Israel Lifted the Ban on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Following Our Intervention
The White House confirmed on Monday that it had contacted Israel to express concern about the Israeli police’s decision to prevent the Latin Patriarch and a clergyman from praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday yesterday.
The officials who were denied entry were the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Father Francesco Jalpo, custodian of the Holy Land.
“We expressed our concerns to Israel regarding the closure of these holy sites,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday during a press briefing.
Iranian Missile Falls in Central Israel: No Injuries or Damage
Another Iranian missile fell Monday evening in central Israel, the IDF reported. There were no injuries or damage because it fell in an open area.
Trump Wants Gulf Countries to Pay the Cost of a War with Iran
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing that Donald Trump would be interested in calling on Arab countries to bear the cost of a war with Iran.
“It’s an idea I know he has, and something I believe you’ll hear more about from him directly,” Jean-Pierre said during a White House press conference.
UAE minister: Coexistence with Iran “is impossible at this time”
Coexistence with Iran “based on its current behavior” is impossible, said the UAE Minister of State, Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, according to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The ongoing Iranian aggression makes coexistence with the Iranian regime impossible under its current behavior, and addressing the Iranian threat — including its nuclear, missile, and drone programs, as well as maritime security — is necessary for sustainable peace,” he said.
At a virtual meeting of the Arab League, Al Marar stated: “The Arab League now stands at a crossroads: either it adopts full solidarity and a firm stance against Iranian terrorism, or it risks becoming ineffective in addressing major challenges.”
War will end in “weeks, not months,” says Marco Rubio
The U.S. Secretary of State said that most U.S. military objectives in Iran will be completed in the coming weeks and that it will not take months for the war to end.
“We are on track to destroy most of their weapons factories, and we are on track to significantly degrade their missile launchers,” Rubio told Al Jazeera.
“When these objectives are achieved, we will have accomplished the purpose of this operation, and this is not something that will take months. It is a matter of weeks. I won’t tell you exactly how many weeks,” he added.
Rubio to Al Jazeera: Fate of Mojtaba Khamenei uncertain
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Al Jazeera that it is not known what condition Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in.
“We don’t even know if he is governing. No one has seen or heard from him. It is not clear who is making decisions inside Iran right now,” he said.
EU: We strongly condemn the threats and attacks by the Houthis
“We strongly condemn the threats and attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea and beyond,” said on Monday (30/3) the European Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, Anouar El Anouni, regarding the possibility of Houthi involvement in the Middle East war.
30/03/2026 14:49
Trump: We are in talks with a new and more reasonable regime in Iran; significant progress has been made
Donald Trump made a new post on Truth Social on Monday afternoon, insisting that the United States is in talks with a “new and more reasonable regime” and warning that “if an agreement is not reached quickly, we will conclude our wonderful ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely destroying all their power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalination plants!).”
The American president’s post states:
“The United States of America is in serious discussions with a NEW AND MORE REASONABLE REGIME to end our military operations in Iran. Significant progress has been made, but if for any reason an agreement is not reached soon—which will likely happen—and if the Strait of Hormuz does not ‘open for business’ immediately, we will conclude our wonderful ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely destroying all their power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalination plants!), which we have deliberately not ‘touched’ yet. This will be retaliation for the many of our soldiers, and others, whom Iran massacred and killed during the 47-year ‘Reign of Terror’ of the old regime. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
30/03/2026 14:36
Network linked to Hamas and run from Turkey uncovered by Shin Bet
Shin Bet revealed that an investigation conducted in December 2025 uncovered a terrorist network linked to Hamas in the West Bank, which was run by an operative based in Turkey and aimed at promoting attacks against Israel.
According to the agency, the network was run by Mahmoud Radwan, a Hamas member who had been imprisoned in Israel for his role in the 2001 murder of a resident of Rishon LeZion, Yossi Alfasi. He was released as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange and deported to Turkey in January 2025.
Shin Bet said Radwan recruited two young men from the village of Azzun in the West Bank during a meeting in Turkey in December, where he described his current activities and attempted to recruit them. Both reportedly agreed to join his group.
According to the Israeli agency, charges have been filed against the suspects.
30/03/2026 14:30
Starmer insists: This is not our war and we will not get involved
The UK’s firm position that it will not actively engage in the war in the Middle East was reiterated on Monday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Our position is clear: the war with Iran is not our war and we will not get involved in it. We will not yield to pressure from any source, and we will defend our allies in the region and protect our interests,” he said.
