Al Jazeera journalists killed in targeted Israeli attack in Gaza

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary: "Al Jazeera Journalists Killed in Targeted Israeli Attack in Gaza"
Released: August 11, 2025 | Host: Julia McFarlane | BBC World Service

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1. Introduction: Key Headlines

In this episode of the Global News Podcast, Julia McFarlane presents the major global stories of August 11, 2025. The primary focus is on the tragic killing of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, the podcast covers high-stakes international diplomacy involving Ukraine, the intersection of artificial intelligence and spirituality, a significant data breach in a women-focused dating app, the detention of a senior Chinese diplomat, criticisms of UEFA's tribute to a Palestinian footballer, and a heartwarming human-interest story about the last newspaper hawker in Paris.

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2. Killing of Al Jazeera Journalists in Gaza

Details of the Attack:
The episode opens with a harrowing report on the targeted Israeli attack in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of several Al Jazeera journalists. Among the deceased was Anas Al Sharif, a prominent correspondent whom Israel had previously accused of leading a Hamas cell responsible for rocket attacks—a claim both Anas and Al Jazeera have vehemently denied.

Reactions from Al Jazeera and IDF Statements:
Mohamed Moad, Managing Editor of Al Jazeera, expressed deep concern:

“[01:17] We have been trying to ask them to stay cautious, to take all, you know, measures needed for the safety, but they refused. They say that this is our story.”
Al Jazeera condemned the attack, emphasizing their commitment to continuing coverage despite threats: “[01:30] Gaza's story is our story.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that Anas was masquerading as a journalist, reinforcing their stance by sharing purported terrorist profiles of the journalists on their platforms.

UN Security Council Meeting and Netanyahu’s Defense:
Israel's military offensive in Gaza has drawn severe criticism at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his strategy to escalate the war, asserting it as the most effective means to end hostilities in the Palestinian territories:

“[04:41] Mr. Netanyahu insisted that his order for a military operation to attempt to take control of Gaza City would move fairly quickly.”

Analysis by Jonathan Marcus:
Jonathan Marcus, a defense and diplomatic analyst, provided a critical perspective on the internal dynamics within Israel:

“[06:24] ...many in the military believe that it would probably sign their death warrant... There is a growing small but significant maybe 30% of people who are, if you like, a liberal opposition who are raising questions about the morality of Israel's stance.”

He further elaborated on the practical challenges of completely defeating Hamas, noting the deep embedding of fighters within the civilian population and the potential for increased civilian casualties:

“[08:59] ...for all intents and purposes, a Hamas has been defeated. Mr. Netanyahu would like them to formally surrender and, you know, disappear to leave Gaza. Well, I just think that isn't going to happen.”

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3. Ukraine-Russia Diplomatic Efforts

Zelensky’s Remarks and Concerns:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized his intent to prevent former U.S. President Donald Trump from being misled by Russian President Vladimir Putin during their upcoming meeting in Alaska:

“[09:52] ...President Zelensky has said he wants to avoid Donald Trump being misled by the Russian president at their talks on Friday.”

European Union’s Position and Assistance:
The European Union has emerged as a pivotal supporter of Ukraine, especially as U.S. financial assistance nears exhaustion. Radik Sikorsky, Poland's Foreign Minister, highlighted Europe’s role in financing and leveraging support:

“[10:58] The package of assistance passed by the US Congress under President Biden has almost been spent. And the Ukrainian state is being financed by the European Union and Norway and Britain, Japan and others.”

Concerns Over Trump-Putin Meeting:
There is apprehension within Europe regarding the potential implications of a Trump-Putin summit without Zelensky’s participation. Paul Powers notes the uncertainty surrounding the outcomes:

“[11:18] It, but also has leverage. But in reality, it is the Trump Putin summit taking place in Alaska next Friday, where real breakthroughs might happen.”

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4. Artificial Intelligence and Spirituality

GPT Jesus Project:
A segment explores the innovative yet controversial project by Paul Powers, a postgraduate researcher at the University of York. He developed an AI program named GPT Jesus, designed to emulate the teachings and prayers of Jesus by accessing the New and Old Testaments. Powers shares his motivation:

“[12:16] ...I was trying to re engage with my own personal faith... I programmed it to access the New Testament, the Old Testament, and all of the sources of information related to Jesus.”

