Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appoints aide as PLO deputy

According to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed a close aide to the position of vice president.

Wasel Abu Yousef, a member of the PLO’s Executive Committee, announced on Saturday that Hussein al-Sheikh had been appointed “deputy]vice president] of the PLO leadership.

Earlier this week, Abbas, 89, took over as vice president of Ramallah’s 32nd session.

According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, Abbas reiterated his commitment to starting a “comprehensive national dialogue” that seeks to “align all Palestinian factions to achieve reconciliation and strengthen national unity.”

Abbas also provided an update on “upcoming political initiatives aimed at halting the Gaza Strip’s ongoing genocide and Israeli aggression.”

In addition to these, WAFA recommends ensuring the prompt arrival of humanitarian and medical aid, full Palestinian control of Gaza, and calling for the enclave’s total Israeli withdrawal as “a step toward launching a political process to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The appointment comes as Arab and Western powers consider the Palestinian Authority (PA) to play a bigger role in post-war governance in the Gaza Strip.

The PLO, which was established in 1964, is in charge of negotiating and signing international agreements with the Palestinian people, while the PA is in charge of governing the occupied Palestinian territory.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are not included in the PLO, which is a group under one umbrella organization.

Sheikh, 64, is a former leader of Abbas’s Fatah movement, which is regarded as close to the president.

Sheikh is “in charge of security coordination with the Israeli occupation,” according to Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst.

Sheikh has endured “groomed for the past 18 years” due to the tensions between Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority, and Israel, Bishara continued.

Israel has greater faith in him than it does in Abbas himself. And Abbas has been the Palestinian Authority’s ultimate pragmatic/moderate leader, much to the liking of the US and the EU, even if he and his cohorts, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Because of the numerous demands the Palestinian situation has, analyst Aref Jaffal claimed the new position was created to allow someone to succeed Abbas.

According to Jaffal, director of the Al-Marsad Election Monitoring Center, “the Palestinian political system is already miserable,” adding that all these arrangements are a step toward creating an Abbas-like leader.

Louise Redknapp reveals fate of Eternal reunion after bandmates outspoken views

Although Louise Redknapp and Easther and Vernie Bennett were actors in Eternal, a 2024 reunion was postponed because two of the singers had controversial opinions.

Louise Redknapp has dismissed the idea of an Eternal reunion(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

After some of her former bandmates made controversial remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, Louise Redknapp has decided against reuniting with her Eternal bandmates. Along with Easther and Vernie Bennett, Louise was a member of the original Eternal lineup.

After Louise introduced the sister to her friend Kéllé Bryan, the trio quickly enjoyed huge success, with hits like Stay, Someday, and I Wanna Be the Only One, which became the chart-topper. In 1995, Louise, a 50-year-old woman, left the group and began to make music as a solo artist.

It was in 2024 that Easther, Vernie, and Kéllé decided to make a full reunion while Easther, Vernie, and Kéllé remained as Eternal on and off throughout the years. Easther and Vernie’s comments about the transgender community, however, caused a stir.

This caused Louise and Kéllé to withdraw from their plans, which is believed to have caused a group rift that may never be resolved. Vernie and Easther have continued to perform as Eternal and have chosen Christel Lakhdar as a singer-cross between them. However, Louise has made it clear that Kéllé and she will never make another appearance.

The Naked singer stated in an interview with NME that she doesn’t make any judgments about other people’s opinions, but they should also be aware that I don’t want to be told what I should and shouldn’t be able to do. I’ve performed at Prides and Mighty Hooplas throughout my career, and I can’t say enough about how fortunate I am to have found myself with that support.

Louise Redknapp has dismissed the idea of an Eternal reunion
She was in the group alongside Easther Bennett, Vernie Bennett and Kéllé Bryan(Image: Getty Images)
Continue reading the article.

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She continued, “These are shows and events that I enjoy and causes I will always continue to support, and I respect everyone’s choices. I was happy to stand firm on my choices and opinions.” It was really that easy.

She continued, “There was no big fallout; it was just, “That doesn’t work for me, I respect your position on it – but it isn’t mine.” I’m proud to have fought for the LGBTQ+ community and want to do so forever.

Louise appeared to have a nail in the coffin when asked if the original lineup could ever be improved. There is no ill will, she declared. I’m honored that Easther and Vernie Bennett, two incredible singers, collaborated to create the music they did. We have different fundamental beliefs, and I don’t see Eternal ever reuniting, but I sincerely wish them the best of luck on their journey.

