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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his cabinet has been directed to begin cease‑fire talks with Lebanon "as soon as possible", a day after Israel launched its largest‑scale offensive against the neighbour, resulting in over 300 fatalities and more than 1,150 injuries.Netanyahu said the request followed “repeated calls” from Beirut for direct dialogue, yet he reaffirmed that Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah. Analysts caution that the intensified strikes could undermine the US‑Iran cease‑fire negotiations slated to start Saturday in Pakistan.The heavy bombing on Wednesday was carried out without the customary warnings, just hours after the United States and Iran announced a two‑week cease‑fire in the broader US‑Israel‑Iran conflict that began on 28 February. While attacks persisted into Friday, their intensity had lessened, and Hezbollah responded with missile fire into Israeli territory.Experts suggest the Wednesday onslaught was designed to disrupt Tehran’s diplomatic overtures, as Iran has insisted that any negotiations must be predicated on a halt to hostilities against both Iran and its ally Hezbollah.Hezbollah, which originated as a resistance movement to Israel’s 18‑year occupation of southern Lebanon (1982‑2000), now functions as both a political party and a formidable armed group—described as comparable to a medium‑sized army and stronger than the Lebanese military.Both Israeli and Lebanese officials have signalled a willingness to engage in peace talks, but Israel’s ongoing bombardment fuels scepticism. Netanyahu reiterated that disarming Hezbollah remains a top priority, even as he ordered the commencement of negotiations.Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir warned on X that the Israeli Defence Forces will continue to fight Hezbollah with “great intensity” and are prepared to resume full‑scale operations if required.Lebanese Prime Minister Joseph Aoun welcomed the prospect of talks, yet Beirut has insisted that any negotiations must occur only after a complete halt to Israeli attacks.The United States is reportedly applying pressure on Israel to curb its campaign. According to a Wall Street Journal report, former President Donald Trump called Netanyahu to urge an end to the bombing, a message echoed by Vice President JD Vance, who said Israel had agreed to “check itself” in Lebanon. European allies, notably Germany and France, have also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.Hezbollah, which holds 15 of Lebanon’s 128 parliamentary seats, has categorically rejected any dialogue with Israel. Analysts note that Iran’s insistence on including Lebanon in the cease‑fire agreement could strain relations with the Lebanese government, which seeks a greater say in any war‑time decisions.Iran’s 10‑point peace proposal to the United States explicitly demands that Israel halt attacks on all Iranian allies, including Hezbollah, for the cease‑fire to hold. Continued Israeli strikes are therefore viewed as a “grave violation” of Tehran’s red lines and could jeopardise the fragile truce.Confusion persists over whether Lebanon was part of the US‑Iran cease‑fire deal. While Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that the agreement covered “everywhere including Lebanon,” U.S. officials, including Trump and Vance, later claimed Lebanon was not included, leading to mixed messages on the ground.As displaced Lebanese begin returning home, the uncertainty surrounding the cease‑fire’s scope underscores the complex web of regional actors—Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, the United States, and Pakistan—each influencing the prospects for a sustainable peace.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has faced a fresh wave of controversy after it overturned Senegal's 1‑0 victory over host nation Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, recording a 3‑0 win for Morocco and stripping Senegal of the championship.Speaking in Rabat, CAF President Patrice Motsepe categorically rejected the Senegalese government's accusations of corruption. “If anybody wants to initiate legal action alleging that there is corruption in CAF, I don’t only welcome that, I encourage them,” he said.Motsepe emphasized the federation’s respect for the legal frameworks of Africa’s 54 member nations, adding, “There’s nothing to hide. We respect enormously the judicial and legal sovereignty of every single one of our 54 nations on the African continent.”He also affirmed that CAF will abide by the outcome of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), stating, “I’m confident that whatever the decision of CAS will say, we will respect it and we will implement it.”The dispute stems from the January 18 final, when Senegalese players, coach Pape Thiaw and staff walked off the pitch after Morocco was awarded an added‑time penalty – a chance that forward Brahim Diaz ultimately missed. CAF cited regulations on abandoning the field to justify a 3‑0 forfeit in Morocco’s favour, a ruling announced on March 17.In response, the Senegalese Football Federation has lodged an appeal with CAS, while Senegal’s government has called for an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF.Motsepe’s remarks come at a tense moment for the governing body, which must now navigate legal scrutiny, the appeal process, and mounting pressure from a disgruntled Senegalese public.

