Sun. Jun 8th, 2025
Roads in Turmoil as Residents Evacuate Amid Escalating Israel Wildfires

A national emergency has been declared in Israel as severe winds and soaring temperatures have intensified wildfires in the vicinity of Jerusalem.

Firefighters are working to contain the fires, with reports from Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, indicating several individuals are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

The wildfires have rapidly moved through surrounding forests, prompting evacuations in some communities and causing significant disruptions to road traffic, further complicated by the suspension of certain train services.

Numerous events marking the nation’s Independence Day have also been canceled.

At least four fatalities and more than 500 injuries have been reported in Bandar Abbas.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has become the first international leader to visit the White House following the US president’s announcement of new tariffs affecting global trade allies.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) released video footage said to have been retrieved from the phone of a paramedic who lost his life.

Thousands of Syrians have reportedly entered Lebanon from the Latakia and Tartus regions.

Four men were abducted on 7 October 2023, while two others have been held captive for nearly a decade.

The grandson of Oded Lifschitz, whose remains were repatriated to Israel this week, spoke exclusively with the BBC.

Zakaria, aged 11, volunteered in a Gaza hospital during the conflict, and is one of three young participants featured in a new BBC documentary.

Israel released 369 detainees on Saturday, as Hamas announced the release of three additional hostages.

Alexander Troufanov, Yair Horn, and Sagui Dekel-Chen were handed over to the Red Cross earlier on Saturday.

Around 180 prisoners are being exchanged for three Israeli hostages in the ongoing agreement.

Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi have returned home after their release in Gaza on Saturday.

These men were among those captured during the October 7 attacks and remained in Gaza custody for 16 months.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has urged the Prime Minister to affirm the UK’s support for a two-state solution in discussions with the White House.

A former soldier reportedly gathered intelligence for Tehran, then later escaped from HMP Wandsworth.

Three released hostages have returned to Israel following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Footage released by the Israeli Defense Forces shows Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Emily Damari, 28, and Romi Gonen, 24, exiting a Red Cross vehicle after their release.

Feras Killani, who grew up in Yarmouk, Damascus—a site of fierce fighting between rebel and government forces—shares his story.

Orla Guerin reports from Al-Sina prison in north-eastern Syria, where numerous suspected fighters are still detained.

Sharaa commanded the rebel push that led to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria less than two weeks ago.

The BBC’s Hugo Bachega documents scenes of Syrians celebrating in Aleppo, with people dancing, waving flags, and making peace gestures.