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Bonjour. Before we dive into the latest news, let’s take care of some housekeeping.
After being away from the newsletter for a few months, today marks my last contribution as the host of First Edition. As I transition to join the Guardian’s international desk, it’s time to bid farewell to this platform.
During my time here, it has been a true honor to connect with many of you each morning. I apologize for any alarming events that may have greeted you when opening your inbox. My colleagues Aamna Mohdin and Phoebe Weston will ensure a smooth continuation of the newsletter over the summer.
Now, let’s focus on our final topic together.
Five Big Stories
UK news| The voting age in the UK will be lowered to 16 in time for the next general election, marking a significant change to the democratic system. The government argues this reform will introduce greater fairness, considering 16 and 17-year-olds are already working and capable of military service.
US news| Donald Trump has directed his attorney general to release grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case, reportedly in an effort to deflate controversy following a Wall Street Journal report about Trump’s alleged contributions to Epstein’s 50th birthday album.
Israel-Gaza| An Israeli strike has hit the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing two people and injuring several others. The targeted region is home to the parish priest, who regularly received calls from the late Pope Francis.
LabourParty| Diane Abbott has been suspended from the Labour party for a second time following her refusal to retract comments on race. In a statement to Newsnight, Abbott defended her remarks, indicating dissatisfaction with the current Labour leadership.
Sudan| Children in Sudan, already struggling amidst the world’s most significant humanitarian crisis, face an increased vulnerability to deadly infectious diseases due to plummeting vaccination rates.
In Depth: The EU’s Inaction and International Law
Israel’s full blockade on Gaza, along with its military campaign expansion, prompted the Netherlands to initiate an audit in May to assess compliance with human rights clauses in the EU-Israel association agreement.
The EU’s review concluded that Israel has breached its human rights obligations, but the bloc has chosen not to suspend trade—described as a cruel and unlawful betrayal of Palestinians and European values.
Sporting Highlights
In sports news, England has advanced to their sixth consecutive semi-final in women’s football after a dramatic showdown with Sweden in the Women’s Euros, which ended in a decisive penalty shootout victory. In golf, The Open saw Rory McIlroy initiate with a tee shot mishap, though he later showcased promising form. For rugby, Marcus Smith secured a Lions spot for the first Test against Australia, with Tom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu selected to start in Brisbane.
Global News and Sports
The remaining powerful nations’ inaction regarding the catastrophe in Gaza is striking. Some countries have increased their support for Israel, albeit with growing caveats. However, there is movement elsewhere: The Hague Group, a coalition of countries from the global south seeking accountability for abuses in Gaza, has been established, including contributions from South Africa, Colombia, Algeria, Brazil, Spain, Indonesia, and Qatar.