News 19/10/25

Israel’s military has announced it is “resuming enforcement” of the Gaza ceasefire after accusing Hamas of violating the truce earlier today.

The Israel Defense Forces say the decision comes “in accordance with the directive of the political echelon” and stressed it will continue to uphold the ceasefire while responding firmly to any future breaches. The move appears to signal an end to the air strikes on Gaza that were launched in response to attacks on Israeli forces, which left two soldiers dead.

The government is unveiling a major overhaul of the education system with the introduction of new V Levels qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds.

The Department for Education says the courses will provide “vocational qualifications tied to rigorous and real-world job standards,” addressing what education secretary Bridget Phillipson described as decades of neglect for vocational training. The announcement follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge that two-thirds of young people will either attend university or complete a technical qualification after leaving school.

The Tel Aviv football derby between Hapoel and Maccabi has been cancelled after violent riots at Bloomfield Stadium saw nine people arrested, Israeli police have said.

The match, scheduled for Sunday night at the stadium shared by both clubs, was called off due to “disturbances and risks to human life.” Police added that 13 spectators were injured by pyrotechnic devices, with some requiring hospital treatment. Authorities say they will investigate the clashes, which have raised questions about fan security and policing at high-profile sporting events in Israel.

US President Donald Trump has announced that America will no longer offer subsidies to Colombia, one of its closest allies in South America.

Posting on Truth Social, he labelled Colombian President Gustavo Petro “an illegal drug leader” and accused him of encouraging large-scale drug production across the country. The announcement follows Petro’s criticism of a US military strike on a boat in Colombian waters last month, which he described as an act of “murder.” The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Bogotá, adding to growing frictions between the US and several Latin American nations.

The Israel Defense Forces say they are carrying out a new wave of air strikes in Gaza tonight, after accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement earlier in the day.

In a statement, the IDF said it had begun “a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets” in the southern Gaza Strip. It follows reports of air raids on Rafah, where Israeli troops came under fire in an area just beyond the official withdrawal line. Hamas has denied involvement, saying it was unaware of any clashes. The situation remains volatile, with no indication yet of whether the ceasefire has completely collapsed or if negotiations to restore calm are under way.

Cricketing greats have paid their respects to legendary umpire Dickie Bird at his funeral in Barnsley.

The much-loved figure, known for his sharp humour and deep love of the game, died peacefully at home last month at the age of 92. Former England captains Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan were among mourners at St Mary’s Church, before a private family cremation. The funeral procession paused beside Bird’s statue in the town centre, where fans gathered for a moment of reflection. A wake followed at Barnsley Town Hall — a fitting tribute to one of Yorkshire’s sporting icons.

Eight Berkshire businesses have been publicly named by the government for deliberately failing to pay their taxes in full.

The Treasury says the list includes firms penalised for serious or deliberate errors in their tax returns, or for repeatedly ignoring their obligations. The names are published as part of a wider crackdown aimed at improving compliance and transparency across the UK.

The Metropolitan Police says it’s reviewing claims that Prince Andrew asked a police officer to help with an attempted smear campaign against the woman who accused him of sexual assault.

The Mail on Sunday reports that back in 2011, the prince allegedly asked his personal protection officer to dig up damaging information about Virginia Giuffre. Scotland Yard confirmed it is “actively looking into the claims.” Andrew, who gave up his Duke of York title on Friday, has been approached for comment but has not responded publicly.

Two British women have become the first female crew to row non-stop and unaided across the Pacific Ocean.

Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne spent almost six months at sea, rowing from Peru to Cairns in Australia — a journey of around 8,000 miles. Their nine-metre boat, named Velocity, endured extreme heat, power failures and storms during more than 160 days on the water. Speaking after completing the challenge, Ms Rowe said it “doesn’t feel real” and that it was incredible finally to reach land.

The Louvre museum in Paris has been closed following a robbery, according to France’s culture minister.

The world-famous attraction posted on X, saying it had shut for “exceptional reasons.” Minister Rachida Dati later confirmed a robbery had taken place but said no one was injured. She added that she was at the scene with police and museum officials as investigations continue. The Louvre attracts around eight million visitors a year and houses priceless works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter following the death of an 82-year-old man in Slough.

Giovanni Cecaro was assaulted outside a parade of shops on Stoke Road near Elliman Avenue on September 24 last year. He died five days later in hospital. Thames Valley Police confirmed the teenager, who’s also from Slough, has been released on conditional bail and will appear at Reading Youth Court next month.

Prince William reportedly plans to take a “ruthless approach” towards Prince Andrew when he becomes king, as concerns continue over the Duke’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.

The Sunday Times claims William will permanently exclude his uncle from royal duties to protect the monarchy’s reputation. It follows fresh allegations that Andrew once tried to involve the Metropolitan Police in a smear campaign against his accuser Virginia Giuffre. US lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents Epstein’s victims, says the controversy is “not going away” and expects further revelations.

Betting giant Betfred says all 1,287 of its shops could vanish from the High Street if Chancellor Rachel Reeves increases taxes on gambling firms.

Co-founder Fred Done warned that such a move would threaten 7,500 jobs and described potential tax hikes as the “biggest risk” to the industry in his 57-year career. Reeves has suggested gambling companies should pay more, telling ITV she believes there’s a strong case for higher contributions to the Treasury.