Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State under Trump, faces challenges, including being overshadowed by Steve Witkoff, a close Trump ally. Despite lobbying for the role after losing the VP spot to JD Vance, Rubio finds Witkoff taking a prominent role in foreign policy, notably in the Middle East and Ukraine. Witkoff’s close relationship with Trump gives him significant influence. Meanwhile, Rubio focuses on immigration and international discussions but appears uncomfortable with some administration actions, raising questions about his influence within the Trump administration. Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 4:30 pm
Israel’s defense minister ordered the military to seize more areas in Gaza if Hamas doesn’t release all hostages. The conflict escalated after Israel broke a ceasefire, resuming bombings that killed hundreds. Israel plans intensified military actions until hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated. A US proposal for a staged hostage release with a ceasefire was mentioned, but negotiations failed. The UN warned against forced displacement, calling it ethnic cleansing. The violence resumed with Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rocket attacks. Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 4:30 pm
Hamas is reviewing a U.S. proposal to extend the Gaza ceasefire amid intensified Israeli military operations aimed at freeing Israeli hostages. The U.S. plan, presented by envoy Steve Witkoff, seeks to extend the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover for further negotiations. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that military actions would continue until Hamas releases hostages and is defeated. Despite significant losses, Hamas remains resilient. Egypt also proposed a plan involving a timeline for hostage release and Israeli withdrawal, which Hamas is considering. Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 4:30 pm
Sudan’s army has reclaimed the Presidential Palace in Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a significant victory in their ongoing conflict. Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF have battled for control, causing a severe humanitarian crisis with over 28,000 deaths and 11 million displaced. The recapture is seen as crucial for military morale and displaced people’s return. However, questions about Sudan’s governance and potential political processes remain. Despite the victory, RSF claims the battle isn’t over, maintaining a presence in Khartoum and other regions. Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 4:30 pm
In a dramatic policy reversal, Germany shifted its domestic budget policy and sought to rewrite EU fiscal rules it helped draft. While Brussels welcomed Germany’s increased investment, the push to change EU rules unsettled allies. Prompted by U.S. actions, the EU considered boosting defense spending and borrowing for rearmament. Germany planned significant military and infrastructure investments, risking EU fiscal rule violations. However, Germany’s proposal to exempt defense spending faced skepticism from EU finance ministers, leading to an unexpected setback for Berlin. Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 1:00 pm
The Heathrow disruption led to declines in European airline shares, surpassing broader stock index falls. International Airlines Group dropped 1.4%, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM both fell 1.3%, and TUI slid 1.8%. Other airlines like Wizz Air, easyJet, and Ryanair also saw declines. The disruption was caused by a fire at the North Hyde electrical substation, leading to Heathrow Airport’s closure. Ava Sinclair 21/03/2025 1:00 pm
A Ukrainian drone raid on Russia’s Engels bomber base ignited munitions, causing explosions that damaged nearby homes. This was the third attack in 10 weeks targeting the base, potentially destroying cruise missiles used against Ukraine. These raids aim to preemptively disrupt Russian attacks, similar to U.S. strategies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ukraine is increasingly targeting Russian drone factories and munitions sites due to limited air-defense resources. The failure of Russian air defenses against small drones has enabled these preemptive strikes, with a PD-1 drone possibly involved in the Engels attack. Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 9:30 am
The Sudanese army has seized full control of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum, marking a significant advance in the ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF initially captured the palace and much of the capital in April 2023, but the army has recently regained ground. The conflict, stemming from a power struggle before a planned transition to civilian rule, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Both sides face accusations of war crimes and continue to fight, with no peace talks in sight. Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 9:30 am
Heathrow Airport is closed all day Friday due to a major fire at a nearby electrical substation causing a significant power outage. The airport will remain closed until 23:59 on 21 March for safety reasons. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and to contact their airlines for updates. The fire has left thousands of homes without power, and 150 people have been evacuated. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze, with a 200-meter cordon in place. Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke. Noah Prescott 21/03/2025 6:00 am
Thousands protested outside Istanbul’s city hall against Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest, seen as a political move to eliminate him as a rival to President Erdoğan. İmamoğlu faces allegations of corruption and links to the PKK, a designated terrorist group. His detention has raised concerns over democracy and caused market disruptions. Critics view this as Erdoğan’s attempt to consolidate power, while government officials deny political motives, emphasizing judicial independence. AK Parti spokesperson Omer Celik urged respect for the judicial process and dismissed coup allegations. Penelope Kingsley 21/03/2025 6:00 am
