East

Israeli forces raided a Palestinian wedding ceremony in occupied East Jerusalem, firing live ammunition and stun grenades at attendees. Several men, including the groom, were detained.

WASHINGTON — The White House said it was not feasible to save the East Wing because of structural and other concerns as officials shared details of President Trump’s planned ballroom at Thursday’s meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission.

Josh Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, ticked off issues including an unstable colonnade, water leakage and mold contamination in explaining why it was more economical to tear down the East Wing to make room for the $400-million ballroom than to renovate it.

“Because of this and other factors, the cost analysis proved that demolition and reconstruction provided the lowest total cost ownership and most effective long-term strategy,” Fisher said.

Will Scharf, a top White House aide whom Trump tapped to head the commission, opened the meeting by noting “passionate comments on both sides” of the ballroom project but adding that public comment wouldn’t be part of Thursday’s session.

“I view today’s presentation really as the start of a process as the ballroom moves through the overall NCPC process,” Scharf said, adding that his objective is for the commission to play a “productive role” as ballroom construction moves ahead.

In December, the White House submitted its ballroom plans to the commission, which is one of two federal panels that review construction on federal land — usually before ground is broken. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction, accusing the Trump administration of violating federal laws by proceeding before submitting the project for the independent reviews, congressional approval and public comment.

The first step in the review process for the East Wing Modernization Project was Thursday’s information presentation, during which commissioners could ask questions and offer general feedback. A more formal review is expected in the spring — including public testimony and votes.

A summary on the commission’s website said the purpose of the project is to “establish a permanent, secure event space within the White House grounds” that provides increased capacity for official state functions, eliminates reliance on temporary tents and support facilities, and “protects the historic integrity and cultural landscape of the White House and its grounds.”

A comprehensive design plan for the White House prepared in 2000 identified the “need for expanded event space to address growing visitor demand and provide a venue suitable for significant events,” the summary said. It added that successive administrations had “recognized this need as an ongoing priority.”

The 12-member National Capital Planning Commission is led by Scharf. He said at the commission’s December meeting that the review process would be treated seriously and be conducted at a “normal and deliberative pace.”

Carol Quillen, president of the trust, told the Associated Press in a recent interview that she takes Scharf “at his word” that the commission will do its job.

Trump, a Republican serving his second term, has been talking about building a White House ballroom for years. In July, the White House announced a 90,000-square-foot space would be built on the east side of the complex to accommodate 650 seated guests at a then-estimated cost of $200 million. Trump has said it will be paid for with private donations, including from him.

He later upped the ballroom’s capacity to 999 people and, by October, had demolished the two-story East Wing. In December, he updated the price tag to $400 million.

The White House has announced few other details about the project but has said it would be completed before Trump’s term ends in January 2029. Trump has said the ballroom will be big enough for future presidential inaugurations to be held there. He also said it will have bulletproof glass and a drone-free roof.

While in Florida last week, the president bought marble and onyx for the ballroom “at his own expense,” the White House said. The cost was not disclosed.

Superville writes for the Associated Press.

Village in Northumberland is a haven for those who love the great outdoors, with its stunning coastline, soft sandy beach and a stand-out harbour

Tucked away on Northumberland’s stunning coastline lies a village brimming with attractions and boasting spectacular views throughout the year.

Boasting pristine sandy beaches and a tranquil shoreline teeming with wildlife, it’s little surprise that Beadnell continues to draw visitors. It’s the perfect spot for anyone wanting to embrace the outdoors during a peaceful weekend break.

The beloved Beadnell Bay serves as a paradise for coastal rambles and watersports enthusiasts, appealing to walkers and thrill-seekers in equal measure. Yet its most distinctive characteristic remains the west-facing harbour.

Standing as the sole west-facing harbour along England’s eastern seaboard, it continues to function as a working fishing port. Whilst fishermen haul in wild salmon and sea trout, which are subsequently served to diners in the village’s eateries, crowds gather to witness some of the area’s most breathtaking sunsets.

The “fantastic” location attracts countless sunset chasers, with one visitor documenting their experience on TripAdvisor. They revealed: “Stumbled upon this beach whilst searching for a place to watch the sunset, and so pleased we did. A large car park is available just the other side of the dunes, and a stroll along the beach saw us reach the Lime Kilns.”

“Information boards are up here and well worth reading up on. Followed on with a little stroll around the village. So peaceful. Walked back along the beach just as the sun was setting, with the boats silhouetted. Such a peaceful spot and well worth stopping off at.”

Another visitor wrote: “Before travelling to Beadnell, we were not aware that Beadnell Harbour is the only west-facing harbour on the East Coast. We were very interested to learn the history of the few remaining lime kilns that are located adjacent to the harbour. From here, visitors have a good view of Beadnell Bay and Beach. Definitely worth a visit!”.

