemnation within Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. He questioned,”Where is the outrage from within Israel,outside of a small,if increasingly vocal,minority?” and “Where is the outrage from the diaspora?” He noted the “reluctant and muted acknowledgement of a famine inflicted” and characterized the overall response as “Silence.”

Mullen Jr. emphasized that the power to alter the current situation rests with Israel. He affirmed his support for Israel’s right to exist while together asserting that Palestinians “deserve the same right and a state of their own.”

the statement concludes with a plea for action: “Silence serves none of us.”

-Larry

Context: The Israel-Hamas Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The current conflict was triggered by a surprise attack on october 7, 2023, by Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip. The attack involved the firing of thousands of rockets into Israel and the infiltration of militants into Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 israelis and the abduction of over 240 hostages.The Nova Music Festival,a gathering of approximately 3,000 people near Re’im,was a primary target,with numerous attendees killed and taken hostage.

Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in Gaza, dubbed “Operation Swords of Iron,” aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of the hostages. The operation has involved extensive aerial bombardment and a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

As of November 29, 2

August 11, 2025 0 comments

News

New Zealand Weighing Palestine State Recognition Amid Gaza Crisis

by Emma Walker – News Editor August 11, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

New Zealand Faces Pressure to Recognize Palestine as International Support Grows

Table of Contents

New Zealand Faces Pressure to Recognize Palestine as International Support Grows
Domestic Calls for Recognition Intensify
Escalating Conflict and Journalist Deaths in Gaza
New Zealand’s Historical Position on Palestine

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand is under increasing domestic and international pressure to formally recognize Palestine as a state, following similar moves by Spain, Ireland, and Norway. The calls for recognition come amidst escalating violence in Gaza and a growing international focus on a two-state solution.

On May 22, 2024, spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their intention to recognize Palestine, a decision that has amplified scrutiny on New zealand’s position. these nations cited the urgent need for a lasting peace and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination as key factors in their decisions. The recognition is expected to take effect on May 28, 2024.

Domestic Calls for Recognition Intensify

New Zealand’s Labor leader, Chris Hipkins, has publicly urged the government to recognize Palestine, stating it is “well and truly time” for a decision. He criticized the current government’s stance as demonstrating a “total lack of leadership” and argued new Zealand is becoming “out of step” with it’s allies.

The Green Party has been even more vocal, accusing the government of “delaying any meaningful action.” Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick emphasized that recognizing Palestine is consistent with New Zealand’s ancient commitment to human rights and justice, noting that a majority of United Nations member states already recognize Palestinian statehood.As of May 22, 2024, 143 out of 193 UN member states recognize Palestine.

Swarbrick revealed the Green Party has drafted legislation to impose sanctions on Israel, but its passage hinges on securing support from within the governing coalition. she stated that only six votes from the 68-member government are needed to bring the bill to fruition.

Escalating Conflict and Journalist Deaths in Gaza

The calls for recognition are occurring against a backdrop of intensifying conflict in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a plan on August 8, 2024, to retake Gaza City, marking a further escalation of the 22-month offensive launched in response to Hamas’ october 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The offensive has resulted in critically important casualties and widespread destruction.

On August 11,2024,a heavy bombardment of Gaza City was reported,followed by the tragic death of al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif. The Associated Press reported that al-Sharif was killed alongside three other journalists and a driver. The journalists were reportedly covering the ongoing Israeli military operations.

The Israel defense Forces (IDF) confirmed al-Sharif’s death,alleging he was affiliated with Hamas and “posed as a journalist.” This claim has been met with criticism from press freedom organizations,including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),which has documented the deaths of at least 94 journalists and media workers since the start of the conflict.

New Zealand’s Historical Position on Palestine

New Zealand has historically maintained a position of supporting a two-state solution,but has not formally recognized Palestine. In 1980, New Zealand co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution 497, which condemned Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem.However, subsequent governments have refrained from recognizing Palestine, citing the need for a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. The current Labour-led coalition government, formed in November 2023, has indicated it is reviewing its policy on Palestine, but has yet to announce a decision.

August 11, 2025 0 comments

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