Chalil al-Haja becomes new Hamas leader
After an internal election, Chalil al-Haja takes over the leadership of Hamas. He also serves as a negotiator in talks to end the Gaza war.
Month 20. July 2026
Schulze pushes for swift Spahn succession
Saxony-Anhalt's state premier Sven Schulze (CDU) is calling for a quick replacement of Jens Spahn as parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU. According to Zeit, Schulze fears that the Berlin personnel debate will overshadow the state election campaign in his state.
Andy Burnham appointed new British Prime Minister
King Charles III has officially appointed Andy Burnham as the new Prime Minister of Great Britain. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester has been tasked with forming a government.
Russian Attack on Hospital in Kherson: Seven Injured
Russian troops shelled a hospital in Kherson on July 20, initially wounding three staff members, with the number later rising to seven, according to the regional military administration.
US Sanctions Bill Against Russia: Trump’s Leeway Grows
A bill on Russia sanctions initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham is expected to pass the US Congress – but in a significantly weakened form, reports 24tv citing political scientist Andriy Horodnytskyi.
Flemish Master Drawings: Exhibition at the Kupferstichkabinett Berlin
The Kupferstichkabinett of the Museen zu Berlin is presenting over 100 drawings by Flemish masters from its own collection for the first time in 50 years, starting October 2026. Works by Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Anthony van Dyck, and 25 other artists will be on display.
Rail employee seriously injured after attack on train
A 26-year-old security employee was attacked on a regional train heading to Karlsruhe on Friday evening and fell from the moving train. The severely injured rail security employee is out of life-threatening danger, according to the public prosecutor's office.
Freight train derails: Friedberg–Hanau railway line closed until August
After a freight train derailed in Nidderau, the railway line between Friedberg and Hanau will remain closed until at least August 7. The Hessische Landesbahn (HLB) announced that a replacement bus service will be set up.
Russian air strike on Zaporizhzhia: one dead, five wounded
A Russian guided bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia on July 20 killed one person and wounded five others, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Oblast Military Administration.
Historical Mistakes: Poland and Ukraine Clash Over the UPA
Ukrainian commentator Bohdan Vitvitsky warns that recent criticism from Polish politicians over Ukraine's honoring of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) is endangering bilateral relations. Such disputes play into Russian propaganda, Vitvitsky argues.
Attack on Regional Train: Arrest Warrant Against Suspect Rejected
After a railway employee suffered life-threatening injuries when he fell from a moving regional train, the Karlsruhe District Court has rejected an arrest warrant against the 36-year-old suspect. The court cited doubts about the sequence of events after reviewing surveillance footage.
Union seeks new parliamentary group leader after Spahn resignation
Jens Spahn's resignation, the Union is looking for a new parliamentary group leader. Today, the CDU leadership and the Bundestag faction are deliberating on the succession.
Solbakken sends moving message to cancer-stricken Keegan
Ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England, Norway coach Stale Solbakken has sent a heartfelt message to his childhood idol Kevin Keegan, who is battling advanced cancer.
Haaland: Lazy in Training or Perfect Pro?
Erling Haaland has already scored seven goals at the World Cup. His coach also knows the other side of the Norwegian striker.
Bayeux Tapestry Returns to England After Nearly 1,000 Years
Bayeux Tapestry, a fragile masterpiece depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066, arrived at the British Museum in London on July 10, 2026, under strict security precautions.
Wimbledon Sensation: Thousands Celebrate Arthur Fery on Henman Hill
British tennis wildcard Arthur Fery lost his Wimbledon semi-final to second-seeded Alexander Zverev, but thousands of fans gathered on Henman Hill to cheer him on.
Torsten Sträter Gives All-Clear After Cancer Diagnosis
Comedian Torsten Sträter has spoken publicly for the first time since revealing his cancer diagnosis. In the '1Live Comedy Talk' with Felix Lobrecht, he gave the all-clear.
Potsdam Goes Digital: ID Cards and Housing Benefits Now Available Online
In Potsdam, residents can now apply for around one in ten municipal services digitally, including ID cards, passports, and housing benefits.
Ukraine strikes 18 Russian ships in one night – 13 shadow fleet tankers hit
Ukraine has struck 18 Russian vessels in one of the largest overnight drone operations of the war, including 13 oil tankers from the so-called shadow fleet, according to the Kyiv Post, citing the General Staff and the commander of drone units. Oil refineries, fuel depots and power substations were also attacked.