Criticisms and Ethical Considerations:
Philosophy lecturer Alba Curry and digital theologian Scott Midson criticized the AI's limitations:

“[13:48] They made of sounds uncanny. It's almost like someone's reading a book rather than actually giving genuine insight and having that understanding.”

They emphasize the lack of true empathy and the prescriptive nature of AI-generated responses:

“[14:09] ...a chatbot hasn't gone through any of that it did give you some very concrete things that you could be doing. But I think if you're really in a moment of emotional vulnerability, I think it's inappropriate.”

Paul Powers’ Reflections:
Powers acknowledges the limitations of AI in replicating human spiritual guidance:

“[15:06] ...AI can assist drafting homilies, answering common questions... But the heart of ordained ministry is incarnational.”

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5. Data Breach in Women-Focused Dating App 't-App'

Overview and Intended Safety Features:
The podcast highlights a class action lawsuit filed against the owners of t-App, a popular dating application aimed at enhancing women's safety through anonymized reviews and background checks on men.

The Data Breach and Its Implications:
A significant data breach exposed private details of users, including locations, phone numbers, and confidential reviews:

“[17:08] ...there's been a massive data breach because of AI problems, which have left the private details of women exposed...”

Legal Actions and Societal Reactions:
Multiple women have initiated lawsuits, citing fears of retaliation and misuse of their personal information:

“[18:19] ...there are roughly 10 cases right now.”

Criticism has also emerged from various online platforms and figures, including dating coach David Chambers, who argues against the app's methods:

“[19:25] ...if there was an app that men built that was about rating women, we'd call it misogynistic.”

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6. Detention of Chinese Diplomat Liu Jinqiao

Background and Recent Events:
The Wall Street Journal reports the detainment of senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jinqiao, a figure poised to potentially become China's Foreign Minister. Isabel Hilton, Visiting Professor at King's College London, offers her insights:

“[20:27] I met him many years ago in Shanghai... this is quite a shock.”

Possible Implications:
Hilton discusses the potential reasons behind Liu's detention, noting the stringent actions under Xi Jinping's administration:

“[21:04] ...the charges are generally in... corruption. I have absolutely no idea.”

She also reflects on the internal politics and the precarious nature of holding high office in China:

“[22:13] ...the suggestion that that was going to happen was premature. Perhaps that's annoyed somebody who knows Isabel.”

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7. UEFA's Controversial Tribute to Palestinian Footballer Suleiman Al Abayd

Details of the Tribute and Reactions:
UEFA honored Suleiman Al Abayd, known as the "Palestinian Pele," on social media following his death in an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza:

“[24:07] ...UEFA's tribute on the social media platform X to one of Palestine's most famous football players on Saturday.”

Criticism from Football Community:
Liverpool footballer Mohamed Salah publicly criticized UEFA's tribute, demanding more information about Al Abayd’s death:

“[26:07] Mohamed Salah shared the post and asked UEFA, can you tell us how he died, where and why?”

He voiced both his sympathy and frustration, highlighting the extensive losses within Gaza's sports community:

“[26:37] ...His death adds to a growing toll of athletes lost in Gaza since the war began.”

Impact on Sports in Gaza:
The Palestinian Football Association reported over 325 members of the football community killed since October 7, including players, coaches, and referees, alongside significant destruction of sports facilities.

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8. The Last Newspaper Hawker in Paris: A Story of Resilience

Ali Akbar’s Enduring Presence:
In a poignant human-interest segment, the podcast features Ali Akbar, the last remaining newspaper hawker in Paris's Saint Germain neighborhood. For over five decades, Ali has witnessed and adapted to the digital transformation that eradicated his peers:

“[27:12] ...the last surviving hawker is still at his post, pounding the streets of Saint Germain.”

Personal Reflections and Community Connection:
Ali shares his journey and the changes in his community:

“[27:28] Ali Akbar: When I started to sell the paper newspapers here in Paris, we were between 35, 40 hawkers. But now today I'm alone...”

He attributes his perseverance to personal freedom and the joy of human connection:

“[27:55] Ali Akbar: I'm independent, I'm free, I'm alone. No one is commanding me...”

