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Seven civilians were killed in Israeli attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs on April 1, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. The strike on the Jnah district killed five people and injured 21, while a separate raid on the town of Khaldeh resulted in two deaths and three injuries.Israeli officials said the operation aimed to eliminate a senior Hezbollah commander, though the militant group has neither confirmed nor denied the target. Security sources described the Jnah strike as a targeted assassination of vehicles rather than an apartment block, noting that many cars were parked near a school sheltering displaced residents.Hezbollah, meanwhile, reported cross‑border attacks and “fierce clashes” with Israeli soldiers near the border town of Shamaa, roughly 5 km from the frontier. The group also claimed to have fired more than 40 rockets toward northern Israel and engaged Israeli troops in other sectors.Since the latest escalation, at least ten Israeli soldiers have been reported killed, and three UN peacekeepers from UNIFIL lost their lives in southern Lebanon, prompting an investigation.The humanitarian toll continues to rise: Lebanon’s Health Ministry cites a death count of over 1,200 and notes that more than one million people have been displaced by the conflict.In Jerusalem, far‑right ministers are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex southern Lebanon, while the prime minister has ordered the army to expand the ground invasion to fundamentally alter the security situation in Israel’s north.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that homes in Lebanese border villages would be demolished and that the estimated 600,000 displaced residents would not be allowed to return until Israel deems the area secure, fueling fears of a prolonged occupation.Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam recently banned Hezbollah’s military activities and called on the national army to prevent attacks from Lebanese territory. However, the Iran‑aligned militia, which operates independently of the Lebanese government, has refused to disarm and insists on repelling Israeli advances.

The UK government's proposal to boost North Sea oil and gas drilling is unlikely to provide relief to consumers in the form of lower energy prices. Oil prices have surged to $100 a barrel following the US and Israel's attack on Iran, with potential increases to $150 a barrel due to supply issues in the Strait of Hormuz.Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative party, has introduced a plan to 'get Britain drilling' by opening new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. However, experts argue that this will not reduce energy bills for UK consumers. Oil and gas are sold on international markets, and prices are set globally, so there is no direct discount for UK consumers.The Conservative party has previously acknowledged this, but now suggests that tax reforms and removal of VAT on bills could deliver £200 cuts to household energy bills. The plan involves scrapping the windfall tax on North Sea producers, which has raised about £12bn so far.Critics argue that the windfall tax is essential and that removing it would not stimulate production significantly. The tax does not increase prices to consumers and has the support of the International Energy Agency.Analysis suggests that redirecting tax revenues from the North Sea back to consumers would have a minimal impact on bills. A study found that households would gain only about £16 a year if tax revenues from a maximally exploited North Sea were redistributed.Badenoch's claims about job creation in the North Sea are also disputed. The sector is declining, and geology, not politics, will dictate the future of North Sea oil and gas. Most of the UK's sector has already been drained, with only about 218m tonnes of oil recoverable by 2050 from existing fields.New drilling could add only 74m tonnes of oil and 1.1% to gas production, equivalent to putting off the end of the North Sea by a year or two. Job losses in the sector are a concern, with at least 70,000 jobs lost in the decade to 2024.Experts stress that renewable energy sources are a more secure and sustainable alternative. The UK should focus on creating conditions for clean energy infrastructure to attract investment and drive growth.

Palantir’s claim that opposition to its NHS contract is driven by ideology was rebuked by Chi Onwurah, the Labour MP who chairs Parliament’s science, innovation and technology select committee. Onwurah said it is appropriate for ministers to explore a break‑clause option in the deal, underscoring the seriousness of the concerns raised. Louis Mosley, Palantir’s UK executive vice‑chair, had urged the government not to succumb to “ideologically motivated campaigners” as officials weighed a way out of a £330 million contract to deliver the Federated Data Platform (FDP) for NHS England. Ministers have now asked for advice on triggering the contract’s break clause amid growing scrutiny of Palantir’s expanding role in the public sector. The FDP is an AI‑enabled platform designed to integrate disparate health information across the NHS. Palantir already holds contracts with the Ministry of Defence, several police forces and the UK’s financial watchdog, the FCA. Onwurah’s cross‑party committee is set to publish its report in the coming weeks, covering the digital reorganisation of government services and the role of AI after a series of hearings that included experts, NHS leaders and representatives from companies such as Palantir. She identified three core issues: the manner in which the contract was awarded, the handling of patient data and the resulting trust deficit within the NHS, and the involvement of Peter Mandelson through his firm Global Counsel. “These are not fringe ideological concerns,” Onwurah told the Guardian. “They relate to contract transparency, vendor lock‑in, value for money and data security – matters that should concern everyone pushing the NHS towards digital transformation.” She added that the NHS’s post‑COVID fatigue and austerity‑driven burnout make any additional trust‑related resentment a significant barrier to progress. Onwurah noted that Palantir secured the contract after providing services to the NHS at a nominal cost – a tactic often used by large tech firms to position themselves as the most attractive government supplier. “It is right for the government to explore all options, including breaking the contract, given ongoing concerns about FDP uptake while Palantir remains at the helm,” she said. Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, also on the committee, urged the government to commission a new consortium of UK‑based tech experts to build a home‑grown NHS platform. During a previous committee appearance, Mosley accused British doctors of placing “ideology over patient interest” after they challenged the data‑processing contract. Speaking to the Times, Mosley warned that removing Palantir could jeopardise patient care and stall solutions to the NHS’s biggest challenges, arguing that the campaign against the firm would do more harm than good.

