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Iceland is witnessing spectacular scenes of orange and gold as a volcano erupts in the southwest of the country.

Semi-molten rock has been spewing into air from a crack around 2.5 miles long near the fishing town of Grindavik.

Locals were evacuated in November after thousands of small earthquakes were recorded, raising the likelihood of an eruption.

It finally burst into life on Monday night.

Here are some of the most striking images and video so far.

A volcano spews Lava and smoke as it erupts, north of Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, obtained by Reuters on December 19, 2023. Icelandic Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT
Scientist of the University of Iceland take measurements and samples standing on the ridge in front of the active part of the eruptive fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Scientists are taking measurements and samples. Pic: AP

A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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The southern segment of the fissure. Pic: AP

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Chopper flies over volcano

Despite the fiery images, experts say the volcanic activity is becoming less intense compared with the initial eruption on Monday.

Forecasters have warned gas pollution could hit the Icelandic capital – but so far there’s no disruption to air travel.

A 2010 eruption at another Icelandic volcano caused thousands of flights to be cancelled or delayed.

Iceland‘s government has insisted “the eruption does not present a threat to life”.

A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, December 18, 2023. Civil Protection of Iceland/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT
A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Pic: AP

A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Pic: AP

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Iceland eruption caught on camera

Grindavik residents have been out of their homes for a month and now definitely won’t be allowed back for Christmas, its mayor has confirmed.

One resident, Hans Vera, described his home near the sea as idyllic but said he and others now faced a “waiting game”.

“We are not going to paradise this time around,” he said.

It’s unclear how long the volcanic activity in Iceland – known as the ‘land of fire and ice’ – will last for. It could simmer down in days, but may rumble on for months.

Read more:
Is it still safe to go to Iceland?
What’s happening under the surface?

A close up of the Southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Pic: AP

A close up of the Northern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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The northern segment of the fissure. Pic: AP

The police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavik with the eruption in the background, near Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. A volcanic eruption started Monday night on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, turning the sky orange and prompting the country's civil defense to be on high alert. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Pic: AP

People watch as the night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano in Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Di Marco)
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Pic: AP

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In depth: Iceland’s volcanic eruption

Passengers on a plane from Manchester early on Tuesday morning got a stunning view of the eruption – and many swapped seats to allow others a look.

Traveller Sophie Molloy said some passengers were anxious when they landed and asked to be allowed off quickly.

She said there was a distinctive smell of sulphur in the air when the doors opened.

Below are some photos taken from the delayed Manchester flight early this morning over Iceland.
Passengers on the right hand side of the plane saw the eruption and many swapped seats to allow others a look.
Some passengers did request to leave the aircraft as they were anxious. When the doors were disarmed to allow this, there was a distinct sulphuric scent.

Pic: Sophie Molloy
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Pic: Sophie Molloy

Iceland volcano from plane. Pic: Sophie Molloy
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Pic: Sophie Molloy


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Israel says it will screen October 7 attacks to Greta Thunberg and other activists after Gaza-bound aid boat ‘diverted’

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Israel says it will screen October 7 attacks to Greta Thunberg and other activists after Gaza-bound aid boat 'diverted'

The Israeli military will show Greta Thunberg and other activists footage of the 7 October attacks after a Gaza-bound aid boat was diverted to Israel, the country’s foreign minister has said.

Early on Monday, the Israeli foreign ministry said that the British-flagged yacht Madleen – operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) – “is safely making its way to the shores of Israel”.

All passengers were safe and unharmed, the ministry added, sharing footage of the activists being handed sandwiches and water.

In a statement via his spokesperson, defence minister Israel Katz said that he has instructed the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to screen footage of the 7 October attacks for those aboard when they arrive at Ashdod Port.

Greta Thunberg was "safe and in good spirits" while en route to Israel, the foreign ministry said. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry
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Greta Thunberg was ‘safe and in good spirits’ while en route to Israel, the foreign ministry said. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry

“Antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-supporting friends should see exactly what the Hamas terrorist organisation – which they came to support and act on behalf of – truly is,” he said.

“They should see the atrocities committed against women, the elderly, and children, and understand whom Israel is fighting to defend itself.”

He then added, “I commend the IDF for its swift and safe takeover” of the vessel, and said the Israeli military “will continue its just and moral fight against the Hamas murderers until their defeat, the release of all hostages, and the full restoration of Israel’s security”.

More on Greta Thunberg

Great Thunberg and other activists are given water and sandwiches. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry
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Ms Thunberg and other activists after their boat was diverted to Israel. Pic: Israel Foreign Ministry

Israel’s foreign ministry said earlier that those aboard the Madleen “are expected to return to their home countries,” and that the humanitarian aid aboard the ship would be transferred to Gaza through established channels.

Ms Thunberg was “safe and in good spirits” while en route to Israel, it added, calling the vessel “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities'”.

The FFC claimed the passengers on the yacht had been “kidnapped by Israeli forces” and released pre-recorded messages from them after previously saying that the “Israeli army had boarded” the vessel.

Climate campaigner Ms Thunberg, 22, was one of a dozen activists aboard the Madleen, which set sail from Sicily on 1 May on a mission aiming to break Israel’s sea blockade.

Greta Thunberg in a pre-recorded video, released after the Madleen was diverted to Israel. Pic: FFC
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Ms Thunberg pictured in a pre-recorded video, released after the Madleen was diverted to Israel. Pic: FFC

Greta Thunberg aboard the vessel on 2 June. Pic: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/Reuters
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The climate campaigner aboard the Madleen on 2 June. Pic: Freedom Flotilla Coalition/Reuters

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, who is of Palestinian descent, was also on the boat.

