52 h. ago The Breakdown | Andy Farrell faces Owen question as selection debates pile up for Lions squad

Head coach must decide if his son commands a place, the back-row blend and whether a left-field pick is required As Andy Farrell prepares to name his British & Irish Lions touring squad it is worth reflecting on the events of 12 years ago. Then as now, the destination was Australia and Farrell was an important cog in Warren Gatland’s management team. It was also the last time the Lions actually won a series, the solitary occasion they have ticked that illustrious box this century.And do you remember who, ultimately, made the difference in the all-important final Test in Sydney, with the best-of-three series poised at 1-1? None other than the strong-scrummaging Alex Corbisiero, who had been omitted from the original squad and owed his presence to an ankle injury sustained by Ireland’s Cian Healy early in the tour. Continue reading...

Politics

53 h. ago Hamas says it will not engage with Israel again until ‘hunger war’ in Gaza ends

‘No sense’ in considering new truce proposals, says group, hours after Israel agrees plan for ‘conquest’ of territoryMiddle East crisis – live updatesHamas has said it is no longer interested in truce talks with Israel and urged the international community to halt Israel’s “hunger war” against Gaza, hours after Israeli officials agreed an intensified offensive in the devastated territory that would involve displacing “most” of its residents and a sustained Israeli military presence in the devastated territory.“There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told AFP. Continue reading...

Politics

67 h. ago Netanyahu says new offensive in Gaza focused on consolidating seizure of territory

Israeli PM says operation will lead to significant displacement of the population ‘for its own protection’Middle East crisis – live updatesBenjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has said a new “intensified” offensive in Gaza will involve Israeli troops holding on to seized territory and significant displacement of the population.Speaking after officials said Israel’s security cabinet had approved a plan for “conquering” the Gaza Strip and establishing a “sustained presence” there, Netanyahu posted a video on X in which he said Israeli soldiers would not go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. Continue reading...

Politics

2 d. ago Middle East crisis live: Gaza population to be moved as part of ‘intensive’ offensive, Netanyahu says

Israeli PM says people will be moved for their ‘own protection’ but does not give details about how much territory will be seizedIsrael to expand Gaza operations to establish ‘sustained presence’One of Pope Francis’s popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes, the Vatican said yesterday.The vehicle, used by the late pontiff during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in the Palestinian territory, where health services have been devastated by the Israeli invasion. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Trump’s 100% film tariff plan ‘not in the interests of American businesses’ – US politics live

Australian and UK politicians push back against US president’s move, which is expected to send ‘shock waves’ through global industry Israel is to expand its military operations in Gaza in the coming weeks, with the aim of “conquering” the territory and establishing a “sustained presence” there, Israeli officials have said.The plan, which was unanimously approved at a security cabinet meeting late on Sunday, goes beyond any aims so far outlined by Israel for its offensive in the devastated Palestinian territory and is likely to prompt deep international concern and fierce opposition. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Israel to expand military operations in Gaza to establish ‘sustained presence’

Plan goes beyond any aims so far outlined and is likely to prompt international concern and fierce oppositionMiddle East crisis – live updatesIsrael is to expand its military operations in Gaza in the coming weeks, with the aim of “conquering” the territory and establishing a “sustained presence” there, Israeli officials have said.The plan, which was unanimously approved at a security cabinet meeting late on Sunday, goes beyond any aims so far outlined by Israel for its offensive in the devastated Palestinian territory and is likely to prompt deep international concern and fierce opposition. Continue reading...

Events