Gaza settlements and Epstein survivors: The geopolitical fractures shaping this weekend

Israel’s far-right coalition races to cement control in Gaza and the West Bank

Israel’s defence and finance ministers have announced plans to establish three new illegal settlements in Gaza and allocate over $400m to expand construction in the occupied West Bank, a move that risks deepening the country’s international isolation just months before national elections. The proposals, unveiled on Thursday, include the creation of so-called “Nahal” outposts—military-backed settlements often used as precursors to civilian expansion—in Gaza, where Israel has maintained a near-total blockade since 2007. The West Bank funding, meanwhile, will accelerate the construction of roads, housing, and infrastructure in areas already under heavy Israeli military control.

The timing is no coincidence. With elections scheduled for 27 October, Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is under pressure to deliver tangible gains to its base, which includes settler movements and nationalist factions demanding the annexation of Palestinian land. The defence minister, Yoav Gallant, framed the settlements as a security imperative, calling violent settler outposts his “partners” in maintaining control. Human rights groups, however, warn the move violates international law and could further destabilise an already volatile region.

The announcement comes as Israel faces growing criticism over its conduct in Gaza, where a recent uptick in airstrikes has drawn condemnation from the UN and European governments. The US, Israel’s closest ally, has yet to comment publicly on the settlement plans, but previous expansions have strained relations with Washington. For Netanyahu, the gamble is clear: shore up domestic support by entrenching Israel’s presence in occupied territories, even if it means alienating international partners.

A survivor’s account: Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s ‘cult’

For the first time, a woman identified only as “Anya” has given a detailed account of her time inside Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle, describing a system of control, psychological manipulation, and physical abuse that she likens to a “cult”. Speaking to the BBC, Anya—who joined Epstein’s operation as an “assistant” in her early 20s—revealed how the disgraced financier lured young women with promises of career opportunities, only to subject them to escalating demands, including disfiguring cosmetic surgeries and sexual exploitation.

Anya’s testimony offers a rare glimpse into the mechanics of Epstein’s operation, which spanned decades and involved a network of enablers across politics, business, and entertainment. She described a hierarchy in which Epstein positioned himself as a mentor, while his associates—including Ghislaine Maxwell—reinforced his authority through intimidation and isolation. “You were made to feel special, then disposable,” she said. “The surgeries were framed as ‘enhancements’, but they were really about control. Once you were marked, you couldn’t leave.”

The account comes as legal battles over Epstein’s estate continue, with victims pursuing compensation from his $600m fortune. Anya’s story also raises questions about the broader culture of impunity that allowed Epstein to operate for so long. While high-profile figures like Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton have faced scrutiny over their ties to Epstein, Anya’s testimony suggests the web of complicity may extend far deeper than previously acknowledged.

UK football’s governance crisis: Lib Dems urge FA and Uefa to break from Fifa

The UK’s Liberal Democrats have called on the Football Association (FA) and Uefa to withdraw from Fifa, accusing world football’s governing body of “destroying the integrity of the beautiful game”. The demand, led by party leader Sir Ed Davey, follows a series of controversies involving Fifa president Gianni Infantino, including allegations of corruption, human rights abuses linked to World Cup host nations, and the organisation’s resistance to reforms.

The Lib Dems’ intervention comes at a sensitive moment for English football, which is still reeling from the national team’s disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup. Davey’s letter to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham argues that Fifa’s leadership has become “a stain on the sport”, citing its handling of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and its ongoing refusal to implement independent oversight. “Fifa is no longer fit for purpose,” Davey wrote. “The FA and Uefa must show moral leadership by breaking away and forming a new global body that puts fans, players, and fairness first.”

The FA has not yet responded, but the call reflects growing frustration among fans and politicians over football’s governance. Earlier this year, a parliamentary inquiry into the sport’s future recommended sweeping reforms, including an independent regulator. While the Lib Dems’ proposal is unlikely to gain immediate traction—Uefa relies on Fifa for funding and tournament access—it signals a shift in the political debate. For now, the FA appears reluctant to rock the boat, but pressure is mounting for a reckoning with football’s broken power structures.

Wildfires force firefighters into impossible choices

As climate change fuels more intense and frequent wildfires, firefighters across the globe are being forced into agonising decisions about which blazes to fight—and which to let burn. César Alcaraz, a veteran firefighter in Spain’s Alicante province, describes the job as increasingly resembling “triage in an emergency room with too few ventilators”. With resources stretched thin, commanders must prioritise fires based on their threat to lives and infrastructure, often leaving rural or less populated areas to burn.

The problem is not confined to Europe. In Canada, where wildfires have scorched millions of hectares this year, officials have admitted to “letting some fires go” due to limited personnel and equipment. In the US, the Forest Service has adopted a similar approach, focusing on protecting communities while allowing remote fires to run their course. The strategy is pragmatic, but it comes with a human cost: homes lost, livelihoods destroyed, and ecosystems permanently altered.

The shift reflects a grim new reality. Wildfires are no longer seasonal events but year-round threats, exacerbated by rising temperatures and prolonged droughts. Firefighters like Alcaraz, who once believed their job was to extinguish every blaze, now accept that some fires are simply too large to control. “We used to think we could win,” he said. “Now, we’re just trying to minimise the damage.” The question is whether governments are prepared to invest in the resources needed to adapt—or whether firefighters will continue to bear the burden of impossible choices.