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The Diplomatic Warning The high representative overseeing the United States-founded Board of Peace for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, has warned that the deteriorating status quo in the devastated Palestinian enclave risks becoming "permanent." Speaking to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Mladenov presented a roadmap detailing obligations for Israel and Hamas to implement a permanent ceasefire. "Let me say this clearly: the implementation cannot advance through Palestinian obligations alone," Mladenov said, speaking via video call. "The continued killings and Israeli restrictions affecting humanitarian flows are not abstract issues." He urged the UNSC to use "every means at its disposal" to press Hamas to disarm, while also saying that Israel must uphold its commitment under a ceasefire agreed in October. The Humanitarian Crisis The war that Israel launched following the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups was halted by a ceasefire in October 2025. More than 72,775 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. But the Israeli military maintains a strict security regime, and many hundreds more have been killed in the past seven months. Conflict monitors warn that since the ceasefire in the US-Israel war on Iran was struck last month, Israeli bombardment of Gaza has accelerated. Violent raids by settlers and the military in the occupied West Bank have also been increasing. On Thursday, an Israeli drone attack killed a 26-year-old in Gaza's al-Mahatta area, east of Deir el-Balah city, according to Wafa news agency. The Stalled Peace Process In January, the US announced that the Gaza "ceasefire" was moving to phase two, which is supposed to focus on Hamas's disarmament, long-term governance and the establishment of a panel of Palestinian technocrats to lead post-war Gaza. It also calls for the gradual retreat of the Israeli army, which still controls more than 50 percent of the Palestinian territory, and the deployment of an international stabilizing force. But with the war in Iran drawing the world's attention amid a global energy crisis, the transition to the second phase has been stalled for weeks. Mladenov, a veteran Bulgarian diplomat, warned of the risks of inaction by both parties. The Regional Implications "The risk is that the deteriorating status quo becomes permanent: a divided Gaza, Hamas holding military and administrative control over two million people across less than half the territory," Mladenov said. "Those people are likely to remain trapped in the rubble, dependent on aid with no meaningful reconstruction, because reconstruction financing will not follow where weapons have not been laid down." "And the result? Another generation growing up in tents in fear, with despair as the most rational thing for them to feel." This, he said, is a scenario that Israelis, Palestinians and the region "should all fear and mobilize to avoid."

The Democratic Autopsy Report: Incomplete and InconclusiveThe Democratic Party in the United States has released its long-awaited report examining why former Vice President Kamala Harris failed to beat Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. However, the so-called autopsy document was incomplete and inconclusive – riddled with factual mistakes and annotations questioning its assertions. DNC Chair Ken Martin acknowledged the report's shortcomings, stating that transparency was paramount and releasing it in its current state was better than withholding it entirely.The Omission of Gaza: A Critical OversightLeading up to the 2024 vote, Israel's genocidal war on Gaza was one of the most contentious and divisive issues for the Democrats and Harris. The Biden-Harris administration provided nearly $18bn to fund Israel's assault on Gaza and vetoed several UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire. This uncompromising pro-Israel policy caused some segments of the Democratic base to turn against Harris. Yet, there are zero mentions of Gaza and Israel in the 192 pages of the autopsy report, despite polls suggesting it was a top issue for voters who abandoned Harris.The Report's Flaws: Missing Sections and Factual ErrorsThe DNC released the report in its unvarnished format, revealing significant problems. Several sections – including the executive summary and conclusion – were entirely missing, replaced with the word 'pending' and the annotation 'this section was not provided by author.' The document also makes numerous questionable and false assertions, with annotations such as 'claim contradicts public reporting' and 'data appears to be inaccurate and contradicts public reporting.' Basic facts were wrong, including the number of gubernatorial races Democrats won in 2024.Campaign Strategy Failures: Insufficient Support and Negative MessagingThe report highlighted several strategic failures in the Harris campaign. It criticized the Biden administration for not adequately supporting Harris, noting that polling was done for how Jill Biden could support Joe Biden, but no similar research was done for Harris. The audit also faulted the White House for assigning Harris immigration responsibilities without adequate political training. Additionally, the campaign's 'not Trump' approach failed to effectively define Harris beyond her opposition to Trump, and when negative messaging was used against