Recognition and Community Impact:
Ali’s dedication earned him the Order of Merit from President Macron, honoring his longstanding service and communal bonds:

“[28:31] ...His stories are amazing...”

Changing Landscape of Saint Germain:
Reflecting on the neighborhood’s evolution, Ali expresses nostalgia for the bygone days of a close-knit, culturally vibrant community:

“[29:06] ...Atmosphere in St. Germain is completely changed...”

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Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast delves into critical and diverse global issues, from the perils faced by journalists in conflict zones and the complexities of international diplomacy, to the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence and the resilience of individuals in the face of technological and societal shifts. Through expert analysis, personal stories, and insightful commentary, Julia McFarlane provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the world's pressing events.

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Notable Quotes:

• Mohamed Moad:

  “[01:30] Gaza's story is our story.”

• Benjamin Netanyahu:

  “[04:41] ...his order for a military operation to attempt to take control of Gaza City would move fairly quickly.”

• Jonathan Marcus:

  “[06:24] ...a growing small but significant maybe 30% of people... raising questions about the morality of Israel's stance.”

• Paul Powers:

  “[15:06] ...AI can assist... But the heart of ordained ministry is incarnational.”

• Ali Akbar:

  “[28:55] ...President Macron decided to do something for me.”

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This detailed summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions and narratives presented in the podcast episode, providing listeners with a thorough overview of the topics covered.

Transcript

[Paul Powers]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

[Julia McFarlane]

This is the global news podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Julia McFarlane and in the early hours of Monday 11th August, these are our main stories. Several Al Jazeera journalists have been killed in a targeted Israeli attack in Gaza. Israel has faced fierce criticism at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over its plan to step up its offensive. President Zelensky has said he wants to avoid Donald Trump being misled by the Russian president at their talks on Friday. Also in this podcast, the heart of.

[Paul Powers]

Ordained ministry is incarnational. Showing up, holding silence at a deathbed.

[Julia McFarlane]

Can AI take on the role of a priest as we record this podcast? The Israeli military has said it's killed several journalists in Gaza who are working for the international news broadcast Al Jazeera. One of those killed was the prominent correspondent Anas Al Sharif, whom Israel had previously accused of leading a Hamas cell which was planning to carry out rocket attacks. He and Al Jazeera have denied this. Mohamed Moad is the managing editor of Al Jazeera.

[Mohamed Moad]

We have been trying to ask them to stay cautious, to take all, you know, measures needed for the safety, but they refused. They say that this is our story.

[Paul Powers]

Gaza's story is our story.

[Mohamed Moad]

We will continue the coverage despite the fact that they have been threatened and smeared by the Israeli government and the IDF for a long time now. Anas E. Sharif and Mohammad Kreka were targeted in their tent. They were taking a rest. They felt like this is where the Israeli government wouldn't target us, in a tent where we sleep, where we are safe, we're not harming anybody. We are just in our tent taking a rest to continue the coverage. And they were targeted.

[Julia McFarlane]

Our international editor, Jeremy Bowen is in Jerusalem.

[Mohamed Moad]

It seems clear now it's been confirmed, not just from Gaza, but by the Israel Defense Forces, the IDF themselves, that they hit the Al Jazeera tent in the grounds of the Shifa Hospital at Gaza City. City. So the two Al Jazeera correspondents, Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Karaika, have been killed along with two cameramen and a driver who came, I think, from a local video provider. The Israelis say that Anas was masquerading, as they put it, as a journalist. Now, about a week ago, the Arabic language spokesman for the Israel Defense Force forces, the idf, said essentially that, that he was a dangerous terrorist. Al Jazeera put out a very strong statement saying that they were putting his life in danger, they were inciting against him and of course, denying the accusations. The Committee, I should say, for protection of journalists, put out a statement too, saying that his life was now in danger. I think he is also. He also said this could be a prelude to my assassination. And now the Israelis have killed him and they are doubling down on their accusations against him. On their WhatsApp group. They are putting out links to what they call a profile of the terrorist. They're also putting out graphics revealing the Al Jazeera journalists involvement as a terrorist. So they're absolutely doubling down on this. Now, the Israelis have been under a lot of pressure about their attitude towards free reporting out of Gaza. Journalists like myself are not allowed in. Al Jazeera have had a big team in there. As I understand it now, their entire team in Gaza City has been killed. But they had a big team there because these were Palestinian journalists who lived there, were based there, were there on the 7th of October and have been reporting and working ever since. And so they have been able to cover things on the, you know, on the day to day, rather than in my case, you know, as I'm doing now. Reporting to you from Jerusalem, our international.

