Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the injured after a massive explosion at Shahid Rajaei port, linked to a chemical used in missile propellant. The blast killed 40 and injured about 1,000. Despite military denials, videos showed severe damage, with schools and businesses closed due to dangerous smoke. Authorities are investigating the cause, while emergency workers continue efforts to control the fire. Satellite images showed ongoing smoke, and the governor declared three days of mourning. A private firm reported the port received missile fuel chemicals from China in March. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 11:00 am
India responded to “unprovoked” firing from Pakistan along the de facto border for the fourth night, following a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. The April 22 attack killed 26 people, with India identifying two suspects as Pakistani, though Pakistan denies involvement. The incident heightened tensions, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Security forces have detained around 500 people and demolished nine houses in a search for militants. Political leaders urge caution to avoid harming innocents. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 11:00 am
Israel conducted an airstrike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood, targeting Hezbollah missile storage sites, despite a ceasefire. No casualties were reported, but the attack highlighted the ceasefire’s fragility. Israeli leaders vowed to prevent Hezbollah’s strengthening, while Lebanese President Aoun urged the US and France to pressure Israel to halt strikes. The conflict began after Hezbollah’s October 2023 rocket attack on Israel, leading to Israeli invasions and airstrikes. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues targeting Hezbollah, which has not retaliated, deferring to the Lebanese state. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 7:30 am
Pope Francis’ body was transported from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major, symbolizing his deep connection to Rome. The journey began through the Perugino Door, near his Vatican residence, and used a Mexican popemobile as a hearse. The procession crossed the Tiber River, marking his role as Bishop of Rome, and passed significant landmarks like Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Venezia. It also passed the Church of the Gesù, highlighting his Jesuit ties. Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the Argentine pontiff. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 7:30 am
In St. Peter’s Basilica, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky met for the first time since a White House dispute. The meeting, orchestrated by American and European officials, aimed to advance peace talks in the ongoing war. Trump expressed a more critical stance on Russian President Putin, sparking hope for a shift in U.S. diplomacy. European officials had encouraged the meeting, hoping it would aid negotiations. Trump emphasized the need for Putin to agree to a peace deal, marking a potential change in his approach to the conflict. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 7:30 am
For nearly 60 days, Gaza has faced an Israeli blockade, halting food, fuel, and medicine. Aid groups are running out of supplies, and markets are nearly empty, leaving Palestinian families struggling to feed their children. In Khan Younis, Mariam al-Najjar’s family of 11, including six children, subsists on canned peas and rice, a stark contrast to traditional Friday meals. Gaza’s 2.3 million residents now rely on canned vegetables, rice, pasta, and lentils, with meat, dairy, and fruit largely unavailable, and bread and eggs scarce. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 7:30 am
North Korea confirmed sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine, under Kim Jong Un’s orders, highlighting strong ties with Russia. The North’s ruling party praised the alliance, while the U.S. condemned the deployment, citing violations of U.N. resolutions. South Korea criticized the move as a “criminal act,” condemning North Korea’s decision to involve its youth in the conflict. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 7:30 am
Following a militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, Indian authorities detained at least 1,500 individuals and destroyed homes linked to alleged militants. India accused Pakistan of involvement, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Pakistan denied responsibility and offered a neutral investigation. In response, India suspended visas for Pakistanis, expelled diplomats, and halted a river treaty, while Pakistan took reciprocal actions, including closing airspace. Kashmiri residents reported that Indian security forces destroyed homes of suspected perpetrators, though officials did not confirm this. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 4:00 am
The U.S. military will not disclose details of its strikes in Yemen to maintain operational security, despite acknowledging “lethal effects” on Houthi rebels. President Trump intensified these strikes, targeting Iran-backed Houthis to stop Red Sea shipping attacks. Recent strikes killed dozens, including 74 at an oil terminal. Rights advocates and Democratic senators, including Chris Van Hollen, have raised concerns about civilian casualties, demanding accountability. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced criticism for using Signal to discuss attack plans. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 4:00 am
President Trump’s popularity among Ukrainians is low, but his recent statement questioning Russia’s continued aggression despite U.S. peace efforts was welcomed. After meeting with President Zelensky, Trump suggested on Truth Social that Putin might need to face more sanctions. This stance offers Ukraine hope that Trump won’t push a biased peace plan, which the U.S. had proposed, favoring Russia. The plan would have Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations and recognize Crimea as Russian, which Ukraine rejected. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 4:00 am
