BBC News Briefing

27 March, 2026

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. As ministers of the G7 nations call for an end to attacks on civilians in the Iran war, my colleagues speak to people in Tehran about the conflict's impact on their lives. We also cover a rise in settler attacks in the occupied West Bank and Indian farmers' newfound love for dragon fruit. Give our weekly news quiz a go and, finally, enjoy cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Air strikes' impact on residential buildings

A photo shows the inside of a heavily damaged apartment, with rubble strewn across the fllor and a damaged sofa and table.

A man whose apartment was damaged said he was "thrown across the room" when the strike hit.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he expected US operations in Iran to end in "weeks, not months" following a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France. In the month since the US and Israel began launching air strikes on Iran, civilians have been caught between bombardment from the skies and a repressive regime. A BBC Eye analysis of eyewitness testimony and footage of the strikes' aftermath shows that a series of attacks on state-linked targets, embedded in civilian areas in Tehran, has had a devastating impact to those living nearby.

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GET UP TO SPEED

close-up of Kash Patel speaking, wearing a suit and tie in front of American flag

Iran-linked group says it hacked FBI head's emails

The group, known as the Handala Hack Team, shared Kash Patel's purported resume and photos of him on its website.

What happened >

A view of Barcelona's tribunal, a sign above its entrance reading: Ciutat de la Justícia

Spanish woman's death by euthanasia sparks debate

The debate focuses on the role of the state in caring for the woman and why it took so long to implement her wish to end her life.

Read more >

A close-up on Trump signing his name on a piece of paper with a black marker. Credit: Reuters

Trump's signature to appear on US dollars

The treasury department said the unprecedented move would mark America's 250th anniversary.

More details >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Guilty of assault: A Russian man has been jailed for four years after Barron Trump called the Met Police to report seeing him beat up a woman.

Al Fayed investigation: One man has been interviewed under caution in relation to a probe linked to the late businessman, police have said.

Trash mystery: Residents of two villages in East Yorkshire are frustrated with a fly-tipper who's been dumping dozens of sauvignon blanc bottles.

AT THE SCENE

Deir al-Hatab, occupied West Bank

Palestinians face rising settler attacks

Damage from fire can be seen on the exterior of a house, particualrly the side most exposed to the street, whose windows are blacked out and damaged. Two men can be see on the roof of the house.

Deir al-Hatab had not previously experienced major attacks, unlike other parts of the West Bank. Credit: EPA

Palestinian villages across the occupied West Bank have experienced a new spate of settler violence in recent days. During a rampage in Deir al-Hatab, at least 10 people were injured - including one man shot in the foot. All settlements are seen as illegal under international law. Outposts are set up without Israeli government approval.

Yolande has long red hair and blue eyes.

Yolande Knell, Middle East correspondent

Barhan Omar, a bank manager, stands in the charred ruins of his family's large villa, which Israeli settlers attacked on Sunday. He says: "What's terrifying is that you're sitting in your house with your children, then suddenly you come under fire." He says settlers shot at his home in Deir al-Hatab, near Nablus, as well as setting it alight, and that he and his children escaped only by hiding on their roof.

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Locals now fear a repeat of the violence. From the rooftop of his burnt home, Samer Omar, a father-of-four, points out a new track on a nearby hill where settlers are planning another outpost. "Soon, we'll be encircled," he says gloomily. "There's no safety anymore. I want to raise the wall four or five metres higher, but will that help? May God protect us all."

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Calls for action: The UK and the EU have urged Israeli authorities take action to ensure accountability and prevent further attacks.

Latest casualty: Mohammad al-Malhi is the seventh Palestinian killed by a settler in a surge of violence since the start of the Iran war.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Farmers develop taste for dragon fruit

Unlike mangoes, which have a short harvest season, dragon fruit can be harvested continuously for six months. Credit: Getty Images

The dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is originally from Central America, but farmers in India have recently started cultivating the cactus trees bearing the spiky delicacy. Enticed by low costs of production and steady harvests, Indian farmers now aim to take Vietnam's spot as the world's leading dragon fruit producer.