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Gaza City, Gaza – While Easter traditionally celebrates resurrection and renewal, Gaza’s dwindling Christian population spent the holiday in quiet reflection, confronting displacement, scarcity and the trauma of a conflict the United Nations has described as genocide. The enclave is home to fewer than 1,000 Christians, a community already small before the war that has suffered heavy casualties; more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began on 7 October 2023. Inside the remaining churches, prayers and modest services carried profound meaning as families clung to hope for survival and peace. Yet basic necessities—electricity, water and food—remain in short supply, and even traditional Easter items such as eggs are virtually unavailable. Fouad Ayad, a bio‑energy trainer displaced from near al‑Rantisi Children’s Hospital, described searching the markets of Gaza City for eggs without success. “We decorate eggs for the children, and sometimes Muslim children visit us for colourful eggs,” he told Al Jazeera, highlighting the inter‑communal bonds that persist despite the siege. Shortages have also erased the customary communal lunch. “Meat is scarce and extremely expensive,” Ayad lamented, recalling how families once gathered to share meals, colour eggs and visit elderly neighbours of all faiths. The Church of the Holy Family, which Ayad once attended, has been struck multiple times. “Three of my relatives were killed in one attack, and another strike killed more than 20 Christians,” he recounted, illustrating the direct targeting of places of worship. Attendance at Easter services in Gaza’s sole Catholic church has dwindled as many believers have fled the Strip. Yet, as one worshipper put it, “We only performed the prayers, refusing to celebrate because of our martyrs,” affirming their resolve to remain rooted in the land despite the devastation. Israeli restrictions have prevented Christians from traveling to the Old City of East Jerusalem to attend the Holy Sepulchre for the past two years. Recent attempts by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to enter the site were initially blocked, only to be reversed after international outcry. Elias al‑Jelda, a 60‑year‑old Orthodox council member, recounted sheltering in the Church of the Holy Family after his home was destroyed. “I lost friends, neighbours and relatives, many killed while staying close to their homes and faith,” he said, underscoring the personal toll of the conflict. Traditional Easter treats—coloured eggs, kahk, maamoul and Eidiya gifts—are largely absent this year. “There are no eggs anywhere in the Strip,” reported 74‑year‑old Amal al‑Masri, who recalled pre‑war celebrations filled with shared meals and festive sweets. Power outages compound the hardship. “Electricity continues to be a major problem, and the soaring cost of diesel and generator oil makes it worse,” al‑Jelda warned, highlighting the broader infrastructure collapse affecting all Gazans. Despite the bleak circumstances, the remaining Christians affirm their identity and solidarity with the broader Palestinian population. “No matter what your political agenda or religion is, all of us Palestinians are targeted by the occupation,” a worshipper declared, encapsulating the collective sense of victimhood and resilience.

In a stark assessment, journalist Christopher Gunness contends that Israel's recent offensive against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is not an isolated incident but a central element of a larger campaign he characterizes as a genocide of the Palestinian people.Gunness emphasizes that UNRWA, which provides critical education, health, and food assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, has become a strategic target. By undermining the agency’s operations, Israel, he argues, seeks to erode the humanitarian lifeline that sustains Palestinian communities, thereby intensifying the humanitarian crisis.The analysis links the attack on UNRWA to broader patterns of violence and displacement, suggesting that the move escalates the conflict beyond conventional warfare into actions that could meet the legal definition of genocide under international law. Such allegations carry profound implications for global diplomatic responses and potential accountability mechanisms.While the piece does not present new statistical data, it underscores the symbolic and practical significance of UNRWA’s role, urging the international community to recognize the attack as a pivotal escalation in the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