The US Court of International Trade is hearing oral arguments in a case aimed at overturning President Donald Trump's global import tariffs. The tariffs, which were imposed in February, have been met with opposition from several US states and small businesses.The plaintiffs, including 24 mostly Democratic-led states and two small businesses, argue that the 10% global import tax sidesteps a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of Trump's previous tariffs. They claim that the tariffs are based on archaic authority meant to protect the US dollar from sudden depreciation in the 1970s, not to address routine trade deficits.Oregon's lawyer, Brian Marshall, told the judges that they should block the tariffs rather than let them expire on the normal 150-day timeline, to prevent Trump from invoking laws to keep them indefinitely. "[If] we have a successive series where there's always tariffs in place, that's a problem," Marshall said.The Trump administration has argued that the global tariffs are a legal and appropriate response to a persistent trade deficit caused by the fact that the US imports more goods than it exports. "President Trump is lawfully using the executive powers granted to him by Congress to address our country's balance of payments crisis," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said.The case is significant as it challenges Trump's use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorises duties of up to 15% for up to 150 days on imports during "large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits" or to prevent imminent depreciation of the dollar.

Luton Town, a team that once played in the Premier League, has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of manager Jack Wilshere, who took over in October. Despite being relegated to League One, the team has shown resilience, with James Shea, Luton’s longest-serving player, highlighting the challenges they faced and their current upward trajectory.The team's journey to the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley against Stockport is a testament to their improved form, having lost only one of their past 11 games across all competitions. This surge in performance has lifted Luton to within three points of the playoffs, fueling hopes for a successful season.Kal Naismith, Luton's captain, praises Wilshere for his managerial skills and human connection with players, which has been pivotal in the team's resurgence. Naismith expresses optimism about the team's prospects, suggesting that they could have their 'greatest season ever' if they succeed in securing a playoff spot and potentially winning the Vertu Trophy.The team's path to the final has not been without controversy, including a unique incident in their match against Swindon, where Luton's opponents attempted to field an ineligible player. Despite this, Luton was reinstated into the competition, ultimately advancing to the final.As Luton prepares for the Vertu Trophy final, they are focused on enjoying this 'little distraction' before concentrating on their primary goal of securing a playoff spot and achieving promotion.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Thursday that it would be "dumb" for the United States to permit Israel to jeopardise the newly‑declared regional ceasefire by persisting with its intense bombardment of Lebanon, a campaign that has already claimed hundreds of lives. Araghchi noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial is set to resume on Sunday, suggesting the prime minister may have ulterior motives for sustaining the fighting. He wrote on social media that a ceasefire encompassing Lebanon would "hasten his jailing," implying that the truce could pressure Netanyahu’s legal woes. Addressing Washington directly, Araghchi said: "If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it." The statement echoes language used by U.S. Vice President JD Vance the previous day, who warned that Iran would find it "dumb" to let the ceasefire collapse over Lebanon, yet framed it as a choice for Tehran. Since the ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, the dispute over whether it applies to Lebanon has become a central obstacle to sustaining the truce. Iranian officials and media have hinted that Tehran could respond militarily to Israel’s assault on Lebanon or even block the Strait of Hormuz to enforce a Lebanon‑wide ceasefire. President Donald Trump told NBC News that he had spoken with Netanyahu and urged the Israeli government to "scale back" its operations in Lebanon, describing the approach as "low‑key." Vance also reported that Israeli officials had agreed to "check themselves a little bit in Lebanon." Despite these diplomatic overtures, the violence shows no sign of abating. The death toll from recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon has already surpassed 300, marking one of the deadliest days in the country’s recent history. On Thursday, Israel launched several new attacks, including a strike that killed four rescuers in the southern town of Borj Qalaouiye, and issued a displacement order for Beirut’s Jnah district, home to two major hospitals and tens of thousands of residents and displaced persons. The United States has a track record of asserting that Israel will curb its military actions, only to witness continued strikes. In 2024, the Biden administration insisted that Israel’s operation in Rafah was "limited," yet the Israeli military ultimately razed nearly every structure in the city, a tactic now hinted at for southern Lebanon. The Lebanese conflict escalated into full‑scale war in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets in retaliation for Israeli strikes and following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Since a separate November 2024 ceasefire, Israel has maintained near‑daily attacks on Lebanon, targeting civilian infrastructure and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Paris Saint-Germain's defense of their UEFA Champions League title remains on track after a commanding 2-0 win against Liverpool in the quarterfinals' first leg.The French side took an early lead through a deflected effort by Desire Doue in the 11th minute, which looped over Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Liverpool, already out of their English Premier League title defense, struggled to respond but managed to stay in the game until halftime. However, the second half was a different story, with PSG dominating the match.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled PSG's lead in the 65th minute with a well-taken goal, dribbling into the box and rounding the keeper.PSG registered 18 shots throughout the game, with six on target, while Liverpool managed only three shots, none of which were on target.Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged his team's struggles, stating, "We should be grateful we only lost 2-0; they had so many chances."The win puts PSG in a strong position ahead of the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday, where Liverpool will need a special performance to overturn the deficit.