[Julia McFarlane]

Editor, Jeremy Bowen, staying in Jerusalem. And Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has been defending his plan to widen the war in Gaza. He insisted it was the best way to end the fighting in the Palestinian territory. Mr. Netanyahu said that his order for a military operation to attempt to take control of Gaza City would move fairly quickly.

[Mohamed Moad]

No nation can accept a genocidal terrorist organization, an organization committed to its annihilation, a stone's thrill from its citizens. Our goal is not to occupy Gaza. Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists. The war can end tomorrow if Gaza, or rather if Hamas, lays down its arms and releases all the remaining hostages.

[Julia McFarlane]

Well, at the same time in New York, an emergency meeting of the Security Council was held to discuss Israel's plan to expand the war. One senior figure at the UN said that this would open another horrific chapter in the war. Riyadh Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the un, made this.

[Mohamed Moad]

We appreciate the description of almost all of you, of the deepness of the pain and the tragedy that our people is enduring. While this is okay, it is not sufficient. You have to act. You have to do something about it. You have to stop it. Otherwise, this analysis and description does not mean anything if you do not do something to stop it.

[Julia McFarlane]

The meeting in New York was requested by several European countries which urged Mr. Netanyahu to change course and end the war. The United States representative said Israel had the right to decide how to ensure its security, and that accusations of genocide by some UN members handed a propaganda victory to Hamas. Israel has always denied allegations of genocide. Jonathan Marcus, a defense and diplomatic analyst, told me there was a notable split between the Israeli defense establishment and the Israeli Cabinet over the decision to expand the war.

[Jonathan Marcus]

Certainly, from what we can tell, there is a very strained relationship between the relatively new Chief of the General Staff, eyal Zamir, and Mr. Netanyahu. Mr. Netanyahu is obviously presenting this expanded military operation as a means of liberating the hostages. I think many in the military believe that it would probably sign their death warrant. We've already seen the conditions under which some of them have been living. And, you know, it's quite clear that the Israeli military believes that as much has been achieved by force as can be in this war, they, I think, see no strategic rationale for continuing it. And, of course, they are aware of the slowly shifting mood inside Israel. The vast majority of people now are against the continuation of the war. There is a growing small but significant maybe 30% of people who are, if you like, a liberal opposition who are raising questions about the morality of Israel's stance. They're highlighting the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. And of course, an expanded operation would require the calling up of tens of thousands, if not more, reservists. Reserve duty has been a huge and onerous burden on the Israeli population over the lengthy period of this conflict. Conflict. And the army is creaking. You know, enough is enough. I think many in the military believe they'll carry out their orders, one imagines, but there is no enthusiasm for this operation at all.

[Julia McFarlane]

And, Jonathan, after two years of war, most of Hamas's top leaders and commanders have been eliminated by Israel. But clearly Hamas is still fighting. Why can't Israel defeat it? And can it ever hope of doing so?

[Jonathan Marcus]

Well, look, in one sense, Hamas has been defeated in terms of, you know, being a highly organized, literally underground militia force with weaponry that can reach some way into Israel that I think has been clearly destroyed. What you're left with in the rubble and the ruins of Gaza are pockets of fighters who emerge to attack Israeli patrols, take potshots at them, and so on. These are people who are deeply embedded within the population. Winkling them would involve, I think, even more massive civilian casualties. You know, for all intents and purposes, as I say, for what a military can do, a Hamas has been defeated. Mr. Netanyahu would like them to formally surrender and, you know, disappear to leave Gaza. Well, I just think that isn't going to happen.

[Julia McFarlane]

And lastly, Jonathan Netanyahu suggested that Arab nations were willing to come into Gaza to help administer a civilian government. I mean, do we have any evidence of that? And it was only a day or so ago we saw 20 Arab and Muslim countries jointly condemning the Israeli plan to take control of Gaza City.