Trump, it did not highlight his flaws effectively.The Transgender Ad: A Campaign-Defining MomentOne of the most memorable commercials of the campaign season – an ad featuring Harris saying she supports access to sex change surgeries for 'every transgender inmate' – proved particularly damaging. The commercial played video of Harris making that statement and concluded with a narrator saying, 'Kamala is for they/them'; President Trump is for you.' Pollsters recognized the attack as very effective, leaving the campaign 'boxed' with no effective response. The report noted that given the stakes and timing, the focus needed to be on attacking Trump rather than defending on this issue.Future Implications for Democrats: Lessons from a Flawed AnalysisDespite its flaws, the autopsy report offers some insights for the Democratic Party as it looks ahead to future elections. The DNC chair acknowledged that the report did not meet his standards and that actionable takeaways were lacking. The absence of a substantive analysis on key issues like Gaza suggests the party may still be grappling with how to address divisive topics within its base. Moving forward, Democrats will need to develop more positive messaging, better support for candidates, and more effective strategies for addressing controversial issues that alienate key segments of their potential voting coalition.

The Lead: Football's Global IconsFootball is a great leveller. Not everyone goes to a school with a rugby pitch and not everyone can afford a pony. However, from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the slums of Nairobi to the playgrounds of Monaco and Beverly Hills, you will see children kicking a football about.Arguments over the greatest 10 World Cup heroes have kept friends debating into the small hours for decades. Such arguments will continue for as long as football is played. But here, before the FIFA World Cup 2026, are the 10 we think have been the best:The Legends: Ranking World Cup Greats10. Zinedine ZidaneOne of the greatest and most controversial players of the game, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup for France at home, scoring twice in the final. Injuries kept him largely out of France's short-lived 2002 World Cup campaign, but he went on to be named player of the tournament at the 2006 edition – despite the infamous head butt that sent him off in the final against Italy. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Paris chanting Zidane's name when the team returned home.Having scored 31 goals in 108 matches for France, his talismanic leadership shaped the national team into something much greater than the sum of its parts. As a coach, he went on to win three Champions League titles and La Liga twice with Real Madrid.9. Jimmy GreavesNot even the great Bobby Moore, whose statue greets supporters arriving at Wembley Stadium, was as loved by English fans as Jimmy Greaves. Already a star at home, Greaves gained international recognition after rescuing a pitch-invading dog that had evaded the Brazilian greats during England's 1962 World Cup quarterfinal. Brazil's Garrincha took the dog home, and Greaves became known in Brazil as "Garrincha's dog-catcher".Greaves was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, but a savage injury inflicted by France's Joseph Bonnel that required 14 stitches kept Greaves out of the final. Greaves scored six hat-tricks in an England shirt, a record that still stands. The 1966 campaign continues to be a focal point of English identity, the squad universally adored, and Greaves became a broadcaster, welcomed into the nation's living rooms for decades.8. Ferenc PuskasPuskas was captain of the Mighty Magyars, Hungary's golden team, which flourished under the influence of Jimmy Hogan's Total Football. He scored 84 goals in 85 matches for Hungary and made four appearances for Spain. Hungary were so dominant under Puskas that the 1954 World Cup final was the only game they lost in the entire decade.He scored 702 goals from 705 career games. The giant of European football was a vocal supporter of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and defected to Spain while on tour after the Soviet army killed 2,500 of his countrymen while crushing the uprising. He returned to Hungary after the collapse of communism and remains worshipped by Hungarians.7. Lothar MatthausGermany's most-capped player, Matthaus scored 23 goals in 150 international matches. A box-to-box midfielder, he featured in five World Cups, helping West Germany win the 1990 edition. The only German to be named FIFA World Player of the Year, Matthaus holds the record for most World Cup games (25). His natural leadership gave him a commanding presence on the field, and his technical ability combined with his tactical awareness gave him an unstoppable dominance on the pitch.The bullish Diego Maradona called him the toughest opponent he ever faced.6. Miroslav KloseIt's rare that you get prizes just for being a good guy, but Germany's record goal scorer, the somersaulting Miroslav Klose, has a handful of them. With a career hallmarked by fair play and decency – he famously refused to accept a penalty awarded to him during a club match because he knew the referee was mistaken – Klose scored in four World Cups, finally lifting the trophy in 2014.A physical powerhouse of a forward, his stature belied his speed. He scored 71 goals in 137 matches in a German