Berkeley, one of Britain’s largest housebuilders, said it will cease buying new land and impose a hiring freeze as it confronts the impact of the Iran war and broader geopolitical volatility on the UK property market.The FTSE 100 company warned that a reduced likelihood of further interest‑rate cuts and soaring regulatory costs could weigh heavily on its business, prompting cost‑cutting measures that also include using fewer subcontractors.In a significant outlook revision, Berkeley now expects to generate more than £1.4 billion in pre‑tax profit between 2027 and 2030, a stark increase from the roughly £450 million it had forecast for the current year and 2027.Market reaction was swift: the company’s shares plunged up to 18 % on Wednesday morning, later recovering to sit about 13 % lower, making Berkeley the worst performer on the FTSE 100 that day.Berkeley’s statement noted that early‑2026 sales showed modest recovery, but “recent geopolitical events and the macro‑economic consequences, including reduced potential for further rate cuts, could reduce confidence in a near‑term market recovery.”The firm cited “unprecedented” increases in costs and regulation, alongside weak buyer demand, as reasons for halting land purchases, arguing it can no longer achieve a sufficient rate of return on new sites due to a continuous rise in tax and regulatory burdens.These challenges arrive as the UK government pushes to meet ambitious new‑home building targets, while the sector grapples with higher taxation, new building‑safety rules, and longer planning timelines—Berkeley estimates approvals now take about 12 months longer than before.The ongoing war in Iran has amplified inflation fears, lifted mortgage rates above 5 % and heightened mortgage‑cost pressures for consumers, according to Moneyfacts data.Competitors such as Barratt, Redrow and Persimmon have also suffered, each losing more than 20 % of their market value, underscoring the broader stress across the housing‑construction industry.Berkeley, headquartered in Surrey, employs over 2,500 people and focuses on brownfield regeneration projects. It holds land sufficient for 50,000 homes with an additional pipeline for 10,000 homes in London and the south‑east, but will slow construction on existing sites to match market demand and regulator approvals.

The UK hospitality sector is bracing for significant job cuts and business closures as cost increases from new business rates and higher wage bills come into effect. An industry-wide survey of 20,000 hospitality businesses found that 64% of firms plan to cut jobs, 42% intend to reduce trading hours, and one in seven will be forced to close.The increased costs are attributed to changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the November budget, including increases to the national living wage and national minimum wage, which are expected to result in an extra £1.4bn in costs for the sector. Additionally, changes to business rates will see the average hotel in England facing an increase of £28,900 more this year (up 30%), while the average restaurant can expect a 15% increase worth £1,800.The trade bodies, including UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association, have warned that the conflict in the Middle East will accelerate the impact of rising wage and tax costs, with energy bills expected to rise steeply. The economic shock wave caused by the war in the Middle East has pushed economic confidence to an all-time low, according to new figures from the Institute of Directors (IoD).The IoD's Economic Confidence Index fell to its lowest ever score of -76 in March, with business directors citing labour bills, supply chain inflation, and energy as the biggest drivers of cost increases over the next 12 months. The thinktank estimates that UK companies invest the equivalent of 11.1% of GDP, well behind countries such as Japan at 18.2%, and European nations including France, at 12.7%, and Germany, at 12%.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he will ask US mediators to convey his proposal for an Easter ceasefire to Russia. This offer aims to suspend attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities during the Easter holidays.Zelenskyy made this statement on the sidelines of an event marking the fourth anniversary of Ukraine's Bucha massacre. He plans to discuss this proposal with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in online talks scheduled for Wednesday.“I will definitely convey this proposal to the United States,” Zelenskyy said. “We are ready for a ceasefire for the Easter holidays … We are ready for any compromises, except compromises involving our dignity and sovereignty.”Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded coolly to Zelenskyy's previous mention of an energy truce, stating that they hadn't seen any clearly formulated initiatives for an Easter truce from Zelenskyy.Zelenskyy's offer comes after he mentioned that some of Ukraine's allies had sent signals about potentially scaling back long-range strikes on Russia's oil sector due to surging global energy prices.Ukraine has escalated its attacks on Russian energy to prevent Russia from benefiting from high oil prices and easing sanctions. In return, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to reciprocate if Russia stops attacking the Ukrainian energy system.The US, Russia, and Ukraine have held three rounds of high-level trilateral talks this year, but progress has been stalled, particularly on the issue of territory in eastern Ukraine. Russia insists that Ukraine cede control of the Donbas region, which Zelenskyy has refused to consider.Zelenskyy also mentioned that Russia has told the US it could conquer the remainder of the Donbas region in two months, but Kyiv believes it can continue defending its "fortress belt" of industrial towns and cities in the Donbas for years.

