Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza protested against Hamas, demanding the group leave and labeling it a terrorist organization. Demonstrations occurred in Beit Lahia and Khan Younis, marking the largest protests since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. The attack led to a 17-month conflict, with Israel’s response reportedly killing around 50,000 Palestinians. Supporters of Hamas dismissed the protests. Meanwhile, Israel paused aid to Gaza, and the UN warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis due to the lack of food, water, and medicine. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 8:30 am
Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal, recently awarded an Oscar for “No Other Land,” was released by Israeli forces after being detained following a West Bank confrontation. Ballal and others were accused of stone-throwing, which they denied, claiming they were attacked by settlers. His detention sparked backlash, with a Change.org petition and support from filmmakers like Roger Ross Williams and Alex Gibney, citing threats to artistic freedom. The International Documentary Association and actor Mark Ruffalo also condemned the detention, emphasizing its impact on artistic expression and human rights. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 5:00 am
Turkey’s opposition leader, Ozgur Ozel, visited jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu amid ongoing protests demanding his release. Ozel, leading the Republican People’s Party (CHP), declared the protests would officially end but hinted they might continue in other forms. The protests, sparked by corruption charges against Imamoglu, have reportedly influenced President Erdogan’s behavior. Imamoglu, a significant opposition figure, poses a threat to Erdogan’s long rule. Speculation arises that the government aims to sideline Imamoglu for an early election. Erdogan dismissed the protests as “street terror.” Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 5:00 am
An Israeli strike in southwestern Syria killed at least six people, with clashes between Israeli troops and local residents reported. The Syrian Foreign Ministry claimed the victims were civilians, while a war monitor reported seven deaths. Israeli forces responded to gunfire with a drone attack and tank rounds. The Syrian government condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty. Clashes erupted as Israeli forces attempted to enter the village, prompting residents to flee. Israel maintains control over a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone, citing security concerns and protection of the Druze minority. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 5:00 am
Hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza protested against Hamas, demanding an end to the war with Israel. This marks the largest protest against Hamas since the 7 October attacks. Demonstrators in Beit Lahia chanted anti-Hamas slogans and carried banners like “Stop the war” and “We want to live in peace.” The protest, organized via social media, saw Hamas security forces attempting to disperse it. Similar protests occurred in Jabalia, with residents expressing exhaustion from ongoing conflict. The movement echoes the 2019 Bidna N’eesh protests. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 1:30 am
Pope Francis faced a severe breathing crisis on February 28, prompting his medical team to consider suspending treatment. Instead, they opted for aggressive measures, risking organ damage. Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that the 88-year-old pontiff and his close aides understood the gravity of the situation. Despite the risks, the treatment improved his lung infection. Released after 38 days, Francis must avoid large gatherings for two months. It’s uncertain if he will meet King Charles III or participate in Holy Week activities. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 1:30 am
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 23 Palestinians, escalating a renewed offensive against Hamas after a two-month ceasefire ended. Nearly 700 people, mostly women and children, have died since the campaign resumed. Israel expanded evacuation orders, affecting towns like Jabalia and Khan Younis, amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to pressure Hamas to release 59 hostages. Hamas, accusing Israel of abandoning the ceasefire, is engaging in mediation efforts with Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., but no breakthrough has been reported. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 1:30 am
Wildfires in South Korea’s southern regions have killed at least 18 people and injured 19 amid dry weather and strong winds. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the damage as “unprecedented” and urged agencies to prepare for the worst. Fires have burned over 17,400 hectares, destroyed hundreds of structures, and forced over 5,500 evacuations. Despite efforts by nearly 9,000 firefighters, strong winds have hindered containment. The Uiseong fire, only 68% contained, destroyed a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple. Climate change is expected to increase wildfire frequency, experts warn. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 1:30 am
Barrel bombs with flammable liquids have been used in South Sudan airstrikes, escalating violence and risking a return to civil war, according to the UN. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission, reported significant casualties and burns following clashes between the army and the White Army militia in Upper Nile State. The conflict threatens to undo progress since the 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Allegations of chemical bombardments have emerged, but the government has not responded. Ethnic tensions and sporadic violence continue to strain the peace. Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 10:00 pm
Press freedom organizations condemned the killing of journalists Hossam Shabat and Mohammed Mansour in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. Shabat, an Al Jazeera correspondent, was killed in Beit Lahiya, while Mansour, from Palestine Today, died with his family in Khan Younis. The Committee to Protect Journalists urged international action to protect journalists. The IDF claimed both were affiliated with Hamas, labeling them terrorists, a claim denied by Al Jazeera and Shabat. The IDF had previously accused Shabat of ties to militant groups, which he refuted. Noah Prescott 25/03/2025 10:00 pm
