PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, July 9: In Gaza, despite the ceasefire, civilians continue to die – many of them children. Next, newspapers examine whether Ukraine can realistically manufacture Patriot missiles. Also, new research sheds light on the impact of war on wildlife. And finally, Gen Z is changing the narrative around hangovers... La Croix reports that, in Gaza, around 1,050 Palestinians have been killed since the so-called ceasefire on 10 October. According to the UN, 28% of the victims are children – an average of one young Gazan every day. The newspaper argues that the people of Gaza are "disappearing from our radar", largely because of the media restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, Le Monde highlights the plight of those who survive, many of them left with life-changing injuries. Citing the World Health Organisation, it notes that Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, and examines the challenges they face during recovery. Turning to Ukraine, US President Donald Trump's announcement that he will allow the country to manufacture Patriot missiles has prompted surprise. Le Monde describes it as “a promise with vague outlines”, pointing out that only Japan and Germany currently have permission to manufacture the missiles outside the United States. It also notes that it is likely to take years before Ukraine could produce them domestically. That assessment is echoed by The New York Times, which explains that Patriot systems are highly complex and time-consuming to manufacture. It adds that Trump's announcement did not follow the usual formal process and that none of the American companies involved had been informed in advance. Even if production does begin, any new manufacturing sites in Ukraine would become obvious targets for Russian attacks. Meanwhile, Russia continues to rely on North Korean support. The Kyiv Post, citing Ukrainian military intelligence, reports that North Korea now supplies between 25% and 40% of Russia's artillery ammunition. Alongside those supplies, Moscow is also seeking recruits from abroad to offset a shortage of volunteers. According to an NGO report cited by La Croix, more than 350 Egyptians have been recruited by the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, many of them young people lured by offers of scholarships. New research has also shed light on the impact of the war on wildlife in Chornobyl. The New York Times reports that although the Russian occupation lasted just over a month, it triggered significant changes in the behaviour of wild animals, with some fleeing the area and others retreating deeper into the forest. Researchers say the findings provide a rare glimpse into the ecological effects of armed conflict as it unfolds. Finally, Gen Z is romanticising hangovers on social media. According to The Guardian, the trend is a “cheeky rebuttal” to the culture of body optimisation, fitness, dieting and the wider wellness movement. You can catch our press review every morning on FRANCE 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.
