Author: France 24

Israeli NGO Adalah rights group said on Thursday that six more activists detained aboard a boat attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza were en route to the airport for deportation. French MEP Rima Hassan, who is of Palestinian descent, is among the group to be imminently expelled.

His looping melodies and bewitching harmonies were the soundtrack to an endless, Californian summer. Brian Wilson’s death has prompted an outpouring of affection and admiration, as the music industry pays tribute to a man considered a lyrical genius and a master of harmonies, and whose compositions now constitute the gold standard in pop. Music editor Jennifer Ben Brahim tells us more about Wilson’s hits with the Beach Boys, his legacy and his personal struggles. We also check out the frenzied fandom surrounding Billie Eilish’s recent concert dates in Paris.

One of the world’s leading cancer specialists has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the need to detect cancer early and prevent it from ever taking hold, rather than having to treat people later. Professor Alexandra Leary is an oncology specialist in gynaecological cancers and deputy director of the oncological department of the Gustave Roussy cancer research hospital outside Paris. She is just back from a major gathering of the world’s top cancer specialists in Chicago. She spoke to us in Perspective.

With the World Cup just one year away, the list of qualified countries is growing. In South America, Brazil and Ecuador will be taking part. Ancelotti scores his first win with his new team. 

Vivatech 2025, billed as Europe’s largest tech and startup event, kicked off this Wednesday in Paris. Some 14,000 startups are showcasing their innovations, hoping to attract the attention of investors in a difficult context. FRANCE 24’s Charles Pellegrin speaks with Jad Shimaly, EY Global Managing Partner, about how trade uncertainty is weighing on the tech sector, Europe’s quest for tech sovereignty, and how EY is advising businesses to integrate artificial intelligence.

Speaking together on FRANCE 24, former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian foreign minister Nasser al-Qudwa defended their vision of a two-state solution despite the devastating war in Gaza. Olmert accused Israel of waging a war with “no legitimacy” since expanding the conflict on March 18, while Qudwa – the nephew of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat – called for international pressure.

France’s Senate approved a revised version of a law regulating fast fashion on Tuesday, which if implemented would ban advertising by fast-growing Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. Senators in the upper house of parliament voted almost unanimously for a modified version of a bill passed by France’s lower house last year, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. Critics say the low-priced garments produced by fast-fashion chains drive excessive consumption and waste, exacerbating the textile sector’s impact on the environment. An amended version of the bill distinguishes between “ultra” fast fashion and “classic” fast…

After adapting three of Stephen King’s horror stories, director Mike Flanagan opted for the author’s sweet and life-affirming novella “The Life of Chuck” for his latest film. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why Tom Hiddleston brings a sweet levity to this uncynical life story, told in reverse. We also discuss the latest big budget live action remake as the “How to Train Your Dragon” series gets a 2025 version, and we find out more about the quirky arranged marriage at the centre of “Sister Midnight”, an Anglo-Indian production that amused critics at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Plus we…

The war in Sudan has led to the total or partial destruction of clinics and hospitals, but health professionals are determined to rebuild what has been lost. Among them are scientists researching and treating mycetoma, a rare but devastating fungal disease. The Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC) in Khartoum was unique and worked in partnership with several companies and organisations, including the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative. Today, doctors are appealing for help to rebuild the partially destroyed centre. FRANCE 24’s Shirli Sitbon spoke with the MRC’s director, Professor Ahmed Hassan Fahal.

England suffered its first loss in 21 games against African opposition on Tuesday as Senegal rolled to a 3-1 victory in Nottingham, escalating scrutiny over Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel’s ability to end his team’s World Cup drought.