Herald section
The latest reporting from across the Belfast Herald news desks.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 31 July 2025 to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test in all public schools nationwide. The measure was announced in the White House Roosevelt Room.
Sue Gray has been appointed to the senate of Queen's University Belfast, a role within the university's governing body. She will serve as a pro-chancellor and participate in leadership and ceremonial duties.
At least 71 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded while attempting to access humanitarian aid in Gaza, according to reports from the region.
Five South Sudanese soldiers, one Ugandan soldier, and one civilian were killed in fighting between Ugandan and South Sudanese forces in Yumbe District, Uganda, following a South Sudanese military presence in disputed territory. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire to allow an investigation into the incident.
Attendees of a UN conference issued a declaration supporting a 15-month transition to a demilitarized, fully sovereign Palestinian state under Palestinian Authority governance with UN peacekeeping support. The declaration calls on Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and disarm.
The Netherlands has banned far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing their roles in Israel's military campaign in Gaza and support for settlement expansion.
Israel has initiated humanitarian aid drops and established corridors for aid convoys into Gaza, following international pressure over food access. The move coincides with reports of malnutrition-related deaths and a partial resumption of power supplies.
The World Food Programme reports 90,000 women and children in Gaza require urgent medical treatment due to severe malnutrition and lack of food. The crisis persists amid blocked aid and dangerous distribution systems.