30/03/2026 14:26
UNIFIL: Peacekeepers injured in ‘incident’ in southern Lebanon near Israeli border
A UNIFIL spokesperson announced on Monday that UN peacekeepers were injured in an “incident” in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel, without specifying the nature of the incident.
“An incident involving peacekeepers has occurred near Bani Hayyan, and we have casualties,” Candice Ardiel told AFP, one day after an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed by a projectile of unknown origin that struck a UN position.
30/03/2026 14:21
We are not pleased with the difficulties other countries face due to Hormuz, says Tehran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Monday that Iran is “not at all pleased that people in other countries are facing difficulties due to fuel and food prices,” caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In this context, he urged those countries to pressure Israel and the United States to end their attacks on Iran.
30/03/2026 14:15
Iran accuses Israel of attacking desalination plant in Kuwait
Iran’s armed forces accused Israel of attacking a desalination plant in Kuwait.
In a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Tehran said that “the violent attack by the Zionist regime against the Kuwait desalination plant, under the pretext of accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran, which took place in recent hours, is indicative of the malice and depravity of the Zionist occupiers.”
“We declare that U.S. bases and personnel, their interests in the region, as well as the military, security, and economic infrastructure and facilities of the Zionist regime, will continue to be strong targets for us,” it added.
30/03/2026 14:11
Iranian parliament considering withdrawal from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran’s parliament is considering withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, who insists that Tehran has not sought and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons.
Iranian lawmakers had also raised the possibility of withdrawing from the treaty—which recognizes the right to develop, research, produce, and use nuclear energy, provided nuclear weapons are not pursued—after the 12-day war last June, when Israel and the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities.
“What is the benefit of joining a treaty in which intimidating global powers not only do not allow us to benefit from its rights but also attack our nuclear facilities?” Baghaei said, adding that Tehran will respect the treaty as long as it remains a member.
30/03/2026 14:04
Nationwide internet blackout in Iran exceeds 720 hours
The nationwide internet shutdown in Iran has entered its fifth week.
According to NetBlocks, more than 720 hours have passed since the digital blackout in Iran, which has cut off millions of users from the internet. During this period, public access has been virtually nonexistent, with users largely limited to a restricted version of the domestic intranet. Given the ongoing war, it remains unclear whether internet access will be restored or if restrictions will continue.
This severe reduction in connectivity means many users effectively cannot access services such as international email, communication tools, cloud services, or global work platforms. Tech companies, startups, and online businesses are also facing widespread disruptions to their daily operations under these conditions.
War Extension Shrinks Israel’s Economy in First Quarter
Israel’s economy is expected to contract in the first quarter of the year, as the war with Iran lasts longer than anticipated, according to the Chief Economist of the Ministry of Finance.
The country’s economy is projected to contract by 9.5% annually and 2.5% quarter-on-quarter, based on current economic activity indicators and past wartime experience, said Chief Economist Shmuel Abramzon.
Earlier this month, the Finance Ministry revised its 2026 growth forecast down to 4.8% from 5.2%, assuming that the war with Iran and clashes with Lebanon would be short-lived.
“Since this scenario did not materialize and the conflicts have been prolonged and are ongoing, the Office of the Chief Economist has updated growth forecasts based on a range of possible scenarios depending on how the conflicts evolve,” the ministry said.
Abramzon now estimates Israel’s economy will grow between 3.3% and 3.8% in 2026, depending on the duration of multi-front conflicts. In 2027, growth is expected to range between 5.3% and 6.1%, depending on developments in the security situation.
EU Energy Ministers to Coordinate Response to War
30/03/2026 – 13:30
EU energy ministers will meet tomorrow to coordinate their response to disruptions in oil and gas markets caused by the war, according to an internal EU briefing document.
Europe’s heavy reliance on energy imports has left it exposed to repeated price spikes, especially after the Strait of Hormuz shipping route was effectively closed and Tehran began targeting energy infrastructure in the Middle East.
European natural gas prices have risen more than 70% since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
Ministers are expected to “identify specific measures that could be taken to address the tightening of oil and gas markets in a coordinated manner,” the document states.
“It remains important to avoid uncoordinated and fragmented national responses and destabilizing signals to the market,” it adds.
According to the document, ministers should focus on:
- Filling gas storage for the upcoming winter
- Stabilizing oil product markets
- Ensuring energy supply security
Zelensky: “Historic Defense Agreements” with Middle East Countries
30/03/2026 – 13:27
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “historic” the defense agreements signed with Middle Eastern countries during his recent visit.
