Author: France 24

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said French President Emmanuel Macron was siding with a “murderous Islamist terrorist organisation” after Macron accused Netanyahu’s government of “unacceptable” and “shameful” behaviour over its aid blockade on Gaza, in force since March 2.

Theo Croker, a Florida-born trumpet player, composer and producer, has a background in jazz but is known for pushing the boundaries of genres and mixing different musical styles. The Grammy-nominated artist tells FRANCE 24 that going “against the norm” and thinking “outside of a box or genre” were always part of his personality. His new album, “Dream Manifest”, which will be released in June, continues in this vein. He says the record gives listeners an “uplifting feeling to manifest your dreams”, but still contains a dark side. “We will definitely explore duality on this album,” he tells us in Perspective.…

World No.1 Italy’s Jannik Sinner advanced to the quarter-finals at the Italian Open in Rome with a straight-sets win over Argentine’s Francisco Cerúndolo. It was his third consecutive victory following a three-month doping ban.

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, May 13: Papers discuss the trade deal agreed between the US and China. Where it is celebrated in the Chinese press, the American press is more critical. Also, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is coming under fire for his comments on immigration. Next, preparations are under way for the opening of the Cannes Film Festival, where a new dress code has been announced. Finally, The Times reports that pets provide us with more comfort than our partners.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday trumpeted major business deals with Saudi Arabia as he basked in a lavish royal welcome on the first state visit of his second term. Analysis by FRANCE 24 International Affairs Editor, Kethevane Gorjestani.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened Tuesday with expectations running high for what could be a banner edition. All of the ingredients — an absurd number of stars, top-tier filmmakers, political intrigue — seem to be lined up for the French Riviera spectacular. Over the next 12 days, Cannes will play host to megawatt premieres including those of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” Spike Lee’s “Highest 2 Lowest” and Ari Aster’s “Eddington.” Details by Emma Jones, film critic in Cannes.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the round of 16 at the Italian Open in Rome with a straight-sets win over Jesper de Jong. It was his second consecutive victory following a three-month doping ban.

The US and China agreed to a 90-day truse in their trade war, suspending or cancelling sky-high tariffs they imposed on each other’s goods since April, but underlying issues still need to be addressed over the next three months.  “The devil is in the details” says Maurizio Zanardi, professor of economics at the University of Sussex. Plus, Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at bringing down drug prices in the US to align with what other countries are paying. 

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 12: US President Donald Trump is set to begin his tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, but is not yet scheduled to stop in Israel. Meanwhile, papers are discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the last soup kitchens are forced to close. Also, millions of voters head to the polls in the Philippines for crucial midterms opposing two dynasties. Next, papers debunk a claim that French President Emmanuel Macron had a cocaine party in Ukraine. Finally, a man completes the world’s longest triathlon.

This week, arts24 welcomes acclaimed trumpet player Yazz Ahmed. Throughout her career, the jazz musician has blended Arabic and Western sounds. Her new album “A Paradise In The Hold” takes us to the shores of Bahrain, where local folklore and Fijiri – the music of the pearl divers – are brought to life through gorgeous scales, percussion and voices. Yazz Ahmed tells Marjorie Hache about the stories and work that went into her fourth album. We also take a look at new music by Maneskin’s Damiano David, rapper Chuck D and electronic pop artist MØ.