An investigation reveals that Mastercard and Visa continue to process payments for illegal gambling websites scamming UK customers. Despite commitments to block transactions on unlicensed sites, Mastercard was found on nine such platforms and Visa on two. Victims report significant financial losses, inability to withdraw winnings, and sudden account closures after raising concerns. Both companies profit from these transactions, raising compliance and regulatory effectiveness questions. The Gambling Commission is aware and has issued cease and desist notices, but these sites remain active. Mastercard and Visa claim to investigate illegal activities on their networks, emphasizing reliance on partner banks for regulation. This situation underscores the need for increased enforcement and accountability in payment processing.

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulted in two Palestinian deaths, according to medical sources. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a drone that had crossed from Israel into Gaza and "several suspects" attempting to retrieve it, suggesting a failed smuggling operation. This incident occurred amid ongoing efforts by mediators from Egypt and Qatar to extend a fragile 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began in January. Both parties have expressed readiness for the next phase of negotiations, aiming to lift the blockade on Gaza and address the needs of its residents.

Over the past two days, Syria has witnessed a severe escalation in violence, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including 745 civilians. The clashes erupted between security forces of the new government and loyalists of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, particularly in the Latakia and Tartus regions. Assad loyalists ambushed security personnel, leading to intense confrontations. Reports indicate that Alawite communities, Assad's sect, suffered significant civilian casualties, with instances of executions and homes set ablaze. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the atrocities and vowed accountability, emphasizing civilian protection. International bodies, including the UN, have expressed alarm, urging adherence to international law to prevent further atrocities.

Mufti Shah Mir, a Pakistani man who allegedly aided ISI in abducting former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav from Iran, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. Jadhav, accused of espionage, was sentenced to death by Pakistan in 2017, leading to a major diplomatic standoff with India. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) later stayed his execution and directed Pakistan to allow consular access. Mir’s killing raises new questions about Pakistan’s internal security and the lingering impact of the Jadhav case. Investigations into the assassination are ongoing, but the perpetrators remain unidentified.

In a devastating escalation of violence, over 1,000 individuals have been killed in Syria's coastal regions over the past two days. The conflict erupted between security forces of the new Islamist-led government and loyalists of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, predominantly from the Alawite minority. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that among the deceased are 745 civilians, many of whom were executed in their homes, alongside 125 security personnel and 148 pro-Assad fighters. The clashes began near Jableh in Latakia Governorate and rapidly spread, leading to widespread atrocities, including targeted killings, looting, and arson in Alawite communities. This surge in violence has prompted international condemnation and calls for independent investigations to prevent further sectarian bloodshed.   

At least 25 people died in Ukraine after new Russian strikes, officials said. In Donetsk, missiles hit homes and a shopping centre, killing 11 and injuring 40. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of targeting rescuers. Attacks also hit Kharkiv and Odesa, damaging infrastructure. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned, "This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians." Meanwhile, the US paused military aid to Ukraine, with former President Donald Trump saying dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than Russia. The EU pledged more support, while Ukraine continued to target Russian sites. The war, now in its third year, rages on.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman reportedly lived with his wife Betsy's dead body for a week before he passed away. "He had no knowledge of her death," officials said, revealing that Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s. Betsy died on February 11 from hantavirus, a rare disease spread by mice. Hackman, 94, was found dead on February 26 at their New Mexico home. He died from heart disease and severe dehydration. "There was no food in his stomach," the autopsy stated. Officials believe Hackman’s illness prevented him from understanding his wife’s death.

3 Bulgarian nationals have been found guilty of spying for Russia in the UK. A London court convicted Katrin Ivanova, 43, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, of carrying out surveillance for Russian intelligence. They spied on journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian soldiers. Their leader, Orlin Roussev, received €200,000 for the operations. The group used hidden spy devices and planned fake protests. Some members had links to Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek, a wanted Russian agent. They will be sentenced in May and could face up to 14 years in prison.

US President Donald Trump claimed Russia holds the upper hand in Ukraine war negotiations, stating Moscow has "all the cards." He reiterated his intent to end the conflict before offering security guarantees. Trump also suggested dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than with Russia. Despite stopping intelligence sharing, he hinted at new sanctions on Russia to push for talks. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on "clear security guarantees" before any peace deal.

Hamas leader Mushir al-Masri accused Donald Trump of “blatant double standards” in hostage negotiations, as the US confirmed direct talks with Hamas. Al-Masri claimed Trump prioritizes Israeli hostages over 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The talks aim to secure hostage releases and a Gaza ceasefire, but Israel refuses direct negotiations. Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages or face consequences. Meanwhile, the Arab League proposed an interim committee for Gaza’s governance. Hamas insists forced displacement will fail. The situation remains tense, with potential US military intervention looming.