Nearly 100 people, including children, were killed in a major Israeli ground, air, and sea assault on north Gaza early Friday, according to Gaza’s civil defence. The attack hit Beit Lahia, destroying homes and tents. Residents said people were trapped, and Israeli tanks surrounded shelters. Witnesses described it as the most intense attack since March. Israel claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure and eliminated several militants. Leaflets urging evacuation sparked panic. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid a full blockade and ongoing fighting. Aid remains scarce, and the UN warns of famine risks for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. (PC: Reuters)

On May 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Istanbul for the first direct peace talks with Russia since the 2022 invasion. The negotiations, aimed at securing a ceasefire, were undermined by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence, as he sent aide Vladimir Medinsky instead. Zelenskyy criticized the move as a sign of Russia’s insincerity. Hosted by Turkey and attended by U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the talks face low expectations without direct engagement from top Russian leadership. (PC: Reuters)

On May 16, 2025, Israeli air and artillery strikes on northern Gaza killed over 250 people, marking one of the deadliest phases since the March truce collapse. The attacks targeted areas like Beit Lahiya and the Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children. Gaza health authorities report over 53,000 deaths since the conflict began. U.S. President Donald Trump, concluding a Middle East tour, acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation, stating "a lot of people are starving in Gaza." Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue in Doha amid ongoing Israeli military operations. (PC: Reuters)  

In an embarrassing blunder, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar cited a fake front page of The Daily Telegraph, falsely claiming it praised the Pakistan Air Force as “the undisputed king of the skies.” The photoshopped image was originally spread by Pakistan’s own disinformation machinery. Ironically, Pakistani media fact-checked and debunked the false claim, revealing the real Telegraph headline had nothing to do with Pakistan. The blunder underscores the risks of propaganda blowback, especially during heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor. Dar's reference to the fake story has become a national and international embarrassment. (PC: India Today)

On May 16, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations convened in Istanbul for their first direct peace talks since 2022, aiming to end the ongoing conflict. Ukraine, represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, prioritized securing an "unconditional ceasefire." Russia's delegation, led by aide Vladimir Medinsky, viewed the talks as a continuation of previous negotiations. The absence of President Putin and attempts to exclude U.S. and Turkish officials raised concerns about Russia's commitment. Ukrainian diplomats accused Russia of stalling. Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities persisted, with Ukraine reporting explosions in Dnipro and the downing of 73 out of 112 Russian drones. An F-16 jet was lost due to a non-combat incident. (PC: The Guardian)

During a business roundtable in Qatar on May 15, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed turning war-torn Gaza into a U.S.-controlled “freedom zone.” He described the enclave as “nearly uninhabitable” after Israeli military operations and suggested its redevelopment into a prosperous coastal hub akin to the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump hinted at potential relocation of Gaza’s population—drawing sharp criticism from Palestinians, Arab nations, and international human rights groups, who view the plan as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. (PC: Reuters)

On May 15, 2025, during a speech at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump said, "I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem." He cited trade talks as key to de-escalation. However, Indian officials stated the ceasefire announced on May 10 resulted from direct India-Pakistan negotiations without third-party involvement. Trump’s repeated claims face skepticism from Indian authorities. (PC: AP)  

The UK economy grew 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing forecasts and marking a strong start to the year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Growth in March alone hit 0.2%, defying expectations of no change. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves highlighted the UK’s performance as stronger than the U.S., Germany, and other G7 nations. However, rising employer taxes and new U.S. trade tariffs pose challenges ahead. Business investment rose by 5.9%, the highest in two years, while consumer spending also increased. Analysts warn the growth may be short-lived as global uncertainty and fiscal pressures build. (PC: Reuters)

At least 103 people were killed in Israeli air strikes across Gaza on Thursday, said the Hamas-run Civil Defence. In Khan Younis, 56 died as bombs hit homes and tents sheltering families. In Jabalia, 13 were killed, including in a strike on a health clinic and prayer hall. More deaths were reported in Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah. A mother in Gaza said her two baby sons died in their sleep. Israel has not commented but said it is targeting Hamas. Aid groups warn of starvation, as no supplies have entered Gaza for 10 weeks. Ceasefire talks are still ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan has strongly condemned Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent remarks urging the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take control of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. The statement, made during Singh’s visit to Srinagar following Operation Sindoor, questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Pakistan’s foreign ministry called the comment “irresponsible” and accused India of nuclear blackmail. Islamabad claimed its conventional military capabilities are sufficient for deterrence and dismissed India’s concerns. Meanwhile, the IAEA stated that there has been no radiation leak from Pakistan’s facilities but has not responded directly to Singh’s call for nuclear oversight. (PC: AFP)