AnewZ Morning Brief - March 9th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 9th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Panama to grant some temporary permits to migrants sent from the U.S.

A group of migrants, deported under an agreement between the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump and Panama, wait at a bus terminal in Panama City on March 8, 2025. The migrants are looking for a place to go after Panamanian authorities issued temporary permits, allowing some of them to remain in Panama for up to 90 days. The migrants had been recently sent from the United States.

Syria's Sharaa says developments within 'expected challenges' as clashes continue, Arab media say

In a video shared by Arab media outlets, including Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya TV, Sharaa urged for national unity while speaking at a mosque.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Saturday that clashes in the country's coastal region over the past two days have resulted in more than 1,000 deaths.

Russia downs 88 Ukrainian drones overnight, RIA reports

Russian air defense forces shot down 88 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to RIA state news agency on Sunday, citing information from the defense ministry.

A delegation from Taiwan attends a meeting at the National People's Congress in Beijing

A delegation from Taiwan participated in a meeting at the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing this week. The gathering, held as part of the annual NPC sessions, brought together representatives from various regions and sectors to discuss key issues affecting China.

The Taiwanese delegation's presence is seen as part of ongoing efforts to maintain communication between Taiwan and China despite ongoing political tensions. Both sides have expressed interest in fostering dialogue, although challenges remain in bridging differences on important matters, including cross-strait relations.

While the meeting did not lead to significant breakthroughs, it provided an opportunity for direct interaction between the two parties, highlighting the delicate nature of Taiwan-China relations.

Wildfire breaks out on in New York prompting calls to evacuate

Four wildfires erupted near the Hamptons on Long Island, New York, on Saturday, causing widespread panic and devastation. Dark clouds of smoke were seen engulfing the skies over Westhampton, one of the hardest-hit areas, as driving shots captured the massive smoke plumes moving across the horizon.

The fires have prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for residents in several nearby towns. In response to the escalating situation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in the affected areas on Saturday afternoon.

The fires, visible from miles away, have disrupted local communities, with large smoke clouds filling parking lots and roadside areas. A video taken by Claire Braun shows the thick smoke and the dramatic impact on the region as the fires continue to burn. The video, confirmed by road layouts, building facades, and satellite imagery, depicts intense scenes of smoke clouds overtaking the landscape.

As of now, authorities are working to contain the fires, with emergency services actively coordinating evacuation efforts to ensure public safety.

Israel, Hamas signal readiness for next ceasefire talks as mediators push for progress

Israel and Hamas signaled on Saturday that they were preparing for the next phase of ceasefire talks, aimed at extending the fragile 42-day truce that began in January. Hamas said there were positive signs for the second-phase negotiations but did not provide details. Israel confirmed it would send a delegation to Doha on Monday to advance talks.

A Hamas delegation is also in Cairo discussing with Egyptian and Qatari mediators about moving the deal forward, which could help end the war. Hamas has called for the lifting of the Gaza blockade and an administrative committee to govern Gaza until elections.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed two Palestinians on Saturday, following earlier strikes on Friday. The ceasefire deal from January included the release of the remaining 59 hostages in a second phase, which has yet to begin. Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, demanding the release of hostages before further negotiations.

The conflict, which started after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and displaced nearly the entire population.

Naval drills between Iran, Russia and China start on Monday, Iran media says

Annual joint naval drills between Iran, Russia, and China are set to begin on Monday in the southeastern Iranian port of Chabahar, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency. The exercises, which focus on enhancing maritime security and cooperation between the three nations, are part of ongoing military cooperation between the countries.

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