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Nickolay Mladenov, the chief negotiator for the U.S.‑backed International Board of Peace, told reporters in Jerusalem that Hamas must lay down its weapons before it can play any lasting political role in Gaza. He emphasized that the ceasefire’s second phase – Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction – is stalled because Hamas has not yet disarmed. The Diplomatic Push for Hamas Disarmament Mladenov clarified that the Board is not demanding the disappearance of Hamas as a political movement, but insists that disarmament is “not negotiable.” He noted that the first phase of the October 10 ceasefire succeeded in swapping the last Israeli captives for Palestinian detainees, yet progress halted when Hamas refused to surrender its arsenal. Casualty and Attack Statistics Since the Ceasefire 856 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces over seven months of the ceasefire. Israeli forces now control more than 50% of the Gaza Strip. Attacks by Israel increased 35% in April compared with March, according to ACLED. Since the Iran‑mediated truce on April 8, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports 120 additional Palestinian deaths, including 8 women and 13 children. Implications for Gaza’s Reconstruction and Regional Stability Without Hamas disarmament, Israeli troops are unlikely to withdraw from the remaining occupied zones, delaying rebuilding of the coastal enclave. Humanitarian agencies warn that limited aid entry hampers recovery, while continued fighting fuels further civilian loss. Hamas’ refusal to disarm sustains the security rationale for Israel’s expanded operations, risking escalation with regional actors. Prospects for a Phased Withdrawal and Political Integration Mladenov believes a full implementation of the plan—weapon handover, Israeli pull‑out, and reconstruction—remains the only path to a sustainable peace. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem countered that Israel is the party violating the ceasefire, urging pressure on the occupation to honor the first phase. Future negotiations will likely hinge on measurable disarmament steps and verified humanitarian corridors.

The Lead: Middlesbrough's Unexpected Playoff PathMiddlesbrough are scheduled to return to training on Friday in preparation for a potential playoff final against Hull at Wembley on Saturday week, despite having lost their semi-final to Southampton. This unusual situation arises from a "spygate" scandal that has seen the south-coast club charged with misconduct after one of their analysts was allegedly caught spying on Middlesbrough's training.The Spygate Incident: Details of the Alleged EspionageThe controversy erupted when William Salt, one of Tonda Eckert's analysts for Southampton, was allegedly caught spying on Kim Hellberg's Middlesbrough team at their Rockliffe Park base near Darlington last Thursday. This led to Southampton being charged with misconduct by the English Football League, with Boro and the EFL hoping that an independent disciplinary commission will reach a verdict in the coming days.The disciplinary panel possesses the power to impose a wide range of punishments if Southampton is found guilty, ranging from fines to the deduction of points and expulsion from the playoffs. This follows a precedent set in 2024 when Canada Women's team was deducted six Olympic points and their head coach received a 12-month FIFA ban after using a drone to spy on New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.Punishment Precedents: Analyzing Potential SanctionsThe EFL has reminded the disciplinary commission that the Priestman case was resolved within seven days and a similarly swift outcome is hoped for. However, there is a right of appeal, and it remains to be seen whether other Championship clubs will support suspicions that they were also spied on by Southampton by presenting the commission with hard evidence of training-ground espionage.Historically, Leeds were fined £200,000 after their then manager, Marcelo Bielsa, admitted sending a staff member to spy on Derby's training in 2019. However, a tougher EFL rule designed to deal with the problem has since been introduced, suggesting potential harsher consequences for Southampton.Championship Implications: Wider Effects of the ScandalThe incident has sent shockwaves through the Championship, with clubs potentially reviewing their security protocols at training facilities. The case also highlights the increasing importance of sports integrity in an era where technological advancements make espionage easier to conduct.Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's players and coaching staff are maintaining their focus on football matters. Hellberg and his players stayed in Hampshire on Tuesday night before flying back to Teesside, with a squad meeting scheduled for Thursday before returning to full training on Friday.Prediction: Likely Outcomes and Next StepsShould Southampton be found guilty, a sporting sanction rather than a fine seems increasingly likely. The Priestman precedent suggests that a points deduction, which could be applied in the Premier League or EFL next season, could prove a feasible alternative to expelling Southampton from the playoffs and reinstating Boro.The timeline for resolution remains uncertain, but with the EFL pushing for a swift verdict similar to the Priestman case, a decision could come within days. Regardless of the outcome, this incident has already cast a shadow over the Championship playoffs and raised important questions about sportsmanship and integrity in professional football.

