Author: France 24

Harvard University for decades assumed it had a cheap copy of the Magna Carta in its collection, a stained and faded document it had purchased for less than $30. But two researchers have concluded it has something much more valuable — a rare version from 1300 issued by Britain’s King Edward I. Story by Eliza Herbert.

Global tourism has fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, but dark clouds are still hanging over the industry. High transport and accommodation costs, geopolitical instability and the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events are among the key challenges the sector is facing. FRANCE 24’s Charles Pellegrin speaks to Shaikha Al Nowais. She’s a travel executive with decades of experience working at the UAE-based Rotana Group and is also a candidate for the role of UN World Tourism Organization Secretary General.

Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza have left over 250 people dead since Thursday, amid one of the most intense bombardments since March’s truce collapse. As a new ground offensive looms, US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis, stating that “people are starving” in Gaza, while international calls for ceasefire talks grow louder.

This week on Paris des Arts, Valérie Fayolle meets with the talented actor and writer Jacques Gamblin, as he releases his novel “Mère à l’horizon”. He takes us to Paris’s Centquatre cultural centre, a creative hub popular with art lovers. We also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Franco-Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji’s creative process, as she records a new album. Finally, we shine a spotlight on the paintings of artist Alexandre Bakker.

Teenage wonder Lamine Yamal scored in the 52nd minute to help his club win the 28th La Liga trophy in its history. It completed a domestic double with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercup. 

Things are going from bad to worse for Nissan. Struggling with weak sales and an ageing lineup, the Japanese carmaker has announced a sweeping restructuring plan, aiming to save €3 billion in costs. It plans to cut 15 percent of its global workforce and close seven of its 17 plants worldwide.  Plus, Samsung has released its latest model of Galaxy S that is less than 6mm thick. The Korean tech firm accelerated its release schedule as Donald Trump’s tariffs were threatening to impact consumer spending. 

Israeli air strikes killed at least 90 people in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis overnight, Gaza civil defence officials said on Thursday. It was the second night of heavy bombing after air strikes Wednesday on northern and southern Gaza killed at least 70 people.

Once a year, movie fans from near and far flock to the French Riviera resort of Cannes to catch a glimpse of their favourite celluloid stars: real stars, in the flesh. They’ve always seemed larger than life – particularly on a big screen –but now, in the age of virtual reality, what exactly is real? These days, what still resonates as authentic in the make-believe world of cinema?

Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has won the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize awarded by FRANCE 24 and RFI to the best African player in the French league.

As US President Donald Trump continues his diplomatic tour of Gulf states, he announced a flurry of business deals with Qatar, including a purchase order of up to 210 jets from Boeing by Qatar Airways.  The White House says the deal is worth 96 billion dollars and will create 1 million jobs in the US during their production and delivery. The announcement comes amid growing ourtrage over the president’s plan to accept a luxury Boeing 747 jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari royal family.