The beach offers a wealth of watersports opportunities, from surfing to windsurfing and kitesurfing, with the bay’s reliable winds and manageable waves making it ideal for both novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking prove particularly favoured amongst locals and tourists. During periods of calmer conditions, wakeboarding and waterskiing become popular pastimes, whilst the village’s sailing club, which has been a cornerstone of the community for more than four decades, continues to thrive.

A review on TripAdvisor states: “The best beach in Northumberland! The car park is right next to the beach entrance and is free for the first hour. The dog-friendly beach is absolutely stunning and goes on for miles. It’s golden sand with no pebbles, has a small harbour at one end, and plenty of little nooks to shield from the wind.”

CINCINNATI — A man who broke windows at Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio home and caused other property damage was detained early Monday, the U.S. Secret Service said.

The man was detained shortly after midnight by Secret Service agents assigned to Vance’s home, east of downtown Cincinnati, agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement emailed to the Associated Press. He has not been named.

The Secret Service heard a loud noise at the home around midnight and found a person who had broken a window with a hammer and was trying to get into the house, according to two law enforcement officials who were not publicly authorized to discuss the investigation into what happened and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The man had also vandalized a Secret Service vehicle on his way up the home’s driveway, one of the officials said.

The home, in the Walnut Hills neighborhood, on hills overlooking the city, was unoccupied at the time, and Vance and his family were not in Ohio, Guglielmi said.

The Secret Service is coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department and the U.S. attorney’s office as charging decisions are reviewed, he said.

Vance, a Republican, was a U.S. senator representing Ohio before becoming vice president. His office said his family was already back in Washington and directed questions to the Secret Service.

Walnut Hills is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is home to historic sites, including the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Richer and McCormack write for the Associated Press. AP writers Mike Balsamo and Sarah Brumfield contributed to this report.

Last week, a prominent Saudi Sheikh, Mohammed Al-Issa, visited the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its liberation, which signalled the end of the Nazi Holocaust. Although dozens of Muslim scholars have visited the site, where about one million Jews were killed during World War Two, according to the Auschwitz Memorial Centre’s press office, Al-Issa is the most senior Muslim religious leader to do so.

Visiting Auschwitz is not a problem for a Muslim; Islam orders Muslims to reject unjustified killing of any human being, no matter what their faith is. Al-Issa is a senior ally of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), who apparently cares little for the sanctity of human life, though, and the visit to Auschwitz has very definite political connotations beyond any Islamic context.

By sending Al-Issa to the camp, Bin Salman wanted to show his support for Israel, which exploits the Holocaust for geopolitical colonial purposes. “The Israeli government decided that it alone was permitted to mark the 75th anniversary of the Allied liberation of Auschwitz [in modern day Poland] in 1945,” wrote journalist Richard Silverstein recently when he commented on the gathering of world leaders in Jerusalem for Benjamin Netanyahu’s Holocaust event.

READ: Next up, a Saudi embassy in Jerusalem 

Bin Salman uses Al Issa for such purposes, as if to demonstrate his own Zionist credentials. For example, the head of the Makkah-based Muslim World League is leading rapprochement efforts with Evangelical Christians who are, in the US at least, firm Zionists in their backing for the state of Israel. Al-Issa has called for a Muslim-Christian-Jewish interfaith delegation to travel to Jerusalem in what would, in effect, be a Zionist troika.

Zionism is not a religion, and there are many non-Jewish Zionists who desire or support the establishment of a Jewish state in occupied Palestine. The definition of Zionism does not mention the religion of its supporters, and Israeli writer Sheri Oz, is just one author who insists that non-Jews can be Zionists.

Mohammad Bin Salman and Netanyahu – Cartoon [Tasnimnews.com/Wikipedia]

We should not be shocked, therefore, to see a Zionist Muslim leader in these trying times. It is reasonable to say that Bin Salman’s grandfather and father were Zionists, as close friends of Zionist leaders. Logic suggests that Bin Salman comes from a Zionist dynasty.

This has been evident from his close relationship with Zionists and positive approaches to the Israeli occupation and establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, calling it “[the Jews’] ancestral homeland”. This means that he has no issue with the ethnic cleansing of almost 800,000 Palestinians in 1948, during which thousands were killed and their homes demolished in order to establish the Zionist state of Israel.

“The ‘Jewish state’ claim is how Zionism has tried to mask its intrinsic Apartheid, under the veil of a supposed ‘self-determination of the Jewish people’,” wrote Israeli blogger Jonathan Ofir in Mondoweiss in 2018, “and for the Palestinians it has meant their dispossession.”

