German Brig. Gen. Ralf Hammerstein questions trust in Putin, reflecting European skepticism. As the U.S. seeks a Ukraine peace deal possibly favoring Moscow, Europe, especially Germany, is bolstering military capabilities. Under presumptive Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany plans significant military investment, revising its constitutional debt brake to unlock billions in funding. This shift is evident as Germany participates in NATO training exercises, emphasizing its role as a key European partner. Penelope Kingsley 23/03/2025 10:30 am
This week’s episode of “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” concluded with discussions on political gifts and international trade. Tory shadow chancellor Stride was questioned about Andrew Griffith’s acceptance of ski passes and Bafta tickets worth over £5,000 but lacked specific details to comment. The BBC is seeking Griffith’s response. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper advocated for a tougher stance against Trump and proposed tripling the digital services tax on major tech firms, arguing it wouldn’t impact smaller companies. Penelope Kingsley 23/03/2025 10:30 am
The Israeli air force struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after cross-border rocket fire, marking the most significant tension since a ceasefire. Israel’s response included artillery and tank shelling after detecting five projectiles, with three intercepted. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered robust action against terror targets, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to its sovereignty. The Lebanese military found and dismantled rocket launchers but couldn’t identify the perpetrators. Hezbollah hasn’t claimed responsibility. UNIFIL urged restraint to prevent further escalation, while Israeli Defense Minister Katz blamed Lebanon’s government. Ava Sinclair 23/03/2025 10:30 am
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested amid his nomination as the Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate, sparking nationwide protests. Seen as a key rival to President Erdogan, Imamoglu faces charges of corruption and alleged links to Kurdish militants. The opposition views his detention as politically motivated. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas criticized the legal proceedings’ lack of confidentiality. Protests erupted, with 300,000 participants clashing with police. Imamoglu’s arrest is seen as an attempt to eliminate Erdogan’s competition ahead of the 2028 elections. Penelope Kingsley 23/03/2025 10:30 am
London Heathrow’s CEO defended the airport’s response to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation, which disrupted hundreds of flights. The International Air Transport Association criticized Heathrow for a “clear planning failure.” CEO Thomas Woldbye emphasized the fire occurred outside the airport and praised staff efforts. He expressed hope that a U.K. investigation would enhance future resilience. British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stressed the need to learn from the incident. The airport began returning to normal, but delays persisted. Noah Prescott 23/03/2025 7:00 am
Sudan’s military strengthened its control over Khartoum, reclaiming key sites from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the National Intelligence Service and Central Bank. Hundreds of RSF fighters were reportedly killed. The military’s recent gains follow the retaking of the Republican Palace, marking a significant victory. Meanwhile, RSF fighters allegedly killed 45 people in Darfur. A drone attack on the palace killed two journalists and others. Former UN envoy Volker Perthes noted the military’s advances could force the RSF to retreat to Darfur. Penelope Kingsley 23/03/2025 7:00 am
A British doctor witnessed Israeli bombardment in Gaza from a hospital balcony, marking the end of a two-month ceasefire. The attacks, aimed at pressuring Hamas, resulted in 409 deaths, including 173 children and 88 women, and hundreds more injured. Nasser Hospital faced a chaotic 24 hours as torn bodies, mostly women, children, and the elderly, arrived. The surprise barrage made it one of the deadliest days in the 17-month conflict. Penelope Kingsley 23/03/2025 3:30 am
Israel’s Supreme Court temporarily halted PM Netanyahu’s dismissal of Ronen Bar as Shin Bet head, pending appeal. The decision faced criticism from government figures, with some urging non-compliance. Communications Minister Karhi claimed the court lacked jurisdiction. Israel’s Business Forum and High-Tech Headquarters threatened strikes if the ruling isn’t respected, warning of economic consequences. Forty municipality heads, including Tel Aviv’s mayor, supported the judiciary. Netanyahu insisted the government decides Shin Bet leadership, denying potential civil war. Protests erupted over Bar’s firing, amid investigations into Netanyahu aides’ alleged financial ties to Qatar. Noah Prescott 23/03/2025 12:00 am
Satellite images reveal significant damage at Russia’s Engels Air Base following a Ukrainian UAV attack on its missile storage site, with 61.7% destroyed. In the Belgorod region, Ukraine employs small assault groups to disrupt Russian defenses, including a cluster munition strike near Repyakhovka. Noah Prescott 23/03/2025 12:00 am
Protests erupted in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, seen as a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic decline. Demonstrators, including 26-year-old Azra, defied bans to protest, fearing reprisals but driven by a fight for democracy. İmamoğlu faces embezzlement and terrorism charges, which he denies, amid claims the move aims to eliminate a key challenger to President Erdoğan. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç dismissed allegations of political motives. The protests have grown beyond İmamoğlu’s detention, symbolizing a broader struggle for democracy and rights. Ava Sinclair 22/03/2025 8:30 pm
