The world on May 29, 2025, is defined by a convergence of war, diplomacy, humanitarian crises, political transformation, and cultural milestones. This comprehensive review synthesizes the most important, interesting, and impactful events shaping today’s global landscape, drawing from the latest international reporting.
1. Gaza: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Relentless Israeli Strikes
Death Toll Rises and Journalists Targeted
Israeli attacks across Gaza have killed at least 55 people today, including Palestinian journalist Maltaz Rajab—one of five civilians killed in a strike on his vehicle in Gaza City. Rajab is the 221st media worker killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023, underscoring the extreme dangers faced by journalists covering the conflict1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed his forces killed Hamas commander Muhammad Sinoir, allegedly the target of a May 13 strike that also destroyed the European Hospital, killing 28 people and wounding dozens1.
Medical System on the Brink
International doctors and aid workers report being increasingly blocked by Israel from entering Gaza, with an “undeclared medical siege” now in effect. U.S. trauma surgeon Dr. Feroze Sidhwa testified to the UN Security Council, describing the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s medical infrastructure: “Most of my patients were pre-teen children, their bodies shattered by explosives and torn by flying metal … civilians are now dying not just from the constant air strikes but from acute malnutrition, sepsis, exposure, and despair”12. Aid is entering Gaza only slowly, with hundreds storming a food warehouse as the starvation crisis grows2.
West Bank Violence and Regional Fallout
Violence has also surged in the West Bank, with a drive-by shooting at the Reihan crossing and an attempted car ramming in Mount Hebron injuring several people4. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert publicly condemned the war, calling the deepening humanitarian crisis “unacceptable”2.
2. India–Pakistan: Airstrikes, Ceasefire, and Regional Emergency
Escalation and Retaliation
The India–Pakistan conflict escalated dramatically as Indian airstrikes hit multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least eight people. Pakistan retaliated with strikes into India and Indian-administered Kashmir, claiming to have destroyed five Indian fighter jets and killing three civilians4. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the Indian attacks an “act of war,” vowing further retaliation, and a state of emergency was declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province, closing schools and putting hospitals on high alert4.
Ceasefire Brokered, But Tensions Remain
U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced a full and immediate ceasefire, confirmed by India’s Foreign Secretary. However, violations and new clashes were reported shortly after the agreement, and the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament was suspended indefinitely due to the military action4.
3. Gaza and the West Bank: Starvation, Aid Chaos, and International Outcry
Starvation and Aid Shortages
Aid has been entering Gaza only in limited amounts after an 11-week blockade. Long lines for food and chaotic scenes at distribution centers highlight the severity of the hunger crisis2. Children are waiting for hours, and doctors report rising cases of acute malnutrition and preventable deaths2. International advocacy groups and former Israeli leaders are calling for an immediate end to the blockade and a massive increase in humanitarian access12.
4. Europe: Political Shifts, Security, and Far-Right Surge
Germany Elects New Chancellor
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, was elected as Germany’s 10th Chancellor by the Bundestag, signaling a new era in German politics4.
France and Poland Sign Mutual Assistance Treaty
French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed a treaty committing both nations to mutual assistance, strengthening European security ties amid regional instability4.
Far-Right Gains in Portugal and MAGA Rallies in Europe
Portugal’s anti-immigration Chega party has become the main opposition, adding to Europe’s far-right surge. Meanwhile, the MAGA movement is rallying in Poland and Hungary as a Trump tariff showdown with the EU looms2.
Hungary–Ukraine Diplomatic Spat
The Security Service of Ukraine arrested two people suspected of spying for Hungary, prompting Hungary to expel two Ukrainian diplomats in response4.
5. United States: Tariffs, Diplomacy, and Judicial Drama
Trump’s Tariffs Blocked
A U.S. trade court blocked President Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, ruling that he overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from nations with trade surpluses over the U.S.6. The decision is a setback for Trump’s protectionist agenda and comes as the U.S.–EU trade relationship faces new strains.
Diplomatic Thaw with Syria
The U.S. has reopened its long-shuttered ambassador’s residence in Damascus, signaling a mending of ties with Syria’s new government after years of diplomatic isolation2.
6. Asia-Pacific: Political Upheaval, Economic Moves, and Disasters
Nepal: Mass Protests for Restoration of Monarchy
Tens of thousands protested in Nepal’s capital, demanding the return of the abolished monarchy and the reinstatement of the former king as head of state2. The demonstrations reflect deep dissatisfaction with the current political system.
