Draghi Calls for EU Defense Reforms and Competitiveness Boost Amid Global Instability
Mario Draghi, special advisor to the European Commission president, emphasized the urgent need for Europe to adapt to new geopolitical and technological realities. He criticized the impact of rising protectionism, particularly from the EU’s largest trading partner, and highlighted the increasing threat posed by Russia. In a meeting with the Italian Parliament, Draghi called for a unified defense strategy within the EU, focusing on shared military platforms to improve interoperability. He also stressed the importance of integrating emerging technologies, like drones and AI, into Europe’s defense strategy. On economic competitiveness, Draghi pointed to Europe’s high energy costs, particularly in Italy, and urged investment in renewable energy and market reforms. He argued that internal growth should be prioritized over external surpluses, and called for significant reductions in energy bills to support businesses and households across the continent.
Israel Resumes Heavy Airstrikes on Gaza Amid Ceasefire Breakdown
On the day of the much-anticipated phone call between Trump and Putin, Israel resumed its military offensive on Gaza with a series of heavy airstrikes, marking the most intense operation since the ceasefire took effect on January 19. Strikes hit various locations across Gaza, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The surprise attacks broke a period of relative calm during Ramadan, with at least 413 casualties reported, many of whom were women and children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attacks were in response to a lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations, accusing Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release Israeli hostages. Hamas officials condemned the strikes, calling them a “death sentence” for the remaining hostages and accusing Netanyahu of unilaterally breaking the ceasefire. The Israeli military announced that operations would continue as needed, with the potential for ground troops to resume combat. The escalation follows reports of Hamas General Mahmud Abu Watfa’s death during the airstrikes. The White House confirmed it had been informed in advance of Israel’s actions.
Teenagers Discover Bodies of Elderly Couple in Abandoned Villa Near Verona
Three teenagers exploring an abandoned villa in the hills of Verona stumbled upon a horrifying scene straight out of an ’80s horror film. The group, who had entered the isolated property as part of an “urbex” hobby—an activity where people explore abandoned buildings—found the bodies of an elderly couple. The couple, who had been dead for several months, were likely victims of carbon monoxide poisoning from a fireplace in the house. The villa, located in Monte Ricco near the border between Verona and Negrar, had been abandoned, and the couple, with no close relatives or friends, had remained undiscovered. The teenagers, frightened by their find, alerted authorities, and an autopsy will now be performed to confirm the cause of death. The case is being investigated by Verona’s mobile squad.
Newborn Smuggled into Italy Hidden in Shopping Bag; Four Arrested
A shocking case of human trafficking was uncovered by the Turin police, involving the illegal smuggling of a two-month-old baby into Italy. The baby was hidden inside a shopping bag aboard a ship coming from Tangiers and was not registered as a passenger. Four individuals, including two Moroccan nationals who transported the baby and two others who were housing the infant while awaiting her sale, were arrested on March 12. The investigation was triggered by a tip-off, and the newborn, who had arrived in Italy in October, was hospitalized briefly for checks before being placed with a foster family. Authorities are working to identify the biological mother, believed to be the woman who accompanied the baby on the journey. The two traffickers who brought the child to Italy face charges of violating immigration laws, while the two individuals housing her were arrested for aiding in the crime.
Astronauts Return to Earth After 9 Months on the ISS
At 6:05 AM Italian time, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months, began their long-awaited return to Earth. Initially arriving in June for an 8-day mission, technical issues with the Starliner capsule turned their stay into an extended exile. Now aboard a SpaceX capsule, the return journey is expected to take about 17 hours. Joining Williams and Wilmore are Nick Hague from NASA and Aleksandr Gorbunov from Russia’s Roscosmos. Remaining on the ISS are the four astronauts who arrived last weekend for the crew changeover: Americans Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian Kirill Peskov. NASA is broadcasting the return live.