Bundestag and Bundesrat: Health Insurance Reform, Heating Law Scrapped, E-Scooter Liability
Germany's parliament and upper house have passed several decisions directly affecting citizens, from health insurance to broken smartphones.
Duke of Wellington: Hereditary Peers Expelled, Reform Demanded
The 9th Duke of Wellington has lost his hereditary seat in the House of Lords after the Labour government expelled all hereditary peers. He is not fighting the move but instead calls for a complete overhaul of the upper chamber.
Bundesrat approves law against abusive paternity acknowledgments
Germany's Bundesrat has approved a law aimed at preventing abusive paternity acknowledgments, particularly those involving foreign children.
Anton Palzer runs from Munich to Zugspitze in 4:43 hours
Extreme athlete Anton Palzer covered the 115 kilometers and 3,036 meters of elevation from Munich's Marienplatz to the summit of the Zugspitze in 4 hours and 43 minutes – entirely under his own power. The 33-year-old cycled and ran the route.
France makes World Cup history: third consecutive semi-final
France has become the first team to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to 24tv, Didier Deschamps' side beat Morocco 2-0 in Boston, advancing to the semi-finals for the third time in a row – a first for the French.
Russian air strikes on Zaporizhzhia: one dead, 16 wounded
Russian forces attacked the center of Zaporizhzhia with guided glide bombs, killing one person and wounding 16 others.
Tour de France: Merlier Wins Stage 7, Kanter Fourth
Tim Merlier of Soudal Quick-Step won the 7th stage of the Tour de France. The Belgian prevailed in a mass sprint in Bordeaux, while German rider Max Kanter finished fourth.
Five wounded in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk region
Russian forces struck four districts of the Dnipropetrovsk region with drones, artillery, and guided bombs, wounding five people, according to regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha.
Sick Note from Day One: Family Doctors Warn of Collapse
Starting next year, employees will have to present a sick note from the first day of illness. Family doctors see patient care at risk – and feel abandoned by politicians.
savings package and Heating Law Passed – Wegner Resigns
Bundestag and Bundesrat have passed the healthcare savings package and the new heating law. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner announced his resignation, as reported by ZDFheute.
Ukraine outraged over IOC’s opening for Russia’s Olympic return
Ukraine's Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi has expressed outrage over the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to allow Russia's return to the Olympic Games. In exclusive comments to Deutsche Welle, Bidnyi called the move cynical and unacceptable.
US ready for Iran talks despite end of ceasefire
The United States remains open to negotiations with Iran even after the end of the ceasefire, according to Donald Trump. Mediators from Qatar are reportedly en route to Tehran for talks.
Alexander Zverev reaches Wimbledon final for first time
Alexander Zverev has become the first German male tennis player to reach the Wimbledon final since Boris Becker 31 years ago. The 29-year-old defeated British outsider Arthur Fery 7:6, 6:2, 6:4 in the semi-final.
Warken defends savings law: Financial gap closed
Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) has defended her controversial savings package for the healthcare system against massive criticism. In an interview with the F.A.Z., she emphasized that the compromises were very good and that the financial gap had been closed.
Alive: Literature Stage Debuts at Major Portuguese Music Festival
The Alive festival in Lisbon has introduced a dedicated literature stage for its 18th edition, creating a space for books, writing, and the power of stories, according to organizers.
Kyiv: New Bus Fare of 30 Hryvnias Planned from July 15
The Kyiv city administration is sticking to July 15 as the introduction date for the new bus fare of 30 hryvnias. The transport authority denied rumors of a postponement, UNIAN reports.
Bundestag suspends pay raise for lawmakers
The Bundestag has suspended the planned increase in lawmakers' salaries for July. MPs are thus foregoing around 500 euros more per month.
Bundestag overturns strict heating rules – gas and oil heating allowed again
The Bundestag has passed the Building Modernization Act, which again permits the continued operation and new installation of gas and oil heating systems. Bundesrat also approved the law.
Berlin Mayor Wegner Withdraws from Top Candidacy
Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) has withdrawn his candidacy for the top spot in the state election in September, citing ongoing criticism over his communication during the January power outage.
Russian Attack on Kramatorsk: Injuries After Second Shelling on July 10
Russian troops shelled the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region for the second time on July 10, causing injuries, according to the head of the Kramatorsk City Military Administration, Oleksandr Honcharenko.
Majority of Britons Farage and Reform UK as ‘Very Sleazy’
More than half of British voters consider Farage and his Reform UK party 'very sleazy', according to a new poll.