Netanyahu threatens to resume fighting in Gaza if hostages aren’t released Saturday

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume fighting in Gaza unless more hostages are released Saturday. An Israeli official said Tuesday that Netanyahu has ordered the army to add more troops in and around Gaza after Hamas threatened to call off the next scheduled release of hostages on Saturday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting, says Netanyahu also ordered officials “to prepare for every scenario if Hamas doesn’t release our hostages this Saturday.” The official was not clear if Netanyahu’s order referred to the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza, or just the three scheduled for release on Saturday. Hamas says Israel has failed to meet the terms of the ceasefire by not allowing enough aid into Gaza.

EU vows countermeasures to US tariffs

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen says U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered” and will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc. She said the EU will act to safeguard its economic interests and protect its workers, businesses and consumers after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum on Monday. The EU trade minister scheduled a first emergency video meeting on the bloc’s response on Tuesday. The chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee says motorcycles, jeans, peanut butter, bourbon, whiskey and a whole range of products could affect American exporters if the U.S. tariffs come into force March 12.

Ukraine and Russia trade long-range attacks as officials probe possibilities for peace

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces have targeted Ukraine’s energy and gas infrastructure in a “massive” missile attack, while Ukrainian drones struck an important oil refinery inside Russia, officials said. International efforts are afoot to stop the fighting, with President Donald Trump’s senior advisers expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of this week’s Munich Security Conference. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, are among U.S. officials traveling to Germany for the summit. Zelenskyy said late Monday that Trump representatives will visit Ukraine this week, ahead of Munich, without providing details.

Pakistan says at least 16 nationals died in migrant boat sinking near Libya

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan says at least 16 citizens died when a boat carrying Europe-bound migrants capsized near the Libyan coast over the weekend. Another 10 are missing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that 33 of the 37 survivors were in Libyan police custody and one was being treated at a hospital. An estimated 65 people were on the boat when it capsized in Marsa Dela port in the western city of Zawiya. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his grief at the tragedy and ordered action against those involved in human trafficking. Hundreds of Pakistanis die every year while trying to reach Europe by land and sea with the help of human smugglers.