Police have been deployed on the streets of Sicily’s capital, Palermo, amid reports gangs are using social media to plot attacks on stores. A bankrupt ferry company halted service to the island, including vital supplies of food and medicines. As the state creaks under the strain of the coronavirus pandemic, officials worry the mafia may be preparing to step in.

US: As COVID-19 Crashes the Economy, Workers and Business Owners Wonder If Anything Can Save Them From Financial Ruin (TIME). Shortage of protective gear has become so acute that hospital officials are actively seeking homemade masks from the community. (New York Times)

International Women’s Day (IWD), on the 8th of March, was marked with the familiar annual celebrations, rallies and protests in countries across the world, including the Muslim lands to recognize the achievements made by women globally, as well as to call for action to further the cause of gender parity within societies and protect women and improve their rights and quality of life.

KHAN YOUNIS – GAZA: Mohammed Al-Naem was shot dead on Sunday by the Israeli military, which accused him of planting an explosive device near the Israeli separation fence east of Khan Younis in the besieged Gaza Strip. Mohammed's family denied this, saying that his presence near the fence area was peaceful.