Israel is awaiting Hamas’ response to a cease-fire and hostage release proposal, aiming for an agreement before Passover. Hamas may release five hostages for a 50-day cease-fire, but Israel demands 11 hostages for a 40-day truce. Israel insists on all hostages freed on day one and a full list of hostages by day five. Talks would follow on Israeli withdrawal and ending the war. Israel requires a security buffer, Gaza’s demilitarization, and robust security. Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensify operations in Gaza, seizing key areas and restricting aid. Penelope Kingsley 01/04/2025 1:00 am
Israeli forces are accused of executing handcuffed Palestinian medics and burying them in a mass grave beneath crushed ambulances in Rafah, Gaza. Fifteen humanitarian workers, including paramedics and rescue team members, went missing after responding to a distress call. They were found with multiple gunshot wounds, some bound or decapitated. The Palestinian health ministry condemned the act as a “heinous crime,” calling for an international investigation. The incident is the deadliest attack on Red Cross/Red Crescent workers since 2017, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Penelope Kingsley 01/04/2025 1:00 am
A UAE court sentenced three people to death for the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Zvi Kogan, with a fourth receiving a life sentence. The defendants, reportedly Uzbek nationals, were arrested in Turkey and extradited to the UAE. The court cited confessions and forensic evidence. The motive remains unclear, but the killing occurred amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Israel hinted at Iranian involvement, Iran and the UAE have denied such claims. Diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE remain, though strained by the ongoing conflict. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 9:30 pm
Myanmar’s earthquake has severely impacted the healthcare system, with over 2,000 confirmed dead and many missing, according to the WHO. Rescue efforts are hindered by damaged infrastructure and civil conflict. The WHO highlights urgent needs for medical supplies and mental health support. Predictive models suggest the death toll could exceed 10,000. At least three hospitals were destroyed, and 22 damaged. Myanmar declared a week of mourning, with widespread damage reported across central regions, including Mandalay, where residents camp outside due to ongoing aftershocks. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 9:30 pm
A French court convicted Marine Le Pen of embezzlement, barring her from political office for five years and sentencing her to four years in prison, with two suspended, and a $108,000 fine. This decision could impact the 2027 presidential election, where she was a leading contender. The National Rally, led by Le Pen, is accused of misusing EU funds. Her lawyer plans to appeal. If upheld, the party may choose Jordan Bardella as her successor, potentially causing internal divisions. The verdict is seen as a “political tsunami” for France. Ava Sinclair 31/03/2025 9:30 pm
Prince Harry left Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, after a breakdown in relations with chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Dr. Chandauka, in a Sky News interview, discussed an incident at the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida. She claimed Meghan Markle attended unexpectedly with Serena Williams, causing stage overcrowding and media attention. The situation highlighted tensions and contributed to Harry’s departure. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 9:30 pm
Three of four missing US soldiers have been found after their vehicle submerged in a Lithuanian bog. The 3rd Infantry Division mourns their loss, with ongoing efforts to locate the fourth soldier. The soldiers, from the 1st Armored Brigade, were on a maintenance mission when their M88 Hercules vehicle went missing. Recovery involved extensive resources from US, Lithuanian, and Polish forces. Identities are withheld pending family notification. Ava Sinclair 31/03/2025 9:30 pm
Aid from China, Russia, India, and the UK is reaching Myanmar after a 7.7-magnitude quake devastated Mandalay and affected Bangkok. The US, however, is notably absent, with Trump criticized for reducing foreign aid capabilities. China sent rescue teams and $13.78m in supplies, while Hong Kong allocated $3.8m and sent a rescue team. Russia also dispatched rescuers and medical aid. The death toll is 1,700 and expected to rise amid ongoing conflict since the 2021 coup. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
The British government is backing an initiative to make the Netflix drama “Adolescence” available in all UK high schools. The show, which addresses issues like knife crime and toxic masculinity, will be accompanied by guides for teachers and parents. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports the initiative, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about contemporary challenges. The decision follows a roundtable with charities and the show’s creators. “Adolescence” tells the story of a family dealing with their son’s arrest for murder, highlighting the need for dialogue on youth issues. Penelope Kingsley 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
In Karachi, Pakistan, 61-year-old widow Sayani Soomar resorts to begging for zakat, an Islamic charity, to cover her expenses after quitting her housekeeping job due to knee pain. During Ramadan, she seeks donations, as generosity increases during this holy month. Soomar, accompanied by her granddaughter, plans to return to Qazi Ahmed after Eid. Karachi sees a migration of tens of thousands seeking alms during Ramadan. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi Foundation notes that many “habitual” beggars travel to Karachi for charity and return home afterward. Noah Prescott 31/03/2025 6:00 pm