Philippines: Cabinet Overhaul Amid China Tensions
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has retained his defense chief, a vocal critic of China’s aggression, during a major cabinet reshuffle, signaling a continued tough stance on regional security2.
South Korea: Snap Election and Economic Woes
South Korea’s central bank cut interest rates and sharply lowered its 2025 growth outlook. The country prepares for a snap presidential election after the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his imposition of martial law2.
Singapore: Election Spending Revealed
Singapore’s electoral commission published the first tranche of candidate expenses from the May 3 general election, with the highest spender exceeding $100,0006.
Indonesia: French Mining Giant Signs Nickel Deal
French mining giant Eramet signed a major deal in Indonesia’s nickel sector, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global electric vehicle supply chain6.
7. Africa: Conflict, Humanitarian Tragedy, and Religious Commemoration
Sudan: Airstrike on Prison Kills Dozens
At least 20 prisoners were killed and 45 injured in an airstrike by the Rapid Support Forces on a prison in Obeid, North Kordofan, as Sudan’s civil war grinds on4.
Peru: Mining Curfew After Massacre
The Peruvian government imposed a curfew and suspended gold mining in Pataz Province after the bodies of thirteen kidnapped miners were discovered, underscoring the dangers facing extractive industries in conflict zones4.
International Day of Eastern Christians
On May 25, Christians worldwide marked the International Day for Eastern Christians, with Masses and processions in Paris, Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland, and a pilgrimage in Romania honoring martyrs of the communist era5.
8. Migration and Humanitarian Disasters
Canary Islands: Migrant Boat Capsizes
Seven people, including four women and three girls, died when a migrant boat capsized off Spain’s Canary Islands, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by migrants on perilous sea journeys7.
Swiss Alps: Glacier Collapse
A 64-year-old man remains missing after a glacier collapsed and destroyed an Alpine village in Switzerland, a stark reminder of climate change’s impact on vulnerable communities2.
9. Science, Technology, and Society
Argentina: Scientists Protest Budget Cuts
Scientists in Argentina marched against President Milei’s research budget cuts, warning that the country’s scientific future is at risk7.
Kazakhstan: Cinema on the Rise
Kazakhstan is gaining international recognition for its burgeoning film industry, making waves in global cinema7.
10. Other Notable Developments
- Nordic Nations Embrace “Total Defense”: Nordic countries are mobilizing their societies for defense against military and non-military threats, encouraging citizens to store a week’s worth of food and water2.
- Morocco: Investment and Stability: Morocco’s government is emphasizing political stability as the key to attracting foreign investment7.
- Iran: Truckers’ Protest Grows: Truck drivers in Iran continued a week-long strike, garnering support from prominent dissidents2.
Conclusion: A World at a Crossroads
May 29, 2025, is a day of crisis and transformation. The humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the escalation between India and Pakistan dominate headlines, with civilians bearing the brunt of violence and political brinkmanship. Europe faces its own political realignments, from Germany’s new chancellor to the far-right surge in Portugal and MAGA rallies in the east. The U.S. navigates a delicate balance of protectionism, diplomacy, and judicial oversight, while Asia-Pacific nations grapple with political upheaval, economic shifts, and natural disasters.
Across continents, the struggle for stability, justice, and human dignity continues. From the streets of Kathmandu to the hospitals of Gaza, from the corridors of power in Berlin to the devastated villages of Sudan and Switzerland, today’s news reflects both the fragility and resilience of the global community.
This digest is based on the most authoritative and up-to-date reporting as of May 29, 2025, synthesizing developments from multiple continents and sectors to provide a comprehensive view of the world’s most pressing events.
Citations:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exVF39YVj24
- https://abcnews.go.com/International
- https://www.ndtv.com/world-news
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events/May_2025
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-05/news-from-the-orient-may-29-2025.html
- https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2428694
- https://www.euronews.com/video/2025/05/29/latest-news-bulletin-may-29th-midday
- https://www.admis.com/global-ag-news-for-may-29-2025/
- https://www.dw.com/en/top-stories-in-90-seconds/video-49496622
- https://globalnews.ca/video/11202843/global-news-morning-headlines-thursday-may-29-2025/