[Jonathan Marcus]

Yes, well, look, that's quite true. I mean, in reality, Mr. Netanyahu has given no thought to the future of Gaza at all. Of course, there are the more extreme elements of his government who'd like to see the Palestinians simply removed altogether. I don't think that is actually Mr. Netanyahu's own position. It certainly wouldn't be acceptable to the international community. The problem is that if there is going to be any wider involvement by Arab states, it has to be part of significant move towards a two state solution. Without that kind of approach, I don't think any Arab government is going to want to touch the problems of Gaza with a barge bowl.

[Julia McFarlane]

Jonathan Marcus Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he wants to avoid Donald Trump being misled by the Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of their meeting in Alaska on Friday. In his regular video address, Mr. Zelensky warned that Russia was aiming to deceive and urged stronger Western sanctions to hal halt the war. Meanwhile, EU ministers are discussing Ukraine at an emergency meeting on Monday. The bloc's foreign policy chief has said any deal between the US And Russia must include Europe and Kyiv. Our World News correspondent Joe Inwood reports.

[Paul Powers]

After being put on the back foot by the news that Presidents Trump and Putin and only them would be meeting to discuss the war in Ukraine, Europe is starting to find its voice. A joint leader's statement set out the continent's position that Ukraine will be supported and Russia must not be rewarded for its aggression. Now it has been announced an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers will take place. One of those attending will be Radik Sikorsky, Poland's foreign minister. It's Europe that is providing most of.

[Mohamed Moad]

The assistance to Ukraine, not the United States.

[Paul Powers]

The package of assistance passed by the.

[Mohamed Moad]

US Congress under President Biden has almost been spent. And the Ukrainian state is being financed by the European Union and Norway and Britain, Japan and others. Europe has not only a stake in.

[Paul Powers]

It, but also has leverage. But in reality, it is the Trump Putin summit taking place in Alaska next Friday, where real breakthroughs might happen. There has been concern in Europe that President Zelensky has not been invited. Although it's now merged, the US Is trying to arrange a meeting between him and President Putin Vice President J.D. vance told Fox News the way to peace is to have a decisive leader sit down and force people to come together. Whether it will happen is far from certain, though that would require the agreement of Vladimir Putin, who has shown as much respect towards Ukraine's president as he has his country's territorial integrity.

[Julia McFarlane]

Joe inwood now artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming many aspects of our lives in the worlds of work and entertainment. But what about our spiritual lives?

[Paul Powers]

Hi. Can you give me a nice prayer to get me through the day? My beloved child, as you rise and.

[Julia McFarlane]

Face this day, know that I go before you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor.

[Paul Powers]

Let it be afraid, for my spirit is with you in all things.

[Julia McFarlane]

Well, that prayer was suggested by an AI guide developed by Paul Powers, a postgraduate researcher at the University of York.

[Paul Powers]

The reason that I came up with it was because I was trying to re engage with my own personal faith. I was raised Catholic, but I find it difficult to go to church on a Sunday, every Sunday. But I like to keep that sort of personal connection in a way through prayer. And then I just had this idea. What if I needed some sort of spiritual guidance? What if I developed all of the knowledge and the words and the lessons of Jesus into the AI and see what it comes out with? So I programmed it to access the New Testament, the Old Testament, and all of the sources of information related to Jesus. You can ask it and it will address you. Based on that individual prompt, I found it actually quite useful to re engage with prayer and with thinking about Jesus and God. It does give responses that can generate meaning for the individual, although the machine learning algorithm itself doesn't actually understand anything about what it's telling you.

[Julia McFarlane]

The program is called GPT Jesus. Emily Buchanan asked the philosophy lecturer Alba Curry and digital theologian Scott Midson what.

[Paul Powers]

They made of sounds uncanny. It's almost like someone's reading a book rather than actually giving genuine insight and having that understanding. It's very scripted and it lacks of nuance. One of the things that strikes me is it sounds very prescriptive. There's no reflection. It's this is the answer. This is the information in that quite assured sort of sense.

