News from March 5, 2025 at 2 PM

US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, stating that the US received strong signals from Russia on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and a letter from Vladimir Zelensky expressing readiness to work under Trump's leadership for lasting peace and sign a rare-earths deal. Trump announced plans to develop a new missile defense shield and impose new reciprocal tariffs on imports from April 2. He also declared intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, welcomed Greenland's potential joining the US, and criticized previous administrations for wasteful spending. Domestically, Trump highlighted steps to restore a fair justice system, proposed significant tax cuts, and addressed efforts to tackle illegal immigration.

Arab nations have agreed to establish an independent committee to temporarily administer the Gaza Strip, ensuring Palestinians can remain. Egyptian President Sisi announced the approval of a Gaza reconstruction plan at an emergency Arab summit. Arab League Secretary-General Gat said the plan provides a new 'security and political roadmap' for Gaza. The committee will manage Gaza for at least six months, and Egypt will seek support at an Islamic Cooperation Organization meeting. The reconstruction plan, estimated to cost $53 billion, will be internationally funded, said Palestinian Prime Minister Mustafa. UN Secretary-General Guterres expressed support, while Palestinian President Abbas urged Trump to back the plan. Israel and the US criticized it for failing to eliminate Hamas's control.

Pope Francis experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure on the afternoon of March 3, prompting medical intervention to clear mucus from his lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator but remains alert, focused, and cooperative. This marks the third serious downturn since his hospitalization for pneumonia 18 days ago. On Friday, he suffered a separate breathing crisis but responded well to oxygen therapy. Following Monday's episodes, he has resumed mechanical ventilation. Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks and will miss Wednesday's Lenten procession and mass. Hundreds of Catholics gathered in St Peter's Square to pray for his health. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, initially treated for bronchitis and later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. His susceptibility to pneumonia is heightened due to a partial lung removal following pleurisy in his youth.

Florida has initiated a criminal investigation into British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who arrived in the state last week from Romania, where they face rape and human-trafficking charges. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that investigators have issued search warrants and subpoenas as part of an active inquiry. In the US, the brothers also face a civil lawsuit from a woman alleging they coerced her into sex work and then defamed her. They deny all allegations. The brothers also face separate charges in the UK. Arrested in Romania in December 2022, they faced new allegations in August 2024, all of which they deny. They are required to return to Bucharest by the end of March, but compliance remains uncertain.

On March 4 in Belgrade, Serbia, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik condemned the opposition's use of stun grenades and smoke bombs to disrupt a Serbian parliament meeting, labeling it an attempt to forcibly overthrow the government and expressing support for Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Dodik wrote on his X page that this was a destructive force aiming to bring Serbia to its knees. Radio Television of Serbia, citing Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, reported that three MPs were injured in a clash between opposition and ruling majority lawmakers, with one in serious condition. Earlier on Tuesday, opposition MPs tried to disrupt a parliamentary session by setting off pyrotechnic devices in the session hall, sparking the altercation.

Israel's National Security Agency (Shin Bet) released a report on March 4, admitting it overlooked signs of Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, and misjudged the threat. The report revealed that Shin Bet received warnings the night before the attack but failed to act. The agency acknowledged serious internal mistakes but attributed the main cause to external factors. Shin Bet Director Bar stated he would resign but only after all detainees are released. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the findings, while Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused him of shifting blame. Previously, the Israeli military admitted underestimating Hamas' capabilities.

On March 3, a car ramming incident occurred in Mannheim, southwestern Germany's Baden-Wurttemberg state. The suspect, a 40-year-old German man from the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate, was identified. Thomas Strobl, the state interior minister of Baden-Wuerttemberg, stated that the man has been detained and is currently hospitalized with injuries. Police believe he acted alone. The incident took place around noon on Monday when a car plowed into a crowd in downtown Mannheim. According to the Bild newspaper, at least two people died and 14 were injured. It remains unclear whether the incident was an accident or an attack. Witnesses reported that the car drove into the main pedestrian street near the water tower and struck a group of people near the Galeria Kaufhof shopping mall, where a carnival market was being held. The police are conducting an investigation, but no further details about the driver have been disclosed yet.

On March 4, Myanmar's Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and invited him to visit Myanmar at his convenience. He noted that this year marks the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Myanmar, thanked Putin for the reception, and expressed readiness for further cooperation.

Adidas reported a 19% increase in fourth-quarter sales to 5.97 billion euros, exceeding expectations. Operating profit was 57 million euros, compared to a loss of 377 million euros in the same period last year. Full-year sales rose 12% to 237 billion euros. CEO Bjorn Gulden described 2024 as a successful year but acknowledged room for improvement. The company forecasts high-single-digit sales growth and operating profit of 1.7-1.8 billion euros in 2025. Adidas faces challenges in North America, having sold off its remaining Yeezy stock. Analyst Yanmei Tang highlighted the need for further innovation to meet growth targets.