Louise’s memories weren’t just bad ones, though; she also recalled some positive moments from the group. She recalled selling numerous records and receiving praise from the biggest names in music.

You can’t dispute that Eternal sold 1.5 million records in its first year, regardless of whether listeners’ musical preferences were rock or indie. People forget that the live vocal performance was a part of our performance.

“We weren’t dancing onstage to a backing tape. Whitney Houston was a fan of ours, and Luther Vandross rang us up when we were in the studio, saying ‘I love this new track girls – you’ve done a great job!’, which was weird.”

Continue reading the article.

Next month, Louise will unleash her fifth studio album as a solo singer. Titled Confessions, the record sees her co-writing and collaborating with big hit producers including Little Mix collaborator MNEK and Rachel Steven’s co-writer Hannah Robinson.

She gushed, “Walking into the studio with some of the biggest songwriters in the UK at the moment, you feel, “Am I good enough? ” when she spoke with Attitude magazine back in February. Then you can say, “Yes, I’m actually really good.” It’s assisting you.

Danny Dyer issues two-word ‘dig’ over children and says ‘I don’t want to die rich’

The EastEnders actor revealed in a recent podcast episode that he had flown first-class to Dubai on flights that cost him an “eight grand a seat.”

The EastEnders star shared insights into a holiday to Dubai(Image: Getty Images)

Danny Dyer has openly stated his opinions on money, admitting that he doesn’t “wanna die rich” and calling his children “privilege t***s.”

On an episode of Live and Let Dyers, the EastEnders actor divulged details about a lavish Dubai getaway, revealing he splurged on first-class Emirates tickets at a staggering “eight grand a seat”.

During a conversation with his daughter, Dani Dyer, Danny inquired if she had ever experienced such luxury. She admitted to flying business class, which she found “enough” and saw no need to “do” first.

He acknowledged that “you probably don’t,” but he explained that because of his excitement, “why not s***k it” because he made money. Then he discussed how “some wealthy people” choose to have their children travel less lavishly.

Danny revealed that he'd flown first-class to Dubai
Danny revealed that he’d flown first-class to Dubai(Image: Getty Images)

Danny remarked: “And what I realised is that what some rich people do – and I suppose I’m a rich person now – is that they would put their self and their wife in first-class and chuck their kids in business or f*****g in economy.”

Continue reading the article.

Dani argued that while placing kids in business class is acceptable, it is “bit naughty” to put them in economy. “Well, I treated my children with their f*g first-class seats because I do, the privileged t***s that they are,” said Danny.

He enthused about the first-class experience with Emirates, where passengers get their own room, and recounted how he and his wife, Joanne Mas, indulged in a buffet with “beautiful food” in the lounge.

Danny jokingly remarked, “Oh yeah, absolute f*ck snobby c***s that we are,” as he openly admitted during his first flight, that “what have you become”?

He responded, “Well, I don’t know,” with a sincere stance on wealth. What makes you a good worker? To use money, we must earn it. I don’t want to be wealthy.

The EastEnders star shared insights into a holiday to Dubai
Danny said the flights cost him an eye-watering “eight grand a seat” (Image: Getty Images)

The 47-year-old father of two daughters, Sunnie and Dani, and a son, Arty, was recently put in the hot seat on a new ITV series called The Assembly. The show features autistic, neurodivergent, or learning-disabled individuals posing challenging questions to celebrities.

Danny was asked how classy it was to enroll his son in a private school during his appearance. He stated that despite being “proud” of his roots, he didn’t want to live in a place where “helicopters are going over my house.”

He went on to note that when you have children, you “want to give them everything”, but it sometimes “backfires” as they don’t become “street-wise”.

He continued, “I walked everywhere or I had to get a bus,” referring to his own upbringing. My kids, I don’t believe they ever went on a f***ing bus. They don’t, don’t they? because a Bentley drives them door-to-door.

Continue reading the article.

‘Never a Hearts manager’ – Critchley sacked after six months

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Six months after his appointment, which included a 1-0 home loss to Dundee, Neil Critchley was fired as the Hearts head coach.

In October, the club, which was at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, welcomed the former Blackpool boss back to Tynecastle.

The 46-year-old has led Hearts 11 points clear of the top six in the division, but he was criticized for not achieving that feat.

