March 21, 2025

Amnesty slams EU’s 'shameful' stance on Gaza "Amnesty International has condemned the European Council’s latest position on Gaza, calling it a “shameful attempt” to justify Israeli attacks while failing to denounce air strikes and blocked aid. Amnesty’s Eve Geddie blasted EU leaders for their “selective compassion,” saying their refusal to hold Israel accountable after 17 months of war amounts to complicity in genocide. She urged immediate action to prevent further war crimes in the besieged Palestinian enclave. " Trump backs Israel’s brutal war as death toll soars "Donald Trump “fully supports” Israel’s latest assault on Gaza, which has killed at least 700 Palestinians—including 200 children—since Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Hamas for the bloodshed, insisting the war is their fault for not releasing hostages. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health officials warn of a deepening humanitarian disaster as Israeli strikes level homes and entire families are buried under rubble." Trump moves to boost US minerals, eyes Ukraine deal "Trump has invoked emergency powers to ramp up domestic production of critical minerals, aiming to reduce reliance on China. The executive order fast-tracks mining permits and directs agencies to identify federal land for extraction. As part of this push, Trump said he will sign a minerals deal with Ukraine “very shortly.” The move signals an aggressive bid to secure key resources for electronics and EV batteries amid intensifying global competition." Zelenskyy: Keep sanctions on Russia until war ends "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the EU to keep sanctions on Moscow until Russia withdraws from Ukrainian territory. Speaking via video to EU leaders, Zelenskyy accused Putin of making “unnecessary demands” to prolong the war. He insisted economic pressure must continue until Russia not only pulls out but also compensates Ukraine for the devastation caused by its military offensive." After nine months in space, astronauts struggle to reclaim their bodies "After 288 days in orbit, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth—only to face a battle with their own bodies. Months in microgravity weakened their muscles, thinned their bones, and even altered their vision. Experts say long space missions mimic a decade of ageing in just months, despite rigorous exercise."