Hamas has announced the start of talks on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. This coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Trump. The ceasefire is fragile due to Israeli military actions in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin. Netanyahu emphasized the temporary nature of the current ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025. Meanwhile, two Israeli soldiers were killed in a West Bank attack, claimed by Islamic Jihad, prompting Israeli military vows to continue operations against militants. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
A panel of experts, led by Dr. Shoo Lee, disputed the medical evidence used to convict British nurse Lucy Letby of murdering seven newborns. They concluded that natural causes or poor medical care were responsible for the deaths. Letby, serving life sentences, was convicted based on this evidence, which her defense now claims is flawed. Her legal team seeks a review for a potential appeal. The Crown Prosecution Service has not commented, while the prosecution’s key expert, Dr. Dewi Evans, maintains his evidence was accurate despite criticism. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 3:00 pm
Hundreds evacuated Santorini for Athens due to ongoing quakes between Santorini and Amorgos. Schools closed on nearby islands, and a 4.7 magnitude tremor was recorded. Residents, like 18-year-old Dori, left for safety. Seismologists warn the activity may persist, advising against coastal areas and indoor gatherings. Hotels emptied pools to reduce building vulnerability. Greece, prone to quakes due to tectonic activity, last saw a volcanic eruption in 1950. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 11:30 am
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that the UK is not choosing between the US and the EU, following President Trump’s tariff threats against the EU. Starmer highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with both the US and the EU. He noted that it was “early days” for US tariff talks and supported open trade. In Brussels, Starmer met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leaders, advocating for increased military collaboration and defense spending, emphasizing support for Ukraine and enhancing security against state threats. Ava Sinclair 04/02/2025 11:30 am
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed a plan to house “dangerous” U.S. inmates in the CECOT prison for payment, following talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Bukele proposed outsourcing part of the U.S. prison system to El Salvador, making it financially beneficial for his country. The CECOT mega-prison, capable of holding 40,000 inmates, will detain deportees of any nationality. Despite the agreement, a U.S. official stated the Trump administration has no plans to deport American citizens. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 11:30 am
Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan are set to discuss a defense pact in Ankara, potentially establishing Turkish airbases in central Syria and training Syria’s new army. Turkey, a NATO member, aims to expand its influence in post-Assad Syria, possibly sparking regional tensions. The talks include setting up Turkish bases in Syria’s Badiyah region. The pact would allow Turkey to defend Syrian airspace. Russia is also negotiating with Syria’s new administration regarding its military bases. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 11:30 am
European leaders’ meeting on defense against Russia shifted focus to the U.S. due to Trump’s trade threats. Ursula von der Leyen warned of EU retaliation if tariffs are imposed. Polish PM Tusk urged avoiding a trade war. EU leaders pledged to protect Greenland. Von der Leyen emphasized the U.S. partnership and suggested revising fiscal rules to boost defense spending, aligning with demands from Italy, Poland, and the Baltics. Surprisingly, German Chancellor Scholz supported more flexibility in financing defense investments, even through borrowing. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 8:00 am
President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu are meeting amid pressures on Netanyahu to end a truce with Hamas and address hostages. Trump, cautious about the truce’s longevity, claims credit for the ceasefire. Their talks will focus on an Israel-Saudi Arabia deal, Iran’s nuclear program, and advancing the hostage agreement. Netanyahu, facing a corruption trial and ICC arrest warrants, seeks to boost his standing by aligning with Trump, who is popular in Israel. They are working on the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 8:00 am
Rebel groups in eastern DR Congo, including the Rwanda-backed M23, declared a humanitarian ceasefire, citing “humanitarian reasons” after capturing territory. Recent fighting around Goma resulted in 900 deaths and 2,880 injuries. The G7 and EU condemned the offensive as violating DR Congo’s sovereignty. The Congo River Alliance accused the Congolese military of bombing rebel-held areas and pledged not to seize more territory. Regional conflict has displaced over 400,000 people in 2025. Rwandan President Kagame denied knowledge of Rwandan troops in DR Congo. Human rights groups urge pressure on Rwanda. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 4:30 am
EU leaders are concerned about potential trade conflicts with the U.S. under President Trump, who has threatened tariffs on EU imports and hinted at military action in Greenland. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned of a “serious test” of EU unity amid Russian threats and Chinese expansion. French President Macron emphasized EU resilience and unity in response. The EU is preparing for possible trade disputes, recalling past tariffs on steel and aluminum, and coordinating with allies like Canada. Ava Sinclair 04/02/2025 4:30 am
