France approves aid-in-dying law with strict conditions

The Haaland phenomenon in Peruvian civil registries

The impact of the 2026 World Cup is not only measured in goals. In Peru, at least 559 babies were registered with a name inspired by Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. This was reported by the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec).

Of that total, 468 infantrymen were simply given “Haaland” as a name, while another 91 were registered as “Erling Haaland.” The figure could increase, since birth records are still open.

According to Reniec, the phenomenon gained strength after Haaland’s double in the round of 16 against Brazil. That 2-1 allowed Norway’s historic qualification to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

But Haaland is not the only footballer who inspires Peruvian parents. Reniec explained that in the country there are already 3,402 people named Messi, 1,185 with the name Cristiano Ronaldo and 1,241 registered as Yamal, in reference to the Argentine star, the Portuguese and the Spanish attacker.

The absolute record, however, is held by the Brazilian Neymar: almost 34 thousand Peruvians have that name on their identity document.

Mexico formalized its support for the neutrality protocol of the Panama Canal, an interoceanic waterway that the Panamanian government seeks to shield against global tensions. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the decision after meeting with her counterpart José Raúl Mulino at the headquarters of the Panamanian Executive.

Support for Panamanian sovereignty

Sheinbaum stated that he shares with Mulino the conviction that current challenges are faced with collaboration and strengthening the sovereignties and institutions of each country. The neutrality protocol is part of the treaties signed in 1977 by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos. There, the transfer of the canal to Panama was agreed in December 1999, after more than 80 years of US control.

At least 40 countries have joined the protocol. This establishes that the canal will remain safe and open for the peaceful transit of ships of all nations, both in peace and war, and that it will not be the target of reprisals in any armed conflict.

Wider cooperation

In addition to supporting the channel, Sheinbaum and Mulino agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, agribusiness, security, tourism, investments and infrastructure. Mulino thanked the support for Panamanian sovereignty and described the canal as a “neutral tool of world trade.” He also urged other countries in the region to join the protocol.

Last April, Mulino expressed concern about the increase in detentions of Panamanian ships in Chinese ports, and noted that Panama was left in the middle of tensions between the United States and China.

Strategic importance

The 82-kilometer Panama Canal connects the Atlantic with the Pacific. Approximately 14,000 ships transit through it a year, making it a vital infrastructure for international trade. In light of the conflict in the Middle East and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the canal has gained greater relevance as a safe route for global maritime cargo.

After two days of US-brokered talks in Rome, Lebanon and Israel moved toward implementing pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces would withdraw and hand over control to the Lebanese army. This was reported on Wednesday by the US State Department.

What was agreed?

The most recent war between Israel and Hezbollah broke out when the Lebanese group launched rockets into Israeli territory days after Tel Aviv and Washington began their conflict against Iran on February 28. Since then, Israel has occupied a wide swath of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah opposes direct negotiations.

The State Department statement called the talks “productive” and noted that the parties “agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zones process, which will be finalized and implemented in the coming days.” So far, neither Lebanon nor Israel have officially declared the result.

Pilot zones and controversy

Both countries signed a “framework agreement” on June 26, which outlines the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and steps towards a future peace agreement. The plan would begin with two pilot zones where the Israeli army would cede control to the Lebanese, which would clear those areas of Hezbollah presence. However, implementation had stalled.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun — who will visit Washington on July 21 — instructed his delegation in Rome “to demand the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the two pilot zones before any further discussions.”

The zones generated controversy because Israeli troops were not present in much of the selected area, which questioned how a withdrawal could occur. The Lebanese army was seeking larger areas that included more occupied territory.

The State Department indicated that after implementing the pilot zones, it will move on to “expanded technical talks… with the goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon.”

Reactions

Hezbollah and Iran had attempted to link the end of the Lebanese conflict to broader talks between the US and Iran. The Lebanese government sought to separate both paths to negotiate a direct ceasefire with Israel. The armed group has declared that it will not abide by the agreement or disarm. Israeli officials, for their part, plan a prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon.

In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said he wants to see Israel withdraw from Lebanon and southern Syria, or “reposition” its forces.

“Southern Syria and parts of Lebanon, yes, it would be good to get out, I think, and I think you could see things calm down a little bit,” Trump said, adding: “We have to focus our energy on the big leagues. The big leagues are Iran.”

Trump also repeated his proposal that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa send forces to Lebanon to “deal with” Hezbollah. Al-Sharaa has said that Syria wants to stay out of the regional war and will not intervene militarily in Lebanon.