‘Weak and pathetic’: why is the EU not using its leverage to stop Israel? 02. April 2026 (06:00) Deep divisions on Israel mean the union has failed to act over Lebanon, Gaza, or settler violence in the West BankThe human costs of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon were plain to see when the Irish MEP Barry Andrews visited Beirut last month. He met people who had fled Israeli airstrikes and complied with evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.At makeshift shelters – converted schools – conditions were even worse than during Israel’s last incursion in 2024, he was told. “There are dirty mattresses, dirty blankets, [people] are getting infections, they are getting rashes,” he said recalling a picture of misery compounded by swingeing aid budget cuts. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We have all the cards’: Trump says US war on Iran ‘nearing completion’ 02. April 2026 (04:29) President says ‘little journey’ to Iran close to achieving US aims but offers few details on plan to wind down conflictMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump used a primetime address to the nation on Wednesday evening to declare the month-long war in Iran a success “nearing completion”, despite a spiraling conflict that has caused economic turmoil across the globe, fractured transatlantic alliances and eroded the president’s approval ratings.In remarks from the White House, Trump argued that the US’s “little journey” to Iran had nearly accomplished “all of America’s military objectives”, but offered little clarity on how he planned to wind down the conflict over the next “two to three weeks”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New Zealand signs defence pact with Cook Islands after quarrel over China deal 02. April 2026 (03:55) Agreement comes after Wellington halted millions in aid to its former colony after Cook Islands formed strategic partnership with Beijing New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defence and security declaration, ending a year-long diplomatic row that erupted after the Cook Islands struck strategic agreements with China.The Cook Islands was a dependent New Zealand colony from 1901-65 but has since operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand. Its roughly 17,000 citizens hold New Zealand citizenship. There are obligations between the two nations to regularly consult on matters of defence and security. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Final day as BBC director-general for Tim Davie 02. April 2026 (03:45) Mr Davie will be replaced by interim director-general, Rhodri Talfan Davies, on April 2, before former Google boss Matt Brittin steps in on May 18.(London News)
Middle East crisis live: Trump set to give prime-time address amid widening economic fallout from Iran war 02. April 2026 (02:47) President is expected to offer a timeline for end of the war, and speak about his threat to withdraw the US from Nato as he faces falling poll numbers and global energy crisisTrump says he is ‘absolutely’ considering withdrawing US from Nato Israel hits Iran with waves of attacks and says it killed top Hezbollah commanderAs Donald Trump prepares to address the American people, US central command has released an update on the ongoing conflict in Iran.Operation Epic Fury has seen more than 13,000 combat flights, which have struck over 12,000 targets and damaged or destroyed more than 150 Iranian vessels, according to Centcom. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