jersey. He also scored 16 World Cup goals. No one has ever scored more. He was prolific, and a good guy.5. Ronaldo"The Phenomenon" reinvented the role of striker while playing for Brazil in 98 matches and scoring 62 goals. He lifted the 1994 World Cup trophy at the age of just 17. Four years later, he was named Player of the Tournament after steering Brazil into the final, only to suffer a convulsive fit just hours before the game. He scored twice in the 2002 World Cup final to add to his six in the competition earlier, once more lifting the trophy.A fourth World Cup appearance saw Ronaldo score a then-record-breaking 15th World Cup goal. But it was the way in which he did it that set the world on fire: speed, control, vision, total mastery of the ball, explosive runs, juggling the ball past defenders with acrobatic flicks and tricks, and the goals.4. Franz BeckenbauerNo compilation of World Cup heroes could omit Franz Beckenbauer, one of only three men – along with Didier Deschamps and Mario Zagallo – to lift the World Cup trophy both as a player and a manager. Despite playing as a defender, Beckenbauer scored 14 goals in his 103 appearances for West Germany, captaining the 1974 winning side.After playing in the 1966 World Cup final loss to England, he got revenge four years later, scoring a searing goal to knock the English out and send West Germany to the semifinal. But three World Cup appearances weren't enough for him, and as Germany marched towards unification and a new era, Beckenbauer guided the national team as manager to win the 1990 World Cup.3. Johan CruyffThe three-time Ballon d'Or winner, one of the most influential figures in the sporting philosophy of Total Football, brought a new level of sophistication to the game. Football for Cruyff wasn't just an athletic sport but a blending of mind, body and artistry – an exercise in simplicity and beauty.A creative playmaker with a unique understanding of the geometry of players' pitch positions, he led his team like the conductor of an orchestra. The Netherlands never lost a game in which he scored. And he scored a lot – 33 goals in 48 international matches. Cruyff led the Netherlands to the final of the 1974 World Cup, scoring twice against Argentina and knocking out then-champions Brazil. It was only the defensive heroics of Franz Beckenbauer that frustrated Cruyff's efforts on goal and kept the Dutchman from lifting the trophy.2. Diego MaradonaThe drug-addled "Golden Boy" is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. His 60-metre (66-yard) dribble past five England players in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal led to the "goal of the century", yet its mastery followed the sport's most famous unpenalised handball – the goal that became known as "the hand of God".That game epitomised the two sides of Maradona: the raw, prodigious talent of the Argentinian captain mixed with an absolute disregard for rules, the shameless arrogance of a genius and the belief that one's innate talent sets you apart from – and above – the mere mortals around you. Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup, 10 years after Maradona had made his first appearance for the national side aged just 16.1. PeleHas there ever been a more successful football icon than Brazil's Pele? In 1958, when he scored his first World Cup goal – the result of a scuffed mishit that ended Wales's World Cup dreams for the following seven decades – could anyone have known the giant he was to become?With either foot, Pele could produce the sort of magic that inspired generations. Off the pitch, as one of the first truly global Black sports superstars, his outspoken support for improving the lives of the poor made him a national hero. Pele lifted the World Cup three times: 1958, 1962 and 1970. He remains Brazil's leading goal scorer with 77 goals in 92 games. He was so famous, so beloved all around the world that in 1969, both sides in Nigeria's civil war agreed to a ceasefire so they could watch Pele play in an exhibition match in Lagos.The Legacy: World Cup Impact on National IdentityPerhaps the way in which football stars have often escaped humble origins to shine in the sport allows the very best to become icons on and off the pitch and truly become heroes of nations. For many countries, World Cup success has become intertwined with national identity, with players elevated to almost mythical status for their contributions to the sport and their country's prestige on the world stage.The Evolution: Changing Standards of GreatnessAs the World Cup has evolved over decades, so too have the standards by which we measure greatness. Early World Cup heroes were often celebrated for their technical skill and leadership, while modern players are increasingly judged by their statistics, consistency across tournaments, and ability to perform under pressure. The rise of data analytics in football has added new dimensions to the debate about what constitutes greatness in the World Cup context.The Future: Who Will Join the Pantheon?As we approach the 2026 World Cup, the question remains: who will join this pantheon of greats? With players like Lionel Messi already having cemented their legacy, and emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé showing signs of greatness, the debate will continue to evolve. The World Cup has always been a stage where legends are made, and the 2026 tournament promises to be no exception.

