Heathrow Airport defended its response to a fire that shut it down for nearly a day, despite claims it had enough power to remain operational. The fire at one of three substations led to over 1,300 flight cancellations, affecting 200,000 passengers and costing airlines millions. The airport resumed full operations after 18 hours. The incident raised concerns about the resilience of Britain’s energy infrastructure, prompting a government probe. Initial counterterrorism investigations found no foul play, and the focus is now on the substation’s electrical equipment. National Grid’s CEO suggested the airport had sufficient power from other sources. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 9:30 pm
U.S. and Russian officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, following productive talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. Despite ongoing negotiations, cross-border attacks continue, with Russian airstrikes injuring civilians in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The U.S., led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, aims for a fast ceasefire, while Ukraine seeks a “just and lasting peace.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov anticipates challenging negotiations. Noah Prescott 24/03/2025 9:30 pm
A senior Hamas official, Ismail Barhoum, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. The IDF stated the strike targeted a key Hamas figure operating inside the hospital. The attack, which hit the surgical wing, injured many, including medical staff, and caused significant damage, leading to an evacuation. Israel claims Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes, a charge Hamas denies. The strike is part of Israel’s renewed campaign in Gaza following the end of a ceasefire. Ava Sinclair 24/03/2025 6:00 pm
Turkish authorities detained several journalists amid protests over Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu’s imprisonment, seen as a political move against President Erdogan’s rival. Imamoglu’s arrest on corruption charges sparked Turkey’s largest protests in a decade, raising democracy concerns. The Disk-Basin-Is union reported at least eight journalists detained, calling it an attack on press freedom. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated 1,133 people were detained, with some linked to terrorist groups. Imamoglu denies charges, which include running a criminal organization and bid-rigging. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 2:30 pm
An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser hospital killed five, including Hamas leader Ismail Barhoum, targeting him as a key figure. Israel claimed precise munitions were used to minimize harm. Hamas’s al-Aqsa TV reported Barhoum was being treated for previous wounds. Israel accused Hamas of embedding personnel in civilian sites, which Hamas denies. The attack marks an escalation after a ceasefire collapse, with another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, also killed. Eleven of Hamas’s 19-member political office have died since the war’s start in late 2023. Ava Sinclair 24/03/2025 2:30 pm
Israel is planning a potential major ground offensive in Gaza, involving tens of thousands of troops, to clear and occupy large areas, pressuring Hamas to release hostages. This scenario is among several options as Israel escalates attacks. Efforts by Egypt and Qatar to revive a ceasefire have intensified, with leaks about the offensive seen as pressure tactics. Israeli forces may occupy Gaza to prevent Hamas’s resurgence, potentially involving 50,000 troops. The government aims to bring Hamas back to negotiations on Israel’s terms. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 2:30 pm
Israel is considering a new ground campaign in Gaza, potentially involving a military occupation, following a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Plans may include direct control of humanitarian aid, targeting Hamas’s civilian leadership, and creating “humanitarian bubbles” for noncombatants. This escalation could require up to five army divisions and marks a shift from previous strategies. The operation aims to eradicate Hamas after their October 2023 attack on Israel. Changes in U.S. administration and Israeli defense leadership have eased previous constraints on military actions. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 11:00 am
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was reinstated as acting president of South Korea after the Constitutional Court overturned his impeachment. This decision, however, did not stabilize the country’s political climate, which remains turbulent. Han initially became acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was suspended over a failed martial law attempt. The court’s pending decision on Yoon’s fate is highly anticipated, as it could lead to either his reinstatement or a new presidential election within 60 days, amid a deeply divided nation. Ava Sinclair 24/03/2025 11:00 am
Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President JD Vance, will visit Greenland with a US delegation amid President Trump’s push for US annexation of the territory. The delegation, including national security adviser Mike Waltz and energy secretary Chris Wright, will tour sites and attend events. Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede criticized the visit as a “provocation.” Greenland and Denmark oppose annexation, emphasizing sovereignty. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concerns, advocating for cooperation based on sovereignty. Greenland’s strategic location and resources are of interest to the US. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 11:00 am
In Tokyo, Japan, South Korea, and China held talks to deepen trade ties and reaffirm their commitment to a denuclearized Korean peninsula amid US tariffs and North Korea’s military actions. The nations emphasized shared responsibility for peace on the peninsula. While Seoul and Tokyo typically take a firmer stance against North Korea, China remains a key ally to Pyongyang. The discussions are significant due to the evolving US position. Concurrently, US Senator Steve Daines visited Beijing to address strained trade relations with Chinese officials. Penelope Kingsley 24/03/2025 7:30 am