[Julia McFarlane]

What I find persuasive is when the person I'm talking to has perhaps gone through something similar and that's where the empathy might come from, right. Of like, I've gone through those struggles. I haven't been able to find purpose at times of my life or my faith has wavered and a chatbot hasn't gone through any of that it did give you some very concrete things that you could be doing. But I think if you're really in a moment of emotional vulnerability, I think it's inappropriate.

[Paul Powers]

Well, I did ask Derek whether one day he could take on the role of a priest. AI can assist drafting homilies, answering common questions, offering 24 hour study help, even suggesting pastoral resources. But the heart of ordained ministry is incarnational. Showing up, holding silence at a deathbed, messy, unstructured human moments. Those rely on lived holiness, ethical accountability, and the mysterious work of grace realms where circuits and code simply don't qualify.

[Ali Akbar]

So, Scott, there is a bit of humility there.

[Paul Powers]

It's not trying to be a priest.

[Travis]

In fact, to give advice that you.

[Paul Powers]

Actually have to act on. Do chatbots tend to want to please you, to keep you in whatever thought process you're in and don't really challenge you? Yes. We have to remember that there's no ability to fully understand or contextualize on the part of these models. They're literally just mining data. And part of the data we have from various religious traditions involves things from very different cultures, very different contexts around kind of sacrifice, around martyrdom and things. And without appropriate understanding of that context, that can be something that maybe gets picked up on in a conversation. And that's where we need to really try and preempt different checks and balances. You know, it's really hard to preempt all of the things that could go wrong. I mean, if there's anything that we can learn from them, it's that we are not gods. We don't have omniscience. You know, we're kind of the Icarus of the kind of modern world where actually we're learning a lot about our own limitations even while interacting with these devices.

[Julia McFarlane]

Scott Midson, Alba Curry and Derek still to come on the global news podcast.

[Ali Akbar]

When I started to sell the paper newspapers here in Paris, we were between 35, 40 hawkers. But now today I'm alone because no Banvais papers, you know, because of digital.

[Julia McFarlane]

The last newspaper hawker of Paris.

[Travis]

Travis.

[Isabel Hilton]

Fell in love with the perfect woman.

[Travis]

She listened to, she cared.

[Julia McFarlane]

There was just one catch. She wasn't human.

[Travis]

She was an AI companion. But when her behavior takes a disturbing turn, Travis finds himself at the center.

[Julia McFarlane]

Of a much darker story.

[Travis]

This is flesh and Code, a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology. Listen to Flesh and Code wherever you.

[Julia McFarlane]

Get your podcasts foreign to the United States now, where a class action lawsuit has been filed against the owners of an app which lets women post anonymous reviews of men. The t app went viral earlier this year with millions of users. It even topped the downloads list on the Apple store. Our reporter Richard Hamilton spoke to Ollie Conway about the story.

[Paul Powers]

The tagline for tapp is helping women date safely, and it has a flag system of green or red in which the women can comment on their dating experiences. They can run background checks on the marital status of men, even if they've got a criminal record. So the idea was to protect women. But ironically, there's been a massive data breach because of AI problems, which have left the private details of women exposed, you know, even where they live and their phone numbers and also what they said about their dates. So they're worried about their safety, that these men might retaliate. And Scott Cole is a lawyer representing one of the women affected.

[Mohamed Moad]

She shared very private information, including a picture of herself on a platform that she thought and she was promised would.

[Paul Powers]

Keep her information safe, only to be.

[Mohamed Moad]

Shared with other women and only for the purpose of making safer her and their dating experiences. And frankly, the company let her down. There are a number of women that have come forward to file lawsuits. I mean, there are roughly 10 cases right now.

[Paul Powers]

And so no doubt this has led to criticism of t. AP that's right. And there's been a bit of a backlash from some of the forums that sort of represent men. For example, there's an anonymous, rather misogynistic forum called 4chan, which is alleged to have even spread some of these leaks. And also on Twitter, there was a site called tea spill, which is revealing photos of some of the women. And so there's been a lot of criticism and even from independent people like David Chambers, who's a dating coach, and he runs a site called the authentic man. If there was an app that men built that was about rating women, we'd call it misogynistic.

[Mohamed Moad]

Right.

