The UK is hosting senior military leaders from 20+ nations to plan a Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend the meeting after visiting Barrow to lay the keel for HMS Dreadnought, a new nuclear-armed submarine. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said the force must be "credible" to secure lasting peace. Russia opposes NATO troops in Ukraine, and the US hesitates to provide air cover. Starmer emphasized the UK's nuclear deterrent, calling it a "credible capability." Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed Britain's "unshakeable" commitment to NATO security.

The Israeli army has banned traffic on Gaza’s key north-south artery, Salaheddin Road, following the resumption of ground operations. "Movement is prohibited for safety reasons," Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated. Instead, civilians are allowed to travel south via the Al-Rashid coastal road. Hamas officials confirmed Israeli tanks had blocked Netzarim Junction, a strategic point near Gaza City. The ceasefire, in place since January 19, collapsed after Israel rejected negotiations for a second phase. Following days of airstrikes, Israeli forces expanded ground operations, sparking international condemnation.

Israeli airstrikes on Thursday killed at least 70 Palestinians, with the total death toll since Tuesday rising to 510, according to Gaza health officials. The Israeli military has expanded ground operations, targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructure. Israel also announced it will block Palestinian movement from southern Gaza to the north. Hamas condemned the actions as a violation of the ceasefire, urging mediators to intervene. Meanwhile, international condemnation has grown amid rising civilian casualties. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has now claimed over 49,000 Palestinian lives. No breakthrough in peace negotiations has been reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he felt “no pressure” from U.S. President Donald Trump to concede to Russia in their latest talks. Trump described their hour-long conversation as “very good,” following his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky had earlier warned against concessions after Putin demanded a halt to Western aid. While Trump noted progress toward a ceasefire, Kyiv and Moscow continued trading accusations of attacks. Zelensky signaled openness to pausing strikes on Russian energy and civilian sites. Their discussion followed a heated Oval Office exchange two weeks ago.

A 51-year-old British bomb disposal expert was injured in an explosion at a UN facility in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, which also killed a UN worker. The Mines Advisory Group said he was assessing explosive hazards when the incident occurred. Israel denied targeting the site, while Gaza’s health ministry blamed an Israeli strike. UN officials condemned attacks on humanitarian workers, calling it a breach of international law. The injured expert was initially treated in Gaza and later moved to Israel. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israeli "restraint" in a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Elon Musk’s X has sued the Indian government in the Karnataka High Court, alleging misuse of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to block content arbitrarily. X argues the provision does not grant blocking powers, bypassing safeguards under Section 69A. The company claims the government's actions threaten free speech and harm its business. X also opposes joining the Sahyog portal, calling it a “Censorship Portal.” The court advised X to return if punitive action is taken. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) denies wrongdoing, but X provided evidence of content-blocking orders from various ministries.

At least 55 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The attacks come as Israel resumes its military campaign, which has killed over 48,500 Palestinians, per Hamas health officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced "targeted ground activities" in Gaza to create a buffer zone. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared combat had resumed “in full force,” warning of intensified strikes until Hamas releases 59 remaining hostages. Ceasefire talks collapsed as Hamas rejected Israel’s terms. Israel has also blocked essential supplies to Gaza since early March.

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held an hour-long call discussing ceasefire efforts and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Trump proposed possible US ownership of Ukraine’s power plants, which Zelensky later clarified was only regarding the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility. The discussion followed Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia exchanged 175 POWs each, with Kyiv receiving 22 severely wounded soldiers. Despite ongoing talks, both nations accused each other of continued attacks on energy infrastructure. Technical teams from Ukraine and the US will meet in Saudi Arabia soon.

On March 18, 2025, Hungary's parliament, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, passed legislation prohibiting LGBTQ+ Pride marches in public spaces, citing child protection concerns. The law also permits authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and fine participants. This move has ignited significant protests, including a blockade of a central Budapest bridge, and drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and the European Union, which view the law as an infringement on fundamental rights and freedoms. Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has vowed to proceed with the planned Pride event on June 28, asserting the city's commitment to freedom and inclusivity. Critics argue that the legislation serves as a distraction from domestic issues and is part of a broader pattern of actions against LGBTQ+ rights under Orbán's administration.

On March 18, 2025, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip after ceasefire negotiations with Hamas deteriorated. The surprise offensive resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, marking one of the deadliest escalations since the conflict began in October 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the resumption of full-scale combat operations against Hamas, stating that the recent strikes were "just the beginning." The Israeli Defense Forces targeted Hamas leadership, military commanders, and infrastructure in these attacks. In retaliation, Hamas accused Israel of endangering hostages and vowed continued resistance. The international community expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its humanitarian impact, urging both sides to exercise restraint and return to negotiations.