Last week, Ukraine signed agreements with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. While details have not been disclosed, Zelensky said they include Ukraine’s expertise in drone interception.
“I believe these are historic agreements. We are reaching deals on strategic cooperation in military technology and other areas. We are talking about agreements lasting 10 years,” he told reporters.
Ukraine has proposed replacing relatively low-cost anti-drone systems with the expensive air-defense missiles currently used by Gulf countries to intercept Iranian drones.
Iran Refuses to Recall Ambassador from Beirut
30/03/2026 – 13:20
Iran stated that its ambassador to Lebanon will remain in the country despite being declared persona non grata and ordered to leave.
“Our ambassador will continue his work as Iran’s envoy in Beirut and will remain there,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, adding that the embassy remains “operational.”
Haifa Refinery Damage Caused by Intercepted Missile Debris
30/03/2026 – 13:18
An industrial building and a fuel tanker at the Bazan oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa were hit by debris from an intercepted missile, according to Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service.
It is not yet clear whether the missile was launched from Iran or by Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. No casualties have been reported.
30/03/2026 13:11
19-year-old Israeli soldier killed in Hezbollah attack
An Israeli soldier was killed, and an officer seriously wounded during a Hezbollah anti-tank missile attack in southern Lebanon yesterday, the IDF announced.
The soldier killed was Sergeant Liran Ben Zion, 19, of the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade, from Holon.
According to an IDF investigation, an anti-tank missile struck a tank from the 9th Battalion, killing Ben Zion and seriously injuring the officer.
Shortly afterward, two additional anti-tank missiles were launched at Israeli forces, causing no further casualties.
Ben Zion is the sixth soldier killed during the Israel–Hezbollah clashes.
30/03/2026 13:09
At least one Lebanese soldier killed in Israeli strike near Tyre checkpoint
Israeli forces struck a key checkpoint and are advancing rapidly toward the Litani River.
At least one Lebanese soldier was killed, with additional injuries reported.
30/03/2026 13:04
Around 20,000 seafarers are stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz
Approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Food, fuel, and medicine supplies are running low, while their families back home await news.
More than 22 commercial vessels have been hit, with at least eight crew members reported dead so far.
30/03/2026 12:59
Canadian YouTuber films ship congestion in the Strait of Hormuz
30/03/2026 12:58
Norway temporarily cuts fuel tax due to Middle East war
Norway is temporarily reducing taxes on gasoline and diesel due to the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East, the government announced today.
30/03/2026 12:56
Easter services at the Holy Sepulchre to proceed normally; Catholics thank Isaac Herzog
Arrangements for Holy Week and Easter services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have been resolved, following tensions sparked when police prevented senior Catholic officials from praying at the site, triggering international reactions.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced that access arrangements for Church representatives have been “addressed and resolved,” following a late-night meeting involving Christian denominations, Israeli police, and other authorities.
According to the statement, “in agreement with the Israeli police, access has been secured for Church representatives to conduct services and ceremonies and preserve the ancient Easter traditions at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.”
Services will be broadcast live to comply with restrictions imposed by Israel’s Home Front Command on public gatherings.
The two Catholic institutions expressed gratitude to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his “immediate attention and valuable intervention.” They also emphasized ongoing dialogue with authorities and expressed hope for an end to the war affecting the region.
In a post on X, Herzog said he “warmly welcomes the agreements reached this morning” between Jerusalem police commanders and Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa regarding Easter prayer arrangements in the Old City.
He added that, “on behalf of the State of Israel, I extend my warmest wishes for the upcoming Easter holiday to the Latin Patriarch, our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, and our Christian friends across the Middle East and around the world.”
30/03/2026 12:48
No hazardous material leak from Haifa refinery strike, authorities say
Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection ruled out any risk of hazardous material leakage following the attack on the Bazan oil refinery complex in the northern city of Haifa.
30/03/2026 12:43
Israeli forces advancing rapidly in southern Lebanon
A Lebanese army outpost in the Al-Ameriyeh area near Mansouri was hit by two tank shells from Israeli forces. The position was the last military post after troops withdrew from border outposts in the western sector.
The incident occurred in a strategically important area along the coastal road linking Tyre and Naqoura. Reports indicate at least five Lebanese soldiers were injured.
According to field estimates, the development shows rapid Israeli expansion in southern Lebanon; at this pace, forces could reach the Litani River within a week.
