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Hamas 'weaponised' sexual violence in 7 October attacks, Israeli investigation says

Hamas 'weaponised' sexual violence in 7 October attacks, Israeli investigation says

May 12, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

An independent Israeli investigation has found that Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups used sexual violence systematically during their attacks on October 7, 2023. The report describes widespread rape, sexual assault, and torture aimed at causing maximum pain, including violence against hostages held for long periods.

Key Facts

  • The investigation is based on 430 filmed interviews, over 10,000 photos and videos, and official records from attack sites.
  • Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage in the attacks.
  • Sexual violence included gang rapes, sexual torture, and mutilation targeting both women and men.
  • Some victims were forced to perform sexual acts against family members, showing a pattern of using family ties to cause terror.
  • The report states these acts amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts under international law.
  • Hamas denies that sexual violence occurred during or after the attacks.
  • Evidence collected is preserved in a secure archive to support possible future legal action.
  • The report aims to ensure that the victims’ suffering is not forgotten or denied.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Spain reports new hantavirus case in passenger from cruise ship as total cases grow to 11

Spain reports new hantavirus case in passenger from cruise ship as total cases grow to 11

May 12, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Spain confirmed a new case of hantavirus in a passenger evacuated from a cruise ship where the outbreak has now reached 11 total cases. The cruise ship MV Hondius, which had passengers from many countries, is returning to the Netherlands for cleaning after passengers were quarantined to stop the virus from spreading.

Key Facts

  • A Spanish passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship tested positive for hantavirus in a Madrid military hospital.
  • The outbreak on the cruise ship has reached 11 cases, with 9 confirmed.
  • Three people on the cruise have died, including a Dutch couple believed to have first caught the virus in South America.
  • All other Spanish patients evacuated to the same hospital tested negative for hantavirus.
  • The MV Hondius cruise ship is returning to the Netherlands for cleaning and disinfection.
  • The World Health Organization says no signs exist of a wider outbreak beyond the cruise ship passengers and crew.
  • Argentina is sending experts to investigate how the virus outbreak started.
  • Hantavirus has no cure or vaccine, but early detection and treatment help improve survival chances.
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AP News
Israeli report says Hamas used 'systematic, widespread' sexual violence in October 7 attack

Israeli report says Hamas used 'systematic, widespread' sexual violence in October 7 attack

May 12, 2026 • France24

Summary

An independent Israeli investigative commission published a report finding that Hamas used systematic and widespread sexual violence during their October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and in holding hostages in Gaza. The report is based on a two-year investigation with extensive evidence, including interviews, videos, and photographs.

Key Facts

  • The report was released on December 5, 2026, by the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children.
  • It describes sexual and gender-based violence as a central part of the October 7 attack and the captivity of hostages.
  • The investigation took two years and included over 430 interviews and testimony sessions with survivors, witnesses, and experts.
  • The commission analyzed more than 10,000 photos and videos totaling about 1,800 hours of footage from locations including residential areas and the Nova music festival grounds.
  • The violence included sexual abuse and torture during abduction, transfer, and captivity stages.
  • The report characterizes these crimes as extremely cruel and designed to spread terror and humiliation.
  • The commission’s findings build on earlier investigations, including those by the United Nations.
  • Around the same time, The New York Times published reports alleging sexual violence by Israeli personnel against Palestinian detainees, which Israel strongly denied.
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France24
Stormzy's film company to co-produce Ian Wright biopic

Stormzy's film company to co-produce Ian Wright biopic

May 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Stormzy’s film company, #Merky Films, will co-produce a movie about footballer Ian Wright’s early life. The film will show Wright’s difficult childhood, his struggles to become a professional footballer, and the people who helped him along the way.