As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Bin Salman has imprisoned dozens of Palestinians, including representatives of Hamas. In doing so he is serving Israel’s interests. Moreover, he has blamed the Palestinians for not making peace with the occupation state. Bin Salman “excoriated the Palestinians for missing key opportunities,” wrote Danial Benjamin in Moment magazine. He pointed out that the prince’s father, King Salman, has played the role of counterweight by saying that Saudi Arabia “permanently stands by Palestine and its people’s right to an independent state with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital.”

UN expert: Saudi crown prince behind hack on Amazon CEO 

Israeli journalist Barak Ravid of Israel’s Channel 13 News reported Bin Salman as saying: “In the last several decades the Palestinian leadership has missed one opportunity after the other and rejected all the peace proposals it was given. It is about time the Palestinians take the proposals and agree to come to the negotiations table or shut up and stop complaining.” This is reminiscent of the words of the late Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban, one of the Zionist founders of Israel, that the Palestinians “never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”

Bin Salman’s Zionism is also very clear in his bold support for US President Donald Trump’s deal of the century, which achieves Zionist goals in Palestine at the expense of Palestinian rights. He participated in the Bahrain conference, the forum where the economic side of the US deal was announced, where he gave “cover to several other Arab countries to attend the event and infuriated the Palestinians.”

US President Donald Trump looks over at Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman al-Saud as they line up for the family photo during the opening day of Argentina G20 Leaders’ Summit 2018 at Costa Salguero on 30 November 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina [Daniel Jayo/Getty Images]

While discussing the issue of the current Saudi support for Israeli policies and practices in Palestine with a credible Palestinian official last week, he told me that the Palestinians had contacted the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to ask him not to relocate his country’s embassy to Jerusalem. “The Saudis have been putting pressure on us in order to relocate our embassy to Jerusalem,” replied the Brazilian leader. What more evidence of Mohammad Bin Salman’s Zionism do we need?

The founder of Friends of Zion Museum is American Evangelical Christian Mike Evans. He said, after visiting a number of the Gulf States, that, “The leaders [there] are more pro-Israel than a lot of Jews.” This was a specific reference to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, and his counterpart in the UAE, Mohammed Bin Zayed.

“All versions of Zionism lead to the same reactionary end of unbridled expansionism and continued settler colonial genocide of [the] Palestinian people,” Israeli-American writer and photographer Yoav Litvin wrote for Al Jazeera. We may well see an Israeli Embassy opened in Riyadh in the near future, and a Saudi Embassy in Tel Aviv or, more likely, Jerusalem. Is Mohammad Bin Salman a Zionist? There’s no doubt about it.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Egypt has been ranked as the leading African country in global soft power influence for 2024, according to a report by Business Insider Africa. The report, based on the Global Soft Power Index published by Brand Finance, places Egypt 39th worldwide with a soft power score of 44.9 points.

South Africa and Morocco follow Egypt in the continent’s rankings, securing second and third place with scores of 43.7 and 40.6 points, respectively. The index also noted that “Egypt secures the gold for its ‘rich heritage’” while the UAE ranks number one in the Middle East and 10th globally. Globally, the US leads with a record-high score of 78.8 points, an increase from 74.8 in 2023.

The Global Soft Power Index assesses the perceptions of all 193 UN member states, evaluating countries based on eight pillars: business and trade, international relations, education and science, culture and heritage, governance, media and communication, sustainable future, and people and values.

Soft power is defined as a country’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Countries like Egypt are leveraging diplomacy, culture, and education to enhance their global reputation and build goodwill.

Meanwhile, China which sits on third place on the global index has been expanding its influence in Africa over the past decade and is currently hosting the China-Africa forum, with African leaders keen to explore investment and loan opportunities. China, the world’s number two economy, is Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting $167.8 billion in the first half of this year.

READ: Egypt’s Al-Azhar condemns Israeli offensive in occupied West Bank

WHEN it comes to food, there’s much more to Lincolnshire than sausages and seafood (although you should try those, too!).

This is of course home to delicious local sausage rolls (made with Lincolnshire sausages, of course) and fish and chips fresh from the coast.

But there’s more on offer – from vintage tea shops to village pubs dating back hundreds of years.

You’ll also find plenty of wallet-friendly options along the coast, as well as restaurants that welcome families with kids’ menus and even pirate-themed animations. 

We’ve chosen some of our favourite places to eat and drink that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday in Lincolnshire.

As well as our expert picks, we’ve asked Sun readers who have holidayed here and local holiday park staff for their recommendations, including their favourite chippies, pubs and coastal cafes.

Best local pub

Joanne Green, General Manager at Parkdean’s Sunnydale holiday park, recommends The New Inn in Saltfleet, which is within walking distance of the holiday park.

She said: “It’s popular with the locals. They’re a seasonal pub so they usually close over the winter.

