Israel has approved a US-backed ceasefire proposal in Gaza during Ramadan and Passover, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The ceasefire follows a 42-day truce but faces opposition from Hamas, which demands a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Israel has suspended the entry of supplies into Gaza, citing Hamas’ refusal to extend the initial truce. Egypt is set to host Arab foreign ministers to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and oppose US plans to resettle Palestinians elsewhere. The conflict’s future remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm on their positions.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK and France will collaborate with Ukraine on a peace plan before discussing it with the US. The move follows a tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. Starmer emphasized the need for a "lasting peace" and Europe’s greater role in defense. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stressed US engagement, while Italy’s Giorgia Meloni echoed calls for unity. Starmer also defended Trump's UK state visit, urging strategic dialogue. The UK aims to bolster defense spending, with European nations urged to increase commitments.

Pro-Ukraine protests swept across the US after Donald Trump and JD Vance’s heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Demonstrations took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, with protesters holding pro-Ukraine signs. In Vermont, activists disrupted Vice President Vance’s family ski trip, forcing them to move to an undisclosed location. Trump told Zelensky to “make a deal with Russia” or lose US support, sparking outrage. Meanwhile, Zelensky is set to meet European leaders in London for a Ukraine war summit. Counter-protesters supporting Trump and Vance were also present in Vermont.

Israel announced the suspension of all aid and supplies into Gaza, warning of "additional consequences" if Hamas rejects a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension. The initial truce, which allowed increased humanitarian aid, expired Saturday. Israel claims the U.S. plan, supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, extends the ceasefire until April 20, covering Ramadan and Passover. It requires Hamas to release half the hostages immediately and the rest upon a permanent ceasefire agreement. Mediators Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have not commented, and Hamas has yet to respond. The blockade’s full impact remains unclear.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is spearheading efforts to rejuvenate peace negotiations for Ukraine. Following a contentious exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump—where Trump threatened to withdraw support over perceived ingratitude—Zelenskiy received a warm reception in London from Starmer. In response to escalating tensions, Starmer has initiated urgent discussions with Trump, Zelenskiy, and French President Emmanuel Macron to form a proactive European coalition. This coalition aims to swiftly develop a peace proposal to present to the U.S., emphasizing the necessity for European nations, particularly the UK and France, to enhance defense initiatives. Starmer and Macron are collaborating on a plan involving peacekeeping forces, with ongoing dialogues on bolstering support for Kyiv prior to any peace talks.

Israel has agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover. The plan includes releasing half of the remaining hostages on the first day and initiating talks for a permanent truce. However, Hamas has rejected this proposal, insisting on negotiating the second phase of the ceasefire, which aims for a complete Israeli withdrawal and lasting peace. In response, Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move Hamas deems as "cheap extortion" and a violation of previous agreements.     

Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza after the expiration of phase one of the ceasefire deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office cited Hamas’s refusal to accept a US-backed six-week ceasefire extension. Hamas condemned the move as “blackmail” and urged international pressure on Israel. The ceasefire, in effect since January 19, saw the release of hostages and prisoners but stalled on phase two negotiations. Hamas demands guarantees of Israel’s troop withdrawal and further exchanges. Netanyahu insists no ceasefire will continue without hostage releases. The US proposal includes phased releases and negotiations, but Israel warns of consequences if Hamas refuses. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens as tensions escalate.

A suicide bomb blast during Friday prayers at the Jamia Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including prominent cleric Hamid ul Haq. The attack occurred a day before Ramadan. Hamid ul Haq, leader of a faction of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam party, was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, known as “the father of the Taliban,” who was assassinated in 2018. The seminary has historically been a training ground for the Afghan Taliban. The explosion took place in the first row of worshippers just behind the imam. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting a special defense summit in London with leaders from Europe, Canada, and Turkey to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This initiative follows a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which ended abruptly, jeopardizing a proposed minerals deal and raising concerns about continued U.S. military support for Ukraine. European leaders are seeking security guarantees, such as air cover, from Washington as part of any potential peace agreement with Russia. Starmer, who recently announced the largest increase in defense spending since the Cold War, aims to encourage European nations to bolster their defense capabilities independently of U.S. support. The summit seeks to solidify a lasting peace and ensure Ukraine's future sovereignty and security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, following a tense encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump. The leaders discussed bolstering support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer reaffirmed the UK's unwavering commitment, stating, "We stand with you, with Ukraine, for as long as it may take." Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, acknowledging the UK's steadfast support. This meeting precedes a summit in London, where European and NATO leaders will deliberate on enhancing defense aid to Ukraine and addressing Europe's role in ensuring Ukrainian sovereignty and security. The discussions aim to fortify collective efforts toward a lasting peace in the region.