30/03/2026 12:36
No direct contact with the U.S., Tehran says, citing “excessive and unreasonable demands”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Monday that Tehran “has not engaged in any direct negotiations with the United States so far.”
“What has been discussed are messages received through intermediaries indicating that the U.S. is interested in negotiations,” he said, according to the semi-official Tasnim agency.
“I wonder how many people in America take U.S. diplomacy claims seriously. Our position is clear, unlike the other side, which keeps changing its stance,” he added.
“Iran has been clear about its position from the beginning, and we know exactly the framework under consideration. The material conveyed to us included excessive and unreasonable demands,” he said.
He also noted that meetings hosted by Pakistan were an initiative of others and did not involve Iran, adding that while regional efforts to end the war are positive, countries should be mindful of which side initiated the conflict.
Israelis announce interception of drones launched from Yemen
The Israeli military announced that two drones from Yemen were intercepted early on Monday, without providing further details.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen entered the war on Saturday, launching missiles at Israel, thereby escalating a conflict that has engulfed the Middle East.
30/03/2026 11:52
Reports of damage to a Haifa refinery following the Iranian attack, possibly involving cluster munitions
30/03/2026 11:47
Missile attack on an air base in Baghdad, aircraft engulfed in flames
The Mohammad Alaa air base in Iraq, located next to Baghdad International Airport, was hit by a missile attack earlier today, resulting in the destruction of an aircraft, though no casualties were reported, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.
The ministry added that authorities are assessing the damage and trying to identify the source of the attack.
Earlier, an Al Jazeera correspondent reported hearing loud explosions in Baghdad, stating that the air defense system failed to intercept the rockets that struck an Iraqi special forces A32B transport aircraft, which caught fire.
30/03/2026 11:45
Alarm in central and northern Israel over combined attacks from Iran and Hezbollah
Initial reports indicate interceptions in Haifa and Galilee.
30/03/2026 11:31
The IDF announced it targeted Hezbollah members disguised as nurses
The Israeli military said it carried out a strike on Saturday against a “Hezbollah terrorist group whose members were dressed as nurses” in southern Lebanon.
According to the IDF, the Hezbollah members were operating next to an ambulance. “The terrorists targeted systematically transported weapons using ambulances from northern to southern Lebanon, as part of ongoing terrorist activities and for use against IDF forces and the State of Israel,” the military claimed.
Lebanon’s Health Minister stated on Saturday that nine medical personnel were killed in Israeli strikes, including four from Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Committee and five from the Risala Scouts of the Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah.
The IDF has repeatedly warned that Hezbollah uses ambulances and medical facilities in Lebanon for military purposes.
30/03/2026 11:29
Over 6,000 injured in Israel since the start of the war
Israel’s Ministry of Health reports that 6,008 injured people have been transported to hospitals since the start of the war against Iran on February 28, with 121 still hospitalized.
In the last 24 hours alone, according to authorities, 232 injured individuals were taken to hospitals.
Israeli Ground Operations in Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces are advancing with armored units into major towns in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Air Force reports having targeted around 40 weapons manufacturing and research facilities over the weekend.
Trump and U.S. Strategy
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that seizing Iran’s oil—and potentially Hark Island—remains an option, adding that Iran has accepted most of the U.S.’s 15-point plan to end the conflict. Trump also announced that 20 oil tankers would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily easing tensions in global oil supply.
Rising Oil Prices
Brent crude reached $116 per barrel following escalations, while WTI surpassed $100. The involvement of Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and additional U.S. troop deployments have intensified fears of market disruption.
Regional Diplomatic Moves
Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have proposed a plan for the Strait of Hormuz similar to the Suez Canal model. Meanwhile, diplomatic channels between the U.S. and Iran—via intermediaries including Oman, Qatar, and Pakistan—remain active, even as hostilities continue.
Casualties and Military Warnings
- Three Israeli soldiers were seriously injured in southern Lebanon by Hezbollah attacks.
- An Indonesian UN peacekeeper was killed in a shell explosion in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs killed at least five civilians.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened U.S. and Israeli officials in the region as legitimate targets in retaliation for ongoing attacks.
Humanitarian and Political Concerns
Greece expressed deep concern over the blocking of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for Palm Sunday services, calling for respect of the church’s Status Quo. Australia is halving fuel taxes to relieve citizens amid rising oil prices caused by the conflict.
Global Financial Impact
Asian markets fell sharply, with South Korea’s Kospi dropping over 5% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 3.26%, as oil prices spiked and geopolitical instability threatened global supply chains.
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