GAZA AID – The Belgian and Luxembourg armed forces are exploring potential participation in an international humanitarian mission to airdrop aid over Gaza. The German- and Jordanian-led airlift aims to deliver essential supplies including food, water, and medicine to Gaza’s civilian population. While the airlift represents a multinational coordination effort, several international aid organisations have criticised such airdrops as largely symbolic, describing them as “a drop in the ocean” compared to Gaza’s overwhelming needs. Critics also highlight risks to civilians during airborne deliveries.
VIRTUAL CONTROL TOWER – The Luxembourg Air Traffic Controllers’ Union (GLCCA) has voiced strong opposition to government proposals for a virtual control tower at Findel Airport, accusing authorities of failing to consult with controllers who would ultimately operate the system. The union says that no major international airports currently use or plan to implement such systems, questioning the reliability of camera-based operations compared to traditional towers.
AIRPORT RUNWAY – Responding to parliamentary questions, Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes has addressed the issue of repeated structural defects on the runway at Luxembourg airport, which caused a temporary runway closure on the 13 June. According to Backes, results from technical assessments indicate that the problems stem from an earlier resurfacing period, rather than any new issue. The upper asphalt layers have separated from those underneath and Lux-Airport has introduced additional overnight inspections and repairs. A full resurfacing of the runway is not currently planned.
HOLIDAY BREAK-INS – The police have issued a warning about break-ins during the holiday season. According to the authorities, burglars are using a technique involving fine adhesive threads to determine whether residents are at home. Burglars enter apartment buildings and place these threads, which are barely visible, on the bottom corner of flat doors. If the door is opened, the threads break. But if they remain intact, it may suggest that no one has entered or left, indicating the property might be unoccupied, which in return may prompt a break-in. The police warn that if you notice such a thread on your door, you should immediately call 113.
TSUNAMI WARNING – Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska are on high alert after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Far East coast caused a tsunami. Some injuries have been reported in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and Hawaiians have been told to expect “destructive tsunami waves”. Tsunami warnings have also been issued for much of the US West Coast spanning Washington state, Oregon, and California. We will update this story as it develops.
UK PALESTINIAN STATE – The UK says it will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement one day after saying the British public are “revolted” by images of people starving in Gaza, speaking alongside US President Trump in Scotland.
FOOTBALL – Las Vegas will host the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 5 December. The expanded 48-team event is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Differdange is in the third round of the Conference League. After beating The New Saints from Wales 1-0 again in the return match at home in front of 1700 spectators. The next opponent for Differdange is Levadia from Estonia. The first match is next week on 7 August.
CYCLING – Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes won the fourth stage of the women’s Tour de France on Tuesday, outpacing her compatriot and yellow jersey-holder Marianne Vos at the end of a bunch sprint. Today will see the longest stage of the 2025 edition with a 165.8km run, complete with a slog to the finish featuring three climbs inside the final 35km.
Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar will not race in the Vuelta a Espana next month following his latest Tour de France triumph. According to his team, he will be taking a well-earned break.
SWIMMING – Katie Ledecky has won the 22nd world title of her legendary career, cruising to a dominant 1,500m freestyle gold, touching the wall in 15min 26.44sec. Meanwhile Australia’s Kaylee McKeown beat a recently dislocated shoulder, nerves and old rival Regan Smith of the United States to win the 100m backstroke gold, narrowly missing the world record. David Popovici claimed a thrilling 200m freestyle gold.
The morning should be mostly dry but there is a good chance of intermittent showers that will last throughout the day – especially in the afternoon. Low temperatures will be a little higher, 12–14°C. As the day progresses, we can expect 20–22°C – similar to yesterday.
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