- Thursday, 23 October 2025
BBC
US halts student visa appointments and plans expanded social media vetting
US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered embassies to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants.
Crowds overrun US-backed group's new aid distribution site in Gaza
Thousands of Palestinians have overrun an aid distribution site in Gaza set up by a controversial US and Israeli-backed group, a day after it began working there.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill 54, officials say
At least 54 Palestinians have been killed in two separate Israeli air strikes overnight, including a strike on a school sheltering displaced families in central Gaza, two hospital directors have told the BBC.
As Israel faces diplomatic 'tsunami', Trump is staying quiet
A headline in Israel's liberal daily Ha'aretz this week put it starkly: "Diplomatic tsunami nears," it warned, "as Europe begins to act against Israel's 'complete madness' in Gaza."
EU calls for 'respect' after Trump threatens 50% tariffs
The European Union's trade chief said the 27-member bloc is committed to securing a trade deal with the US based on "respect" not "threats".
Trump administration ends Harvard's ability to enrol international students
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X that the administration had revoked Harvard's "Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law."
Heavy rain disrupts life in several Indian cities
Four people have reportedly died, with more than a dozen injured in the capital Delhi and nearby areas, according to local media, after a severe hailstorm hit the city on Wednesday. The powerful storm uprooted trees, triggered power outages and led to massive traffic snarls due to waterlogging on the streets. Similar scenes were reported from India's financial capital, Mumbai, where pre-monsoon showers led to flooding in parts of the city.
Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in attack at DC Jewish museum
Two Israeli embassy staff were killed outside a Jewish museum in downtown Washington DC, officials say.
'The mood is changing': Israeli anger grows at conduct of war
As Israel's war in Gaza enters a new, violent phase, a growing number of voices within the country are speaking out against it - and how it's being fought.
Trump ambushes S African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'
A meeting meant to soothe tensions between the US and South Africa instead spiralled as President Donald Trump put his counterpart on the defensive with claims that white farmers in his nation were being killed and "persecuted".
Judge warns US deportations to South Sudan may breach court order
A federal judge has warned that US President Donald Trump's administration could be held in contempt of court for deporting a group of migrants to South Sudan.
Starmer joins condemnation of Israel over Gaza
The UK, France and Canada have warned Israel they will take "concrete actions" if it continues an "egregious" expansion of military operations in Gaza.
Israel lets aid into Gaza after 11-week blockade but UN calls it 'drop in ocean'
The UN's humanitarian chief welcomed the move but stressed it was only "a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed" by the 2.1 million Palestinians in the war-torn territory, where global experts are warning of a looming famine.
Cancer touches us all, says Biden after outpouring of support
Joe Biden expressed his gratitude for the words of support that have poured in from across the world, including a private letter from Britain's King Charles, after the former US president announced his cancer diagnosis on Sunday.
Cassie at Diddy trial: I'd give back $20m settlement to undo freak-offs
Breaking down in sobs, the singer told a New York court on Friday that she would give back a $20m (£15m) legal settlement from the rap mogul if it meant never having participated in his "humiliating" drug-fuelled sex parties, referred to as "freak-offs".
