An Israeli investigation into the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza found “professional failures,” leading to the firing of a deputy commander. Initially, Israel claimed the medics’ vehicles lacked emergency signals, but cellphone video contradicted this. The investigation revealed the deputy commander mistakenly identified the ambulances as belonging to Hamas due to poor visibility. Video evidence showed the ambulances had flashing lights and logos. The medics were killed by gunfire while assisting another ambulance. The bodies were buried in a mass grave, and the site was accessed a week later. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 4:00 am
Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russia to halt drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure for 30 days, accusing Vladimir Putin of a “PR” exercise with a violated Easter ceasefire. Despite Russia’s unilateral truce, Ukrainian forces reported continued Russian attacks. Zelenskyy noted increased shelling but no air raid alerts on Sunday. Some Ukrainian soldiers observed reduced Russian activity, while others reported ongoing assaults. Zelenskyy questioned Putin’s control over his military, suggesting Russia’s lack of genuine intent to end the war. As the truce expired, new alerts for Russian strikes were issued. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 4:00 am
Pope Francis, in his Easter message, urged world leaders to reject fear-driven isolation and instead aid the needy and promote development. Convalescing, he had Archbishop Diego Ravelli read his “urbi et orbi” blessing. The pope, in a wheelchair, greeted the faithful briefly. Earlier, he met U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Francis highlighted global conflicts, especially in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Myanmar, and Africa, calling for a Gaza ceasefire and addressing anti-Semitism and Christian suffering in Palestine and Israel. Noah Prescott 21/04/2025 12:30 am
The Israeli military admitted to “professional failures” in a deadly attack on medics in Gaza, resulting in the dismissal of a commander. The attack in Rafah killed 14 rescue workers and a UN employee, drawing international condemnation. The military cited “operational misunderstanding” and poor visibility as reasons for the incident, initially mischaracterizing the vehicles as suspicious. A video later disproved these claims, showing clearly marked emergency vehicles. The military acknowledged breaches of orders and reporting failures in the attack. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 9:00 pm
Christians worldwide celebrated Easter, with Orthodox and Western churches aligning their calendars this year. In Lebanon, worshippers attended mass in a church nearly destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. In Pakistan, the Christian minority exchanged greetings, while Greece saw fireworks. In Jerusalem, candles were lit at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, toured St. Peter’s Square. Ukrainian Christians celebrated amid ongoing conflict, with a recent Russian missile strike in Kharkiv. Despite challenges, global celebrations marked the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Noah Prescott 20/04/2025 9:00 pm
The U.S. State Department expressed support for extending a one-day Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, beyond Sunday. Despite the Kremlin’s lack of an extension order, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The U.S. remains committed to a comprehensive ceasefire, with President Trump warning of escalation risks and Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating the U.S. might abandon peace efforts without progress. Ava Sinclair 20/04/2025 9:00 pm
The Israeli military acknowledged “professional failures” in the March 23 killing of 15 emergency responders in Gaza, leading to the dismissal of a deputy commander for providing an inaccurate report. The shootings, near Rafah, were initially believed to involve a Hamas threat but were later found to involve misidentified ambulances. A video showed responders being fired upon. The military advocate general is investigating, and criminal charges may follow. The military cited past instances of Hamas using ambulances for operations. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 5:30 pm
Ukraine accused Russia of violating an Easter truce announced by President Putin, who ordered a temporary ceasefire. Despite initial skepticism, Ukraine agreed to the 30-hour truce, but fighting resumed as Sunday progressed. The Kremlin confirmed the ceasefire would not be extended. Russia accused Ukraine of breaching the truce, while questions arose about Putin’s motives, especially after rejecting a US proposal for a longer ceasefire. The truce followed Russia’s military gains in Kursk. Penelope Kingsley 20/04/2025 5:30 pm
A 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion near Nairobi National Park, Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is searching for the lion and has implemented additional security measures. The park, close to Nairobi, is home to various wildlife and is fenced on three sides. Human-wildlife conflicts are common, but fatalities are rare. Recently, a 54-year-old man was killed by an elephant in Nyeri. Paula Kahumbu of WildlifeDirect urged KWS to improve risk assessments and communication, and recommended anti-predator systems for nearby lodges and residences. Noah Prescott 20/04/2025 5:30 pm
Pope Francis, recovering from double pneumonia, blessed thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, delighting the crowd with a surprise popemobile ride. Despite not celebrating the Mass, he appeared on the basilica balcony, delivering an apostolic blessing and a peace appeal. The 88-year-old pontiff, sounding stronger, spent about 50 minutes outside, enjoying the sunny day and vibrant floral displays. Noah Prescott 20/04/2025 5:30 pm
