The year began with cautious optimism as a ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar on January 15th, brought a temporary halt to the 15 months of devastating war in Gaza.
The agreement outlined clear stages: a hostage-prisoner exchange, a surge of humanitarian aid, followed by withdrawals and the eventual reconstruction of the war-torn region.
For a few weeks, it seemed as though peace might finally return. Hostages and prisoners were released, and displaced families began to return to northern Gaza, walking through the ruins of their former homes, hopeful for a fresh start.
However, that fragile peace quickly crumbled. By March, disputes over hostage lists and accusations of violations by both sides led to the resumption of brutal fighting.
Israel launched "Operation Gideon's Chariot," and the already high death toll, which Hamas health authorities had reported as exceeding 50,000, began to rise once more.
The humanitarian crisis within Gaza deteriorated rapidly as fighting resumed. By summer, UN agencies issued alarming reports of widespread child malnutrition and warnings of impending famine.
The situation on the ground became increasingly dire, as aid distribution points became sites of chaos and violence.
Hundreds were killed in the scramble for food, water, and basic necessities. The surge in violence and the ongoing blockade made it nearly impossible for aid to reach those in desperate need, further deepening the suffering of the civilian population.
Amidst the escalating crisis, a significant diplomatic shift took place. European nations moved to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, a move that was overwhelmingly endorsed globally but fiercely rejected by the United States and Israel.
This development signalled a major change in the international stance on the conflict, with Europe taking a more supportive position on Palestinian sovereignty, while the U.S. and Israel maintained their stance on prioritising Israeli security and opposing unilateral actions.
A second deal and renewed hope
In October, a new agreement brokered by the United States brought a brief respite. The deal facilitated the release of the last living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
For a moment, it seemed that the momentum was shifting towards peace. However, Israel's war objectives, as articulated by Prime Minister Netanyahu in May—namely, the complete dismantling of Hamas and the establishment of lasting Israeli security control over Gaza—remained unresolved.
The military objectives and the long-term future of Gaza continued to be key points of contention.
In November, the UN Security Council endorsed a plan that authorised the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza.
While this was hailed as a step towards stabilising the region, the ground reality remained unchanged. Israeli airstrikes continued, with the Israeli government citing violations of the ceasefire as the justification for their actions.
A bleak December and a continuing struggle for peace
As December arrived, it became clear that the deals signed on paper had not brought the peace that had been promised.
The death toll had now exceeded 70,000, and 85% of Gaza’s population remained displaced, living in the wreckage of a war-torn landscape.
The arrival of winter added further hardship, as displaced families struggled to survive in makeshift shelters amidst the ruins of their homes.
Humanitarian aid efforts remained woefully inadequate and unable to meet the overwhelming needs of those affected by the conflict.
The continuing Israeli airstrikes, the unresolved political issues, and the mounting humanitarian disaster left little hope that a lasting peace was on the horizon.
While diplomatic efforts continued, the gap between political agreements and the lived reality on the ground remained vast. Gaza’s future remains uncertain, with peace still elusive despite a year of negotiations, ceasefires, and promises of reconstruction.
The world watches as the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, hoping for a breakthrough, but aware that the path to peace is fraught with challenges and setbacks.
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Six Palestinian children have died from hypothermia in Gaza this winter, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday (13 January). The agency warned that more than 100 children have been killed since a ceasefire took effect in early October, 2025.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet say they carried out targeted strikes on Hamas operatives and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip on Thursday (8 January) after detecting a failed rocket launch from the Gaza City area.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the creation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” next week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, according to reports.
Israel will revoke the licenses of 37 aid organisations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, stating the groups have failed to meet the requirements under new registration rules.
Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani has died at the age of 93, his foundation said on Monday.
More than 100 vehicles were involved in a massive pileup on Interstate 96 in western Michigan on Monday (19 January), forcing the highway to shut in both directions amid severe winter weather.
The European Parliament has frozen the ratification of a trade agreement with the United States after fresh tariff threats from Donald Trump, escalating tensions between Washington and Brussels.
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Amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tension, 2025 became a year defined not only by confrontation but also by a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing violence, easing humanitarian crises and opening paths to long-term stability.
In 2025, climate talks, security negotiations and trade diplomacy defined a year of high-level summits. Leaders met across continents to confront conflict, debate climate responsibility and shape global priorities. Some eased tensions, others exposed divisions, but all left their mark.
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From the invasion of Ukraine to today’s border ceasefire in Southeast Asia, the global security architecture has undergone a period of unprecedented strain.
The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin, China, has been hailed as one of the most significant gatherings in the bloc’s history.
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