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Wider Middle East war could have serious implications for EU — analyst

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Wider Middle East war could have serious implications for EU — analyst

Though many countries still believe a diplomatic solution to end the conflict is achievable, so far, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have failed to bring about concrete results.

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The increasingly worsening crisis in the Middle East has Europe and the world further polarised, experts warn, and a wider regional war could have massive implications for the EU and the continent at large.

Prof Luigi Narbone, a former EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, believes the bloc’s member states are paying the price for being too divided over the matter.

The warning comes as G7 leaders called for de-escalation and a decrease in tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border in a conference call on Wednesday, where they discussed the fighting and worsening crisis.

“We should not underestimate that, especially in the southern parts of the world, the perception is that Europe has adopted double standards,” said Narbone.

“On the one hand, (there’s) the condemnation against Russia’s (President Vladimir) Putin; on the other, an ambivalent attitude toward Israel and the Middle East conflict.”

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This double standard is very damaging to the EU’s credibility and the defence of fundamental values, Narbone said.

“The lack of stability in the region could affect the role of Russia in Syria and have repercussions on the economy. Sorting out the crisis is crucial for Europe, and it’s directly linked to migration flows with people fleeing war-hit areas in the region,” the former EU ambassador stressed.

The Italian government, which holds the presidency of the G7, would like the United Nations Security Council to consider strengthening the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s mission mandate and extending its powers and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the UNIFIL has said it will remain in place despite the latest developments.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UN mission said that any crossing into Lebanon violates Lebanese sovereignty.

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Though many countries still believe a diplomatic solution to end the conflict is achievable, so far, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have failed to bring about concrete results.

Israel launched a ground incursion into Lebanon on Tuesday. Its forces have since then clashed with Hezbollah militants in a narrow strip along the border, and the IDF has launched several deadly airstrikes to bolster the campaign.

A series of attacks before the incursion killed some of the group’s key members, including longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Authorities in Lebanon say about 1.2 million people have been displaced and over 1,300 killed so far, according to health officials.

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‘X-Men’ Star Famke Janssen Says Marvel ‘Made a Mistake’ By Not Asking Her to Return as Jean Grey in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

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‘X-Men’ Star Famke Janssen Says Marvel ‘Made a Mistake’ By Not Asking Her to Return as Jean Grey in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Famke Janssen said during a recent conversation with Nerdtropolis at Spacecon 2026 that Marvel “made a mistake” by not bringing her back as Jean Grey for December’s “Avengers: Doomsday.”

“I am so bad at keeping secrets that I always say to everyone I’m the worst actor in the world. It’s all on my face. You right away will read it,” Janssen said. “I think they made a mistake, but hey, who am I? I’m just a little me who thinks that.”

Janssen first appeared as the telepath Jean Grey, aka Phoenix, in 2000’s “X-Men,” and then reprised the role for 2003’s “X2: X-Men United” and 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand.” She also briefly appeared as Grey in 2013’s “The Wolverine” and 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”

Janssen’s absence from “Doomsday” is notable, considering Marvel is bringing back many of her “X-Men” co-stars for the film. Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James Marsden (Cyclops), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique) are all set to return.

In an October 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Janssen said in every interview she does, she’s asked about the future of Jean Grey in the MCU.

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“It’s interesting,” Janssen said. “I didn’t realize that was such a big part. Every interview I do, that will come up, and of everything I say, that is going to be the only thing that’s gonna be printed.”

“I should be flattered, I suppose, that this character has resonated with people,” she added. “It’s been so long, but it’s nice that people are still talking about her. I’m sure every single time there’s a new movie that they’re doing, like [is it] ‘Doomsday?’ … it’ll come up again.”

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Two-train crash leaves at least 1 dead, 89 injured as emergency crews rush to chaotic scene

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Two-train crash leaves at least 1 dead, 89 injured as emergency crews rush to chaotic scene

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Authorities are responding after two passenger trains crashed into each other Friday near Bedford, England, killing at least one person and injuring nearly 90 others.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it was called to a collision involving two trains at Elstow, near Bedford, at about 5:15 p.m. local time and quickly declared a “major incident.”

One person died at the scene, 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 people had minor injuries, officials said.

Bedford is roughly 60 miles north of London.

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2 TRAINS COLLIDE IN DENMARK, LEAVING 5 PEOPLE CRITICALLY INJURED

Two passenger trains collided Friday in the United Kingdom. (Fox News)

All the patients with the most serious injuries have been taken from the scene to hospital.

The ambulance service said it sent numerous resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist hazardous area response teams and six air ambulances.

MULTIPLE STABBED IN UK TRAIN ATTACK NEAR CAMBRIDGE AS POLICE ARREST 2 SUSPECTS

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Emergency crews were pictured working near the scene. (Fox News)

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response,” the ambulance service wrote in a statement.

The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its crews were also responding.

“Please avoid the area,” fire officials wrote in a statement on X.

Sources told The Telegraph the train driver was on the phone with maintenance staff discussing a safety issue at the time of the crash.

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This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Lebanese influencer organises World Cup event amid Israel’s attack on Leban

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Lebanese influencer organises World Cup event amid Israel’s attack on Leban
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As Israel’s war on Lebanon rages, hundreds gather in Rmeileh by Sidon Gate to watch the 2026 World Cup. Organised by influencer Bilal Haddad, the fan zone offers food trucks, shisha and family activities, giving people a rare chance to relax. Al Jazeera’s Justin Salhani went to check it out.

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