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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Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Hamas has confirmed the death of its armed wing chief, Mohammad Odeh, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City, according to the Israeli military and Gaza health officials.
A Palestinian shepherd says her family’s Eid al-Adha preparations were destroyed after dozens of sheep were allegedly stolen in a pre-dawn raid in the West Bank, leaving her without both a religious sacrifice and her family’s main source of income.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Counting is underway in Armenia’s parliamentary elections, with the results of the vote set to determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone.
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.
The year 2025 was marked by widespread protests and civil unrest across multiple regions, as citizens took to the streets to voice anger over political decisions, economic pressures, governance failures and social inequality.
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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