Hamas says it will not lay down its weapons unless an independent Palestinian state is created with Jerusalem as its capital. The militant group issued the statement following reports that a US envoy had suggested Hamas was open to disarmament. In a strongly worded response, Hamas reaffirmed its position, calling armed resistance a legitimate and legal right while the occupation continues. The statement added this right could only be relinquished […]

Donald Trump says he’s ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved into position following what he described as “highly provocative” comments from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, who now sits on Russia’s Security Council, had warned the US to remember Moscow’s Cold War-era nuclear capabilities. Trump wrote online that the submarines were being deployed “just in case” the Russian threat turned out to be more than words. A 76-year-old […]

The most popular baby names in England and Wales for 2024 have been revealed, with some new additions to the top 100. Athena and Yahya appear for the first time. Muhammad remains the most common name for boys, followed by Noah and Oliver. For girls, Olivia holds the top spot again, ahead of Amelia and Lily. The figures were published by the Office for National Statistics and are based on […]