UK will 'seek to do more if it can' for Gaza's injured children, foreign secretary David Lammy says
The foreign secretary has said the UK will do more to help injured children in Gaza if it can, following Sky News' reporting on their plight.
was on a whistlestop tour of the Arctic when we asked him about calling for the UK to offer children in Gaza life-saving treatment.
Israel-Gaza latest:
He said: "The scale of the medical catastrophe for children and the population of Gaza is horrendous, and that's why we increased our aid.
"What will end this suffering is a ceasefire but if there is more that we can do to end the suffering, of course, we will seek to do that."
We read the foreign secretary the words of Doctor Victoria Rose, a British plastic surgeon working in .
: "Every time I come in, I say it's bad, but this is on a completely different scale. It's carnage… we really are on our knees now."
Mr Lammy was speaking as reports broke that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration.
Hamas said on Thursday night that it was still discussing the deal, while an official warned that the Israeli response to the proposal failed to meet the group's demands.
The foreign secretary said he hopes "we're about to see a breakthrough that is not just a ceasefire for a few days, but is a sustained ceasefire that brings an end to some of the horrors that we are seeing out of Gaza and sees the return of the hostages".
He was also sharply critical of the worsening situation in Gaza.
"The scenes of children dying, the horrors of people not being able to get aid are unacceptable, it's horrendous," he said.
Read more:
But Mr Lammy stopped short of saying was guilty of a genocide - saying that was a decision for judges in international tribunals.
"We have always been clear that this is a decision for the international courts," he said.
"I have to stand by our law, and I determined that there was a clear risk of a breach of international humanitarian law."
The British government this month with Mr Netanyahu's government, in response to Israel ramping up its latest military offensive in Gaza and limiting aid to the enclave.
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Fox News
34 minutes ago
- Fox News
US politicians, Jewish groups condemn 'horrifying' Boulder terror attack: 'Vile, antisemitic act of terror'
U.S. lawmakers, Trump administration officials and Jewish groups were among those who condemned the terror attack that left eight people injured in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, calling it a "monstrous attack" and an "act of vile antisemitism." Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested at the scene, after he allegedly set victims on fire as they peacefully rallied on behalf of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Soliman was heard yelling "Free Palestine" and other criticisms of Israel during the attack. Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the U.S. in 2022 with authorization but has since overstayed his visa, according to authorities. Local and federal law enforcement continue to investigate the attack. "My thoughts and prayers go out to the people who have been injured by this heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community," Colorado Democrat Gov. Jared Polis, who is Jewish, said in a statement. "Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community." "As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot," he continued. "Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The governor said he is working closely with local and federal law enforcement following Sunday's attack. Colorado Democrat Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is also Jewish, said the attack appears to have been motivated by hate. Colorado's Democrat Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper both slammed the attack as a display of hate against the Jewish community. "My thoughts are with the victims of the horrifying terror attack that occurred this afternoon in Boulder," Bennet said. "Hate and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in Colorado." "Hate of any kind has no home in Colorado," Hickenlooper wrote. "We're monitoring the reports of a horrific terror attack in Boulder this afternoon. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is Jewish, described the attack as a "vile, antisemitic act of terror" and stressed that antisemitism "has no place in America." "Less than two weeks after the horrific antisemitic attack at the Capitol Jewish Museum in DC — and after two relentless years of surging antisemitic attacks across the country— the Jewish community is once again shattered by pain and heartbreak," Schumer said in a statement. "Tonight, a peaceful demonstration was targeted in a vile, antisemitic act of terror. Once again, Jews are left reeling from repeated acts of violence and terror." "When antisemitism is allowed to fester, when it spreads unchecked, and when too many look the other way, history has shown us where it leads: to hatred, to violence, to terror," he continued. "Tonight is Shavuot—a sacred holiday of learning, renewal, and unity. Thousands of Jews around the world will wake up to this horrific news, just as they did after October 7. For many, it's been over 600 days of unrelenting fear and trauma." Schumer added: "Antisemitism, plain and simple, has no place in America. I am praying for the victims' recovery and am in touch with the FBI as we closely monitor the situation." House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said this "violent, antisemitic attack is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing" and that he is praying for the victims and for law enforcement "to deliver swift justice." "Terrorist sympathizers have made it clear they will do anything to try and silence the Jewish people and those who support Israel," Johnson wrote. "We CANNOT and WILL NOT let them win." