Earth News

Trump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push

The Trump administration is pushing countries worldwide to back a "trade over aid" declaration at the UN, part of a broader effort to overhaul how Washington spends billions of dollars in foreign assistance. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade, Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, explains that the new policy runs counter to US national interests, traditions and values.

France finance minister says Hormuz must open 'but not at any price'

France and Britain will co-host a video conference Friday of countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade, Dr Bamo Nouri, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of West London, says that the initiative is an attempt by Europe "to reinsert itself into a crisis that has been shaped by US and Israeli decision-making in a war of choice".

South African opposition leader Malema gets jail sentence

In tonight's edition, South Africa’s firebrand, leftist leader Julius Malema is sentenced to five years in prison convicted of firearm offences. Also, on a visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo condemns so-called "tyrants" driving global wars and the exploitation of Africa’s resources. And we’ll have a look at a new online database shaking up the restitution debate. 

European airlines could run out of jet fuel 'in six weeks'

European airlines could run out of jet fuel in six weeks' time. That's the warning from the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, who says passengers should expect fewer flights and higher prices. Carriers are already reducing their flight schedules ahead of the summer holiday season. Also in the show - European officials urge governments not to forget the Ukraine war, saying that Russia's economy cannot be allowed to benefit from the energy shock. 

Israeli military admit to posting AI photo of Lebanese journalist it killed

The Foreign Press Association has accused the Israeli military of discrediting a Lebanese journalist it killed in March, by using an AI-generated photo to present him as a “Hezbollah terrorist.” The Israel Defence Forces claimed responsibility for killing Ali Shoeib in a targeted Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. It then shared an edited photo of him on social media, overlaying his press vest with a Hezbollah uniform, saying a “press vest is just a cover for terror.”

French billionaire Bolloré sparks turmoil at Grasset as 115 authors leave publishing house

French conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré came under attack from dozens of authors on Thursday at one of his flagship publishing brands, as he continues to reshape the country's media landscape. More than 100 authors at the Grasset imprint, home to some of the biggest names in French literature, said they would leave the publishing house after the surprise departure of its long-time CEO. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports.

Emergency services in Ukraine 'need armored vehicles' as Russia targets rescue workers

Russia hit civilian areas of Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 people and wounding more than 100 others, officials said Thursday. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Paul Vazeux, founder of Dignitas Ukraine, which brings mobile clinics to Eastern Ukraine, says that his NGO will soon need armored vehicles as Russia continues to target emergency workers.

Israel's Netanyahu says he agrees to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon. In a video statement, Netanyahu said he was taking the step in an attempt “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon. FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson reports from Washington.

Live: Israel’s Netanyahu confirms he agreed to 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon

Leo and "the tyrants": Does new pope's defiant message resonate?

A new U-S-born Pope on a first-ever visit to Cameroon’s restive English-speaking northwest, and who’s not turning the other cheek: “Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.”, Pope Leo declared on Thursday in Bamenda. The message was the same when he landed Wednesday in Yaoundé and while it may sound like a rebuttal to a critical U-S president who’s an ocean away, it's first a pointed message to the leader in the room hosting Leo… 93-year old Paul Biya, only the second head of state Cameroon’s known since independence from France in 1960.  

Debate on French bill outlawing ‘new forms of anti-Semitism' pushed back

French lawmakers from President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party on Thursday withdrew the "Yadan bill" from the National Assembly's agenda on Thursday. The proposed law, which aimed to fight back against "new forms of anti-Semitism" in France, has sparked controversy and backlash in recent weeks.

‘We're asking for our husbands' salaries’: The plight of soldiers' widows in eastern DR Congo

Plastic sheeting serving as tents and mattresses laid on the ground: in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, the widows of fallen soldiers are struggling to survive in a makeshift camp. They say they fled the capital of North Kivu province, Goma, after it fell to the M23 rebels in January 2025. Left with nothing, they are demanding access to a share of their late husband’s pension.