[Paul Powers]

I'm all for women's safety and online safety and encouraging good behavior. Right. Because we really need that in Dane because there's too much bad behavior. But there's one thing about someone who possibly tries to assault somebody or something like that, and the other end of that is literally, you know, this guy can't communicate very well or he smells or he's got, like, something you don't like about him. And I think that that's such a wide spectrum. It just opened to so much misuse. And that was David Chambers, who also goes on to say that in this sort of brave new world of online dating, a lot of men are rather confused and they're struggling to understand the new rules of engagement.

[Julia McFarlane]

Richard Hamilton, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the senior Chinese diplomat, Liu Jinqiao has been, as the journalists put it, taken away by the authorities for questioning. Mr. Liu has been widely seen as a potential future foreign. Isabel Hilton is visiting professor at King's College London and personally knows Liu Jinqiao.

[Isabel Hilton]

I met him many years ago in Shanghai and then I met him earlier this year when he led a substantial delegation to London. And very much, he seemed very much at the top of his game, his usual urbane and sometimes amusing self. So this is quite a shock.

[Paul Powers]

I mean, as I said, it's difficult to know sometimes what's going on. But have you got any thoughts as to, you know, if indeed he has been sort of taken away and taken him for questioning and who knows what may come of that. But I mean, have you any idea what conceivably could have landed him in trouble?

[Isabel Hilton]

I have no idea what this particular case is about in general terms. Since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, he has taken down thousands of officials, some of them pretty senior as indeed Liu Jianchao was. This would not have been done lightly because Liu Jianchao is an extremely well known interest international figure. He has been at the head of the party's Foreign Affairs Commission and that is a position in which he traveled the world, talked to very senior people internationally and he's extremely well known and an accomplished diplomat. So as I say, this wouldn't have been a decision taken lightly. The charges are generally in. Again, this is a procedure under the party's discipline inspection Commission. So we're not going to know for quite a long time what indeed he has been charged with, if he is charged. So it would either be a political mistake of some kind, perceived as disloyal or unhelpful to Xi Jinping, or the catch all charges is corruption. I have absolutely no idea.

[Paul Powers]

No, I mean there was, I saw in some of the reporting that it suggested that perhaps officials around him had briefed a bit too enthusiastically that he was confidently that he was going to be a shoo in to be the next Foreign Minister. I mean, I guess as much as anything this is probably a reminder that whoever serves at the top serves at the pleasure of the General Secretary.

[Isabel Hilton]

Well, that's very true, but I think briefing that he was a likely next Foreign Minister would probably, you know, earn a rap over the knuckles. I'm not sure that it, unless there is a bigger power struggle going on behind the scenes. It wouldn't normally involve his removal approval from post. I mean, it's not been an easy job being foreign minister in China lately. Qin Gang, the previous foreign minister to the current one, Wang Yi. Qin Gang served a very brief time before he was taken down for allegedly for a personal indiscretion with a lady involving a child, all in the United States, and that was regarded as a bit of a security thing and Wang Yi had to come back in as foreign minister. Now Wang Yi is himself a very senior figure in the party. He's a politburo figure. So it's not it wouldn't be unusual if he were to relinquish his Foreign Ministry role because he's already got enough power. But who knows, maybe, maybe the suggestion that that was going to happen was premature. Perhaps that's annoyed somebody who knows Isabel.

[Julia McFarlane]

Hilton Talking to my colleague Tim Franks A high profile Liverpool football player has criticised the body that runs European football over its tribute to Slayman Al Ubaid, known as the Palestinian Pele. According to the Palestine Football association, he was killed earlier this week when Israeli forces attacked civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. Isabella Jewell has the story.

[Travis]

Farewell to Suleiman Al Abayd, the Palestinian Pele, a talent who gave hope to countless children even in the darkest of times. That was UEFA's tribute on the social media platform X to one of Palestine's most famous football players on Saturday. The Liverpool footballer Mohamed Salah shared the post and asked UEFA, can you tell us how he died, where and why? 41 year old Al Abayd was killed in southern Gaza on Wednesday in what the Palestinian Football association says was an attack by Israeli soldiers on civilians waiting for aid. The Palestinian played for the national team, scoring his first international goal during the 2010 West Asian Football Federation Championship, a memorable scissor kick against Yemen. Suleiman Al Abayd scored more than 100 goals during his career and represented Palestine in 24 international matches. His death adds to a growing toll of athletes lost in Gaza since the war began. Indeed, on Saturday, the Palestinian Football association in Jerusalem said that two more Gazan players had been killed in the territory, one of whom, it says, also waiting for aid in central Gaza. According to the PFA, 325 members of the football community have been killed in the Strip since Oct. 7, including players, coaches and referees, and hundreds of sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Israeli bombardment. Mohamed Salah, who's also captain of Egypt's national team, has voiced sympathy for those in Gaza throughout the conflict, including in an Instagram post. Two weeks after Israel began its assault on Gaza following the HAMAS attacks in October 2023, I'm calling in the world.