The Shift in Democratic Voter Opinion A new poll from New York Times/Siena has found that nearly three-quarters of voters aligned with the Democratic Party oppose US military aid to Israel, up from 45 percent three years ago, as support for Israel continues to drop among US voters. Key Findings of the Poll Nearly half of Democratic voters said that their party was too supportive of Israel. 95 percent opposed the US-Israel war on Iran. 60 percent of Democratic voters said they were more sympathetic to the Palestinians than to Israel, while just 15 percent said they were more sympathetic to Israel. The Impact of Shifting Public Opinion The survey is the latest to underscore a shifting political landscape on Israel-Palestine in the United States, driven by anger over Israel's genocidal war on Gaza and aggressive military campaigns across the Middle East. While Israel has long been able to rely on the US for strong military, economic, and diplomatic support, Israel has seen its popularity plummet across numerous segments of US society, especially among Democrats and progressives, in recent years. The Future of US-Israel Relations Support for Israel among US voters is now largely concentrated among older voters. A Pew Research Center poll released in April found that 84 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans between the ages of 18-49 had an unfavourable view of Israel, compared with 76 percent and 24 percent, respectively, among those aged 50 and up. But shifting public opinion has yet to be reflected in policy change at the higher levels of the Democratic Party, which continues to be led by stalwart supporters of Israel such as House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer.

Senegal’s national team has confirmed a 28‑man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with marquee names Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly leading a blend of seasoned stars and youthful prospects.Senegal Announces 28‑Man Roster Featuring Mane and KoulibalyCoach Pape Thiaw revealed the list on Thursday, noting that two players will be cut before the final deadline at the end of May. The selection reflects a strategic mix of experience, athleticism, and depth across all positions.Squad Composition and Player StatisticsGoalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Yehvann Diouf, Mory DiawDefenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Krepin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, Ilay Camara, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, El‑Hadji Malick Diouf, Moustapha Mbow, Ismail JakobsMidfielders: Idrissa Gueye, Habib Diarra, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pathe Ciss, Bara NdiayeForwards: Sadio Mane (34, 53 goals in 126 caps), Bamba Dieng, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cherif Ndiaye, Ismaila SarrThe squad retains the all‑time leading scorer Mane and the experienced centre‑back Koulibaly, while also integrating promising talents such as 18‑year‑old Bayern midfielder Bara Ndiaye.Implications for African Representation and Tournament ProspectsSenegal entered the tournament as the most potent African qualifier, having topped the recent Africa Cup of Nations. Their Group I draw pits them against France (June 16, New Jersey), Norway (June 22), and Iraq (June 26), offering a challenging path but also a chance to replicate their 2002 quarter‑final run.The inclusion of both veteran leaders and dynamic youngsters signals a clear intent to advance beyond the group stage, potentially reshaping the perception of African teams at the World Cup.What to Expect from Senegal in the 2026 World CupAnalysts anticipate that Mane will spearhead the attack, supported by pacey wingers Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. Defensively, Koulibaly provides stability, while the midfield depth—featuring Gueye and emerging talents—offers tactical flexibility.If the squad can stay injury‑free and integrate the new call‑ups quickly, Senegal could challenge for a knockout‑stage berth, aiming to surpass their 2018 group‑stage exit and 2022 round‑of‑16 finish.

