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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."

Executive Summary: A Block of Empty Flats and Unyielding TenantsIn a striking illustration of the UK housing crunch, a 20‑storey tower block in London has 164 of its homes sealed off while a small group of residents continues to occupy their units. The council’s attempts to clear the building have met with legal challenges and community push‑back, raising questions about how authorities manage vacant social housing.The Block’s Current State: 164 Boarded‑Up Units and a Few HoldoutsLocation: South‑East London, council‑owned tower block built in the 1970s.Vacancy: 164 apartments boarded up after safety inspections deemed the building uninhabitable.Occupancy: Approximately 8 residents remain, many of whom have lived there for over 30 years.Council Action: Issued eviction notices, scheduled compulsory purchase, and commissioned structural repairs.Financial Implications: Cost of Vacancy and Potential RevenueEstimated repair cost: £12 million to bring the building up to current safety standards.Annual loss of rental income: £1.8 million from the vacant units.Projected market value after refurbishment: £25 million, offering a potential return on investment for the council.Broader Impact: What This Standoff Says About London’s Housing LandscapeThe situation underscores several systemic challenges: the difficulty of repurposing large blocks of social housing, the legal protections afforded to long‑term tenants, and the social cost of leaving entire communities in limbo. It also fuels debate over whether councils should prioritize demolition, refurbishment, or conversion to mixed‑use developments.Looking Ahead: Possible Scenarios for the Tower BlockFull refurbishment: Council secures funding, completes safety upgrades, and re‑lets the apartments, restoring revenue.Partial demolition: Unviable sections are demolished, with remaining parts converted to affordable micro‑units.Continued stalemate: Legal battles prolong vacancy, increasing costs and eroding community cohesion.Stakeholders—including residents, housing advocates, and local officials—are expected to convene a public inquiry within the next six months to decide the block’s fate.

Executive Overview: A War That Will Unfold in Four Global WavesThe war in Iran has moved beyond a regional confrontation, positioning itself as a catalyst for a series of interconnected crises that will hit the world in four distinct phases. Immediate disruptions are already evident, and the trajectory points toward deeper systemic shocks.Phase 1 – Energy Market Turbulence and Price VolatilityIran’s pivotal role in the global oil supply chain means that any sustained conflict immediately translates into supply constraints. Since the outbreak, oil prices have climbed by several percentage points, prompting a scramble for alternative sources and heightening inflationary pressures in import‑dependent economies.Phase 2 – Trade Route Interruptions and Supply‑Chain StrainKey maritime corridors in the Persian Gulf face heightened security risks.Export‑import balances for neighboring Gulf states are being recalibrated.Manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe report longer lead times for petrochemical inputs.These disruptions are expected to ripple through global supply chains, raising costs for a broad range of goods.Phase 3 – Humanitarian Fallout and Migration PressuresCasualties and displacement within Iran are projected to generate a sizable refugee flow toward neighboring countries and, eventually, into Europe. Humanitarian agencies are already mobilising resources, but funding gaps threaten an effective response.Phase 4 – Geopolitical Realignment and Diplomatic StrainThe conflict is forcing major powers to reassess alliances. The United Nations faces renewed calls for mediation, while regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Russia navigate a delicate balance between involvement and containment.Projected Outlook: A Prolonged Multi‑Wave ShockAnalysts anticipate that the four waves will overlap, creating a compounded impact that could persist for 12‑18 months. Mitigation will require coordinated energy policy, diversified trade routes, robust humanitarian funding, and a renewed diplomatic push to de‑escalate the conflict.

The Lead: Hutchinson’s Debut Secures Women’s Prize ShortlistDebut author Marcia Hutchinson has been shortlisted for this year’s Women’s prize for fiction with her novel The Mercy Step, a raw yet witty portrayal of a young Black girl growing up in 1960s Bradford.Bradford’s Windrush Legacy Shapes the StoryHutchinson was born in late 1962 to Jamaican parents in Bradford, a city that welcomed thousands of Windrush migrants from 1948.The novel reflects the racism, hostile weather, and inadequate housing that many Caribbean families faced during post‑war reconstruction.Bradford’s mill‑town backdrop provides the socioeconomic pressure that fuels the narrative’s tension.Linguistic Fusion: Jamaican Patois Meets Yorkshire DialectThe author blends Jamaican patois, Yorkshire dialect, and a “Speaky‑Spokey” RP, creating a distinctive voice that mirrors Mercy’s mixed cultural identity. This linguistic collage is highlighted in a pull‑quote praising Hutchinson’s seamless mix of language.Abuse, Resilience, and Early Political AwakeningThrough Mercy’s eyes, the novel depicts domestic abuse, coercive control, and hospitalisation, yet it never sinks into despair. A pivotal moment occurs when Mercy and her classmates assert their Black identity, echoing the 1968 Olympic Black Power salute.Critical Reception and Prize ImplicationsShortlisted for the 2026 Women’s prize for fiction, positioning Hutchinson as a notable new voice in British literature.Published by Cassava Republic at a price of £10.99.Review notes occasional “odd similes” and “vignette‑like” sections but praises the tight timeframe and empowering conclusion.Future Outlook for HutchinsonWith the shortlist boost, Hutchinson is poised for greater visibility, potential translation deals, and a stronger platform to explore further stories rooted in the Windrush experience and Black British resilience.

