Oil rises, stocks fall as Iran war enters fifth week and further escalation looms

Germany is keen for Syrian refugees to return home. The visit by interim Syrian President al-Sharaa highlights shifting policies on repatriation and regional stability — despite accusations of human rights violations.

Iran continues to cut off the strait of Hormuz as it retaliates for the US and Israel's campaign against the Islamic Republic. The strategy has been effective as it piles pressure on the United States to the end the war, with global energy prices continuing to soar. Over 80% of oil and gas typically passing through the Strait of Hormuz heads for Asia.

Israel renewed its bombardment of Beirut's southern suburbs on March 30 while continuing air strikes on Lebanon's south, one of which targeted an army checkpoint and killed a soldier. In south Lebanon, where state media reported a series of Israeli air strikes, the Lebanese army said one of its soldiers was killed and others wounded in an attack on one of its checkpoints in the Tyre region. FRANCE 24's Olivia Bizot tells us more from the ground in Beirut

Luisa, 24, navigates a health system far from home on the family’s stretched budget, hoping to save her son’s vision.