Visa Applications Ahead of the World Cup Iran's football team have attended visa appointments in Turkiye ahead of the World Cup, with the whole squad applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for entry into the United States. Details of the Visa Applications A number of players submitted applications in the Turkish capital Ankara on Thursday, an Iranian football federation official told Reuters news agency. The whole squad attended appointments for Canadian visas, while some players who had not applied for American visas before the US and Israel attacked Iran in February also submitted their visa applications in person at the embassy. World Cup Preparation The World Cup will ⁠⁠be cohosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, with Iran due to play all three of their group-stage matches on the US West Coast. Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt in Seattle five days later. They would require access to Canada if they progress to the knockout rounds. Impact on Team Preparation Iran is holding a pre-tournament camp in Turkiye following the suspension of the Iranian domestic league in March, leaving many players short of match fitness. The team trained in Antalya earlier this week as coach Amir Ghalenoei attempted to prepare his squad after most domestic-based players went seven weeks without competitive football during the suspension of the Iranian league. Future Outlook Iran qualified early for the expanded 48-team World Cup, but preparations have been overshadowed by uncertainty over travel and security arrangements following the US-Israeli war on Iran. Iran are due to play Gambia in a friendly on May 29 before Ghalenoei names his final 26-man World Cup squad by FIFA's June 1 deadline.

The Symbolic SummitThe hopes and dreams of Palestinian children from Gaza have reached the top of the world as a kite bearing their handwritten messages was carried to the summit of Mount Everest by a team of mountaineers. The group summited the world's highest peak at 10:48am local time (05:03 GMT) on Thursday, Jordanian Palestinian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh, who was spearheading the expedition but did not summit, confirmed in a social media post.The Humanitarian MissionA team of Nepali Sherpas – led by Italian filmmaker and explorer Leonardo Avezzano – carried the kite to ensure that the dreams of children in the besieged Strip could make it "to the top of the world", Salameh told Al Jazeera from the Everest base camp last week. The 56-year-old climber launched this expedition to raise $10m towards medical aid for children in the Strip and draw global attention towards the difficulties they have faced during the Israeli genocide in Gaza.A Personal Connection to Palestine"After months of preparation, sacrifice, training, fear, hope, prayers, and carrying the weight of a message much bigger than themselves… the kite carrying the dreams of the children of Gaza is now flying above the highest point on Earth," Salameh said in a video posted to Instagram. "From the rubble and pain of Gaza … to the roof of the world. A dream refused to die," he wrote in the caption.The Climbers' JourneySalameh, who has previously summited Everest, stayed at the first base camp due to frostbite and a blood clot in his left hand. "Tonight, at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) in the death zone where every step feels like a battle between life and exhaustion, Leonardo carried that kite with courage, heart, and purpose," Salameh added. "I am so proud of my brother Leonardo for believing in this mission and for carrying the voices, names, hopes, and dreams of children who deserve to be seen by the world."The Explorer's LegacySalameh is one of 20 people to have completed the Explorer's Slam – the accomplishment of reaching the North and South poles and climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. He has summited Everest four times, the first being in 2008, the year he was honoured with knighthood by King Abdullah II of Jordan. "What I do best is climb mountains," he told Al Jazeera in an interview last week from the base camp. "I did promise lots of people in my life not to go back to Everest, but this is worth it. As a mountaineer, what I can do is bring the story and suffering of every Palestinian child all the way to the top of the world."From Darkness to LightSalameh acknowledged the immense risks – including death – that come with scaling Mount Everest at 8,000 metres with only 15 percent oxygen, but insisted it was "absolutely nothing" compared with what the Palestinians in Gaza have endured. "This time is very personal for me," Salameh said in another video. "This one hits home for the child in me, because I know what it feels like to be a child at a refugee camp, and I feel for the children of Gaza and what they go through."The Path ForwardSalameh said the "mission [was] not accomplished yet" since summiting Everest was only the halfway point; returning to base camp safely was the next goal for Leonardo and his team. "Tonight, the kite flies above Everest; tonight, the dreams of Gaza touched the sky," Salameh said, ending the video with a chant of "Free, Free Palestine". He emphasised that the summit was not only about climbing a mountain but about humanity, hope, and proving that "even from darkness, something beautiful can still rise into the sky."