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said the Jewish community in America has once again become the target of a horrific, antisemitic attack." "As residents of Boulder gathered on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot to raise awareness for the hostages still being held captive in Gaza, the peacefulness of their assembly was shattered," he said. "Our heartfelt prayers are with all of our Jewish brothers and sisters impacted by this unconscionable act of terror, and we thank law enforcement for their swift response. Antisemitism has no place in our nation or anywhere throughout the world. It must be crushed. We stand with the Jewish community today and always." New York City mayor Eric Adams called the attack an "act of horrific, vile antisemitism and terrorism." "Another act of horrific, vile antisemitism and terrorism in our country, as an individual violently attacked a peaceful crowd in Boulder, Colorado, gathered to call for the release of the hostages still held in Gaza since Hamas' terror attacks on October 7, 2023," the Democratic mayor said. "While we see no nexus to NYC at this time, the NYPD is increasing resources at religious sites throughout our city ahead of the sacred holiday of Shavuot out of an abundance of caution. We will not rest until we root out this unacceptable violence and rhetoric from our communities." Several Trump administration officials condemned the attack and gave updates on the federal investigations. "We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado," FBI director Kash Patel said. "Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available." "DHS is monitoring the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. "We are working with our interagency partners, including the FBI, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. We are praying for the victims and their families. This violence must stop." Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy and Homeland Security advisor, said he is praying "for the victims of the evil and monstrous attack in Boulder, Colorado." Various Jewish groups also sounded off after the attack in Colorado on Sunday, with Israeli-American Council CEO Elan Carr saying it was a "horrific attack on peaceful demonstrators who were walking in a march to commemorate and demand the release of hostages." "I'm not suggesting the answer is censorship, but we have to understand that hateful words that demonize Jews prompt people to take violent action and commit murder," Carr told Fox News Digital. "We've seen this over and over and over again, and it happened today, and it happened a few days ago, and if we don't stop this, it's going to happen again. This is an absolute outrage that we have people who are being poisoned by vicious ideology." The American Jewish Committee said the incident represented "another vile attack against Jews in America." "Less than two weeks after the horrific murders in D.C., an attacker in Colorado firebombed a group calling for the release of the 58 Israeli hostages who have been held by terrorists in Gaza for 604 days," the group said in a statement. "This hatred is a dangerous poison, and we need everyone to stand up with us against it. Enough is enough."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Could Trump pardon Diddy and end his trial?
Sean "Diddy" Combs is being tried in a New York courtroom for racketeering and sexual trafficking. Could that daily drama vanish instantly if President Donald Trump pardoned the embattled rapper? "Yes, it could," says Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, who focuses on legal issues and the presidency. According to Kalt, Trump — who appears to be in the middle of a pardoning spree — would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to fellow New Yorker Combs, who has been described by witnesses so far as violent and abusive. "These are federal charges (against Combs), so that's the main limit. The matter has be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that's already been done," says Kalt. "But the person doesn't have to even be charged yet, or convicted. The Supreme Court has said preemptive pardons are OK." Trump weighed in on the possibility Friday, May 30, in the Oval Office. "Nobody's asked" about a pardon, the president said. "But I know people are thinking about it. I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking." Trump added, "I haven't spoken to him in years. He really liked me a lot." 'Nobody's asked': President Trump doesn't rule out pardoning Sean 'Diddy' Combs Typically, one of the last gestures from an outgoing president is a pardon. In President Joe Biden's final days in office, he famously pardoned his son, Hunter, convicted of federal gun felonies and federal tax charges. At the end of Trump's first term, he granted clemency to political allies such as Roger Stone, found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and related offenses. But pardons can take place during a president's term, says Kalt. The right was established in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which among other things gives the president "power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." Kalt says the power to pardon is derived from the British monarch's historic right and stems from a recognition that criminal law was often too harsh, and it was important to have a safety valve. "The president was the best person to be that safety valve because of his political accountability," he says. But