She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.

Ms Hassan wrote on X as the FFC’s yacht was allegedly surrounded by other vessels: “The crew of the Freedom Flotilla was arrested by the Israeli army in international waters around 2am.”

The diversion of the Madleen came after Mr Katz said that he had instructed the IDF to prevent the vessel from reaching the shore and to “take whatever measures necessary”.

Greta Thunberg on board the Madleen heading for Gaza
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The Madleen was heading for Gaza

Addressing Ms Thunberg and the other activists on Sunday, he said: “You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”

Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month after a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas and preventing the group from importing arms.

But humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless there is an end to the blockade and the 20-month war, which began after a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, that killed more than 1,200 people.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign.

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Why is Greta sailing to Gaza?

An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the group’s vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta.

The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship.

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Francesca Albanese, United Nations’ special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, also urged other boats to challenge the Gaza blockade.

She said on social media: “Madleen’s journey may have ended, but the mission isn’t over.

“Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza.”

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Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in ‘critical condition’ after attempted assassination – as 15-year-old suspect arrested

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Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in 'critical condition' after attempted assassination - as 15-year-old suspect arrested

A 15 year-old-boy has been arrested after a Colombian senator running to be the country’s next president was shot and “critically” injured at a campaign rally in Bogota, authorities have said.

Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, was targeted during the campaign event in a park in the Fontibon area of the Colombian capital, according to the Attorney General’s office.

He suffered two gunshot wounds when armed assailants shot him from behind and appeared to be bleeding from his head as he was helped by aides and people in the crowd, in a video posted on social media.

According to a medical report at the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, he was admitted there in a “critical condition” and is still undergoing a “neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedure”.

Opposition Senator Miguel Uribe, right, discusses a referendum proposal on labor reform, in Bogota, Colombia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Pic: AP
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Opposition senator Miguel Uribe Turbay on 13 May. Pic: AP

His wife Maria Claudia Tarazone wrote on X that he is “fighting for his life” and urged Colombians to pray for him.

She later said he survived an initial operation for the injuries.

Ms Tarazone said: “Miguel came out of surgery, he made it. Every hour is a critical hour. He fought his first battle, and it went well. This will take time.”

The hospital said Mr Uribe Turbay had procedures on his head and his left thigh, and remained in intensive care as doctors try to stabilise his condition.

Two other people were injured in the attack but the nature of their injuries has not been made public.

A suspect, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested at the scene with a firearm and is being treated for a leg injury, police chief General Carlos Triana said.

The government is offering a $730,000 (£540,000) reward for information and President Gustavo Petro said the investigation will focus on who ordered the attack.

“For now there is nothing more than hypothesis,” he said, adding that failures in security protocols would also be looked into.

People gather outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is 'sighting for his life. Pic: Reuters
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People gather outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is ‘fighting for his life’. Pic: Reuters

Mr Uribe Turbay, who announced his presidential bid for the right-wing Democratic Center Party in March, was accompanied by a team of 21 people at the time of the shooting, his office said, including councilman Andres Barrios.

He was hoping to run in the presidential elections taking place on 31 May next year – and succeed Mr Petro, the country’s first leftist leader.

His mother, who was a journalist, was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during one of the most violent periods in Colombia’s history.

Investigators inspect the scene where Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot during a campaign rally
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Forensic investigators at the scene of Mr Uribe Turbay’s shooting in Bogota. Pic: AP

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His party described it as an “unacceptable act of violence”, while US secretary of state Marco Rubio condemned it in the “strongest possible terms”.

Writing on X, Mr Rubio also urged Colombia’s current president to “dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials”.

Police outside the Medicentro hospital where Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is being treated after being shot
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Police outside the hospital where Mr Uribe Turbay is being treated. Pic: AP

Former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe, who is not related to Mr Uribe Turbay, said the gunman had “attacked the hope of the country, a great husband, son, brother, and a great colleague”.

He cancelled a planned trip to France due to the “seriousness of the events”, his office said in a statement.

Messages of support poured in from elsewhere in Latin America, with Chilean President Gabriel Boric saying: “There is no room or justification for violence in a democracy.”

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa added: “We condemn all forms of violence and intolerance.”

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Israel’s defence minister vows to stop aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza

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Israel's defence minister vows to stop aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza

Israel’s defence minister has threatened to “take whatever measures necessary” to stop an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza.

The climate campaigner, 22, is one of a dozen activists aboard the Madleen, which set sail from Sicily last Sunday on a mission aiming to break Israel‘s sea blockade.

The activists have said they plan to reach Gaza‘s territorial waters as early as Sunday to deliver humanitarian aid.

But in a post on X, Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said he has instructed the IDF to prevent the vessel reaching shore and to “take whatever measures necessary”.

Addressing Thunberg and the other activists, he said: “You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”

He wrote: “I have instructed the IDF to act so that the “Madeleine” hate flotilla does not reach the shores of Gaza – and to take any means necessary to that end.

“To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.

“Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations – at sea, in the air and on land.”

Latest known position of the vessel
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Latest known position of the vessel

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Why is Greta sailing to Gaza?

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, who is of Palestinian descent, is also on the boat, which is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

She has been barred from entering Israel because of her opposition to Israel’s policies towards Palestinians.

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Israel started allowing some basic aid into Gaza last month after a three-month total blockade aimed at pressuring Hamas and preventing the group from importing arms.

But humanitarian workers have warned of famine unless there is an end to the blockade and the 20-month war, which was ignited by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 Oct 2023.

An attempt last month by Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza by sea failed after another of the group’s vessels was attacked by two drones while sailing in international waters off Malta.

The group blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the front section of the ship.

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