[Mohamed Moad]

Leaders to come together to prevent the father slaughter of innocent souls. Humanity must prevail.

[Travis]

That year, he also donated to the Egyptian Red Crescent to help fund its relief efforts in the region. But some say he hasn't been vocal enough. Athletes and celebrities are often criticized for not speaking out about the situation in Gaza, given their large social media followings. Mohamed Salah's recent post on X criticizing UEFA has already been viewed millions of times and shared by thousands of social media users.

[Julia McFarlane]

Isabella Jewell reporting. Read all about it. The sight of news hawkers selling their newspapers on the street used to be a familiar one, but like so many other professions from the past, it's been killed off by the Internet. In Paris, though, the last surviving hawker is still at his post, pounding the streets of Saint Germain. Indeed, having faithfully flogged bundles of Le Monde for more than 50 years, Ali Akbar is now being given the Order of Merit by President Macron. Hugh Schofield went out on his trail.

[Mohamed Moad]

Here he is, France's, possibly European, Europe's last newspaper hawker. Ali Akbar, a sprightly Pakistani born man of 72. It was in 1973 that he began in the trade on Paris's Left bank. And against all the odds, he's still at it.

[Ali Akbar]

When I started to sell the paper newspapers here in Paris, we were between 35, 40 hawkers. But now today I'm alone because it became discouraging. No, but wise papers, you know, what.

[Mohamed Moad]

Makes you keep going?

[Ali Akbar]

I'm independent, I'm free, I'm alone. No one is commanding me, you know, so I feel free. That's why you see, before people were looking for me, they were looking after me to buy papers. And now today I'm looking to sell. It's different, it's changed.

[Mohamed Moad]

Now Ali sells 20 or 30 copies of Le Monde a day and he keeps half the sales price. So money is not the motive. He does it because it's fun and people love him. Ali has been famous for us for more than 25 years and more. Selling his papers and making jokes. He knows everyone around, around the whole area. He's the best connected. It's just a shame he only sells 20 papers every day. His stories are amazing. Amazing.

[Ali Akbar]

All of them know they know me, you know, because they were. I've been selling papers in Institute of Political Science we call in French. So I met so because they used to buy papers every day. So they became friends and give me some names. Some names bought me papers. Yes, during that period of time.

[Mohamed Moad]

Do you think he remembers that? That's why he's giving you the Order of Merit now?

[Ali Akbar]

No, no, not at all. No, not at all. Because he knows me. He knows my backstory. So that's why I think he decided to do something for me. I think. Breaking news. Breaking news.

[Mohamed Moad]

Tell me, ali, how has St. Germain, the neighborhood, changed in the 53 years that you've been selling newspapers here?

[Ali Akbar]

Atmosphere in St. Germain is completely changed. Because before the St. Germain was just like a village. You could meet the same people every day. The local people of Saint Germain. Artists, writers, publishers, actors, you know, comedian, musician. But now it's finished. Now became touristic.

[Mohamed Moad]

Do you miss the old Saint Germain?

[Ali Akbar]

Of course. Because before they were sold. But there is no more sold in Saint Germain.

[Mohamed Moad]

You gotta laugh, right?

[Ali Akbar]

Yeah.

[Julia McFarlane]

That lovely story by Hugh Schofield. And that's all from us for now. But there will be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or any of the topics covered in it, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk you can also find us on XBCWorldService. Use the hashtag Global Newspod. This edition was mixed by Caroline Driscoll and the producers were Alison Davis and Alfie Habershan. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Julia McFarlane. Until next time. Goodbye.