There’s also The Axe and Cleaver in North Somercotes, which has good food that is reasonably priced.”

Tip: Make the most of The Axe and Cleaver “pie and pint night” on Thursdays (£12.95 for a pie, sides and a pint of ale or a wine).

Meanwhile, Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, recommends heading to Theddlethorpe village for the King’s Head Inn.

He said: “It’s a 16th-century thatched pub run by a local couple, with big portions at reasonable prices.”

Favourite brunch spot

If you’re staying near Sunnydale, Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, recommends GiGi, an Italian restaurant in North Somercotes, less than three miles away.

Linda, from Lincoln, said: “You will get the most amazing experience there, and it’s not overly dear.

“From the front, it’s a very unassuming little place – but when you enter it, it’s done beautifully with wooden beams, exposed bricks and a relaxed, Italian atmosphere.

“As soon as you go in, you’re greeted and taken to your table. It’s child-friendly and the food is exceptional.

It’s a very nice place to go, whether you want to go for a romantic meal or meal with a family.”

GiGi has a brunch menu (10.30am until 4pm, Thursday to Sunday) – including Italian eggs benedict (£8.90) and a gourmet cheeseburger (£13.90).

They also serve a brilliant range of pizzas (from £10.90), fresh meats and kebabs. Kids meals cost £8.95 and come with a free scoop of ice cream. 

Favourite place for a cheap eat

On the seafront at Mablethorpe, The Beck is very popular. Linda McDonnell said: “They do a carvery every day throughout the year and it’s great value, especially for kids (£3 for under-twos).

You can choose from three different sized carveries, depending on how many slices of meat you want (£8.99 for small, £9.99 for medium, £13.99 for large).

They also have lots of special offers, like two-for-one meals.”

Further down the coast in Skegness, The family-run Cosy Corner Cafe is a great value breakfast spot, with a Full English from £6.60 and kids’ breakfasts costing £4.50.

They also offer a two-for-one breakfast special (Tuesday to Friday mornings) for £11.95.

Best chippie

In Skegness, Linda McDonnell says Salts Fish & Chip Shop is the best chippie around.

She said: “Everybody’s heard of them and tried them. The queue is outside the door.”

Meanwhile Sun reader John Ellis, 72, rates The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

John, who is from Sheffield and was staying nearby at Golden Palm Resort on his most recent £9.50 Holiday, said: “It’s a great chippy. Fish and chips is no longer a cheap meal anywhere, but Marina’s is worth paying for.

“It’s better than the chippies in Skegness.”

Marina’s cod and freshly-cut chips cost £9.49. A mini fish deal (mini fish, small chips and a side) costs £6.99.  

Best for a pint on the beach

John Ellis recommends checking out the pubs on the seafront of Chapel St Leonards, like the fun Admiral Benbow Beach Bar.

He said: “It’s a bar in a boat on the beach and it has a fun atmosphere.”

The main building has previously served as everything from a public toilet to a workman’s hut and is named after the inn in the book Treasure Island.

This is also a good option for dog walkers, as it’s dog-friendly inside or you can enjoy an alfresco pint in the outdoor beach bar. 

Best quirky cafe

If you want to step back in time, Linda McDonnell  recommends Maplethorpe, saying: “It’s a nice place to sit and have a coffee and people watch.

“The town is quite small, and very quaint. It hasn’t changed a lot, and they keep it nice.

“I like The Blitz Tea Room – it’s designed like it would have been during The Blitz with taped windows and retro interior.”

The World War II theme includes walls decorated with posters and artefacts and tea served old school-style (as loose-leaf tea in a teapot with a strainer).

Food also harks back to old-fashioned British choices like stew with doorstep bread and steamed pudding and custard.

For more vintage feels, head to Lady B’s Tea Room down the road – perfect for afternoon tea or cocktails with an antique twist. 

Best place to take the kids

Alex Trembath reckons families should hot-foot it to The Trawler’s Catch, a pirate-themed fish and chip shop in Skegness.

He said: “Portions are generous and kids will love the animated fire cannons.”

Eight European nations, Japan, and Canada on Tuesday expressed “serious concerns” about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports.

In a joint statement, foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK recalled the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in the besieged enclave.

The statement mentioned the appalling conditions that are exacerbated by winter, noting that 1.3 million Gazans still require urgent shelter assistance.

The foreign ministers cited the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, which was published earlier in December, as evidence that the situation remains desperate.

The statement expressed their appreciation for the ceasefire in Gaza but stated that they will not lose sight of the plight of Gaza’s civilian population.

It called on Israel to ensure that the UN, its partners, and NGOs can continue their vital work and lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use.

Saying that many established international NGO partners are at risk of being deregistered because of Israel’s restrictive new requirements, it warned that deregistration could result in the forced closure of humanitarian operations within 60 days in Gaza and the West Bank.

