News from March 6, 2025 at 2 PM

On March 5, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in Paris, expressing openness to discussing an extension of France's nuclear umbrella to European partners and warning that Russia poses a threat to all of Europe. Macron also stated that France would increase defense spending and continue supporting Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, pressuring President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace talks with Russia. President Donald Trump accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the Canada-US trade war to stay in power. Over 300 nominees, including Trump and Pope Francis, were counted for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, remained in stable condition on March 5.

On March 6, South Korean KF-16 fighter jets accidentally released bombs over the city of Pocheon, northeast of Seoul, during training, injuring at least 15 people, including two foreigners and two servicemen. The incident occurred outside a firing range near the North Korean border where a joint US and South Korean exercise was being conducted, involving around 160 combat vehicles and aircraft. Initial reports indicated eight MK-82 bombs were dropped, but it was later clarified that two KF-16 fighters each dropped four bombs. Seven buildings, including a church, were damaged in the city. Ten people have been hospitalized, with two in serious condition. Bomb experts have arrived to clear unexploded ordnance, and local residents have been advised to evacuate. The South Korean Air Force expressed regret for the civilian damage and injuries and pledged to offer compensation. According to Yonhap, this is the first such incident in the Republic of Korea since a training bomb was mistakenly dropped by an F-5B fighter on Boryeong in 2004, which caused no injuries.

On March 4, an emergency Arab summit concluded in Cairo, Egypt, approving a $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt, which includes humanitarian aid and infrastructure restoration. Hamas supports the plan, while the United States and Israel oppose it. The summit agreed to establish a non-partisan committee to manage Gaza for at least six months. Palestinian President Abbas opposed any efforts to expel Palestinians. UN Secretary-General Guterres endorsed the plan, emphasizing that Gaza should remain part of Palestine. Egyptian Foreign Minister will submit the plan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for support.

On March 4, 2025, Arab leaders approved a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza at an emergency summit in Cairo, Egypt, countering President Donald Trump's proposal to 'take over Gaza' and relocate over two million Palestinians. Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasized the Arab stance against any displacement. Egypt's detailed 91-page plan focuses not only on property development but also on politics and Palestinian rights. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi called for a parallel plan towards the two-state solution. The new plan proposes a temporary 'Gaza management committee' under the Palestinian government, but is vague on Hamas's role. Security concerns are addressed by calling for UN peacekeepers. The reconstruction will unfold in three phases, with initial six months for rubble clearance and subsequent stages lasting several years. Wealthy Gulf states are willing to fund the project, but hesitate due to the fragile ceasefire on the brink of collapse.

On March 5, 2025, US President Donald Trump claimed that 'nobody has ever heard of' the African country of Lesotho, a statement that shocked its government. Lesotho, a mountainous country entirely surrounded by South Africa, is known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' with elevations entirely above 1,000 meters. Its main resources are water and diamonds, exported to South Africa. Lesotho boasts the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa and its people, known as Basotho, are famous for their traditional blankets and conical hats. The country has one of the world's highest HIV rates, with the US providing nearly $1 billion in aid since 2006. Additionally, Lesotho is a major exporter of clothing to the US, with exports worth $237 million last year.