The Lead: Streeting's Tax Equality ProposalFormer health secretary Wes Streeting has set out plans for a "wealth tax that works" by equalizing tax rates on income and capital gains in his pitch for the Labour leadership. Streeting argues the current system unfairly penalizes work while rewarding asset ownership, contributing to widening wealth and opportunity gaps in the UK.The Policy Details: Equalizing Tax RatesStreeting's proposal would mean capital gains tax rates mirror the three bands of income tax: 20%, 40%, and 45%. A person's capital gains tax band would be calculated by combining their income and profits from assets. He used the example of a woman in Lancashire who paid a higher rate of tax on her salary than her landlord paid for the growing value of her rented house."The system is penalising work. It's not fair and it's bad for our economy. We need a wealth tax that works. A pound made from simply owning assets should not be taxed less than a pound made from a hard day's work," Streeting told the BBC's Political Thinking podcast.The Financial Impact: Potential Revenue and Economic EffectsStreeting estimates his plan could raise up to £12bn a year. A 2024 report by the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation estimated that changing capital gains tax could raise £14bn. The proposal includes measures to protect genuine entrepreneurs with lower capital gains tax rates for those taking risks building companies.Streeting argues there is "a good pro-business, pro-growth, pro-productivity argument" in his proposals because the current system encourages investment in less productive businesses. He also called for closing loopholes that allow people to disguise income from work as capital gains, such as setting up personal service companies or taking pay in shares.The Political Context: Labour Leadership and Party UnityStreeting, who quit the Cabinet last week and called on Keir Starmer to stand down, warned in his resignation speech that Labour must change course or risk handing Reform UK power. He has the support of 81 MPs needed to launch a leadership challenge but decided not to proceed after learning that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham had found a seat to stand in."It was clear that if we had been plunged straight into a leadership contest by me or for that matter, anyone else, I think it would have been seen as a deliberate attempt to get ahead of Andy Burnham's potential return," Streeting explained. "And if there's one thing that we need to do coming out of a change in leadership, it is to bring the tribes of the Labour party together."The Future Outlook: Potential Policy Shift and Party DirectionStreeting's tax proposal represents a significant potential shift in Labour's economic policy direction if he becomes party leader. By positioning himself as both "pro-worker" and "pro-entrepreneurialism," he attempts to bridge traditional divides within the party. His emphasis on fairness in taxation comes amid growing public concern about wealth inequality and the perceived advantages of capital over labor in the current tax system.The proposal will likely face scrutiny from both economic conservatives who may argue it could discourage investment and progressive elements who may push for more aggressive wealth taxation. Streeting's ability to unite different factions of the Labour party around his economic vision will be crucial in determining the party's direction and electoral prospects.

The Road to FIFA World Cup 2026 Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, has announced the preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will lead the team as captain, supported by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush. Squad Selection Highlights The squad includes some notable inclusions and exclusions. Uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona's under-19 team, has been included in the squad. On the other hand, Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed has been left out. The Data Behind the Squad Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - Captain Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) - Forward Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19) - Forward The Impact of Squad Selection The selection of Hamza Abdelkarim and exclusion of Mostafa Mohamed reflect the team's strategy to blend experience with youth. Mostafa Mohamed's omission is notable, given his recent form struggles with Nantes. The Road Ahead Egypt will play friendly matches against Russia and Brazil before heading to the World Cup. Their campaign begins against Belgium in Seattle on June 15, followed by matches against New Zealand, and Iran. Egypt's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna) Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids) Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo) Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19)