“This would have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare,” said the statement.

READ: Israeli Knesset passes bill halting electricity, water supply to UNRWA facilities

Ensuring UN, its partners can continue their vital work is ‘essential’

It also underlined that ensuring the UN and its partners can continue their vital work is “essential” to the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout Gaza.

“This includes UNRWA, which provides essential services, such as healthcare and education, to millions of Palestinian refugees,” said the foreign ministers.

The statement also called on Tel Aviv to open crossings and increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The target of 4,200 trucks per week, including an allocation of 250 UN trucks per day, should be a floor not a ceiling,” it said, adding that these targets should be lifted so they can be sure the vital supplies are getting in at the vast scale needed.

The nations also underlined that ongoing restrictions limit the capacity for aid to be delivered at the scale needed, in accordance with international humanitarian law, or for repairs to be made to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.

“We now urge the Government of Israel to remove these humanitarian access constraints, and to deliver and honour the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” it added.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to keep Gaza’s crossings largely closed, preventing the entry of mobile homes and reconstruction materials and worsening the humanitarian crisis affecting over 2 million people.

Palestinian officials say that at least 414 people in Gaza have been killed since the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas took place on Oct. 10.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 71,000 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them women and children, and rendered it largely uninhabitable.

READ: 25 Palestinians die in Gaza amid severe weather since start of December

A diplomatic breakthrough after more than 30 years of international isolation, following its break-up from Somalia.

But Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state is drawing widespread condemnation.

Somaliland is strategically located near the Bab al Mandeb, through which a third of the world’s shipping crosses into the Red sea.

That makes it vital for maritime security and intelligence operations in a volatile region.

Will more countries follow Israel and recognise Somaliland?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests: Adam Matan, Independent Horn of Africa Consultant.

Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York.

Xavier Abu Eid, Political Scientist specialising in Palestine and Israel.

Months after being attacked by the United States and Israel, Iran finds itself in the crosshairs again, with Israeli officials lobbying US President Donald Trump to address Tehran’s ballistic missiles.

Veteran Iranian diplomat Javad Zarif tells host Steve Clemons that “everybody lost any faith in diplomacy” after Israel and the US attacked Iran following five rounds of reconciliation talks between Washington and Tehran.

Zarif added that Israel has historically thwarted every opportunity for reconciliation between Iran and the US, and that Trump’s style of diplomacy is disastrous, as it creates “negotiations that end up in war”.

Fourteen countries, including France, Britain, Canada, Germany and Japan, condemned on Wednesday Israel’s recent decision to approve new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. They called on the Israeli government to reverse the decision and to stop expanding settlements. 

In a joint statement published by the French Foreign Ministry, the countries said: “We, States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.”      

The statement added: “We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies.”   

Earlier, the Israeli government’s security cabinet approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69.

READ: Shtayyeh: Settler population in West Bank and Jerusalem hits 881,000

SCATTERED across the UK are a number of beautiful seaside towns and one has been described as looking like Cornwall – despite being over 400 miles away.

The village of Staithes was once the largest fishing port on the North East coast – it’s still used for fishing, but on a much smaller scale.

It has pretty cobbled streets with a small sandy beach that sits inside its natural harbour and traditional seaside cottages.

Despite its position along the Yorkshire coastline, lots of people are saying looks like it belongs in the south.

One wrote on Tripadvisor that it’s the “Cornwall on the east coast”.

Another added that it’s a “place is for good old fashioned fun, no slot machines down here”.

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

Unlike other seaside towns and villages there aren’t any big piers or arcades.

If you visit during the colder months and need to warm up, then head to Dotty’s Vintage Tearoom for coffee, tea and cake.

There’s also the Royal George Pub, Captain Cook Inn and The Cod and Lobster seafood restaurant which sits on the very edge of the coastline.

The village has independent boutiques and its own museum too where visitors can learn about Captain Cook and the history of Staithes.

You can easily visit other spots along the coast as Staithes sits between Whitby and Middlesbrough along the coastline.

It’s a popular seaside spot and was mentioned by Sun readers as one of their favourite underrated places in Yorkshire.

Sun reader Amy Stevenson said: “There’s no place quite like Staithes, it’s just so picturesque.”

Another mention was from Claire Allen who walked 4,000 miles around the UK coastline, raising money for Shelter charity.

Along the way visited over 1,000 coastal towns and villages – and Staithes is one of her favourites.

She told Country Living: “The view down to the village is almost enough to remember it by, but the narrow streets, pretty houses and a sheltered, sandy beach that’s as popular with fossil hunters as it is with families, put Staithes firmly at the top of the places-to-go-back-to list.