First‑Time Glory on the Horizon: The 2026 World Cup LandscapeThe expanded 48‑team tournament promises more opportunities for nations that have never lifted the trophy. While traditional giants still dominate the conversation, several contenders show the blend of talent and circumstance needed to break the eight‑nation monopoly.Expanded 48‑Team Format and Its Upset‑Friendly DynamicsFIFA’s decision to add 16 extra slots creates a longer group phase and a tougher Round of 32, increasing the chance of surprise results. Host‑nation climates, travel fatigue and higher ticket prices are expected to level the playing field, especially for teams accustomed to navigating harsh conditions.48 teams instead of 32 – 16 new qualifiers.Group stage now features three matches per side, reducing margin for error.Round of 32 introduces an extra knockout round, amplifying the impact of a single upset.Historical Performance and Qualification Stats of the ContendersRecent tournament finishes and qualifying records provide a statistical backdrop for each hopeful:Portugal: 2022 quarter‑finals; Euro 2016 champions; Ronaldo likely playing his final World Cup.Netherlands: 2022 quarter‑finals; unbeaten 27‑4 qualifying record; lacking a prolific striker.Morocco: 2022 fourth place; 2024 African Cup of Nations champions; strong defensive core.Senegal: 2022 round of 16; reigning AFCON champions amid administrative controversy.Japan: Consistent round‑of‑16 finishes (2002‑2022); depth in midfield and emerging talent.Why Traditional Powerhouses May Falter and Dark Horses RiseSeveral factors could undermine the usual suspects:Spain and France carry high expectations but face squad transition issues.Brazil struggled in qualifying, losing six matches, and is still adapting to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics.Germany lacks a reliable No 9 despite a crop of young talent.Travel and heat in North America could sap the stamina of teams unaccustomed to such conditions.Conversely, the highlighted nations combine experienced leaders with emerging stars, positioning them to exploit any slip‑ups from the favorites.Which Nation Is Poised to Break Through First?Considering squad balance, recent form, and the tournament’s structural quirks, Portugal emerges as the most likely first‑time champion, driven by a cohesive midfield and a solid defensive line that could compensate for Ronaldo’s waning pace. However, the African duo of Morocco and Senegal possess the motivation and tactical discipline to pull off a historic upset, while Japan could leverage its disciplined approach and group‑stage familiarity with North American venues to go further than ever before.

The Treasury's Flawed Proposal The UK Treasury's proposal for voluntary price caps on food staples has been widely criticized by retailers and analysts. Stuart Machin, chief executive of Marks & Spencer, described the idea as 'completely preposterous', while City analyst Clive Black at Shore Capital thought the government 'appears to be losing its mind in an orgy of neo-Soviet policy ideas'. The criticism is justified, as price caps are a flawed solution to the problem of rising food prices. The Reality of Food Inflation Food inflation in the UK was 3% in April, and while it is expected to rise in coming months due to increasing energy, transport, and fertilizer costs, the country is not in a state of emergency. The Competition and Markets Authority found in 2024 that there was no evidence that groceries inflation was being driven by weak competition between retailers. Instead, prices are already depressed due to everyday competition among retailers. The Impact of Price Caps Imposing price caps would likely have negative consequences, such as reducing the supply of essential items. History has shown that artificially depressing prices can lead to knock-on effects on the supply of goods. Furthermore, the Treasury's idea would be difficult to implement in practice, as it would require collusion between rival retailers, which is illegal. A Better Solution A more effective solution to addressing cost-of-living pressures would be to increase welfare payments to vulnerable households. This targeted approach would provide support to those who need it most, rather than attempting to control prices through a flawed and impractical policy.