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Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

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Israel Jails Soldiers Over Virgin Mary Statue Desecration in Lebanon

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

The Israeli military has opened an investigation after a soldier was photographed smoking and placing another cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, triggering outrage among Christian leaders and residents in the region.

The controversial image, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, was reportedly taken in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon. The incident has intensified tensions amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the soldier’s conduct as unacceptable and said the military viewed the matter with “utmost severity.”

According to the military, the soldier’s actions were inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of Israeli troops. The IDF added that disciplinary action would be taken after the completion of an internal investigation.

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Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the photograph had been taken several weeks earlier and stressed that the military respects religious freedom and holy sites.

“The IDF respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities,” he said.

The controversy comes only weeks after another incident in the same village where an Israeli soldier was filmed striking a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross with a sledgehammer. Following widespread criticism, two soldiers involved in that case reportedly received 30-day prison sentences and were removed from combat duties.

Reacting to the latest incident, head of Debel’s congregation, Father Fadi Felfeli, condemned the act, describing it as offensive and unethical.

“Honestly, this issue really provoked us, especially after the apology regarding the cross,” he told the BBC.

Father Felfeli accused some members of the Israeli army of displaying intolerance toward Christians and religious symbols.

“It also shows that there are individuals within the army that lack ethics and values and are bigoted. This reflects a great deal of fanaticism,” he added.

Although the Virgin Mary statue was not physically damaged, the cleric said the act reflected extremism and disrespect toward a peaceful Christian community that has tried to remain neutral during the conflict.

The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, which represents the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land, also condemned the incident. The organisation described the soldier’s actions as “disrespectful and outrageous behaviour” and called on Israeli authorities to ensure accountability.

The church body urged the Israeli government and the military to send a strong message that attacks or acts of disrespect toward religious symbols would not be tolerated.

The incident has further raised concerns about growing hostility toward Christian sites and religious symbols amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict. Christian leaders have repeatedly warned against attacks on churches, clergy and sacred monuments in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreement that took effect in April. Israeli troops remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Lebanese health authorities claim Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed more than 120 people in the past week, including civilians. Hezbollah has also continued rocket, drone and mortar attacks targeting Israeli troops and communities in northern Israel.

On Wednesday night, Israel carried out an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military claimed the strike killed Ahmed Ali Balout, identified as a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, although Hezbollah had not officially confirmed the claim at the time of reporting.

Lebanese officials say at least 2,715 people have been killed since the conflict escalated in March, while Israeli authorities report that 17 soldiers and one civilian have died in southern Lebanon. Two civilians have also reportedly been killed in northern Israel.

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

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Andy Burnham Declares Bid to Succeed Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister

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7 hours ago

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June 22, 2026

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Andy Burnham Declares Bid to Succeed Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister

Andy Burnham Declares Bid to Succeed Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister

  • Former Greater Manchester mayor launches leadership bid after Starmer’s resignation, with Wes Streeting backing him and a radical plan to reverse privatisation.

Andy Burnham has formally declared his candidacy to succeed Keir Starmer as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, hours after being sworn into the House of Commons on Monday. In a post on X, Burnham thanked Starmer for his service and said his resignation “marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.” He further stated that “the country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most,” specifically citing progress on economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for the next generation. He emphasised that political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.

The path to a coronation appeared to clear further on Monday after former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, until recently considered a leading contender for the leadership, announced he would back Burnham rather than mount a rival challenge. Streeting said he was convinced that Burnham “is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions and that he can win the fight of our lives against the force of nationalism.” Calling for unity, Streeting urged the party to avoid spending the summer exaggerating small differences and instead roll up their sleeves to help Burnham deliver the change the party and the country need.

Burnham, 56, secured his return to Parliament last Thursday after decisively winning the Makerfield by-election in north-western England, a seat he needed to mount a formal leadership bid. He had signalled his intentions in his victory speech, warning that Labour had a “final chance to change” and pledging to “lay out a new path for Britain.” Under Labour rules, Starmer will remain caretaker Prime Minister until the new leader is chosen, with the leadership process expected to launch in July and a successor in place by September ahead of the party’s annual autumn conference. Should Burnham prevail, he would become the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote in 2016.