“There are pubs, cafes and tearooms, but not so many that it feels impersonal.

“I met a couple who were so taken with the place, that they’d spontaneously decided to extend their holiday.”

Here’s where to find the ‘best seaside town’ in the UK with a castle on the beach…

Bamburgh in Northumberland is constantly topping the rankings when it comes to the UK’s best seaside town.

The annual Which? ranking of seaside towns is created every year, with thousands of people surveyed about their experiences of UK beach holidays over the last year.

Once again, Bamburgh in Northumberland came top of the pile, making it four years in a row that the north east town has claimed the title.

Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.

One Travel Writer who visited said: “Visitors can take a dip in the fresh North Sea if they’re feeling bold, however I decided to simply dig my toes into the soft sand and take in the sights of Bamburgh Castle, which stands imposingly atop a hill behind the beach, creating a real life work of art.

“Making the scene even more idyllic is the small snack van, Bait at Bamburgh, tucked away in a car park behind the dunes.

“Its phenomenal crab crumpets are its signature dish, while local smoked Craster kippers are also on offer, providing beach-goers with delicious gourmet seafood treats plucked straight from the sea in front of them.

“The same locally-sourced produce can be found in places like the Potted Lobster, a relaxed bistro-style restaurant, whose freshly-prepared meals have earned it a place in the Michelin guide on four separate occasions.

“The Copper Kettle and Clock Tower tearooms serve similarly well-regarded fare. The former of the two describes itself as being “widely recognised as one of the finest Tea Rooms in the country” while the latter is part of the castle that draws people to Bamburgh from far and wide.“

Plus, one Sun writer reveals more on the ‘prettiest town’ in Yorkshire where she grew up that southerners won’t have heard of.

And from someone who’s walked 10,000 miles through British countryside names their quaint English village that everyone should visit.

Commercial premises among buildings facing demolition as military incursions intensify near Qalandiya and Kafr Aqab.

Israeli forces have begun demolishing shops in the vicinity of the Qalandiya refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, as part of a wider military incursion across several Palestinian neighbourhoods, witnesses and medical officials say.

The raids, which began early on Tuesday, have extended into the nearby town of Kafr Aqab, where Israeli troops deployed in large numbers, carried out house searches and forcibly evicted residents from their homes, according to local media reports.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its medical teams treated at least three people injured during the raids in Qalandiya and Kafr Aqab. The injuries included a bullet wound to the thigh, wounds caused by shrapnel from live ammunition, and injuries resulting from physical assault.

The Jerusalem governorate reported that at least three Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces’ gunfire, in addition to dozens of cases of suffocation caused by the firing of tear gas and stun grenades, the Palestinian Wafa news agency reported.

Several Palestinians were detained during the large-scale incursion that was also accompanied by the deployment of military vehicles and bulldozers.

Among those arrested are Anan Mohammed Taha and his father, Mohammed Taha, residents of the Qalandiya refugee camp, Wafa said.

‘Intimidation’ and ‘anxiety’

Residents said Israeli forces ordered several families to evacuate their homes, with at least three houses converted into temporary military outposts in Kafr Aqab. Homeowners were reportedly told the operation would continue until at least Wednesday morning.

Israeli forces also stormed the youth club inside the Qalandiya refugee camp and turned the facility into a military base, according to Al Jazeera Arabic’s correspondent.

Journalists covering the operation were also targeted, including Al Jazeera Arabic reporters, with Israeli forces firing stun grenades and tear gas canisters in their direction during the raid in Kafr Aqab.

According to the Jerusalem governorate authorities, stun grenades were also fired directly towards students in the area as they were returning home from school, while private surveillance cameras were seized.

Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim, reporting from Kafr Aqab, said Israeli forces are continuing to “intimidate” Palestinians.

“They have raided Palestinian stores, Palestinian shops, and they’ve destroyed some of the plaques, some of the advertisement billboards that were here”, in an attempt to further cripple the Palestinian economy, Ibrahim said.

“This is part of the anxiety that Palestinians live through day in and day out as these Israeli raids continue on a daily basis,” she added.

Israeli incursions across the West Bank average “60 raids per day”, Ibrahim said.

In addition to the demolitions, Israeli forces confiscated goods from commercial shops in the Qalandiya refugee camp, Kafr Aqab and parts of northern Jerusalem, citing alleged unpaid municipal taxes.

Most Palestinians living in these areas hold Jerusalem residency identification cards. Residents say they are subject to high municipal taxes while receiving few basic services.

Separately, confrontations were also reported in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, after Israeli forces stormed the area.

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians who were forced out of their homes in occupied East Jerusalem, as Israeli forces demolished a four-storey residential building displacing around 100 people on Monday. It was the latest in a series of demolitions targeting Palestinian homes in the area.

