Israel's renewed military assault on Gaza has severely hampered aid operations, leaving no safe haven for civilians. The country cut off deliveries of food, fuel, medicine and aid to Gaza's two million population in March, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Norwegian Refugee Council warned that bakeries will stop producing bread within four days due to depleted diesel stock, while Oxfam fears the water production sector may collapse soon. Over 142,000 people have been displaced in a week, with 90% of Gaza's population having been displaced at least once since October 2023. The conflict has killed over 50,180 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/03/26/nowhere-safe-to-go-for-gazas-civilians-aid-groups-warn/Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva concluded a four-day state visit to Japan with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, marking their countries' 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The two leaders adopted a five-year cooperation plan focusing on trade, security, and green energy amid global challenges such as climate change.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/27/japan/politics/japan-brazil-summit-meeting/French President Macron has announced plans to deploy a "reassurance force" to Ukraine, led by France and Britain, in response to Russia's refusal to seek peace. The move aims to boost Ukraine's armed forces and prevent further Russian invasions. A Franco-British delegation will head to Ukraine soon for talks, with several European countries expected to contribute troops to the force.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/macron-sanctions-should-only-be-lifted-once-peace-has-clearly-been-established-13875127.htmlEuropean leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, suggest that a foreign contingent in Ukraine could help dissuade Russia from attacking again. The proposed force would primarily consist of combat units to control the situation and provide military training to over 75,000 Ukrainian troops. France is offering €2 billion ($2.15 billion) in defence aid, including light tanks, air defence systems, and anti-tank missiles. A possible deployment site for a coalition force is central Ukraine along the Dnieper River, away from frontlines, with options also being considered for deployment in western Ukraine or neighboring countries.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/macron-says-proposed-european-force-for-ukraine-could-respond-if-attacked-by-russia/article69380011.eceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed a potential foreign contingent to support Ukraine's military efforts against Russia. The proposed force would provide combat units, training, and monitoring capabilities to control the situation and prevent Russian aggression. European officials emphasize that Ukraine's own army should be the primary defense against future Russian attacks. France has pledged €2 billion in defense aid, including light tanks, air defense systems, and anti-tank missiles. Possible deployment scenarios include a sizable force along the Dnieper River or in neighboring countries, with troop numbers ranging from 10,000 to 30,000.
https://apnews.com/article/france-uk-ukraine-russia-war-military-11b305c4073f476318ea0c4fd0c01354US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration's push to expel foreign citizens who have protested against Israel, stating that "every country has a right to decide who comes in and who doesn't." The move has led to the arrest and detention of several individuals, including Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student with a green card, and a Turkish national at Tufts University. Rubio claimed that immigration agents are targeting those "tearing things up," but the actions have fueled anxiety among foreign students in the US, particularly those involved in the pro-Palestinian movement.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/rubio-says-us-has-pulled-at-least-300-visas-defends-expulsionsTaiwan President Lai Ching-te oversaw a civil defence drill in Tainan, simulating responses to tsunamis and attacks on critical infrastructure under his newly created social resilience committee. The drill was held as part of preparations for natural disasters or emergencies, including potential threats from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory.
https://www.asiaone.com/asia/taiwan-simulates-response-large-scale-disasters-chinese-threatsUS President Donald Trump announced plans for 25% tariffs on automotive imports set to take effect April 2, with reciprocal tariffs expected to be "very lenient". The US dollar surged to a three-week high before retreating slightly. Wall Street futures fell initially but recovered in Asian trade after Wednesday's sharp decline. Australia's currency held up relatively well despite a surprise drop in domestic inflation data, which has raised expectations of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia next Tuesday. Analysts predict a 66% chance of a May interest rate cut, with a hot reading of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index on Friday potentially delaying policy easing amid tariff-related risks.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40354981/australia-nz-dollars-regain-composure-after-wobble-on-us-tariffsUS President Donald Trump has dismissed a scandal over leaked plans for Yemen air strikes as a "witch hunt", defending his embattled Pentagon chief amid calls by Democrats for him to quit. The Atlantic Magazine published the transcript of messages accidentally shared with its editor in a chat group of senior US officials on Signal, revealing details of strikes on Iran-backed Huthi rebels and the type of aircraft, missiles, and drones used. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had nothing to do with the breach, Trump said, while National Security Advisor Mike Waltz took responsibility for mistakenly adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat.
https://www.news18.com/world/witch-hunt-trump-dismisses-scandal-over-air-strike-plans-leaked-in-yemen-chats-9276379.html