AnewZ Morning Brief - 5 October, 2025

Reuters

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 5th of October, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. U.S. proposes Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange plan

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to act swiftly on hostage release and peace talks in Gaza, warning that “all bets are off” if delays continue. His plan envisions Gaza as a weapons-free zone under a U.S.-led international body, with all hostages released within 72 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite his call for restraint, Israeli air strikes continued Saturday, killing at least 29 people, according to local sources.

2. Clashes erupt in Tbilisi as protesters attempt to enter presidential palace

At least 21 police officers and six protesters were injured in overnight clashes in Tbilisi after demonstrators tried to storm Georgia’s presidential palace over disputed local election results. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemned the unrest as an attempt to destabilise the country. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds after opposition figures called for rejecting the 4 October vote, which they claim was illegitimate. Order was later restored, though smaller protests continued in the capital.

3. Plane carrying 137 Flotilla activists lands in Istanbul

A total of 137 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 36 Turkish nationals, arrived in Istanbul on Saturday after being detained by Israel in international waters.

The group flew from Israel’s Ramon Airport in Eilat, landing at Istanbul Airport at 3:50 p.m. local time (12:50 GMT).

Among the passengers were citizens of Türkiye, Malaysia, the United States, the UAE, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan. They were welcomed at the airport by officials and supporters.

4. Türkiye–UAE currency swap deal expected to boost Gulf investments

The currency swap deal between the central banks of Türkiye and the UAE is expected to boost Türkiye’s digital banking sector and attract new Gulf investments.

Signed on Thursday, the agreement establishes a 198 billion lira ($4.7 billion) and 18 billion dirham ($4.9 billion) swap, promoting national currencies in trade and linking the countries’ payment systems.

Economists say the deal will strengthen Türkiye’s foreign reserves, enhance financial stability, and accelerate digital and green investment from the Gulf.

5. At least 30 hurt as Russia targets passenger train in northern Ukraine

Russia struck a passenger train at the Shostka railway station in Ukraine’s Sumy region on 4 October, killing one person and injuring dozens, including children, according to officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the “savage Russian drone strike,” saying around 30 people were hurt as rescue efforts continued. The attack is part of Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukraine’s rail infrastructure, targeted almost daily in recent weeks.

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