Last weekend saw another disappointment, with Aberdeen losing in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Critchley was in charge for 35 games, winning 14 and losing 14 overall, but he was determined to change the situation after the defeat to Dundee.

He told BBC Scotland, “I get the frustration when we don’t score at home and get beat.” “I’m at ease with [the expectation].”

I think I’m the one who can rescue us from this predicament and advance the club.”

With only four league games to go, the Edinburgh side are currently eighth, five points clear of the relegation play-off spot, and eight games left.

Board panicked, but Critchley never got the best of Hearts.

Michael Stewart, a former Hearts midfielder, appears on Sportscene.

The club is in a “panic.” They are undoubtedly concerned about being dragged into the relegation play-off spot.

“I’m not surprised,” she said. I feel a great deal of sympathy for Neil Critchley. He was never a Hearts manager, but he is a nice guy who is obviously knowledgeable about football.

Who is making these appointments is a bigger issue for me, they say. Since Ann Budge took the club out of administration, Critchley is the club’s seventh appointment, and the results have not been very good.

Nobody associated with Hearts, including Neil Critchley, is known to have thought, “Oh, that’s a good appointment.”

The board basically disregarded themselves from any responsibility for this and handed the matter to Jamestown Analytics. You can’t just take a step back and assume full responsibility for someone else.

Jamestown Analytics was touted as the tool that could help Hearts challenge for the title, but they haven’t been able to find a manager capable of living up to that title, which undermines it.

It’s not rocket science, I believe. Far too frequently, it seems like they try to be too smart and do things differently than they actually do.

Have your opinion expressed

What do you think about Hearts’ decision to fire Critchley?

What should the club do at this point?

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Britain’s Got Talent hit with more issues as Ant and Dec announce major change

Within the first 40 minutes, there were two chaos-infested semi-finals for Britain’s Got Talent Live. Teddy Magic’s performance fell apart after the opening act due to technical difficulties.

The Blackouts, a LED dance group, were scheduled to perform on the stage during the semi-finals, but Ant and Dec revealed that the performance was having technical issues. Ant and Dec then had to wait until the Blackouts’ start time before the delay was realized.

One irritated fan tweeted, “Another stop in the show due to technical issues now,” while another wrote, “Too many technical issues, Simon looks furious #BGT”.

The long-running ITV show lost its first live semi-final of the season to a disaster, which caused some confusion for viewers because semi-finals appear to take place over the course of several weeks rather than just the grand final. Teddy, an eight-year-old magician, was scheduled to perform the second act of the night.

The first 2025 live semi-final (ITV) was thrown into chaos by technical issues and nerves.

The judges’ panel of judges, including hostesses Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, turned serious as they addressed the audience and live studio audience while Simon Cowell, Alisha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Bruno Tonioli were seated. The youngster previously won the judges’ attention when he demonstrated telepathy skills by popping champagne bottles without touching them in a previous audition.

However, Ant and Dec revealed on Saturday night that he needed to give himself some more time to get ready before performing on stage. Quickly moving on, the performance was thrown into further chaos when technical issues prevented the Blackouts from performing their own dance act. For the first live semi-final of the season, head judge Simon showed off furious as the two acts created problems.

However, many viewers expressed their hope on social media after it was revealed that Teddy was struggling with the demands of performing live. On X, someone wrote, “I hope Teddy is alright. Ant & Dec once more demonstrate their skill by bridging the void and keeping the audience engaged when things don’t go according to plan.

Teddy Magic withdrew from the first semi-final of Britain's Got Talent 2025
Teddy Magic opted out of the first semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 (ITV).

Another typed, “Poor lad,” He must be under a lot of stress. His techniques aren’t yet ready. Come on, lad. We are all supporting you, ” ” After their technical issues were resolved, The Blackouts were met with enthusiastic applause and even received an Amanda live show golden buzzer, which led them to the grand final.

Some viewers were offended by the introduction of a golden buzzer, but others believed it might result in a grand finale dominated by the judges’ choice of golden buzzers rather than the contestants who had been voted in by viewers. After each act took the stage, home viewers complained that the live audience screamed at the judges to leave the stage uncontrollably loud.

Many people criticized the new twist on X. One person wrote, “The audience won’t stop watching #bgt because the golden buzzer in the semi-finals is already wreaking havoc.” Another person questioned, “Will this audience shut down #BGT?”

During the live semi-final rounds, the inclusion of a golden buzzer drew the attention of many viewers. What a joke, according to one person, “#BGT so basically the judges could just pick the finalists and forget about the semis.”