Inter Miami celebrated the launch of its brand‑new 26,000‑seat Nu Stadium on Saturday, but the opening ceremony quickly turned into a competitive showdown as the MLS champions were held to a 2‑2 draw by Austin FC.Co‑owner David Beckham addressed the crowd before kickoff, describing the stadium’s completion as “a dream come true” after more than a decade of searching for a permanent home.The pre‑match festivities featured a ribbon‑cutting ceremony with Beckham alongside billionaire managing owner Jorge Mas, setting an upbeat tone that Austin soon disrupted.Just six minutes into the game, Austin’s Guilherme Biro capitalised on a pass from Facundo Torres to give the visitors an early lead, shocking the home supporters.Inter Miami responded swiftly when right‑back Ian Fray surged down the flank and delivered a cross that found Lionel Messi, who headed the ball into the net for a rare headed goal and restored parity four minutes later.Miami dominated possession thereafter, creating several chances, including two close attempts by Mateo Silvetti, but Austin’s disciplined defence and quick counter‑attacks kept the score level.The visitors reclaimed the lead in the 53rd minute after Joseph Rosales stole the ball in Miami’s half, set up Myrto Uzuni, whose pass found substitute Jayden Nelson for a clinical finish.Needing a spark, coach Javier Mascherano introduced veteran striker Luis Suarez in the 73rd minute. Suarez seized the moment eight minutes later, tapping in from close range after a Messi corner was flicked on by German Berterame, leveling the match at 2‑2.Suarez appeared to have secured a dramatic winner when his follow‑up struck the woodwork and rebounded, but the goal was ruled out for off‑side, leaving the game dead‑locked as the final whistle blew.

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced on Saturday that Iraqi ships are free to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global energy supplies. This decision exempts Iraq from all restrictions in the strait, with controls only applying to 'enemy countries'.The announcement reflects Iran's easing of its stranglehold on the strait, which has been effectively blockaded since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran on February 28. Despite this, maritime traffic has seen an increase in recent weeks, with 53 transits recorded last week, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence.Iran's military command emphasized its 'profound respect for Iraq's national sovereignty' and praised Iraq's struggle against the US. This move comes in response to US President Donald Trump's demands for Tehran to make a deal or relinquish control of the waterway, warning that 'all hell' would ensue within 48 hours otherwise. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters rejected Trump's demand, calling it a 'helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action'. The blockade has significantly impacted global energy markets, pushing up fuel prices and prompting emergency energy conservation measures in many countries. Brent crude has hovered above $109 a barrel, with predictions of further price surges if the strait remains blocked. Iraq's oil production, which provides most of Baghdad's revenues, has been particularly affected, falling to 1.2 million barrels a day from 4.3 million barrels.

Iran's coastline is undergoing a significant transformation through ambitious architectural projects, reflecting the country's strategy to exert greater control over its coastal regions and drive economic growth. The development initiative aims to enhance the urban landscape while bolstering Iran's presence in the region. As the projects progress, they are expected to have a profound impact on the local economy and reshape the country's coastline for years to come.

Russian attacks across Ukraine have resulted in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries over a 24-hour period, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks targeted various regions, including the city of Kharkiv and the southeastern city of Nikopol.In Kharkiv and surrounding areas, four people were killed and 11 injured in Russian attacks. Additionally, at least 11 people, including a child, were injured when a Russian drone struck a building in the Sumy region.The southeastern city of Nikopol was also hit, with a Russian drone striking a covered market, killing five people and wounding 25, according to Dnipropetrovsk Governor Oleksandr Ganja. In the eastern region of Donetsk, six people were killed and 10 injured over 24 hours.The Ukrainian air force reported that it had shot down or neutralized 260 of 286 Russian drones launched towards various parts of the country during overnight attacks. However, 11 drones did strike 10 locations, with debris found at six locations.In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss efforts to end the ongoing conflict. Erdogan expressed Turkey's commitment to supporting negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.The talks between Zelenskyy and Erdogan come as diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled in recent months. The two leaders also discussed maritime safety in the Black Sea and the security of energy supplies.

Satellite‑imaging firm Planet Labs confirmed it will indefinitely suspend the distribution of visuals covering Iran and the wider Middle East conflict zone, responding to a direct request from the United States government.The California‑based company communicated the decision to its customers via email on Saturday, stating that the administration had asked imagery providers to impose an “indefinite withhold of imagery.”This restriction builds on a 14‑day delay introduced last month, which itself extended an earlier 96‑hour hold. Those temporary measures were intended to prevent hostile actors from exploiting commercial satellite data to target U.S. and allied forces.Planet Labs will withhold all imagery captured since March 9 and expects the policy to stay in place until the end of the war, which began on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched aerial strikes against Iran. Since then, the conflict has escalated, with Iran firing missiles and drones at Israeli and U.S. assets and striking civilian infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.Founded in 2010 by former NASA scientists, the company said it will shift to a “managed distribution” model, releasing images only on a case‑by‑case basis for urgent, mission‑critical needs or when deemed to serve the public interest.“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders,” Planet Labs said in its statement.Satellite technology remains vital for military operations—supporting target identification, weapons guidance, missile tracking, and communications. Some space analysts warn that Iran could still access commercial imagery through adversarial channels, while journalists and researchers rely on such data to monitor hard‑to‑reach areas.