Key Facts

  • The film is about Ian Wright’s early life and rise to football success.
  • Wright became a professional player in his early 20s and was one of Arsenal’s top scorers.
  • Wright’s childhood was hard, including abuse from his stepfather and rejection by football clubs.
  • A school teacher named Sydney Pigden helped Wright learn to read and write and encouraged him.
  • The movie will cover Wright’s journey until he is noticed by a professional football club.
  • Stormzy is an executive producer, and his company is helping to bring the story to film.
  • Wright has also worked as a TV personality and has supported women’s football and social causes.
  • Details about the cast, director, and release date will be shared later.
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BBC Top Stories
Bosnia and Herzegovina left vulnerable by policy clash with US, representative says

Bosnia and Herzegovina left vulnerable by policy clash with US, representative says

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UN high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, has resigned after a policy disagreement with the United States, raising concerns about the stability of the country. His resignation is linked to tensions involving the largely Serb-run Republika Srpska entity and possible commercial interests connected to a U.S. firm linked to Donald Trump Jr.

Key Facts

  • Christian Schmidt, Germany’s Christian Democrat politician, served as the UN high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for five years.
  • The position was created by the 1995 Dayton peace agreement to help maintain peace after a war that killed over 100,000 people.
  • Schmidt clashed with Milorad Dodik, the pro-Russia Serb leader of Republika Srpska, who has secessionist goals and whose sanctions were recently lifted by the U.S.
  • Dodik welcomed Schmidt’s resignation and said Schmidt had no backing from the UN security council or international law.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina is made up of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly Bosniaks and Croats) and Republika Srpska (mostly Serbs).
  • A U.S.-based company linked to Donald Trump Jr. won a $1.5 billion contract to build a pipeline for U.S. liquified natural gas to Bosnia, adding a commercial dimension to the political tensions.
  • The EU opposes ending the UN high representative role, while the U.S. may try to change or remove it.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been unable to protect Schmidt from pressure by the U.S.
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Guardian World
South Africa's top court bars repeat asylum applications

South Africa's top court bars repeat asylum applications

May 12, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

South Africa’s highest court has ruled that people cannot reapply for asylum multiple times after their application is rejected. This decision aims to prevent misuse of the refugee system and reduce administrative problems.

Key Facts

  • The Constitutional Court ended unlimited repeat asylum applications by foreign nationals.
  • The court ruled against two Burundian nationals who reapplied after initial rejection.
  • The government said repeated applications caused a “never-ending cycle” and hindered deportations.
  • Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the ruling to improve the refugee system.
  • South Africa hosts over 167,000 refugees from countries like Burundi and the DRC.
  • There have been recent protests in South Africa demanding mass deportations of undocumented migrants.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned violent anti-immigrant attacks and said they do not reflect government policy.
  • South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, many seeking work in the country's industries.
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BBC World
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UAE’s secret attack on Iran risks drawing Gulf states into the war

UAE’s secret attack on Iran risks drawing Gulf states into the war

May 12, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secretly attacked Iran as retaliation for Iranian strikes on its facilities, increasing the risk of Gulf states entering a war with Iran. Kuwait also reported capturing Iranian forces attempting attacks on its territory, while tensions among Gulf countries remain high amid concerns about further conflict.

Key Facts

  • The UAE launched a secret attack on Iran’s Lazan Island before a ceasefire on April 7.
  • Kuwait captured four members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) trying to carry out attacks on Bubiyan Island.
  • Iran previously targeted the UAE with missile and drone strikes, partly due to political tensions.
  • The UAE used French fighter jets and Chinese drones in its military actions against Iran.
  • The US, including Israel, increased support to the UAE with defense systems like the Iron Dome.
  • Gulf states like Saudi Arabia are cautious about joining military reprisals against Iran to avoid large-scale war.
  • Iranian forces are suspected of using Gulf state airspace and nearby US bases to carry out attacks.
  • The situation risks escalating if the Iran-US ceasefire breaks down, increasing conflict in the Gulf region.
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Guardian World
Israel’s war creating a ‘lost generation’ of Lebanese students