Another phrase was written as “No live show golden buzzer necessary. What if she completely presses it? #BGT”. Another wailing: “#BGT is so the judges can fix it”!

Others took to social media to blast the format of numerous semi-final shows that lasted for more than a month. One person complained, “Second of the Semi Final episodes #BGT are on every Saturday for the next 6 weeks.”

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Five points separate five teams – who will prosper in race for Europe?

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With goals from Alexander Isak, Dan Burn, and Will Osula, Newcastle moved up to third place in the Premier League with a comfortable win over Ipswich Town on Saturday.

They moved past Manchester City, who earlier won 2-0 against fellow top-five contenders Aston Villa earlier in the week.

Chelsea moved up to fifth place after a crucial 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, just two points clear of Newcastle and tied with Nottingham Forest, who are still undefeated.

Only five points separate Villa, in seventh place, from third-placed Newcastle in the English top flight, according to the most recent set of results.

The race for Europe is still tense as the season nears its final weeks as the top five of the Premier League are guaranteed a spot in the Champions League next term.

Villa reached the quarter-finals this year, losing to Paris St-Germain, while Forest have twice won the European Cup, but haven’t played in Europe’s premier competition since 1980.

Things may change in the coming weeks as a minimum of eight Premier League teams, up from the usual seven, are up for grabs in Europe.

This leaves Crystal Palace, who are 12th, in contention for a place in Europe both if they win the FA Cup and through the league.

The Premier League table. 1 Liverpool - 79 points 2 Arsenal 67 3 Newcastle 62 4 Manchester City 61 5 Chelsea 60 6 Nottingham Forest 60 7 Aston Villa 57 8 Fulham 51 9 Brighton 51 10 Bournemouth 49 11 Brentford 46 12 Crystal Palace 45 13 Wolves 41 14 Everton 38 15 Man Utd 38 16 Tottenham 37 17 West Ham 36 18 Ipswich 21 19 Leicester 18 20 Southampton 11BBC Sport

Who is still up for grabs by the contenders?

Tottenham (H), Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Brighton (A), and Crystal Palace (H) are at the top of the league.

Arsenal: Southampton (A), Liverpool (A), Newcastle (H), and Bournemouth (H).

Newcastle: Chelsea (H), Arsenal (H), Everton (H), and Brighton (A).

Nottingham Forest includes Chelsea (H), West Ham (H), Crystal Palace (H), and Brentford (H).

Wolves (H), Southampton (A), Bournemouth (H), and Fulham (A) are Manchester City.

Chelsea: Everton (H), Liverpool (H), Newcastle (A), Manchester United (H), and Nottingham Forest (A).

Fulham (H), Bournemouth (A), Tottenham (H), and Manchester United (A) are Aston Villa.

Manchester United (H), Arsenal (H), Aston Villa (H), Manchester City (H), and Leicester (H) are the following:

Fulham: Everton (H), Brentford (H), Manchester City (H), Aston Villa (A), and Everton (H).

Brighton: Wolves (A), Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A), and Newcastle (H).

Brentford: Manchester United (H), Fulham (H), Ipswich (A), Fulham (H), and Wolves (A).

How many teams could be considered for the Champions League?

Eight to eleven Premier League teams will travel to Europe next season, depending on how things turn out this year.

Due to England’s performance in Uefa’s coefficient rankings, at least five of those will be in the Champions League, which is higher than the usual four.

Graphic showing how many teams could finish in the Champions League

How many teams could be eligible for the Europa League?

Three Premier League teams are allowed to compete in the Europa League.

The FA Cup winners and the team that finishes sixth are likely to take second place.

However, if the cup winners have already secured a place in Europe, they will move on to the next highest-placed team that has not yet qualified for the continent.

A graphic showing there will be a third Europa League spot awarded if Chelsea win the Conference League and fail to qualify for the Champions League

The Conference League, how about it?

A Premier League team will receive one Conference League spot.

Newcastle, the champions of the Carabao Cup, will be in charge of that, but Eddie Howe’s side might change that. Champions League or Europa League qualifying might change that.

That seems likely given that Newcastle currently leads the pack.

How could there be 11 English football teams in Europe?

Although it is highly unlikely, this could occur.

Arsenal, Manchester United, or Tottenham would need to win the Champions League, and Chelsea would need to take the Conference League title, with all three winners having to finish outside the top six.

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