Hamas plans to release American hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four dual nationals after receiving a proposal to resume negotiations. The White House proposed extending the ceasefire beyond Ramadan and Passover, requiring Edan Alexander’s immediate release. The proposal includes exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and working towards a permanent conflict resolution. However, the White House criticized Hamas for publicly showing flexibility while making impractical demands privately, warning of consequences if deadlines are not met. Ava Sinclair 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Ukrainian troops are surrounded by Russian forces in Kursk, urging Putin to spare them. However, Ukrainian officials deny this, stating their forces are retreating but not encircled. Despite Trump’s envoy meeting with Putin, the Ukrainian command is reinforcing its positions. Trump’s statements echo Putin’s claims of Ukrainian troops abandoning equipment and facing a blockade. Trump emphasized his plea to Putin to avoid a massacre, likening it to World War II. Penelope Kingsley 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
Ambassadors and diplomats gathered at the Vatican to pray for Pope Francis’ health as he recovers from pneumonia. Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the Mass, marking the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy. He emphasized the essence of prayer as opening our hearts to God and highlighted the importance of love and reconciliation in relationships. Cardinal Parolin reminded diplomats that peace requires disarming language and seeking God’s will, stressing that charity and reconciliation should precede worship. He echoed Pope Francis’ advice to use “Please, Sorry, and Thank you” in relationships. Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s conservative leader, secured a major financial package to enhance defence and infrastructure, aiming for parliamentary approval next Tuesday. Merz, poised to lead a coalition with the Social Democrats, prioritizes strengthening Europe amid perceived U.S. indifference. After extensive talks with the Greens, he announced a plan involving increased defence spending and a €500bn infrastructure fund. The package, requiring a two-thirds majority, is supported by the Greens and Social Democrats. Urgent motions by the AfD and the Left to block the vote failed, allowing the session to proceed. Ava Sinclair 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
The G7 Foreign Ministers reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and welcomed efforts for a ceasefire, urging Russia to reciprocate. They discussed potential sanctions if Russia doesn’t comply and emphasized the importance of security measures and humanitarian support for Ukraine’s recovery. The G7 condemned military assistance to Russia from DPRK, Iran, and China, and expressed concern over the war’s impact on civilians. They plan to coordinate further support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in July 2025. Penelope Kingsley 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
Apple CEO Tim Cook extended Holi greetings on social media, sharing a vibrant photo captured by Kushagra Tiwari, CEO of Exif Media. The image, taken on an iPhone, shows a person in an orange and pink outfit holding a plate of colorful powders and flower petals. Cook wished a joyful Holi to all celebrating, highlighting the photo’s beauty. Social media users responded enthusiastically, sharing their own Holi celebrations and wishes for joy, prosperity, and love during the festival. Penelope Kingsley 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte appeared via video link at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands, facing murder charges related to his “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old, accused of crimes against humanity, was informed of his charges and rights. Duterte’s lawyer claimed his client was subjected to “extrajudicial rendition” and had medical issues, but the court found him mentally fit. Duterte’s appearance was authorized via video due to his long journey and health concerns. Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 8:00 pm
In Serbia, tensions rise as students and opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic prepare for a major rally in Belgrade, demanding change after months of protests. Vucic warns of potential violence and mass arrests, while his supporters, including veterans and criminal figures, form a protective camp. The protests began after a deadly railway station collapse in Novi Sad. Despite previous peaceful protests, the presence of Vucic’s loyalists and potential for clashes heighten concerns. Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 4:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces have trapped Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, asserting control over the area. Ukraine’s top commander denied encirclement claims. Putin visited Kursk, urging troops to retake the region. He also expressed conditional support for a U.S. ceasefire plan. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed two in Kherson and injured others in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy. Ukraine reported shooting down 74 of 117 Russian drones launched overnight. Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 4:30 pm
The UK government plans to abolish NHS England, integrating it into the Department of Health and Social Care to save money, reduce bureaucracy, and increase ministerial control. NHS England, with over 14,000 staff, has absorbed Health Education England and NHS Digital, managing key services like GPs and specialist care. The restructuring will lead to significant job cuts, saving an estimated £500 million annually. Some responsibilities will shift to regional health boards, but the move carries risks due to the scale of change. Noah Prescott 14/03/2025 1:00 pm
