Indian lawmakers are debating the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes changes to the governance of properties donated by Indian Muslims. The government claims it will enhance transparency, but opposition parties and Muslim groups argue it undermines Muslim rights. Initially tabled in August, the bill was revised with 25 changes after a joint parliamentary committee review. Despite opposition, Modi’s BJP coalition is expected to pass it in the Lok Sabha. If approved by both houses, it will require the President’s assent to become law. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 7:30 pm
Syria condemned Israeli airstrikes on military sites, calling it an “unjustified escalation.” The attacks nearly destroyed Hama airbase, injuring dozens, with four defense personnel killed. Israel targeted Hama and T4 airbases and military infrastructure in Damascus, also conducting a ground operation in Deraa. Amid tensions, Turkey reportedly plans to station jets in Syria. Israel warned Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa against allowing hostile forces. Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell, targeting military assets and demanding demilitarization in southern provinces. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
Overnight Israeli strikes killed at least 55 people in Gaza, including children and women, amid escalating conflict with Hamas. Israel plans to seize large areas of Gaza and create a security corridor, cutting off Rafah. A month-long halt on imports has caused severe shortages. An independent investigation will probe a March incident involving Israeli forces firing on ambulances. Residents in several areas were ordered to evacuate as Israel intensifies military operations. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the establishment of the Morag corridor to pressure Hamas. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a shift in military strategy in Gaza, aiming to divide and seize more territory, potentially indicating long-term control. Israel plans to escalate its campaign against Hamas until revised ceasefire terms are met. Recent bombings have killed at least 100 people in 24 hours, totaling 1,163 deaths since March 18. Netanyahu mentioned seizing the Morag Corridor, a strategic area, to increase pressure on Hamas. Israel’s expanded control already covers 17% of Gaza’s perimeter, raising concerns about permanent annexation. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
A procession in Vilnius, Lithuania, will honor four American soldiers who died during a training exercise. Government and religious leaders will pay respects before the bodies are returned to the U.S. The soldiers, from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing during a tactical exercise. Their vehicle was found in a peat bog near PabradÄ—. The U.S. Army identified them as Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins and Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 4:00 pm
Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend a regional summit in Thailand amid a devastating earthquake in Myanmar that killed over 3,000 people. The quake has complicated relief efforts due to poor infrastructure and ongoing civil war. Despite sanctions, Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance is notable. Thailand, also affected by the quake, proposes a joint statement on the disaster. The junta declared a temporary ceasefire to aid relief efforts but previously rejected rebel proposals and continued military actions. The earthquake exacerbates Myanmar’s existing humanitarian crisis. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 12:30 pm
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet European allies in Brussels, aiming to project unity within NATO. Official discussions will focus on defense budgets and aid for Ukraine. However, tensions simmer as Rubio represents President Trump, who has disrupted traditional U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s controversial actions, including threats to annex Greenland and undermining Canadian independence, have strained relations. His warnings about U.S. defense commitments to NATO allies not meeting military spending targets further challenge the alliance’s cohesion. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 12:30 pm
Marine Le Pen was barred from France’s 2027 presidential race after being found guilty of embezzling EU funds. The judge, Benedicte de Perthuis, now faces death threats and has police protection. President Macron emphasized the independence of the judiciary, condemning threats as intolerable. Le Pen, previously a front-runner, denies inciting backlash and condemns the threats, planning to appeal. The situation has sparked debate on populist discontent and trust in France’s justice system. An Odoxa poll shows mixed public opinion on the fairness of Le Pen’s trial. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 12:30 pm
Bilal Mohammad Ramadan AbuKresh, a Gaza resident, has lost his home, job, wife, and relatives due to the war. With the UN closing 25 bakeries, his food source is gone. He used to wait hours for affordable bread for his children. Now, with no flour or fuel, food prices have soared, forcing him to sell belongings and collect trash for money. He describes the struggle for food as risking death multiple times. Noah Prescott 03/04/2025 12:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Hungary, marking his first European trip since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán defies the ICC, ensuring the warrant won’t affect Netanyahu’s visit. Hungary, an ICC signatory, is considering withdrawing from the court. Netanyahu’s visit follows Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have been condemned internationally. The EU remains divided on enforcing the ICC warrants, with some countries supporting enforcement and others seeking ways to host Netanyahu without arrest. Rights groups criticize Hungary’s stance. Penelope Kingsley 03/04/2025 9:00 am
