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The Israeli Knesset approved a bill on Monday that makes the death penalty the standard sentence for Palestinians found guilty of terrorism‑related murders in the occupied West Bank, while excluding Jewish extremists from the same punishment. Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, warned that the law is "patently inconsistent" with Israel’s obligations under international law and could constitute a war crime when applied to residents of the occupied territories. Türk stressed that the proposal raises “serious concerns about due‑process violations” and is “deeply discriminatory,” urging the Israeli government to repeal it without delay. He added that its selective application would amount to “an especially egregious breach of international law.” European officials have joined the criticism. An EU spokesperson described the bill as “a clear step backwards” and highlighted its discriminatory nature. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the measure “asymmetric” and likened it to a move toward apartheid, while Germany’s foreign ministry said it could not endorse a law that “rejects the fundamental principle of opposing the death penalty.” The legislation stipulates that anyone sentenced to death will be held in a separate facility, barred from family visits, and allowed legal counsel only via video link. Executions are to be carried out within 90 days of sentencing, with hanging identified as the method of execution. The bill also removes the requirement for a prosecutor’s request and permits a simple majority vote in military courts to impose the death sentence. Israel has applied capital punishment only twice since its establishment, most recently in 1962 when Adolf Eichmann was executed. The bill’s strongest political backer, National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, has publicly displayed a noose‑shaped lapel pin, symbolising the proposed executions. Human‑rights organisations have warned that the law entrenches a two‑tiered justice system. Adam Coogle of Human Rights Watch said the measure “entrenches discrimination and a two‑tiered system of justice, both hallmarks of apartheid,” while Oxfam’s Shaista Aziz warned that it “effectively ensures that the death penalty will apply only to Palestinians, even as the occupation sees a surge in violence against them.” Within Israel, the bill faces legal opposition. Several human‑rights groups and three Knesset members have filed petitions with the Supreme Court, arguing that the law creates parallel legal tracks that target Palestinians and should be struck down on constitutional grounds.

Netflix’s fourth season of “Love on the Spectrum” returns this week, following a group of neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the challenges of dating. Unlike mainstream formats such as “Love is Blind” or “Love Island,” the series prioritises genuine connection over drama and commercial incentives. The new lineup blends familiar faces with fresh participants. Logan, a 25‑year‑old from Las Vegas, shares his simple pleasures—Hannah Montana, model‑train crash videos and cheesecake—while preparing for his first date with Hailey under the guidance of autism specialist Jennifer Cook. Their interaction underscores that the anxieties of a first date—wondering if you’ll be liked, what to wear, or what to talk about—are universal. Returning contestant Madison, now 27, moves to Florida to be closer to her partner Tyler, celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together with a country‑song serenade titled “Livin’ on Love.” Meanwhile, Connor, 26, wrestles with mixed signals from his girlfriend Georgie, rehearsing a picnic of finger sandwiches with his mother’s coaching. Another storyline follows Emma, a 22‑year‑old Mormon college student, whose family encourages her to embrace her authentic self rather than conform to expectations—a sentiment the reviewer suggests many viewers could adopt. The programme is positioned as a nostalgic reminder of early‑2000s reality TV, which often framed itself as a “social experiment.” Shows like the original “Queer Eye” and “The Simple Life” highlighted common ground among diverse participants. Over the past two decades, however, the genre has gravitated toward heightened conflict, exemplified by the 2004 “Wife Swap” showdown and the recent “The Bachelorette” season 22 cancellation amid domestic‑violence allegations. In this climate, “Love on the Spectrum” stands out as a life‑affirming alternative that proves reality television can still be kind. At its core, the series reveals a paradox: neurodivergent participants often approach dating with a refreshing candor, unburdened by the performative pressures that affect many neurotypical daters. Emma, for instance, openly shares a Donald Duck impression on a first date and honestly admits when she sees no future with a partner, avoiding the common “ghosting” pitfall. By spotlighting these authentic moments, “Love on the Spectrum” not only entertains but also challenges the prevailing narrative that reality TV must be sensationalist. It suggests that, with the right framing, the genre can celebrate genuine human connection.

The Drama, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, is a jeu d'esprit of outrage, a psychological meltdown that is more astutely articulated than in many another more solemnly intended film.The film centers around Charlie, played by Robert Pattinson, a young British art historian based in the US, and Emma, played by Zendaya, a beautiful and charming young woman who is deaf in one ear. Their whirlwind romance leads to a wedding, but their relationship is put to the test when Emma reveals a dark secret from her past: at 14, she planned a high school shooting but was thwarted when another shooting occurred at a local mall, killing a friend.The film's tone is a delicate balance of satire and thriller, leaving viewers questioning whether it's a black-comedic absurdity or a serious commentary on the darker aspects of human nature. The film's ingenuity lies in its generic ambiguity, making it difficult to categorize as solely a romantic comedy or a thriller.The Drama has sparked controversy and debate, with some critics praising its bold and insouciantly offensive approach, while others have expressed discomfort with its handling of sensitive topics like gun violence and mental health.Despite some critics arguing that the film slightly falls down in its portrayal of the aftermath of Emma's non-crime, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of relationships.The Drama is set to release in Australia on April 2, and in the UK and US on April 3.

Israeli settlers have set fire to several vehicles in a town near Hebron in the West Bank, according to reports. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for escalating violence in the region.The town, located in a sensitive area, has been a focal point for tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents. The cause of the attack is not specified, but it has contributed to an already volatile atmosphere.Authorities and local residents are likely to investigate the incident and assess the damage. The event may impact regional stability and could influence relations between Israel and Palestine.