EasyJet Reports Summer Booking Slump Amid Iran ConflictBudget carrier easyJet said its summer holiday bookings are lagging behind last year as the war between the US, Israel and Iran dampens consumer confidence, pushing many travellers to wait until the month of departure before booking.Fuel Cost Shock: £25m Unexpected Jet Fuel SpendThe airline disclosed an unplanned additional £25m jet‑fuel expense in March after the conflict began, although it confirmed no disruption to fuel supplies and maintains a four‑week visibility on fuel availability.Financial Fallout: £552m Pre‑Tax Loss for H1 2026Pre‑tax loss of £552m for the six months to 31 March, up from £394m a year earlier.Fuel hedging covers 72% of needs for the next six months, but short‑term hedging was paused due to “elevated near‑term fuel prices”.Seat capacity reduced by 0.3% after a March schedule review.Holiday package demand up 22% year‑on‑year in the six months to March.Broader Implications for European Low‑Cost CarriersThe situation mirrors warnings from Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary about the UK’s vulnerability to jet‑fuel shortages if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. EasyJet’s decision to keep its full summer schedule and raise minimum fares reflects a sector‑wide push to protect margins while reassuring passengers.Outlook: Booking Behaviour and Fuel Hedging Strategy Going ForwardCEO Kenton Jarvis emphasized that the airline’s strong investment‑grade balance sheet positions it to manage the “near‑term uncertainty”. The carrier expects late bookings to remain positive but cautions that overall demand may stay below last‑year levels unless geopolitical tensions ease.

The AI Prediction Timeline Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark has made a series of predictions about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. In a lecture at Oxford University, Clark stated that an AI system will work with humans to make a Nobel prize-winning discovery within 12 months. He also predicted that tradespeople will be helped by bipedal robots in two years, and companies run solely by AIs will be generating millions of dollars in revenue within 18 months. The Future of AI Development Clark described a “vertiginous sense of progress” in AI technology and warned that there remained plausible scenarios in which the technology had “a non-zero chance of killing everyone on the planet”. He emphasized the importance of slowing down the development of AI to give humanity more time to deal with its implications, but acknowledged that this was unlikely to happen due to commercial and geopolitical rivalries. The Risks and Challenges of AI Critics of frontier AI companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google fear over-reliance on their few AI models could create a “single point of failure” in global systems. Prof Edward Harcourt, director of the Institute for Ethics in AI, warned that the rise of AIs that do more and more things for humans risks creating “cognitive atrophy” that could weaken humans’ decision-making and powers of judgment. The Call for Responsible AI Development Clark and Harcourt advocate for responsible AI development and alternative models that prioritize human involvement. Clark wants to encourage humanity to prepare for a technology that will “soon be more capable than all of us collectively”, while Harcourt suggests “Socratic” AI models that ask humans to do more of the thinking.

The Historic Triumph in IstanbulAston Villa ended their 30-year trophy drought in style as spectacular goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia inspired a 3-0 win against Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. Unai Emery's side took the lead late in the first half through Tielemans' thunderous volley, before Buendia increased Villa's advantage with a sublime curler seconds from the half-time whistle. Morgan Rogers' second-half goal finished off the outclassed Germans, sealing Villa's first silverware since the 1996 League Cup and their first major European prize for 44 years.Emery's European MasterclassVilla's long-awaited continental conquest was the latest Europa League masterclass for Emery, who has now won the tournament five times after victories with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and Villarreal in 2021. Emery said this week that he did not feel like the "king" of the Europa League, but his team's coronation received the royal seal of approval from Villa fan Prince William, who was celebrating with about 20,000 ecstatic supporters at Besiktas Stadium. Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, another famous Villa fan, joined the party, sending a good luck message to the team before kickoff.Club Renaissance Under EmeryThe Europa League triumph underlined Villa's impressive renaissance since Emery took charge in October 2022, with the club languishing just three points above the relegation zone. Emery called on his players and the club's hierarchy to match his desire to keep Villa in contention for silverware. "I am myself ambitious and of course I need support. The owners, everyone that works in the club. Development is everything," he said. "The players are following us. We are doing it together. But we must try to set this ambition, being clear and realistic. As a team, ambitious and improving. This is our next step."From Relegation Contenders to European ChampionsIt has been a memorable finish to the campaign for Villa, who sealed qualification for next season's Champions League with a win against Liverpool last week. Villa's success over the last six days would have been impossible to imagine when they started the season with a run of six matches without a win, scoring just twice in that dismal streak. Their maiden win this season came in the Europa League against Bologna, the first of 13 victories in 15 games in the competition that culminated in their ruthless demolition of first-time European finalists Freiburg.A New Era for Villa FootballDespite losing in the UEFA Conference League semifinals in 2024, and the Champions League quarterfinals and FA Cup semifinals last year, Emery was convinced Villa would eventually cast off their "nearly men" tag. The 54-year-old Spaniard's unshakeable faith has been rewarded. "We are getting stronger, but we are trying to be demanding. Next year we will play in the Champions League, and the Premier League is the most difficult in the world. This is the challenge," Emery stated. "It's fantastic. Europe gave us a lot. For myself as well. I'm always very grateful for Europe. For every competition but especially the Europa League."