Israel’s parliament on March 30, 2026 passed legislation making death by hanging the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in West Bank military courts of deadly, nationalist-motivated attacks. The bill, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, passed 62-48. It sets execution by hanging within 90 days of sentencing (with limited postponement to 180 days), allows life imprisonment only in unspecified “special circumstances,” and is not retroactive. In civilian courts the law permits either the death penalty or life sentences for those judged to have acted with the intent of “ending Israel’s existence,” language critics say effectively excludes most Jewish perpetrators. The measure drew immediate legal challenges from Israeli rights groups, protests across the occupied West Bank and Gaza, condemnation from international bodies and rights organisations including the EU, Amnesty and U.N. experts, and calls by Palestinian militant groups for retaliation. Implementation could be delayed by petitions to Israel’s Supreme Court and has raised concerns about its legality under international law.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 31 signed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” a change slated to take effect July 1 pending administrative processing by the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill grants Palm Beach County perpetual, unrestricted rights to use the new name and abbreviations at no cost; Democrats warned the move could cost taxpayers about $5 million. An entity linked to the Trump Organization filed a trademark application for the airport name in February. On the same day, President Trump’s family released video renderings of a proposed Donald J. Trump Presidential Library — a Miami waterfront skyscraper shown with oversized gold statues, a presidential jet on display and replicas of White House interiors. The project site is a nearly 3-acre downtown parcel donated by Miami Dade College and valued at more than $67 million; a court challenge to that transfer was dismissed in December. The library teaser, credited to a Miami design firm and widely circulated on social media, drew criticism for appearing AI-generated and for ethical concerns over fundraising and corporate donations while Trump remains in office.

Buckingham Palace confirmed on March 31 that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States from April 27-30 at the invitation of President Donald Trump. The palace said the programme will celebrate historic ties and mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. Planned events include a White House banquet on April 28 and an expected address to a joint session of Congress; the King will travel on to Bermuda afterwards for a separate royal visit. The trip will go ahead despite growing calls in the UK to postpone amid the US‑Israeli military campaign against Iran, and after repeated public criticisms of Prime Minister Keir Starmer by President Trump. British politicians and campaigners have urged delay, and one UK poll cited in coverage found substantial public opposition. The visit will be King Charles’s first state visit to the United States as monarch and the first state visit by a British sovereign to the US since 2007. Palace officials said the decision was made on the advice of His Majesty’s Government.

Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday homily (March 29–30, 2026) to condemn leaders who invoke Jesus to justify armed conflict, saying “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” His remarks came as the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran enters its second month and follow controversy over U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who led a Pentagon prayer invoking “overwhelming violence of action” against enemies. On the same weekend Israeli police barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark Palm Sunday, citing security concerns tied to Iranian missile strikes. The move provoked sharp criticism from Italy, France, Spain, the European Union and U.S. diplomats. After international backlash, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered authorities to grant the patriarch “full and immediate access” and said there was no malicious intent. The Latin Patriarchate described the initial denial as a “grave precedent.” The episode has spotlighted tensions over freedom of worship in Jerusalem’s Old City and raised renewed debate about the use of religious language by political and military leaders in the Iran war.

Mumbai Indians chased 221 to beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in the IPL opener on March 29-30, 2026. Rohit Sharma led the chase with a 38-ball 78, sharing a 148-run opening stand with Ryan Rickelton (81). Rohit’s knock also took him past Virat Kohli to become the highest run-scorer against a single IPL side, amassing 1,161 runs versus KKR. Shardul Thakur’s three wickets (3-39) and Jasprit Bumrah’s late control helped restrict KKR after Ajinkya Rahane’s 67 propelled them to 220-4. The match generated controversy when Rahane deflected questions about Australian signing Cameron Green’s absence from the bowling attack with “ask Cricket Australia.” CA later confirmed Green is managing a lower-back complaint, will abstain from bowling for around 10-12 days and that KKR had been informed. Mahela Jayawardene said Suryakumar Yadav’s use as an impact substitute was precautionary for a tight groin. Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Rohit’s “2.0” form, while the result snapped MI’s 13-year run of losing season openers.