Airport security lines across the United States are significantly shortening following President Donald Trump's emergency directive to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers. This development comes after weeks of lengthy delays at security checkpoints nationwide. At major airports such as New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, wait times have dropped to under 30 minutes. Similar improvements have been observed at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Baltimore's Thurgood Marshall Airport. Despite this temporary relief, over 500 TSA officers have left the agency since the recent government shutdown, according to data shared by the TSA. This exodus highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the agency due to recurrent funding lapses. “The bigger issue is that this is the third time in six months that TSA has gone through a funding lapse,” noted Eric Chaffee, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. “Every time this happens, the agency loses experienced staff, and it becomes harder to attract new ones.” While TSA workers are set to receive their back pay, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stating that payments would begin as early as Monday, the sector still faces instability. On Friday, 10.59% of TSA agents called out on Saturday and 12.35% on Friday, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The ongoing partial US government shutdown, now in its 45th day, continues to impact negotiations in Congress. Despite House Republicans voting to fully fund DHS for 60 days, the bill was met with resistance from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who deemed it “dead on arrival.” In the financial markets, US airline stocks continue to decline, with United Airlines down 2.4%, Delta down 1.5%, American Airlines down 0.4%, and Southwest down 1.9% in midday trading.

The friendly staged at Everton’s Goodison Park gave Merseyside’s hospitality sector a short‑term boost, but it also underscored lingering doubts about Scotland’s chances at the 2026 World Cup in North America.Manager Steve Clarke entered the match after a wholesale reshuffle that saw only Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay retain their starting spots. Robertson’s appearance made him the second‑most capped Scottish player in history, now within ten caps of legend Kenny Dalglish.Scotland began brightly, with George Hirst of Ipswich Town providing the pace and threat that many expect to earn him a place on the U.S. squad. However, the side’s defensive frailties were exposed early, especially between the posts. Angus Gunn was forced into goal despite limited club minutes, while veteran Craig Gordon remains sidelined with injury.Clarke responded by switching from a traditional back‑four to a three‑man defence at halftime, introducing Scott Bain for understudy Liam Kelly. The tactical tweak did little to stem the Ivorian onslaught.The decisive moment arrived when a rebound from an Elye Wahi effort hit the post, allowing Nicolas Pépé to finish cleanly. The goal highlighted the technical and physical superiority of the Ivorian forwards, who continued to dominate the first half with crisp, one‑touch play.Scotland’s supporters voiced their displeasure, booing the team at the break – a clear sign of growing frustration after a series of underwhelming performances, including a recent 1‑0 loss to Japan.Beyond the single goal, the match exposed a broader issue: Scotland’s current squad struggles to match the pace, precision and depth of opponents like Côte d’Ivoire. With the World Cup looming, Clarke faces mounting pressure to close the gap, whether through further tactical adjustments or personnel changes.Late‑stage attempts by Scotland, including a long‑range strike from McTominay and a defensive block by John Souttar, fell short. The Ivorian side, buoyed by Wahi’s continued threat and a solid performance from goalkeeper Alban Lafont, secured a comfortable victory that will linger in the minds of Scottish fans and officials alike.

Households in Great Britain are bracing for a substantial hike in energy bills, with a typical gas and electricity bill forecast to reach £1,929 a year from July. This represents an increase of about £290 a year under the industry regulator Ofgem's quarterly price cap. The forecast hike is £288 a year higher than the £1,641 cap on energy bills set for April to June. Although the April price cap will be £117 a year, or 7%, lower than the January to March rate of £1,758, the short-lived reprieve from rising gas and electricity costs is expected to be more than offset by a string of rises facing households in the spring. The annual cost of essentials, including council tax and water, will increase by more than £200 from April even before the economic impact of the Iran war is felt by UK consumers. Most households in England and Wales will see an increase of about 5% in their council tax, while in Scotland bills will go up by between 4% and 10%. In Northern Ireland, rates are due to increase between 1.96% and 4.5%. Water bills in England and Wales are also due to rise, by an average of £33 a household from April, up 5.4% to £639. The cost of phones and broadband are expected to rise by an average of £39.60 for an annual bill and £27.60 for a typical mobile contract, according to Uswitch. Senior government ministers are expected to discuss the economic turmoil caused by the war at a Cobra meeting on Tuesday, after meeting with business leaders to discuss how the government and private sector can work together to respond to the crisis caused by surging oil market prices. The international oil benchmark rose 4% to more than $118 a barrel on Tuesday as Donald Trump said countries such as the UK should build up the “courage” to go to the strait of Hormuz and “just take” fuel. Experts fear that Brent crude could reach all-time highs of $150 a barrel if the conflict continues. “Bills going up again because of war thousands of miles away will be a tough pill to swallow for households still saddled with debt from last time,” said Jess Ralston, the head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. “Unless we continue [to] shift away from gas, whether it comes from the North Sea or not, the risk remains that bills will continue to spike,” Ralston added.