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The Trump administration has withdrawn Adam Boehler's nomination as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the White House announced on Saturday. Boehler, who has been actively working to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, will continue his efforts in a role as a "special government employee," which does not require Senate confirmation. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt praised Boehler's contributions, including his role in negotiating the return of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russia. The decision to withdraw was reportedly to avoid potential conflicts with his investment company and was unrelated to the backlash over his direct engagement with Hamas, which has stirred discontent among some Senate Republicans and Israeli officials. Following a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages, Boehler's discussions with the group marked a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding negotiations with designated terrorist organizations. 
Published: Mar 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPope Francis is showing gradual improvement as he battles double pneumonia in a Rome hospital, according to a Vatican update on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, is reducing his reliance on mechanical ventilation at night, though he continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy. His condition remains stable, and he is undergoing medical treatments, respiratory physiotherapy, and mobility exercises, all contributing to his slow recovery. This week marks the 12th anniversary of his papacy, yet he has not been seen in public for five weeks, missing his weekly prayers with pilgrims. The Vatican has shifted to less frequent medical updates, now issuing them every few days instead of twice daily. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis has continued his work from the hospital and recently approved a new three-year process to consider reforms for the global Catholic Church.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels, the first since President Donald Trump took office, reportedly killed at least 20 people, including children, according to Houthi officials. The strikes, which targeted the capital Sanaa and the northern Saada region, were described as a response to the Houthis' recent attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The US Central Command characterized the operations as "precision strikes" aimed at safeguarding American interests and maintaining navigation freedom. Trump warned Iran to cease its support for the Houthis and threatened severe retaliation against the group for its actions, emphasizing that "hell will rain down" if they continue their attacks. The Houthis have vowed to respond to the US strikes, asserting their readiness to escalate the conflict. The situation remains tense as the Houthis, who control significant territory in Yemen, have resumed their attacks following a ceasefire.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 7 ameznews.inUS astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth next week after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), initially intended to last just eight days. Their return, following the Crew-10 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, may bring challenges, including a condition known as "baby feet," where prolonged absence of gravity leaves the soles of their feet soft and tender, making walking painful. Additionally, they face significant bone density loss, with weight-bearing bones losing about one percent of their density per month in space, alongside muscle weakening due to reduced physical activity. Other health concerns include changes in blood volume and circulation, which can lead to clots, and vision impairment from fluid build-up affecting the eyeballs. Furthermore, astronauts are exposed to harmful radiation without Earth's protective atmosphere, increasing health risks during and after their missions.
Published: Mar 16 2025, 8 ameznews.inCanada is reassessing its significant purchase of 88 US-made F-35 combat jets amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration, according to a spokesperson from the Canadian defence ministry. This evaluation follows Portugal's decision to reconsider its own potential acquisition of F-35s, reflecting growing international discontent over Trump's trade policies and his inconsistent support for NATO allies. Trump previously imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, which were later suspended under a North American trade agreement. Newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has tasked the defence ministry with determining whether the F-35 contract, valued at Can$19 billion (approximately $13.2 billion), is the best option for Canada, given the shifting geopolitical landscape. While the deal remains in place, the government emphasizes the need to ensure it aligns with the interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces. Portugal is also exploring alternatives to replace its aging F-16s, considering both American and European aircraft options.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to clarify their stance on security guarantees, including the possibility of foreign troops in Ukraine, backed by the US. This appeal followed a virtual meeting led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who emphasized the need for a "coalition of the willing" to secure Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky highlighted the importance of European military contingents and an American support framework for a sustainable peace. He urged European leaders to reject Russian opposition to peacekeeping forces and criticized President Vladimir Putin for obstructing peace negotiations, asserting that a ceasefire could have been achieved if not for Russia's actions. Starmer echoed the need for US security assurances to foster a lasting resolution to the three-year conflict.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inPope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome, prompting a surge of inquiries to the Vatican's switchboard, where nuns from the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master field calls from around the globe. Sister Anthony, who oversees the operation, likens the callers’ concern to children awaiting news of their father, encouraging them to pray for the pope. The sisters, who work 12-hour shifts, ensure that callers speak to a real person rather than an automated system, highlighting the Vatican's commitment to maintaining a human touch amid digitalization. Many inquiries involve logistical assistance, while others seek emotional support or financial aid, especially for those affected by crises like the war in Ukraine. The nuns take pride in their role, reflecting Pope Francis's vision of the Church as a nurturing mother, and feel empowered by the increasing visibility of women in Vatican roles, despite the male-dominated hierarchy.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 11 pmeznews.inIsraeli air strikes in northern Gaza on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including journalists and humanitarian workers, igniting accusations from Hamas of a ceasefire violation. Civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal reported the casualties, which included members of the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation, following a drone strike on a vehicle in Beit Lahia, coinciding with artillery shelling. The Hamas-run health ministry confirmed the fatalities and several critical injuries at the Indonesian Hospital. In response, the Israeli military stated the strike targeted "two terrorists" operating a drone that posed a threat to its troops, claiming that subsequent strikes hit those who gathered the drone equipment. Hamas condemned the attacks as a "horrific massacre" and a blatant breach of the ongoing truce, which has largely held since January, despite regular Israeli air strikes aimed at militants.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA tragic incident in northern Gaza has claimed the lives of eight charity workers from the UK-registered Al Khair Foundation after their vehicles were struck by Israeli airstrikes on Saturday. Among the deceased were volunteers and journalists documenting the charity's humanitarian efforts. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted "two terrorists" operating a drone, a claim the Al Khair Foundation has vehemently denied, asserting that its team members were not involved in any terrorist activities. Founder Qasim Rashid Ahmad recounted that the cameramen were hit while returning to their vehicle, and others who rushed to assist were also targeted. Several individuals were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Hamas condemned the attack as a "horrific massacre," raising fears about the stability of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which has been in place since January, amidst ongoing tensions following the outbreak of conflict in October 2023.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAt least 14 people have died and dozens more have been injured following a series of violent tornadoes that swept through the central United States, officials confirmed on Saturday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 11 fatalities, with six occurring in Wayne County, three in Ozark County, and one each in Butler and Jefferson counties. In neighboring Arkansas, three additional deaths and 29 injuries were reported. The storms caused widespread destruction, including downed trees and power lines, and significant damage to both residential and commercial properties. Authorities are working diligently to assist affected communities and assess the extent of the damage. As recovery efforts continue, further tornadoes are forecasted for Saturday across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee, raising concerns about additional impacts in the region.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 10 pm
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