Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 40 people in 24 hours, amid plans for a military offensive expansion. Strikes hit homes and a community kitchen, killing civilians, including babies. The IDF claims to take precautions to minimize civilian harm. The conflict, reignited by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 52,000 deaths. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with aid efforts near collapse. Negotiations for a ceasefire are stalled, and Israel plans a new aid distribution strategy, criticized as impractical by humanitarian officials. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 8:30 pm
Ahmad bin Mubarak, Yemen’s premier, resigned due to inability to exercise his powers amid disputes with Rashad al-Alimi and the Presidential Leadership Council. Bin Mubarak faced friction over his ambitions for greater authority, leading to political isolation. Despite achieving fiscal and administrative reforms, his suspension of ministry budgets, citing corruption, heightened tensions. The resignation follows ongoing Houthi conflicts and missile attacks on Israel. Analyst Mohammed Al-Basha noted Bin Mubarak’s aspirations for presidential powers contributed to his political challenges. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 8:30 pm
At least seven people were killed after a hospital and market were bombed in South Sudan, raising fears of renewed civil war. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that helicopter gunships bombed the hospital’s pharmacy in Old Fangak, Jonglei state, and a drone targeted a local market. The attack destroyed all medical supplies and injured 20 people, violating international humanitarian law. MSF claims the hospital was clearly marked and its coordinates shared with warring parties. Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar are escalating, with recent military threats following river barge hijackings. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 8:30 pm
A 38-year-old woman in Thessaloniki, Greece, died after a bomb she was carrying exploded. She intended to plant it at a bank’s ATM. The blast damaged nearby storefronts and vehicles. The woman had a criminal record involving drugs and theft. Greek police are investigating potential ties to extreme leftist groups. Greece has a history of politically motivated violence, with small-scale bombings by domestic extremist groups. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 5:00 pm
Nigel Farage celebrated Reform UK’s election gains as “unprecedented,” marking a shift from two-party politics. The party won control of 10 councils, two mayoral races, and added an MP, impacting Labour and Conservatives. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged Labour’s shortcomings, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to restore her party’s credibility. Badenoch apologized to defeated councillors, attributing losses to long-term governance and a challenging election. Labour MP Rachael Maskell urged policy changes to regain voter trust. The results were worse for Conservatives, losing to both Reform and Liberal Democrats. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 5:00 pm
Jumaa Zawayda, a 66-year-old resident of Jenin refugee camp, refused to leave his home when Israeli forces entered, aiming to protect it from damage. After enduring three days of gunfire and explosions, with utilities cut off, he was forced to leave. Now, three months later, he stands in Jenin city, unable to return home due to ongoing military restrictions. Jumaa, who stayed in a shelter and now lives in student accommodation, is uncertain if his home was destroyed during Israeli operations targeting Palestinian armed groups in the camp. Noah Prescott 03/05/2025 5:00 pm
Since Pope Francis’s death, around 180 cardinals have gathered in Vatican City, debating the Church’s future. Led by a 91-year-old cardinal, discussions reveal underlying tensions about Francis’s controversial 12-year rule. The upcoming conclave on May 7 is marked by U.S.-style culture wars, with conservatives clashing with progressives. The debate also centers on ecclesiastical power, as Francis shifted the Church’s geographical balance by appointing many cardinals from non-Western regions, challenging traditional power structures. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 1:30 pm
Israel has blocked aid to Gaza for two months, demanding control over distribution before allowing food, fuel, water, or medicine in. U.N. and aid groups oppose Israel’s proposals to use its military for distribution, citing concerns over humanitarian goals and potential violations of international law. Aid groups argue Israel should not directly distribute aid and refuse to participate in such a system. They emphasize Israel’s responsibility to facilitate, not hinder, humanitarian efforts. Israel has not publicly detailed its proposals, but aid groups have documented discussions with Israeli officials. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 1:30 pm
Australians voted in a general election amid global economic shifts under the second Trump administration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party and opposition leader Peter Dutton of the conservative coalition both acknowledge the challenging environment, with Australia reliant on U.S. security and Chinese trade. Voters are primarily concerned with the cost-of-living crisis and housing affordability. Despite these issues, polls suggest Albanese’s party is likely to secure a second term. Dutton has focused on reducing fuel taxes to appeal to voters. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 1:30 pm
Researchers in Mexico City have found that captive-bred axolotls can survive and thrive in the wild, offering hope for the critically endangered species. The study, conducted by the Autonomous University of Baja California, tracked 18 axolotls released in 2017 and 2018. Despite initial concerns about their survival skills, the axolotls adapted well, gaining weight and successfully hunting and avoiding predators. This breakthrough suggests potential for reintroducing axolotls into their native habitats, crucial for their conservation amid declining wild populations. Ava Sinclair 03/05/2025 1:30 pm