Israel’s war creating a ‘lost generation’ of Lebanese students

May 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israel’s war in Lebanon has damaged many schools and displaced over a million people, including hundreds of thousands of students. The conflict, combined with economic troubles, has disrupted education and widened social gaps, creating a "lost generation" of young people in Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon have destroyed many schools and displaced more than 1.2 million people.
  • Around 500,000 school-aged children in Lebanon are affected by the displacement.
  • UNESCO reports 339 schools are in active war zones, with hundreds more used as shelters for displaced people.
  • About 250,000 children have trouble accessing education because their schools are shelters, damaged, or in unsafe areas.
  • Many schools shifted to online learning, but students from poorer families face problems like no internet, electricity cuts, and lack of devices.
  • Lebanon’s education system has faced continuous disruption since 2019 due to protests, COVID-19, economic crisis, and now war.
  • The Ministry of Education and UNESCO have opened multiple school shifts, set up temporary learning centers, and added mental health support to help students.
  • Experts warn that focus on core subjects has overshadowed teaching citizenship, which is important in Lebanon’s diverse society.
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Al Jazeera
Hantavirus made me reconsider the World Health Organization. Trump should too.

Hantavirus made me reconsider the World Health Organization. Trump should too.

May 12, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses the author's changed opinion about the World Health Organization (WHO), influenced by the recent hantavirus situation. The author suggests that President Donald Trump should also reconsider his view of the WHO in light of this event.

Key Facts

  • The author has changed their opinion about the World Health Organization.
  • This change is due to the hantavirus outbreak or related issues.
  • The article encourages President Donald Trump to rethink his perspective on the WHO.
  • Hantavirus is a disease caused by a virus typically spread by rodents.
  • The WHO is an international organization focused on global public health.
  • The discussion connects a health event to international health governance.
  • The article implies the importance of how governments respond to global health threats.
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The Hill
Kuwait says it foils infiltration operation by Iran’s IRGC

Kuwait says it foils infiltration operation by Iran’s IRGC

May 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Kuwait arrested four men accused of being members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after they tried to enter Bubiyan Island by sea and injured a Kuwaiti soldier. Kuwait condemned the attempt as a breach of its sovereignty and called on Iran to stop hostile actions immediately.

Key Facts

  • The operation happened on May 1 and involved a fishing boat used by the suspected IRGC members.
  • Four men were arrested: two Colonels, one Captain, and one First Lieutenant, all allegedly from the IRGC.
  • One Kuwaiti soldier was wounded during a gunfight with the infiltrators.
  • Two other suspected members escaped during the clash.
  • Bubiyan Island is Kuwait’s largest island and is strategically important because of nearby shipping routes and oilfields.
  • Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry called the incident a serious violation of international law and summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest.
  • Kuwait blamed Iran for recent attacks on its oil refinery and power plants, accusations Iran denies, blaming Israel instead.
  • Kuwait intercepted hostile drones in its airspace earlier, but the source of the drones was not confirmed.
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Al Jazeera
Which Labour MPs have come out against Starmer?

Which Labour MPs have come out against Starmer?

May 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Many Labour MPs in the UK are speaking out against their leader, Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some want him to resign, but there is no single challenger with enough support to replace him, while others say there should be no leadership contest right now.

Key Facts

  • Four Labour ministers have resigned, including Home Office Minister Jess Phillips.
  • Labour needs 81 MPs to support one challenger to remove Starmer as leader.
  • More than 80 MPs want Starmer to resign, but no challenger has unified enough backing.
  • About 100 Labour backbenchers and junior ministers said there should be no leadership contest at this time.
  • Many Labour MPs from different areas have publicly criticized Starmer’s leadership.
  • The resigning ministers include Jess Phillips, Zubir Ahmed, Alex Davies-Jones, and Miatta Fahnbulleh.
  • The debate shows tensions within the Labour Party about its leadership and future direction.
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BBC Top Stories
Man shot dead by police in Bedford