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At the heart of Burnham’s political platform is “Manchesterism,” an approach centred on local delivery, integrated public services, and a more active state. Drawing on his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester—where he introduced the Bee Network to re-regulate buses and standardise fares—Burnham argues that reasserting public control over essential services can deliver better outcomes for less money. A policy paper titled The Productive State, released on Monday by the Labour group Mainstream, provides a detailed blueprint for this agenda. It argues for a framework to reverse 40 years of privatisation, particularly in failing utilities, through measures such as special administration regimes, where the government steps in when companies like Thames Water face financial distress; bond-for-share exchanges, which would allow the state to bring healthy utility companies into public control without a massive upfront cash expense (though this would require legislation and likely face legal challenges); and establishing state competitors by setting up public corporations to compete with private providers. The essay argues that privatisation has led to a “privatisation premium”—a regressive hidden tax embedded in everyday bills that transfers wealth from households to investors. The state is then forced to subsidise inflated costs with welfare transfers, such as housing benefit or energy bill support. The paper contends that for millions of households, the basic non-negotiable expenses of life—rent, energy bills, water charges, transport fares, the cost of care—now consume so large a share of their income that insecurity has become a permanent condition. The ultimate goal, the paper states, is “an economy … in which the essentials of life are treated as rights rather than revenue streams”.

The Labour leadership contest appears increasingly likely to be uncontested, with Streeting’s endorsement removing Burnham’s most prominent rival. Reports indicate Burnham has secured the backing of over 200 MPs, with some allies suggesting the number could be closer to 300. Under Labour Party rules, a challenger needs nominations from at least 20% of the parliamentary party (currently 81 MPs) to force a contest. With Streeting withdrawing and Burnham’s support surging, a “coronation”-style transfer of power is now the most probable outcome. However, some MPs have expressed a desire for Burnham’s ideas to face “scrutiny” through a contested race.

Burnham’s policy platform can be broken down across several key areas. On utilities and privatisation, he proposes reversing 40 years of privatisation through bond-for-share exchanges and special administration regimes to bring failing utilities under public control, arguing that privatisation has created a “privatisation premium” that makes essentials unaffordable and drains public finances. On housing, he advocates a massive expansion of social housing and reform of the housing market to tackle the housing crisis and reduce the cost of housing benefit. On the economy and taxation, he proposes exploring a wealth tax, offering tax cuts for small businesses, and borrowing for investment, seeking to stimulate economic growth while addressing inequality. On devolution and governance, he champions radical devolution of powers to local governments and reform of the first-past-the-post voting system, aiming to address resentment towards the “London-centric” establishment and give more power to communities.

Looking ahead, the Labour Party’s leadership contest is expected to be formally triggered in July, with a new leader in place by September. If Burnham is the sole candidate, he could potentially take over sooner. However, the political climate remains turbulent, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party posing a significant challenge, particularly in the “Red Wall” seats that Labour needs to retain. Burnham’s ability to navigate the fiscal constraints of the Treasury, market concerns, and the threat from the right will be crucial to his success if he enters No 10. For now, his “Manchesterism” pitch has put him firmly in the driver’s seat to become the UK’s next Prime Minister.

Andy Burnham Declares Bid to Succeed Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister

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Trump Predicts Starmer’s Resignation, Blames UK PM’s Immigration, Energy Policies

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24 hours ago

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June 21, 2026

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Trump Predicts Starmer’s Resignation, Blames UK PM’s Immigration, Energy Policies
United States President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Trump Predicts Starmer’s Resignation, Blames UK PM’s Immigration, Energy Policies

United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh political debate in Britain after predicting that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will eventually resign from office, citing what he described as failures in tackling two of the country’s most pressing challenges — immigration and energy policy.

Trump made the remarks in a post published on his Truth Social platform, where he criticised Starmer’s handling of border control and the British government’s approach to energy production.

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He failed badly on two very important subjects – immigration and energy (open North Sea oil!). I wish him well!” Trump wrote.

The statement marks the latest in a series of public criticisms directed by the American president at the British leader and comes at a time when Starmer is facing growing political scrutiny at home.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Britain should increase oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, insisting that greater domestic energy production would strengthen the economy, improve energy security and reduce dependence on external energy sources.

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The US president has also been vocal in his criticism of policies aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable energy, warning that excessive reliance on green energy initiatives could weaken industrial competitiveness and drive up costs for consumers and businesses.

His latest comments reflect a broader disagreement between Washington and London over energy priorities. While the Starmer government has maintained its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and expanding clean energy infrastructure, Trump has consistently advocated for increased fossil fuel production and energy independence.

The American leader’s intervention comes as political pressure continues to mount on the Labour government.

In recent weeks, reports from British media have pointed to increasing concerns within the ruling Labour Party over the government’s performance, electoral standing and long-term political direction.

Several ministers have reportedly stepped down from government positions in recent months, while growing calls have emerged from within Labour ranks for greater clarity regarding Starmer’s future leadership plans.

