AnewZ Morning Brief - March 6th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 6th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Netherlands to allocate 3.5B euro to support Ukraine in 2026

The Netherlands is set to allocate 3.5 billion euros in aid to Ukraine for 2026, as confirmed by Prime Minister Dick Schoof during a parliamentary debate, according to NOS television. This follows the same level of financial support provided last year. Schoof mentioned that if additional funds are needed, they would be sourced from the budget's reserves for the upcoming year. While the idea of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine was discussed, no decisions have been made yet. The prime minister emphasized that while the Netherlands and Europe are eager to contribute more to Ukraine’s cause, any efforts will be contingent on cooperation with the United States.

Trump voices ‘last warning’ to Hamas if they don’t release all hostages immediately

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip and the return of the bodies of those killed. In a message posted on his Truth Social network, Trump declared this as the "last warning" for the militant group.

"Shalom Hamas"—which translates to both "Hello and Goodbye"—Trump wrote, adding that Hamas must release the hostages "now, not later," or face dire consequences. "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job. Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say."

Trump also warned Gaza's leadership, urging them to flee while they still have the chance, and addressed the people of Gaza, stating that their future could be bright, but only if they release the hostages. He added, "If you do, you are dead! Make a smart decision. Release the hostages now, or there will be hell to pay later!"

The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the US is in direct talks with Hamas.

UN calls for stronger controls over nuclear weapons amid rising threats

Amid rising global tensions and an increasing nuclear threat, humanity must focus on investing in the tools of peace, not war, according to the UN Secretary-General's spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric.

In a statement relayed on the occasion of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, Dujarric shared remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized that humanity’s future depends on building mechanisms for peace. He cautioned that global tensions are escalating, the nuclear threat is intensifying, and safeguards are weakening. Guterres called on leaders to reinforce systems and tools that prevent nuclear proliferation, testing, and, most critically, the use of these deadly weapons.

The UN chief also urged nations to honor the disarmament pledges made in the recently adopted Pact for the Future, highlighting the importance of fostering trust between countries and upholding international law.

March 5 marks the 55th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of conflicts involving them. Endorsed by the UN on June 12, 1968, and opened for signature on July 1, 1968, in London, Moscow, and Washington, the treaty entered into force on March 5, 1970, after 40 countries ratified it. Currently, 191 states are parties to the NPT.

'Massive' wildfires across western Syria

Volunteers from the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the "White Helmets," rushed to combat large wildfires that broke out in the mountainous countryside of Latakia, a western port city in Syria, as footage released on Wednesday (March 5) revealed.

The fires, which were described as "massive," engulfed parts of the region, and the volunteer firefighters worked tirelessly for around seven hours under difficult conditions to extinguish the flames. The Syrian Civil Defence posted on their official social media account that the efforts were intense but successful, with the volunteers managing to put out fires in 20 separate forest patches.

The cause of the wildfires remains unconfirmed, and the footage did not provide specific details on the date or exact location of the incidents. However, images showed firefighters and emergency vehicles battling the blaze, spraying water on the flames, and searching for hot spots in the mountainous terrain.

The "White Helmets" have long been known for their bravery in responding to emergencies in Syria, and their efforts have been crucial in various disaster relief operations throughout the war-torn country.

Elon Musk meets with House Republicans to discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Elon Musk attended a meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2025, to discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During the session, Musk engaged with lawmakers on topics related to government efficiency, with a focus on potential reforms and technological advancements. His presence highlighted his ongoing influence in both the tech world and political discourse, as he continues to advocate for innovation and efficiency in government operations.

Russian missile strike kills two and seriously injures several others in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih, municipal official reports

A Russian missile struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, on the evening of March 5, killing two people and leaving 29 others injured, many critically, according to local officials. The attack caused heavy damage to the five-story building, with 20 of the injured in serious condition. Rescue teams worked through the night, pulling 14 people from the rubble, as images from the scene showed emergency crews navigating debris and using cranes to reach higher levels of the building. Smoke billowed from the hotel, and nearly all windows were shattered in the blast. Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been a frequent target since Russia's invasion began.

Pope Francis spends day in armchair, carries out work activities in hospital

Pope Francis, who is currently battling double pneumonia, had a stable day with no new respiratory issues, according to the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff spent the day seated in his armchair, engaging in various work-related activities. He continued receiving supplemental oxygen and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which will be resumed tonight.

The Pope also focused on his physiotherapy, both for his respiratory and motor functions. Despite his ongoing treatment, his prognosis remains cautious due to the complexity of his condition.

During the day, Pope Francis participated in the "rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes" and received the Eucharist. Additionally, he made a call to the Catholic parish in Gaza. Pope Francis has been receiving care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

White House confirms talks between US, Hamas

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that the Trump administration is currently engaged in talks with the Palestinian group Hamas. When questioned about the reason for these discussions, Leavitt explained that President Trump’s special envoy is authorized to engage with anyone deemed necessary, adding that Israel had been consulted beforehand.

“These are ongoing talks and discussions,” Leavitt said, choosing not to elaborate further. According to Axios, the secretive talks are focused on securing the release of American hostages and possibly negotiating a broader ceasefire deal for the Gaza Strip. These discussions, held in Doha, Qatar, marked the first time the U.S. has engaged directly with Hamas, a group the U.S. designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.

'Issue settled forever': Kyrgyzstan exchanges conflict areas on border with Tajikistan

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have agreed to exchange border areas prone to conflict, as part of their ongoing border delimitation process, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov stated in an interview with the Kabar news agency.

Japarov explained that the land exchange was not driven by strategic interests but rather focused on areas where disputes had frequently occurred. He pointed out that the exchanged areas were either enclaves or located in a checkerboard pattern along the border.

The Kyrgyz president assured that the border issue with Tajikistan has now been "resolved forever." He emphasized that both countries’ interests had been considered in the agreement signed on February 21. While acknowledging there is more to discuss about the border in the future, Japarov expressed confidence that history will judge the resolution positively, stating, "I am sure it will give us an 'excellent' grade."

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