Man shot dead by police in Bedford

May 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Police shot and killed a man in Bedford after he showed a weapon. The police were first called because some vehicles were damaged on Aylesbury Road around 10:40 PM on Monday.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened in Bedford, United Kingdom.
  • Police responded to reports of vehicle damage on Aylesbury Road.
  • The call to police came in at about 10:40 PM local time on Monday.
  • Officers shot the man after he showed a weapon.
  • Bedfordshire Police confirmed the shooting.
  • The situation is still developing, and more information will be shared later.
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BBC Top Stories
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Data reveals 42% drop in Canadian visits to U.S. last year

Data reveals 42% drop in Canadian visits to U.S. last year

May 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A study from the University of Toronto found that visits by Canadians to U.S. cities dropped about 42% last year. This decline is greater than official numbers and is linked to political and trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

Key Facts

  • Canadian visits to U.S. metropolitan areas fell by around 42% compared to the previous year.
  • Official border data showed a 25% decline in Canadians entering the U.S. and a 75% drop in Americans visiting Canada in 2025.
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Yuma, Arizona, saw the largest declines in Canadian visitors, with drops of 65% and 62% respectively.
  • Other cities with more than a 50% drop in Canadian visitors include San Francisco, Miami, Palm Bay, and Panama City.
  • The study noted fewer Canadians are traveling for both tourism and business, especially to high-tech and financial centers like San Francisco and Houston.
  • The decrease in travel is connected to tariffs, tougher immigration rules, and political remarks from President Donald Trump.
  • Florida tourism officials and Las Vegas businesses offered special deals to encourage Canadian visitors to return.
  • Some casinos and hotels in Las Vegas offered a currency exchange rate where 1 Canadian dollar equals 1 U.S. dollar to attract Canadians.
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CBS News
Zelensky's ex-chief of staff in court as Ukraine corruption probe escalates

Zelensky's ex-chief of staff in court as Ukraine corruption probe escalates

May 12, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky's former chief of staff, appeared in court in Kyiv as he faces accusations linked to money laundering connected to a luxury housing project near Kyiv. Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are investigating a large embezzlement case in the nuclear energy sector, which involves several suspects including Yermak and others formerly close to Zelensky.

Key Facts

  • Andriy Yermak was named a suspect in a money-laundering case related to a $10.5 million luxury housing project outside Kyiv.
  • Yermak's lawyer called the accusations "baseless," and Yermak said he owns only one flat and one car.
  • Ukraine's anti-corruption prosecutor wants the court to decide on preventive detention or bail of about $4 million for Yermak.
  • Yermak resigned after an anti-corruption raid on his home in November.
  • The investigation involves a larger alleged $100 million embezzlement in Ukraine's nuclear energy sector.
  • Several other officials, including a former deputy prime minister and ex-energy minister, have been charged or detained.
  • The anti-corruption agencies stress President Zelensky is not part of the investigation.
  • The investigation affects Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union amid concerns about corruption.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Israel kills, injures average of 4 children daily amid Lebanon ‘ceasefire’

Israel kills, injures average of 4 children daily amid Lebanon ‘ceasefire’

May 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Since a ceasefire began on April 16, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed or injured more than four children per day, according to Save the Children. Despite the ceasefire, fighting continues, causing widespread displacement and poor living conditions for many people in Lebanon.

Key Facts

  • Since April 16, at least 22 children have died and 89 have been injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
  • Almost 200 children and about 2,900 people have died since fighting escalated on March 2.
  • Israel says it has targeted more than 1,100 sites linked to Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group.
  • Over one million people have been displaced by the conflict in Lebanon.
  • About 125,000 people live in overcrowded shelters, with 44,800 children there.
  • Poor shelter conditions raise the risk of disease.
  • Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold peace talks in Washington, DC, aiming to end the war and discuss disarming Hezbollah.
  • Hezbollah refuses to give up its weapons and says its arsenal should not be discussed in peace talks.
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Al Jazeera
What to expect from Trump's trip to China as he says Iran ceasefire is on "life support"