The Lead The V&A;'s "Rising Voices" exhibition attempts to condense three decades of art from across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific into just three rooms, creating both an impressive display and significant limitations in telling the full story of the region's diverse artistic traditions. The Exhibition's Cultural Treasures The opening room features an array of remarkable works including bark cloth paintings from Papua New Guinea, Indigenous Australian abstracts, shark sculptures from the Torres Strait, and Tahitian textiles. Indigenous and First Nations artists form the heart of the exhibition, with stunning pieces like Lila Warrimou and Pennyrose Sosa's hypnotic bark cloth paintings where every shape carries specific cultural meanings. Aline Amaru's Tahitian quilt tells the story of her husband's dynastic lineage, representing the rich cultural heritage preserved through art. Art as Historical and Political Resistance Many works in the exhibition carry the heavy burden of colonial history. Elisabet Kauage depicts Melanesian figures being transported in Captain Cook's ship, while Sri Lankan artist Pala Pothupitiye paints over historical colonial maps to expose injustices. Brenda V Fajardo portrays Filipino women enduring under colonial rule. Beyond historical contexts, many artists created work under political oppression—Svay Ken painted quietly through Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, Heri Dono produced his grotesque cubistic works under President Suharto's dictatorship, and Maryam Ayeen and Abbas Shahsavar depict contemporary Iranian life pressures. The Exhibition's Design Limitations The presentation of this vibrant art faces significant criticism. The exhibition employs "dull, grey and depressing lighting more akin to a funeral home" that fails to showcase the bright, colorful nature of the works. A single, mournful piano ballad loops loudly throughout the space, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere that discourages prolonged viewing. These design choices undermine the powerful and often beautiful artworks they're meant to highlight. The Challenge of Comprehensive Representation The fundamental issue lies in the exhibition's scope—attempting to represent art from dozens of countries, countless Indigenous populations, and multiple continents in just three rooms. Each segment—Pakistani miniature painting, Indigenous Australian photography, Papua New Guinean textiles—deserves its own comprehensive exhibition. The current format offers merely "a barely cracked window into a vast world" without providing a cohesive narrative thread connecting these diverse artistic traditions. The Future of Global Art Exhibitions The "Rising Voices" exhibition highlights both the richness of Asia-Pacific art and the challenges of representing such diversity within institutional constraints. Future exhibitions of this scale must either commit to comprehensive, in-depth explorations of specific artistic traditions or develop stronger curatorial frameworks that can meaningfully connect diverse works without reducing their cultural significance. The V&A; has presented a glimpse into a vast world of art, but there remains immense opportunity to more fully celebrate the incredible diversity of contemporary art from across this region.

The Portrait That Merges Masculine Power and Feminine VulnerabilityThe Guardian features Marisol Mendez’s striking photograph of Marta Salinas, a Bolivian theatre actor, standing nude in a bull costume. The work confronts traditional Bolivian representations of women by foregrounding masculine traits—ambition, competitiveness, and the symbolism of the bull—while celebrating bodily autonomy.The Creation of the Bull‑Costume PhotographConceived in 2019, the image emerged from Mendez’s dream of a half‑woman, half‑animal figure in a field. Drawing on the waka tokori dance, which reenacts Bolivian bullfighting where men only taunt the bull, she used the bull as a symbol of masculinity. The setting—a fruit‑and‑bee farm outside Cochabamba—was suggested by Mendez’s mother, who acted as chauffeur and logistical support.Photographer: Marisol Mendez (Bolivia)Subject: Marta Salinas, theatre actor (Bolivia/Argentina)Series: Madre – a study of womanhood and archetypesPrize: 2026 Saltzman‑Leibovitz prize winnerExhibition: Photo London, Olympia, until 17 May 2026Cultural Resonance of Gender Fluidity in Bolivian ArtThe photograph challenges the media’s habit of portraying Bolivian women in strictly feminine roles. By presenting a nude figure who embraces masculine energy, Mendez questions the automatic labeling of such women as “lesbian” and pushes for nuance in gender representation. The work also references the influence of US photographer Ryan McGinley, whose non‑sexualized nudes inspired Mendez’s approach.What Lies Ahead for Mendez and the Madre SeriesWith the Saltzman‑Leibovitz prize spotlighting her practice, Mendez is poised to expand the Madre series internationally. Upcoming shows, such as the Photo London exhibition, will introduce broader audiences to her interrogation of archetypes like the Virgin Mary versus Mary Magdalene. Critics anticipate that her blend of personal narrative, cultural critique, and bold visual language will continue to shape contemporary discourse on gender and identity in Latin American photography.