The pressure intensified following a strong by-election performance by Labour figure Andy Burnham, whose political success has fuelled speculation about possible leadership changes within the party.

Supporters of Burnham argue that his electoral appeal demonstrates an ability to reconnect with voters and challenge the growing influence of rival political movements, particularly Reform UK, which has continued to gain traction among disaffected voters.

Reports in the British press have suggested that some Labour lawmakers have privately encouraged discussions about a future leadership transition, while others have urged Starmer to provide assurances regarding his political intentions ahead of future elections.

Despite the speculation, there has been no official indication from Downing Street that the Prime Minister intends to resign.

Starmer has publicly maintained that he remains committed to leading the government and continuing the implementation of Labour’s policy agenda.

Political analysts note that Trump’s remarks are unusual because they go beyond criticism of government policy and directly predict the departure of a sitting foreign leader.

The comments have also reignited debate about the future of Britain’s energy strategy, immigration policies and the political challenges facing the Labour government as it seeks to maintain public support amid economic and social pressures.

Observers say the Prime Minister’s ability to manage internal party concerns, address voter dissatisfaction and deliver on key policy promises could prove crucial in determining the stability of his leadership in the months ahead.

For now, Starmer remains in office, but Trump’s intervention has added a new international dimension to an already intense political debate over the future direction of British politics.

As discussions over immigration, energy security and economic growth continue to dominate public discourse, the exchange between the two leaders is likely to remain a major talking point on both sides of the Atlantic.

Trump Predicts Starmer’s Resignation, Blames UK PM’s Immigration, Energy Policies

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Trump Warns Iran: ‘Close Hormuz and You Won’t Have a Country’ as Geneva Talks Open

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June 21, 2026

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Trump Warns Iran: ‘Close Hormuz and You Won’t Have a Country’ as Geneva Talks Open

Trump Warns Iran: ‘Close Hormuz and You Won’t Have a Country’ as Geneva Talks Open

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, demanding that Tehran immediately halt support for its proxies in Lebanon or face escalated military action. The threat comes as American and Iranian delegations engage in high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at implementing a fragile peace framework signed earlier this month. “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” .

The US president’s remarks appeared to target Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional ally, which has remained involved in clashes linked to ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon. The warning lands at a delicate moment for the peace process, as Vice President JD Vance leads the US delegation in talks focused on implementing a preliminary memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month. The memorandum includes provisions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. The talks, being mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, were originally scheduled for Friday but were postponed after Israeli military escalation in Lebanon disrupted the diplomatic timetable.

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Israel and Hezbollah have continued trading accusations of ceasefire violations, with Israeli strikes killing at least 20 people in Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported. Hezbollah accused Israel of committing hundreds of ceasefire violations and warned that continued attacks “will not pass without a response”. The renewed violence casts doubt on the durability of both the ceasefire and the broader US-Iran understanding that hinges in part on ending hostilities in Lebanon.

The situation was further complicated by Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as the Lebanon ceasefire is not respected. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday that the waterway would also remain closed until waivers allowing the sale of Iranian oil were issued. The strait, a critical oil shipping route, was blockaded by Iran for much of the war, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Trump has warned Iran against closing the strait, telling Fox News: “You close it, and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your f**ing country”. He also threatened that the US could take over the strait, saying, “We may take over the Strait, if we have to. I’ll blow the sht out of them”. Trump proposed that the United States could become the “Guardian Angel” of the Strait of Hormuz and take “20% of the oil” if Iran fails to reach a deal. “If they don’t make a deal, we’ll collect tolls,” he added.

Vance has expressed cautious optimism about the talks, saying Washington wanted Iran to play a positive role in efforts for peace while stressing that Trump was committed to seeing a full regional ceasefire. The US vice president praised Pakistan’s mediatory role, stating that Pakistan’s contribution had been appreciated around the world. He said the technical negotiations “may not solve every disagreement, but it will allow us to sit together as teams for the first time in history”. The Iran delegation in Geneva includes parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with central bank and oil officials. Qatari and Pakistani mediators are also taking part in the talks. Neither Israel, Hezbollah nor the Lebanese government are party to the talks in Switzerland. Allowing Iran to introduce the Israel-Hezbollah conflict into the negotiations marks a shift in US strategy. The preliminary agreement gives negotiators 60 days to reach a final deal, including on Iran’s nuclear programme, though officials acknowledge the timeline may be extended. Iranian officials have said Lebanon is the focal point for peace talks with the United States, and Tehran has insisted that Israeli attacks on Lebanon must end before substantive talks can resume.

Trump Warns Iran: ‘Close Hormuz and You Won’t Have a Country’ as Geneva Talks Open

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