What to expect from Trump's trip to China as he says Iran ceasefire is on "life support"

May 12, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit comes shortly after President Trump said that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is very fragile.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is visiting China and will meet with President Xi Jinping.
  • The trip is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
  • President Trump recently described the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as being on "massive life support," meaning it is very weak.
  • The visit is seen as important for U.S.-China relations.
  • Details about the agenda or outcomes of the meetings have not been disclosed.
  • The situation between the U.S. and Iran remains tense and uncertain.
  • CBS News is providing coverage of the trip and its context.
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CBS News
Trump heads to China for superpower summit

Trump heads to China for superpower summit

May 12, 2026 • France24

Summary

President Donald Trump visited China, marking the first U.S. presidential trip there in nearly ten years. The visit focused on trade issues, talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and discussions on sensitive topics like Taiwan and Iran.

Key Facts

  • President Trump arrived in Beijing on May 12, 2026, for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  • This was the first visit to China by a U.S. president since 2017.
  • Major topics included trade relations, Iran’s oil trade with China, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
  • Trump downplayed tensions over Iran, saying the U.S. would resolve the situation peacefully or otherwise.
  • China and the U.S. currently have a one-year pause on tariffs initiated during Trump’s first term.
  • Trump was accompanied by U.S. business leaders, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook.
  • Beijing increased security measures ahead of the summit, checking IDs on public transport.
  • The U.S. Treasury recently sanctioned people linked to Iranian oil shipments to China, which China opposed.
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France24
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Foreign Companies Charged 'Preventable' Tragedy

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Foreign Companies Charged 'Preventable' Tragedy

May 12, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Two foreign companies and a ship superintendent were charged with crimes tied to the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore in March 2024. The incident happened when a large container ship lost power and hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge, killing six workers and causing billions in damage.

Key Facts

  • The companies charged are Synergy Marine Pte Ltd and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd, based in Singapore and India.
  • The ship involved is the M/V Dali, a 900-foot container ship carrying dangerous cargo.
  • The ship lost power twice in four minutes as it left Baltimore’s port, making it unable to steer.
  • The power failures were linked to unsafe electrical conditions and changes to the fuel system.
  • The ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers.
  • Over $5 billion in damage was caused, along with pollution in the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay.
  • The technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair is accused of giving false statements about the ship’s fuel system.
  • Federal authorities say the crash was avoidable and are prosecuting the companies and superintendent in Maryland.
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Newsweek
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TV chef questioned on suspicion of sexual assault

TV chef questioned on suspicion of sexual assault

May 12, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A TV chef was arrested in London on suspicion of sexual assault related to an incident from January. He was questioned by police and later released on bail while the investigation continues.

Key Facts

  • The man is a TV chef and media personality.
  • He was arrested on April 11 by London’s Metropolitan Police.
  • He faces allegations of rape, sexual assault, and forcing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent.
  • The alleged incident happened in January.
  • A female victim is receiving support from specially trained officers.
  • The man was questioned in custody for several hours.
  • He has been released on bail as the police continue their investigation.
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BBC Top Stories
Rex Reed, longtime film critic and journalist, dies at 87

Rex Reed, longtime film critic and journalist, dies at 87

May 12, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Rex Reed, a well-known film critic and journalist, died at his home in Manhattan at age 87 after a short illness. He had a career of over 60 years writing about movies, acting occasionally, and was known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial opinions.

Key Facts

  • Rex Reed was 87 years old when he died.
  • He passed away at his home in Manhattan after a brief illness.
  • Reed worked as a film critic and journalist for more than six decades.
  • He wrote a long-running column for The New York Observer.
  • Reed published eight books and acted in some movies, including playing himself in “Superman.”
  • He was known for making controversial comments about Oscar winners and actors.
  • Reed started his career working in publicity at 20th Century Fox and later wrote for major magazines and newspapers.
  • He never married and had no immediate family survivors.
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ABC News
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