Jerusalem (AFP) – Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says US President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to relocate millions of Gazans to other countries is “taking shape”, but acknowledges it would be a massive logistical undertaking.
Gold Coast (AFP) – Heavy rain and strong winds continue to thrash Australia’s east coast after former tropical cyclone Alfred made landfall over Bribie Island on the Queensland coastline in the late evening on March 8, 2025. The weather system has whipped up gale-force winds that toppled trees, brought down power lines, and damaged buildings.
Peking (AFP) – China’s military says it would tighten its “noose” around Taiwan if separatism over the island escalates, warning proponents to step back from the “precipice” or face a “dead end”. The comments, made during China’s “Two Sessions” annual political gathering in Beijing, come days after the country announced a 7.2 percent increase to its defence budget in 2025.
Elanora (AFP) – A huge tree lies atop a house after ex-Cyclone Alfred unleashes dangerous gusts and heavy rain on Australia’s east coast. Near the property, crews work to repair electricity lines while others clear fallen trees blocking roads. The tropical cyclone — now downgraded to a depression — battered the coastline with gale-force winds, toppling trees, bringing down power lines, and damaging buildings.
Jakarta (AFP) – People rallied on International Women’s Day across Asia and Europe, with more protests expected in the Americas later on.
Rom (AFP) – Worshippers continue to pray for Pope Francis outside the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been battling pneumonia since February 14. According to the latest report from the Vatican, the pontiff “is going on with treatment and physiotherapy this morning”, following a “calm” night.
Berlin (AFP) – The German conservatives of Friedrich Merz and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) reveal that they have reached an in-principle agreement to form a government that plans to invest heavily in reviving and rearming Europe’s largest economy. Merz, who won Germany’s February 23 election, says alongside Lars Klingbeil of the SPD that they have successfully finished exploratory talks and will now move towards formal talks to build a coalition government.
Moe Bye (AFP) – Amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, two women fighters from anti-junta armed resistance group the Urban Revolutionary Front (URF), based in Kayah state, share their personal journeys of resistance since the 2021 coup. Sagawah Aung used to work in the media industry and planned to pursue a master’s degree, but after witnessing women being killed during the anti-junta protests, she decided to join the force. Monica, a student, is also determined to fight — one of very few women soldiers on the frontline.
London (AFP) – UK police close off the area around Big Ben in London after a man holding a Palestinian flag climbed up the tower housing the famous clock and bell. Police say they were first alerted “to a man climbing up the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament” shortly after 0700 GMT.
Dobropillia (AFP) – Scenes of destruction after overnight Russian strikes kill at least 11 people in Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine, according to the country’s emergency service. The assault comes days ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at a truce.
Lagos (AFP) – Battling the traffic in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital, Amaka Okoli is one woman among many joining the traditionally male ranks driving the city’s commercial ‘danfo’ buses. The 38-year-old mother of two was a banker until three years ago. “It’s a means of livelihood now to get food on the table,” she explains, as Nigeria suffers its worst economic crisis in a generation.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Surrounded by rubble and tents, residents of Gaza City break their fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a rare expression of joy after nearly a year and a half of war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