that's where things get murky, he adds, noting that Republican lawmakers "don't appear willing to hold the president accountable" for granting pardons, meaning they aren't costing him in terms of political capital. In contrast, President Gerald Ford's controversial pardoning of disgraced President Richard Nixon was perceived so negatively "that it probably cost Ford re-election in 1976," Kalt says. In just over 100 days since taking office, Trump has issued pardons to a broad range of personalities. They include Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," who were convicted in 2022 of swindling $36 million from Atlanta banks and being tax evaders, and rapper NBA YoungBoy, who in 2024 was sentenced to two years in prison for weapons possession. He also pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, convicted of wire fraud and extortion, and Jan. 6 participant and "Bob's Burgers" actor Jay Johnston. The reason many presidents issue pardons at the end of their terms is precisely to avoid political fallout, says Kalt. In that sense, Trump's brash approach suggests he has no concerns about such ramifications. "I don't agree with these pardons on their merits, but the fact that he did them when he is politically accountable as opposed to slinking out the door does add some legitimacy to them in that sense," he says. "With pardons, you don't need Congress, you wave your magic wand and it happens. You can see the appeal for a president, particularly one like Trump." One can also see the appeal for those such as Combs, whose ordeal could end instantly should Trump's pardon "wand" wave his way. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Trump pardon Diddy? Trial could end, experts say
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Oceans feel the heat from human climate pollution
Oceans have absorbed the vast majority of the warming caused by burning fossil fuels and shielded societies from the full impact of greenhouse gas emissions. But this crucial ally has developed alarming symptoms of stress -- heatwaves, loss of marine life, rising sea levels, falling oxygen levels and acidification caused by the uptake of excess carbon dioxide. These effects risk not just the health of the ocean but the entire planet. - Heating up - By absorbing more than 90 percent of the excess heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, "oceans are warming faster and faster", said Angelique Melet, an oceanographer at the European Mercator Ocean monitor. The UN's IPCC climate expert panel has said the rate of ocean warming -- and therefore its heat uptake -- has more than doubled since 1993. Average sea surface temperatures reached new records in 2023 and 2024. Despite a respite at the start of 2025, temperatures remain at historic highs, according to data from the Europe Union's Copernicus climate monitor. The Mediterranean has set a new temperature record in each of the past three years and is one of the basins most affected, along with the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, said Thibault Guinaldo, of France's CEMS research centre. Marine heatwaves have doubled in frequency, become longer lasting and more intense, and affect a wider area, the IPCC said in its special oceans report. Warmer seas can make storms more violent, feeding them with heat and evaporated water. The heating water can also be devastating for species, especially corals and seagrass beds, which are unable to migrate. For corals, between 70 percent and 90 percent are expected to be lost this century if the world reaches 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming compared to pre-industrial levels. Scientists expect that threshold -- the more ambitious goal of the Paris climate deal -- to be breached in the early 2030s or even before. - Relentless rise - When a liquid or gas warms up, it expands and takes up more space. In the case of the oceans, this thermal expansion combines with the slow but irreversible melting of the world's ice caps and mountain glaciers to lift the world's seas. The pace at which global oceans are rising has doubled in three decades and if current trends continue it will double again by 2100 to about one centimetre per year, according to recent research. Around 230 million people worldwide live less than a metre above sea level, vulnerable to increasing threats from floods and storms. "Ocean warming, like sea-level rise, has become an inescapable process on the scale of our lives, but also over several centuries," said Melet. "But if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we will reduce the rate and magnitude of the damage, and gain time for adaptation". - More acidity, less oxygen - The ocean not only stores heat, it has also taken up 20 to 30 percent of all humans' carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980s, according to the IPCC, causing the waters to become more acidic. Acidification weakens corals and makes it harder for shellfish and the skeletons of crustaceans and certain plankton to calcify. "Another key indicator is oxygen concentration, which is obviously important for marine life," said Melet. Oxygen loss is due to a complex set of causes including those linked to warming waters. - Reduced sea ice - Combined Arctic and Antarctic sea ice cover -- frozen ocean water that floats on the surface -- plunged to a record low in mid-February, more than a million square miles below the pre-2010 average. This becomes a vicious circle, with less sea ice allowing more solar energy to reach and warm the water, leading to more ice melting. This feeds the phenomenon of "polar amplification" that makes global warming faster and more intense at the poles, said Guinaldo. bl/klm/mh/phz