Fleur East couldn’t hold back the emotions as she listened to Strictly Come Dancing finalist Amber Davies speak candidly about her time on the show during Friday’s It Takes Two

Fleur East broke down in tears over Amber Davies‘ comments on It Takes Two. The presenter, 38, was at the helm of the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off on Friday when she welcomed West End star Amber, 29, and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin onto the show for a chat just days ahead of the final.

The former Love Island winner has made it to the very last round of the competition and will face YouTuber George Clarke as well as Lioness Karen Carney for the chance to lift the Glitterball Trophy. As part of her It Takes Two appearance, Amber was presented with video messages from her loved ones, who encouraged her ahead of the big night.

Struggling to control her emotions, Amber said: “Thank you so much, honestly, for giving me that gift. Thank you, honestly! I think I have learned so much about myself, and I’ve learned how to be in control of my body and my mind. It has brought so much happiness into my life, my family’s life, and my partner’s life!”

READ MORE: Strictly’s Amber fumes ‘I’m not stuck up!’ as she says ‘viewers don’t WANT to warm to me’READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Amber Davies in tears backstage after finding it ‘too much’

Amber and Nikita had already started crying by this point, and former X Factor star Fleur grabbed the tissues herself as she said: “We’re all losing it.” Amber then turned to her professional partner and said: “I’ve met you, and your incredible family and your girlfriend. Honestly, I will never have a moment in my life like this again so, tomorrow, I just want to enjoy every single second of it.

The actress was ushered in as a last minute replacement for fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who sustained an injury just before the first week of the competition, and admitted that while it would be “lovely” to win, she is just so honoured to have taken part in the first place as it was so unexpected to begin with.

She added: “It would be lovely to lift the Glitterball Trophy, but it is so much more to be than that. I never thought I’d do Strictly in my lifetime and this has been a joy. I feel so honoured to have been able to take part in this experience.”

Since winning Love Island in 2017, Amber, who trained at Urdang Academy, a prestigious drama school in London, has launched an incredibly successful theatre career, having starred in 9 to 5: The Musical, The Great Gatsby, and next year, she will be taking on the leading role of Elle Woods in a UK tour of Legally Blonde.

But the star has repeatedly insisted that the kind of training she already has under her belt is nothing like what she has had to learn for Strictly. Despite this, the comments she has received on social media have reached beyond criticism to become nothing short of bullying.

On Sunday night, following the latest results show, Amber took to social media to tell her fans and lavish praise on her fellow contestants – and embrace all the positive experiences she has enjoyed over the past few months. Sharing a photo of herself with defeated semi-finalist Balvinder, the stage star wrote: “To do this experience next to you has been the biggest gift & life lesson, your strength and resilience has inspired me every single day. You are one of a kind, I will always be #TeamBal.”

In a video message to followers, Amber explained that she was supporting her fellow finalists, YouTube star George Clarke and footballer Karen Carney, as they all face the last stage of the competition together. She said via Instagram: “I just wanna come on here and say in the close to a decade I’ve been in the public eye, I’ve never experienced an outpouring of love the way I have in the last 48 hours.

She continued: “And to make the Strictly final is…I’m speechless. From how it started, I genuinely can’t believe I’ve made it to the end, but you know, I’ve just realised, I think I’ve needed to do Strictly to realise that there is so much kindness in this world.”

And she explained: “Like Nikita said, we’re stronger when we’re kinder and I’m going to literally enjoy every single second of this week. I’m rooting for George, I’m rooting for Kaz, and I’m just gonna be there to enjoy the ride.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Walt Disney Co. is expanding its presence in the Middle East, inking a deal with Saudi media conglomerate MBC Group and UAE firm Anghami to form a streaming bundle.

The bundle will allow customers in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to access a trio of streaming services — Disney+; MBC Group’s Shahid, which carries Arabic originals, live sports and events; and Anghami’s OSN+, which carries Arabic productions as well as Hollywood content.

The trio bundle costs AED89.99 per month, which is the price of two of the streaming services.

“This deal reflects a shared ambition between Disney+, Shahid and the MBC Group to shape the future of entertainment in the Middle East, a region that is seeing dynamic growth in the sector,” Karl Holmes, senior vice president and general manager of Disney+ EMEA, said in a statement.

Disney has already indicated it plans to grow in the Middle East.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would be building a new theme park in Abu Dhabi in partnership with local firm Miral, which would provide the capital, construction resources and operational oversight. Under the terms of the agreement, Disney would oversee the parks’ design, license its intellectual property and provide “operational expertise,” as well as collect a royalty.

Disney executives said at the time that the decision to build in the Middle East was a way to reach new audiences who were too far from the company’s current hubs in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Police in the UK have said they will arrest people who hold placards or chant the phrase “globalise the intifada,” arguing that the slogan now carries heightened risk in the wake of recent attacks on Jewish communities, Anadolu reports.