Barcelona secured a 2‑0 advantage over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, setting up a high‑stakes Champions League quarter‑final second leg. The win followed a 2‑1 league victory against the same opponents, where Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski scored late goals to clinch the La Liga title. After the match, Diego Simeone approached Hansi Flick with a reminder to return, underscoring the rivalry that will see the teams clash three times in ten days. The upcoming return fixture at Camp Nou promises a tougher battle than the opening encounter. Rashford’s performance was described by Spanish outlets as “hyperactive” and an “exhibition of speed.” He generated seven shots in the first hour alone, including a disallowed goal, multiple attempts saved by goalkeeper Juan Musso, and a free‑kick that struck the bar. His relentless wing play forced the opposition to defend deeper, highlighting his impact beyond the scoreboard. Statistically, Rashford has become Barcelona’s most prolific loanee this season: five goals and four assists in ten Champions League games, and he has reached double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions – a first for any player in Spain this campaign. The loan, secured for €30 million (£26 million) with an option to buy, was initially motivated by Barcelona’s need for a versatile forward who could operate across the front line. The club previously pursued Nico Williams and Luis Díaz, but Rashford’s deal offered a quicker, more economical solution amid La Liga’s salary‑cap constraints. While he started the season as a backup, injuries to Raphinha and form dips from Ferran Torres and Lewandowski opened opportunities. Coach Flick has primarily deployed Rashford on the left flank, though he was briefly positioned as a centre‑forward during the Atletico match. Despite his contributions, Flick cautions that Rashford must improve his defensive work‑rate, a point emphasized by the coach before the game: “We know Marcus is fantastic with the ball, but defending is also part of the game.” Historically, overturning a 2‑0 first‑leg deficit in the Champions League is rare – only one team has succeeded. This reality adds pressure on Barcelona to protect their lead, while Simeone’s side will aim to exploit any complacency. Looking ahead, the club faces a strategic decision: whether to activate the €30 million buy clause and secure Rashford permanently. United have labelled the fee as non‑negotiable, but Barcelona’s limited budget and the desire to convert a successful loan into a long‑term asset make the negotiation critical. Rashford himself remains optimistic, stating he enjoys the new environment and culture in Catalonia. As the second leg looms, his “hyperactive” energy and willingness to take responsibility could prove decisive for Barcelona’s quest to reach the Champions League semi‑finals.

Aston Villa took a significant step towards the Europa League semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Bologna in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. The Premier League side capitalized on a mistake by Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia to take the lead through Ezri Konsa. Despite being second best for much of the match, Villa's clinical finishing and composure under pressure proved decisive.Ollie Watkins doubled Villa's lead shortly after halftime with a cool finish, showcasing his ability to remain calm in pressured situations. This goal was crucial in shifting momentum in Villa's favor, as Bologna struggled to create clear-cut chances. Watkins added a second goal in the 90th minute, securing a 2-0 lead for Villa before the match ended 3-1 in their favor.Bologna's English winger Jonathan Rowe had a standout performance for the hosts, creating several chances and eventually scoring a late consolation goal. However, it was not enough to overturn Villa's advantage. Unai Emery's tactical acumen was evident as Villa focused on set pieces, which ultimately led to their opening goal.The result puts Aston Villa in the driving seat ahead of the second leg, with Bologna facing a tough task to qualify for the semi-finals. Villa's performance demonstrated their resilience and adaptability in a challenging away match, setting them up well for the return fixture.

Virgil van Dijk drew a direct parallel between Liverpool’s current Champions League challenge against Paris Saint‑Germain and the club’s famous comeback against Barcelona in 2019, but warned that belief in the squad may be waning under new manager Arne Slot.Liverpool entered the quarter‑final with a 2‑0 deficit after a lackluster first‑leg loss at the Parc des Princes. Van Dijk, however, remains 100% convinced that a dramatic Anfield turnaround is still possible, citing the memory of overturning a 3‑0 first‑leg loss to Barcelona and winning 4‑0 at home.Reflecting on the 2019 semi‑final, the Dutch defender said, “We faced one of the best teams in Europe with the best player in the world, and we were injured. Now we face the European champions again, and on paper no one gives us a chance.” He stressed that success hinges on self‑belief, the manager’s game plan, and relentless intensity from the first minute to the last.Van Dijk also addressed Liverpool’s broader season, which has already produced 16 defeats across all competitions, including a penalty shoot‑out loss in the Community Shield and a recent FA Cup quarter‑final exit to Manchester City. “It’s unacceptable,” he said, describing the inconsistency as “disappointing” and acknowledging that the current squad does not match the standards set during the Klopp era.Despite the setbacks, the captain highlighted a positive sign: the team’s resilience in the previous Champions League rounds, notably the comeback against Galatasaray in the last‑16 and a strong showing against PSG at Anfield last season. He warned that “everything has to click” against a PSG side that excels in every department.Slot’s tactical shift to a three‑man central defence was only practiced for two days before the Paris match, adding to the challenges. Van Dijk admitted that recent league defeats, starting with a 2‑1 loss at Brighton, have tested the squad’s morale, but he remains hopeful that the experience gained in earlier European ties can fuel a decisive second‑leg performance.