Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to the ‘necessary conditions’ for a sixty-day ceasefire in Gaza, pending Hamas’s approval. While the details remain vague, Trump said that the USA, along with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, will work toward ending the war. Hamas stated it is open to a deal if it guarantees an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and humanitarian relief. Israel’s key demand remains the release of most, if not all hostages held in Gaza. Hamas representatives in Cairo are reportedly negotiating, though insiders describe the talks as stagnant. Disagreements persist over the absence of a guarantee for permanent peace and continued military presence in Gaza. Meanwhile, the conflict continues: Israel has ordered evacuations in northern Gaza ahead of increased military action, and at least twenty Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a seafront café on 30 June. A previous attempt at a ceasefire failed in March. Trump's upcoming meeting with Netanyahu may prove decisive.
The Dalai Lama has confirmed that the centuries-old institution of his spiritual role will continue after his death, affirming that a successor will be appointed by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his official office. In a video message from Dharamshala, India (where he lives in exile), the Tibetan spiritual leader said that no outside authority has any right to interfere in the process of choosing his reincarnation. His statement directly challenges China's claim that any future Dalai Lama must be approved by Beijing. The announcement, delivered during his 90th birthday celebrations according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, was met with joy by followers and monks gathered from around the world. The decision ends years of speculation, including previous suggestions that the Dalai Lama might not be reincarnated or that a girl might take up the role. China, which annexed Tibet in 1950, swiftly rejected the announcement, reiterating its stance that succession must follow state-approved regulations.
Colombia: reversing the migration trend
03 Jul 2025
In the coastal town of Necocli, migrant families are now returning south after failed attempts to enter the USA, marking a reversal of a once-dominant northward migration trend. Harsh immigration policies under Donald Trump, including the withdrawal of the asylum app and increased military presence along the border, have left many stranded in Mexico or deterred from even attempting the journey. Some, like Luis Angel Yagua Parra, braved the deadly Darién Gap only to be forced back. Others, including a Venezuelan couple whose child was born in the USA, have left voluntarily, fearing deportation. Aid workers in Necoclí report a growing daily influx of returnees, but dwindling foreign support has led to closures of humanitarian organisations. Pastor Jose Mendoza’s food hall, struggling to meet rising needs, might have to close due to a lack of funding. For families like Marisela Bellorin’s, who have been homeless for months, survival is precarious. As the ‘American dream’ fades, many migrants are choosing new destinations such as Chile, in search of safety and stability.
The League of Social Democrats, Hong Kong’s last active pro-democracy street protest group, has announced its disbandment due to mounting political pressure. Formed in 2006, the party was known for bold, confrontational tactics and a strong stance on civil liberties and social justice. Despite dwindling influence and the loss of all legislative seats, it had continued public advocacy, even after arrests and convictions of key members. Its chairperson, Chan Po-ying, cited safety concerns for members as a key factor in the decision. The move follows years of intense suppression of dissent under Beijing’s national security law, which has led to the closure of civil society groups, independent media, and protests once common. Chan declared the ‘one country, two systems’ principle dead and expressed sorrow, yet resolve: ‘Be like a flying spark... keeping that light alive.’ She said she doesn’t believe that democracy will come in the near future.
Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry has been inaugurated as the tenth president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman, first African, and youngest person to hold the role. Her appointment has ignited pride in Zimbabwe and hope for broader global inclusion, particularly for Africa and the Middle East. Coventry has described the Olympics as a platform for inspiration and hope, while also vowing to lead on complex issues. One pressing concern is what to do about transgender athletes, especially after recent controversies. She has pledged to create a taskforce involving scientists and federations to revisit gender eligibility policies, prioritising fairness in the female category. Coventry’s first major decision was to pause the 2036 Games bidding process, signaling a desire for transparency and reform. Yet she faces challenges ahead, including rising global tensions and pressure to ensure the Olympic movement remains politically neutral while promoting unity. Her leadership will be tested by both internal reform and external geopolitical strife.
The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), published by Australia’s Institute of Economics and Peace, has ranked Iceland as the world’s most peaceful nation, while Russia and Ukraine occupy the lowest positions due to ongoing conflict. Assessing 163 countries using indicators such as societal safety, security, and militarisation, the report reveals global peacefulness has declined for the sixth consecutive year, falling by an average of 0.36%. The USA ranks 128th, trailing nations like Bangladesh and Honduras, and both it and Israel placed lowest in the militarisation domain. The report highlights growing geopolitical tensions, the breakdown of traditional alliances, and a record 59 active state-based conflicts - the most since World War II. Nonetheless, some positive trends emerged, including declining homicide rates and fewer violent demonstrations in parts of Central and North America. The rankings signal widespread concern for peace and security worldwide.
Tyler Blevins, famously known as 'Ninja’, one of the world’s top video game streamers, has opened up about a personal journey of faith. During a recent livestream, he shared that he and his wife Jess now attend church every Sunday and are growing in their relationship with God and Jesus. 'I’m just trying to be a better person’, he explained, responding to criticism of his gaming habits. Acknowledging past flaws such as a quick temper and moments of hypocrisy, Blevins says he’s striving to live more biblically and to genuinely walk the Christian path. He also has stepped away from toxic gaming environments and resisted the urge to retaliate against critics. Earlier this year, he made headlines for affirming his belief by declaring, 'Jesus is King’. Many fans have praised this transformation, with one calling his faith commitment 'the biggest streamer glow-up ever’. Blevins’ candid testimony highlights a growing trend of influencers boldly embracing and sharing their Christian faith.
YoungHoon Kim, the man officially recognised as having the highest IQ in the world - measured at an astonishing 276 - has boldly declared his Christian faith. A renowned expert in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Kim publicly proclaimed, 'Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life.' His statement, shared on social media, reflected not just heartfelt belief but also deep intellectual conviction: 'Christ is my logic’, he affirmed. Kim holds a theology degree from Yonsei University and describes theology as 'the ultimate discipline of all fields of study’. He has also articulated how science and faith converge, referencing theories from quantum physics and consciousness studies to argue that death may be a transition rather than an end. Despite his status as one of the world's most brilliant minds, Kim insists that science and faith are allies in the quest for truth. His desire is to use his global platform to point others to God, exemplifying a humble intellect submitted to Christ.