The Red Carpet WelcomeUS President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, where he was greeted with a red carpet welcome, an honor guard, and hundreds of men and women waving flags of both the US and China.The Ceremonial ArrivalAs Trump exited Air Force One, he was escorted to the motorcade by a red carpet, with a band playing for the ceremonial arrival. He offered a fist pump to the music before proceeding down the stairs.The DelegationTrump was accompanied by several notable figures, including Eric Trump, Lara Trump, Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth.The SummitThe welcome ceremony comes ahead of a high-stakes summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is expected to cover a range of issues, including trade and security.

The LeadJennie Garth, known for her role as Kelly Taylor in 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' opens up about the psychological impact of early fame and how she found new purpose in her 50s. The 54-year-old actress, who felt 'stuck' and unfulfilled as her daughters grew up, has launched a podcast and book titled 'I Choose Me,' sharing her journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned from her decades in Hollywood.Finding Purpose at 50Approaching her 50s, Garth experienced a classic midlife crisis, questioning her path and purpose after noticing potential acting jobs becoming 'few and far between.' The deaths of her 90210 co-stars Luke Perry in 2019 and Shannen Doherty in 2024 intensified her sense of urgency, prompting her to share what she's learned with other women experiencing similar standstills. Her new venture, 'I Choose Me,' named after an iconic line from her character on the show, combines memoir and self-help as Garth reflects on her journey from teenage star to mature woman finding her voice.The Price of Early FameGarth candidly admits that her early fame 'screwed with her mind,' describing how she spent 20 years 'trying to keep her head above water.' Starting on the hit show at just 18, she felt developmentally 'held back from the realities of the world,' watching peers experience normal milestones while she was 'slammed into' fame. The experience left her questioning how her unusual path affected her relationships and personal growth, as she struggled to form normal connections while constantly being judged and typecast in the industry.Hollywood's Changing LandscapeThe actress reflects on the sexism she faced in the 90s, noting how young female actors were 'exposed to far more than they should' in terms of sexualization and discrimination. She recalls unspoken expectations about appearance and the pressure to conform to certain standards, including her own decision to get breast enhancement at 24. Garth also discusses how the industry typecast her and her co-stars, keeping them in a 'sort of Aaron Spelling-nighttime-soapy category' that limited their growth opportunities, despite the quality of their work.A New ChapterNow in her 50s, Garth feels she's finally 'caught up' developmentally and is embracing her age with greater wisdom and resilience. Through therapy and self-help, she's found a new voice and purpose, sharing her experiences to help other women navigate similar challenges. Her journey from teenage star to empowered woman reflects both the lasting impact of early fame and the potential for reinvention later in life, as she continues to work while also focusing on personal growth and helping others find their own path to self-acceptance.

The UN's Call for Accountability in Civilian DeathsThe United Nations human rights chief has demanded independent investigations into reports that separate air attacks by the Nigerian and Chadian forces in northern Nigeria killed more than 100 civilians. Nigeria's military has been battling "bandits" in the northwest and an armed rebellion in the northeast for 17 years, while Chadian forces have been targeting Boko Haram camps in the Lake Chad region.Market Massacre and Fishermen DeathsThe Nigerian military and the "bandit" gangs killed at least 100 civilians on Sunday in one of the bloodiest days in the state's conflict against armed groups, according to Amnesty International. Citing witnesses, Amnesty said many of those killed were women and children, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the attack on a crowded market in Tumfa village.Meanwhile, the bombardment by Chadian jets against Boko Haram camps on remote islands in the vast marshland shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad has reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen working on islands under Boko Haram control. Footage verified by the AFP news agency showed several fishermen with severe burns being treated at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.Mounting Casualty FiguresAmnesty International confirmed that at least 100 civilians were killed in the Nigerian military airstrikes on a market in Zamfara state on May 10, with many more injured. The Chadian attacks since Friday have also resulted in significant civilian casualties among fishermen who were forced to pay taxes to the armed group controlling the islands.Regional Security ImplicationsThe incidents highlight the complex security challenges in West Africa's Sahel region, where military operations against terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) increasingly threaten civilian populations. The Lake Chad region has been particularly volatile, with cross-border military operations creating humanitarian concerns as civilians become caught between armed groups and national militaries.Future Investigations and Potential RepercussionsAs international pressure mounts for investigations, the Nigerian military maintains there is no evidence of civilian casualties, claiming their strikes targeted confirmed high-level gatherings of terrorists. The UN's demand for independent probes could lead to increased scrutiny of military operations in the region and potentially affect international support for counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.