The term “intifada,” an Arabic word meaning “uprising,” came into widespread use during the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1987.

In a joint statement, London’s Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police said the move followed Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Fifteen people were killed on Sunday when two suspected shooters—father and son—opened fire along the beach in Sydney, the New South Wales capital and Australia’s largest city by population.​​​​​

The two forces also referred to a knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, northern England, on Oct. 2, in which two people were killed.

“Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed—words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests,” the police said.

They added: “We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada,’ and those using it at future protests or in a targeted way should expect” the two forces “to take action.”

The statement said frontline officers would be briefed on what police described as an “enhanced approach,” and that powers under the Public Order Act would be used, “including conditions around London synagogues during services.”

“Visible patrols and protective security measures around synagogues, schools, and community venues have been stepped up in London and Greater Manchester. We are intensifying investigations into hate crime, and Counter Terrorism Policing continues to operate 24/7 to identify and disrupt threats,” it added.

The UK’s chief rabbi told the BBC this week that chants of “globalise the intifada” had helped lead to the two attacks.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in parliament on Wednesday that his government has increased funding for Jewish security.

“I’m pleased to do that, but I’m sad to do that,” he said, adding that he has ordered a review of protest and hate crime laws.

Israeli authorities are engaged in multiple major efforts, including building settlements and pursuing annexation, to ensure there will be no Palestinian state in the future.

Israeli authorities are expected to advance plans to build 9,000 new housing units in an illegal settlement on the site of the abandoned Qalandiya airport in occupied East Jerusalem, in another attempt to cut off Palestinian lands from each other and block any possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state ever emerging.

The so-called Atarot neighbourhood in northern East Jerusalem, reminiscent of the E1 plan to undermine Palestinian statehood, is to be discussed and have its outlines approved on Wednesday by the District Planning and Building Committee, according to Israeli group Peace Now.

The advocacy group said the new settlement is envisioned to be built within a densely populated Palestinian urban area, stretching from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank and Kafr Aqab in the north through the Qalandiya refugee camp, ar-Ram, Beit Hanina and Bir Nabala.

It would build an Israeli enclave in an area where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in close proximity, with the aim of blocking development in a key area and further damaging the likelihood of a sovereign Palestinian state being established.

“This is a destructive plan that, if implemented, would prevent any possibility of connecting East Jerusalem with the surrounding Palestinian area and would, in practice, prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel,” Peace Now said.

Translation: The massacre government is working to establish a new ultra-Orthodox mega-settlement across the Green Line north of Jerusalem. The new political attack called ‘Atarot’ is planned to be built in the heart of the Palestinian state that will be established alongside Israel. This involves 9,000 housing units that Israel will have to evacuate. Isn’t it a shame?

The organisation said the far-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seizing every moment to bury chances for a future of peace and compromise.

“Especially now, when it is clear to everyone that the ideas of ‘managing the conflict’ and ‘decisive victory’ have led to a security disaster for Israel, we must act to resolve the conflict.”

The plan’s advancements date back to early 2020, when Israel’s Housing Ministry sent it to the Jerusalem municipality to prepare it for approval. It completed the bureaucratic preparation process within months, but faced objections from the Environmental Protection and Health ministries, according to Peace Now, which said the administration of United States President Barack Obama had also opposed it.

It would need further government consideration and approval before being given legal effect and moving towards tender processes to select construction contractors.

Most of the plan area is designated as “state land” by Israeli authorities, meaning they would not have to seek permission from Palestinian landowners.

Israel has been quickly advancing with several major projects to build illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territory and pursuing annexation of the occupied West Bank, alongside its genocidal war on Gaza that started in October 2023 and has now killed more than 70,000 people.

The E1 plan, which would see the construction of thousands of illegal Israeli homes in the occupied West Bank, is hailed by Israeli officials despite international condemnation.

Israel’s security cabinet last week signed off on plans to formalise 19 illegal settlements across the West Bank.

Demolitions and widespread arrests

Israeli forces continue to launch raids across the occupied West Bank and support violent settlers in attacking Palestinian lands while issuing permits to demolish Palestinian homes.

Israeli authorities began carrying out demolition operations Wednesday morning in the town of Biddu, located northwest of occupied East Jerusalem, under the pretext that the Palestinian buildings lacked permits.

In the central part of the West Bank, settlers, who have been rampaging with impunity often backed by the Israeli military, burned Palestinian vehicles and wrote racist slogans in the village of Ein Yabrud in Ramallah on Wednesday.

Several Palestinians were also arrested during raids across the West Bank, including in Nablus.

Local authorities said the Israeli military plans to demolish 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp this week.