Jeffrey Stephen Wigand, a biochemist who helped reveal how tobacco companies targeted children and hid the addictive nature of cigarettes, has been drawing parallels between the tobacco industry and social media companies. Wigand, who played a crucial role in the landmark tobacco trials of the 1990s, believes that social media companies have similarly designed their products to be addictive, particularly targeting children.The recent verdict in a major social media trial, which found Meta and YouTube liable for their role in creating addictive products, has strengthened comparisons to the legal crackdown on big tobacco. Wigand sees it as a similar situation, where companies prioritize profits over people's well-being. He notes that both industries use advertisements to target children, with social media companies using data to create addictive algorithms.Wigand's experience in the tobacco industry informs his perspective on social media. He was hired by Brown & Williamson (B&W;) in 1989 to develop a safer cigarette but was fired after raising concerns about carcinogenic substances in cigarettes. He then publicly declared that the tobacco industry was a 'nicotine delivery business' and helped the federal government in its investigations.Wigand believes that social media companies, like tobacco companies, intentionally addict people, especially children, to generate revenue. He emphasizes that brain development in children makes them vulnerable to addiction, and that social media companies exploit this vulnerability.The tobacco industry faced significant reforms and financial penalties following Wigand's whistleblowing. He hopes that similar actions will be taken against social media companies, including putting guardrails on access for children and holding companies accountable for their role in creating harm. Wigand's message to tech workers considering becoming whistleblowers is to carefully weigh the personal costs and prepare for the challenges that come with speaking out.

Martin Ho arrived at Tottenham in July, inheriting a side that had slumped to 11th place the previous season. Within months the club has risen to fifth in the Women's Super League, just three points shy of matching their record 32‑point tally from 2021‑22. With three league games remaining, Spurs are set to face Chelsea in an FA Cup quarter‑final, while a recent League Cup exit saw them lose 2‑1 to Manchester United. Ho, who began coaching at 17 after an unfulfilled stint at Everton’s academy, describes the campaign as a success so far, noting the progress from a “rudderless” squad to a more cohesive unit. He acknowledges the boldness of such a claim before the season ends, especially after consecutive 5‑2 defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal, but stresses that the club’s trajectory is positive. Only two new signings – Norway forward Cathinka Tandberg and Japan defender Toko Koga – joined the roster in the summer, a deliberate move by Ho to assess the existing squad first. "I needed to see the players with my own eyes and apply my coaching methodology," he explained. Ho’s approach draws on his experience as an assistant at Manchester United under Casey Stoney and Marc Skinner, and his earlier head‑coach role at Norwegian side SK Brann. He spent time learning the club’s culture, fanbase and values before implementing changes. Key to the transformation was a psychological reset. Ho told his players that the team must look forward and abandon the disappointment of the previous season. "We asked them to play bravely, press higher and accept that mistakes are part of growth," he said. The 5‑1 loss to Manchester City early in the season became a catalyst. Ho observed that the squad’s response demonstrated a shift in mentality, prompting him to reinforce belief and challenge the players to improve. Consistency has been elusive – three wins from eight league matches – but the side has shown signs of potential, and January brought additional reinforcements. Looking ahead, Ho warns against over‑inflated expectations. "If we promise Champions League football now and fail, it harms everyone," he cautioned, noting that European competition would be premature for a club still building its foundation. He emphasizes the need for steady, sustainable progress rather than a flash‑in‑the‑pan surge. "We must evolve the squad, staff, processes and investment together," Ho said. With a limited pool of elite talent, attracting and retaining players remains a challenge. Ho stresses creating an authentic environment that offers clear development pathways, saying, "When players see their value and a clear route forward, they stay and improve." Born in Liverpool to a Chinese father and English mother, Ho credits his upbringing for his holistic coaching philosophy. He often remarks that coaches are like thieves, constantly borrowing ideas from one another, and strives to adapt those influences into a style that reflects his own vision for Tottenham Women.