Live Overview: England vs New Zealand Second Women’s ODI Wednesday, 13 May 2026 – The live feed launches with a brief welcome, reminding readers of the first ODI’s nail‑biting finish and setting the stage for today’s encounter at Northampton. Match Context: Recap of the First ODI and Team Line‑ups The opening match ended in a one‑wicket victory for England, chased down 211 runs. Charlie Dean (stand‑in captain) remained unbeaten on 31 runs. Debutant Tilly Corteen‑Coleman (18) contributed 3 runs and bowled 2/49 in 10 overs. New Zealand, led by Melie Kerr, await a sunny spell; the forecast is “dodgy”. Key Numbers: First‑Match Scorecard and Weather Outlook England’s target: 212 runs (211 chased). Bowling figures: Corteen‑Coleman 2/49; other bowlers yet to make a mark. Start time for today: 1 pm BST, pending weather clearance. Weather: Rain showers expected; a delayed toss was reported at 12:34 BST. Implications for the Series and Women’s Cricket Landscape The tight finish in the first ODI raises the stakes for the series decider. A win for England would give them a 2‑0 lead, reinforcing their growing depth in the women’s game, while New Zealand will aim to level the series and showcase emerging talent such as Kerr’s side. What to Watch: Forecast for the Rest of the Day Potential interruptions – keep an eye on the rain radar. Key battles: Charlie Dean with the bat vs New Zealand’s top order; Tilly Corteen‑Coleman with the ball. Series momentum – a win for either side could shift confidence heading into the final ODI.

Oswestry Cricket Club’s thriving Women and Girls (WaGs) programme has reached a milestone: ten mother‑daughter pairs are now playing competitive cricket together, contributing to a squad of 33 women and girls who have won the Shropshire hard‑ball league in 2024 and 2025.The Mother‑Daughter Phenomenon at Oswestry Cricket ClubFounded in 2018 by Naomi Payne, the WaGs section grew from a six‑person softball event to a full‑time hard‑ball and soft‑ball team. Jools Payne, the club’s manager and a founding player, describes the atmosphere as “a hoot on the field” while maintaining a competitive edge. Coaching is provided by her husband, former Surrey and Gloucestershire all‑rounder Ian Payne, who brings professional expertise to the grassroots setting.Participation Stats: 33 Players, 10 Mother‑Daughter Duos33 registered women and girls across hard‑ball and soft‑ball formats.10 mother‑daughter pairs ranging in age from 12 to 67.Two‑thirds of the junior players come from the state school sector.Back‑to‑back champions of the top Shropshire recreational hard‑ball league (2024, 2025).Boosting Female Cricket in Shropshire and BeyondThe club’s inclusive approach tackles the national drop‑off in teenage girls’ sport participation highlighted by a 2022 Women in Sport survey. By encouraging mothers to play and creating a nurturing, female‑only training night, the programme fosters confidence, teamwork and long‑term engagement. The group also participates in wider cricket culture, attending England women’s matches and hosting events around the Women’s T20 World Cup.Looking Ahead: Record‑Seeking Goals and Youth PathwaysWith aspirations to enter the Guinness Book of Records for mother‑daughter participation, the WaGs are planning an under‑12 side and a clearer pathway to senior cricket. Upcoming events include a softball festival on 5 July and a viewing party for the T20 World Cup final, reinforcing community bonds while promoting the sport to the next generation.