Author: France 24

Israelis seek US pressure to end war in Gaza.

A lawyer for France’s first couple said they’ll be seeking “substantial” damages from US conservative influencer and podcaster Candace Owens if she persists with claims that President Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte, is a man. The lawyer, Tom Clare, said in an interview with CNN that a defamation suit filed Wednesday for the Macrons in a Delaware court was “really a last resort” after a fruitless yearlong effort to engage with Owens and requests that she “do the right thing: tell the truth, stop spreading these lies”. Read moreMacrons file defamation suit against US podcaster over transgender rumours “Each time we’ve done that, she mocked…

Global pop icon Taylor Swift has officially joined the world-famous Madame Tussauds ! Fans can now get up close with her lifelike wax figure, capturing the star’s signature style and presence in stunning detail. Don’t miss your chance to meet the music legend like never before !

Spain defeated Germany after extra time (0-1) on Wednesday evening in the second semi-final of the Women’s Euro held in Switzerland. The Spanish team will face England in the final.

After months of negotiations, the US has reached a trade deal with Japan. US President Donald Trump celebrated the agreement on tariffs in a social media post, while Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hailed the deal, which sets duties on Japanese exports to the US at a rate of 15 percent. In this edition, we look at what exactly has been announced by both sides and what it means for Japan’s auto sector, which is responsible for a quarter of all exports to the US.

More than 100 aid groups warned on Wednesday of “mass starvation” throughout Gaza, with their staff severely impacted by shortages. Israel faces growing global pressure over the enclave’s dire humanitarian crisis, where over two million people have endured 21 months of war.

Ozzy Osbourne, the frontman of heavy metal band Black Sabbath often described as the “Godfather of Heavy Metal”, died on Tuesday at 76, just days after performing a final concert in his hometown of Birmingham.

England survived a scare to beat Italy 2-1 in extra time at Tuesday’s semifinal and retain their dream of defending the Women’s Euro title. The Lionesses twice came from behind, avoiding near-elimination to advance to another final, dashing Italy’s hopes in a thrilling, heart-stopping clash. 

Trade negotiations between Washington and Brussels are continuing ahead of an August 1 deadline, when US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose 30 percent tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the European Union. Both sides are looking to carve out exemptions for key sectors, such as aviation or pharmaceuticals. Also in this edition: German car sector companies are looking to benefit from the country’s sudden increase in defence spending.

More than 1,400 people were killed in a spate of sectarian violence lasting several days near Syria’s coast in March, a government investigation released on Tuesday found. Security forces in the south carried out widespread violence against civilians, seeking out members of the Alawite sect, investigators found.