If the king of Belgium can speak the truth about Gaza, why can’t Europe’s cowardly politicians? | David Van Reybrouck

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has hinted that Britain might join international efforts to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza, responding to mounting pressure—including from over 200 cross-party MPs—to take a stronger stance on the crisis by recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about aid—it’s a political tightrope. Starmer’s balancing humanitarian concerns with the UK’s delicate diplomatic stance on Palestine. With MPs pushing for recognition of a Palestinian state, his words could signal a shift in Labour’s approach or simply an attempt to placate critics. Either way, it keeps the Gaza crisis in the spotlight.

The UK and Australia have officially inked a 50-year deal under the Aukus pact to collaborate on designing, building, and operating cutting-edge nuclear-powered submarines. The signing took place in Geelong, with defense ministers from both countries sealing the agreement. However, the deal isn’t without its wrinkles—there’s lingering uncertainty due to a pending US review of the broader security pact, and UK shadow foreign secretary David Lammy has tried to brush off concerns about American skepticism.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another military handshake—it’s a decades-long commitment that solidifies Western allies’ push to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Nuclear subs are a big deal: they’re stealthier, more powerful, and signal a major shift in Australia’s defense strategy. But the US hesitation lurking in the background raises questions about how smoothly this high-stakes partnership will run. If the Aukus plan holds, it could reshape regional power dynamics; if it stumbles, it might expose cracks in allied coordination. Either way, it’s worth watching.

President Trump is spending four days in Scotland, mixing business with leisure—mainly golf. While there, he’ll squeeze in a meeting with the UK prime minister, but the trip seems largely focused on his golf resorts. No major policy announcements are expected, but it’s drawing attention given the ongoing scrutiny of his travel and foreign engagements.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s visits to his own properties always spark debate about conflicts of interest, and this one’s no different. While it’s a low-stakes trip on the surface, it keeps the spotlight on how he blends personal and presidential interests—something critics watch closely. Plus, any interaction with foreign leaders, even informally, can have diplomatic ripples.

The upcoming world swimming championships in Singapore are shaping up to be a historic showdown between two titans of the pool: Katie Ledecky, the undisputed queen of distance swimming for over a decade, and Summer McIntosh, a 17-year-old Canadian phenom aiming for an unprecedented five individual golds—a feat only Michael Phelps has achieved. Their head-to-head in the 800m freestyle could mark a symbolic passing of the torch in the sport.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another race—it’s a moment that could redefine swimming’s hierarchy. Ledecky’s dominance has been a constant for years, but McIntosh’s rise represents the thrilling unpredictability of sports. Whether it’s a changing of the guard or a reaffirmation of Ledecky’s legacy, the duel captures the essence of competition: raw talent, ambition, and the drama of generations colliding. For fans, it’s must-watch drama in the water.

The Euro 2025 final is shaping up to be a nail-biter as England and Spain—two powerhouses in women’s football—clash once again. Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí is on fire, but England’s Lionesses have a game plan to counter her and the reigning World Cup champs. After a wild tournament full of surprises, predicting the outcome feels impossible, but one thing’s clear: this rivalry is becoming one of the most exciting in the sport.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another final—it’s a showcase of how far women’s football has come. With Spain’s technical brilliance and England’s resilience, the match highlights the growing depth and drama in the game. For fans, it’s a chance to witness a rivalry that could define the next era of the sport.