Digital violence is on the rise in Africa, driven by the rapid growth of internet access and high youth populations. Experts warn that this trend has severe consequences, including mental health problems, withdrawal from public and economic life, physical attacks, and femicide.In Africa, internet access is growing exponentially, with more than 70% of the population under 30. This has created a toxic online environment with dire real-life consequences. A study across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that 28% of women had experienced online violence. As internet access expands, this number is expected to rise.Primary targets include women in politics, human rights activists, journalists, and women with a public profile. 46% of female parliamentarians across 50 African countries have been the target of sexist attacks online, and 42% have received threats of death, rape, beating, or abduction, often through social media.Legislation and digital literacy are crucial in combating digital violence. Only 38% of people on the continent are internet users, and among women, the figure falls to 31%. Experts stress that platforms need to be accountable for the harm that is taking place on them and put user safety over profit.Examples of digital violence include doxing, deepfake abuse, sexual harassment, intimidation, and sextortion. These actions can lead to stalking, physical violence, and damage to reputation. Globally, nearly two in every five women will experience tech-facilitated violence, while 85% of women who are online have witnessed or encountered online abuse.Fewer than 40% of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment or cyber stalking, leaving 44% of the world’s women and girls – 1.8 billion – without access to legal protection. In Africa, about 17 countries have introduced legislation looking at cybercrime, but most do not acknowledge the gendered nature of abuse.

The recent news of a six-year-old girl killed in Lebanon by an Israeli bomb has left many in tears. The child's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. As we bear witness to such horrors, it's essential that we don't turn away, but instead, take a moment to reflect on the human cost of conflict. The girl's death is a heart-wrenching example of the innocent lives lost in the ongoing violence. It's crucial that we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those affected, rather than becoming desensitized to the news. By doing so, we can work towards a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these conflicts. The international community must consider the long-term effects of war on civilians, particularly children. The emotional toll of such experiences can be profound and lasting. As we move forward, it's essential that we prioritize empathy and compassion in our response to these tragedies. Ultimately, it's our collective responsibility to stay informed and engaged, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and their stories are told. By doing so, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of the world and its complexities.

A premature ceasefire agreement could potentially set the stage for future conflict escalation, experts warn. The rushed nature of such agreements often overlooks underlying issues, leading to unsustainable peace and increasing the likelihood of renewed violence.The concern is that without addressing the root causes of the conflict, a ceasefire might merely delay the inevitable, rather than providing a lasting resolution. This could result in another round of conflict in the future, potentially with greater intensity.

A devastating attack by Sudanese paramilitaries on South Kordofan has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, including five children and two women, according to a medical group. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North launched a hours-long assault on residential areas in the city of Dilling, leaving at least 23 others wounded, including seven children.The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the attack was part of a larger conflict that has ravaged the region. The military, which recently broke an RSF siege on the city, said it successfully fended off the attack on the capital of South Kordofan province.The doctors' group warned of a possible “catastrophic scenario” similar to the one that occurred in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. The RSF's invasion of el-Fasher in October was marked by “hallmarks of genocide”, according to UN-commissioned experts. More than 6,000 people were killed over three days in el-Fasher when the RSF unleashed a wave of intense violence.The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has led to one of the world's fastest-growing man-made humanitarian crises. Over 12 million people have been forced from their homes, and more than 33 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. According to UN figures, more than 40,000 people have been killed over the past three years, although aid groups believe the true death toll could be significantly higher.Both sides have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which are being investigated by the International Criminal Court. The fighting has recently centered on Darfur and the Kordofan region, with deadly drone attacks reported daily. The UN Human Rights Office reported that more than 500 civilians were killed in drone strikes this year as of mid-March.

The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its 30th day, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to bring an end to the conflict. Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are scheduled to hold talks in Islamabad, aimed at de-escalating the situation.The conflict has escalated across the Middle East, with Yemen's Houthis joining the war by firing missiles at Israel on Saturday. Tehran has threatened retaliatory attacks on Israeli and US universities in the region after the United States and Israel bombed Iranian universities.US-Israeli strikes have continued, with powerful explosions rocking Tehran on Sunday morning, killing two people and wounding five in a residential area. The Iranian Fars news agency reported that US-Israeli attacks also hit the Saadat Abad neighbourhood of northern Tehran and another residential area in the west of the capital.In the Gulf, Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed 10 drones in the early hours of Sunday, while the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defences responded to missiles and drone threats. Emirates Global Aluminium reported that an Iranian attack on Saturday inflicted significant damage on one of its sites in Abu Dhabi and wounded six employees.Iran's power has been underestimated, according to Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall, reporting from Tehran. He said that one month into the war, Iran has proved that its power was underestimated by the enemy, who thought that the war would be a short excursion and that the country would capitulate after just a few days of bombardment.The conflict has also led to protests in Lebanon, with protesters taking to the streets in Beirut after Israeli forces killed journalists Fatima Ftouni and her brother and colleague, Mohammed, of Al Mayadeen, as well as Al-Manar's Ali Shuaib on Saturday.In Israel, people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, rallying against the war and increased settler violence, as they clashed with police. The Israeli military announced the death of a soldier, Moshe Yitzhak HaCohen Katz, in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel continue.The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said some 3,500 additional soldiers arrived in the Middle East on board the USS Tripoli. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, although Al Jazeera could not independently verify the report.