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The Trump administration has withdrawn Adam Boehler's nomination as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the White House announced on Saturday.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.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 pmeznews.inPope Francis has approved a new three-year process aimed at reforming the global Catholic Church, indicating his intention to continue his papacy amid ongoing health challenges, including a battle with double pneumonia. The initiative extends the work of the Synod of Bishops, a hallmark of his tenure, which has addressed issues such as the potential for women to serve as deacons and the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals. Following an inconclusive summit last October, the synod will now engage in consultations with Catholics worldwide, culminating in a new summit in 2028. The pope, currently hospitalized for over a month, has sparked speculation about possible resignation, yet friends assert he has no such plans. Cardinal Mario Grech emphasized that the pope's actions signal a commitment to revitalizing the Church, amidst reports that his health is improving and he is no longer in immediate danger.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inTelegram founder Pavel Durov has been granted temporary leave from France amid charges of enabling organized crime linked to his messaging platform. Sources confirmed that Durov departed for Dubai with the permission of authorities, having received approval from an investigating judge to modify his supervision conditions. Durov, who was detained at Le Bourget airport in August 2024 and subsequently charged with multiple violations regarding extremist content, was released on bail set at five million euros. Initially critical of his arrest, Durov has since acknowledged the gravity of the allegations against him. A spokesperson for Telegram declined to comment, stating that the company would issue a formal statement later. Durov, who holds passports from Russia, France, and the UAE, had been barred from leaving France until recently.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 8 pmeznews.inSwedish businessman Carl Lundstroem, known for owning the internet provider that hosted the controversial file-sharing site The Pirate Bay, has died in a plane crash in Slovenia, as confirmed by a far-right political party he was associated with. Slovenian police reported finding a body, believed to be that of the Swedish pilot, following the aircraft's crash into a wooden cabin in the Velika Planina region on Monday, with recovery efforts hampered by poor weather. Lundstroem, 64, was en route from Zagreb to Zurich when the incident occurred. The Pirate Bay, founded in 2003, has been a focal point of copyright infringement debates, allowing users to share files without paying fees. While Lundstroem faced legal consequences for his involvement, co-founder Peter Sunde recalled that Lundstroem had a lighthearted attitude towards the site's controversial activities, despite Sweden's ongoing attempts to curb its operations.
Published: Mar 15 2025, 9 pm
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