'Lebanon is being held hostage by Hezbollah acting at Iran's behest'

Hezbollah plunged Lebanon into war with Israel in early March. Six weeks later, the group, which had suffered setbacks in 2024, is still putting up a fight. But how? And can the Lebanese government succeed in getting the militant group to disarm? In this edition of Middle East Matters, we are joined by Dr. Matthew Levitt, Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute and Director of its Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

Live: Trump says Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire

Lebanon president had phone call with Trump, thanked him for 'efforts' towards ceasefire

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with Donald Trump on Thursday during which he thanked the US leader for his "efforts" to secure a ceasefire with Israel, the presidency in Beirut said. The call comes after Aoun rejected a US request for a "direct call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an official Lebanese source, and a day after Trump announced an expected call between the two countries' "leaders". FRANCE 24's Cyril Payen reports from Beirut, Lebanon.

Russia escalates internet crackdown, says curbs are temporary

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that internet ​restrictions, which it conceded had caused disruption to many Russians, were needed for security reasons, but that they ​were ‌temporary in nature and would ⁠be lifted once it was safe to do so. Authorities shut ‌down the mobile internet in Moscow for nearly ⁠three weeks in March and regularly block it elsewhere across the world's largest country, ​citing the risk of Ukrainian drones using ‌it to guide attacks.

Antisemitism and apology for terrorism 'already illegal in France': Is Yadan Law 'really necessary?'

As France debates a controversial antisemitism bill, Oliver Farry welcomes Renaud Foucart, Economist, Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University, for a nuanced and critical examination of the so-called Yadan Bill. Speaking from both an economic and institutional perspective, he evokes three competing imperatives: the urgent need to combat anti-Semitism, the preservation of freedom of expression, and the instrumentalization of legal tools within electoral politics. He argues that while the fear and lived reality of anti-Semitism in France are deeply legitimate, the proposed legislation risks extending far beyond its stated purpose.

Savour or scramble? France's changing lunch breaks

From a quick sandwich or a supermarket salad, to a three-course meal, to solo dining, lunch breaks are evolving in France. Has French culture reached a fork in the road when it comes to its traditional lunch break? With upcoming reforms to meal vouchers (titres-restaurant), we take a look at how the midday meal is gradually changing shape.

In Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV’s visit sparks hope among Christians

Pope Leo XIV continues his 10-day tour across African countries. In Cameroon, amidst the shadow of political tensions, his presence is being viewed as a potential turning point by the Christian community. FRANCE 24's Indira Ayuk reports.

French billionaire Bollore sparks turmoil at top publisher Grasset

French conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore came under attack from dozens of authors on Thursday at one of his flagship publishing brands, as he continues to reshape the country's media landscape. Olivier Nora, who had headed Grasset for 26 years, left on Tuesday with no explanation, though reports claimed he had been sacked by Bollore following a disagreement about a book. The turmoil at Grasset mirrors the uproar seen at other Bollore-owned TV, radio and newspaper companies that have come under the control of the 74-year-old businessman, who is close to far-right figures. FRANCE 24's Culture Editor Eve Jackson tells us more.

Israel-Lebanon peace talks: Future negotiations depend on 'confidence-building measures'

Angela Diffley is pleased to welcome Bilal Y. Saab, Senior Managing Director of TRENDS US.Former Pentagon Official in the first Trump administration. According to Saab, Lebanon is at a crossroads: the government is committed to reform, is fundamentally “pro-Lebanese” and rejects interference from external actors. The central challenge remains Hezbollah, an entrenched, hybrid actor operating across political, military, and economic domains. Rather than advocating for abrupt or violent confrontation, he emphasises a peaceful gradualist strategy, paired with nation-building efforts and sustained international support.

Author Ece Temelkuran finds solidarity in her 'Nation of Strangers'

Exiles, migrants, refugees: there are as many ways to label "strangers" as there are to misunderstand them and reduce their identity to their outsider status. Ece Temelkuran explores this existential and very physical reality in her new book "Nation of Strangers", as the Turkish author and journalist reflects upon what it means to lose one's home morally, spiritually and politically.

Bayern Munich knocks out Real Madrid in epic to reach Champions League semis

Bayern Munich turned the tables on old rival Real Madrid. Luis Díaz and Michael Olise scored late for the Bavarian powerhouse to beat Madrid 4-3 and advance to the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.