Latest news for 29 October 2025

ISRAEL

Wither, ceasefire?

There’ve been dozens reported dead in Gaza following Netanyahu's calls for “forceful strikes”, after an armed attack there killed an Israeli soldier (Hamas denies any role). Meanwhile, the Red Cross has condemned a fake hostage body recovery staged by Hamas, though the US is downplaying any ceasefire risks for now. (BBC)

UZBEKISTAN

Just dropping by.

Senior US officials Sergio Gor and Christopher Landau have made an unannounced appearance in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan ahead of next week’s C5+1 (Central Asia + US) summit in DC, which is itself also last-minute. (The Times of Central Asia)

Comment: Why this sudden US focus on Central Asia? It’s likely a) a rush to diversify away from over-reliance on China’s critical minerals, and b) a broader play in a region typically dominated by US rivals like China and Russia (several ‘Stans have been pretty open about their desire to balance a weakened and volatile Russia).

NETHERLANDS

Another photo finish.

Dutch voters head to the polls today (Wednesday) for the third time in less than five years, after former spymaster Dick Schoof’s coalition government collapsed in June. To give you a sense of the dynamics at play, even his caretaker cabinet then collapsed in August. (Euronews)

Comment: This instability is partly the result of parties refusing to partner with immigration / Islam critic Geert Wilders. He’s still polling strongly, though not enough to win outright, so the outcome might depend on which parliamentary alliances emerge.

NEW ZEALAND

Counting heads.

The Kiwi central bank says it’s cut nearly 20% of its staff since March as part of a major restructuring amid government-mandated budget cuts. (BusinessDesk $)

Comment: Intriguers will recall New Zealand just recruited a Swede to lead the central bank — she inherits an organisation widely panned by Kiwi executives for opening the monetary spigot too wide for too long during Covid, so now has the unenviable task of rebuilding morale on the inside and credibility on the outside.

BRAZIL

Shootouts grip Rio.

A massive Rio raid involving 2,500 police and soldiers has left at least 60 people dead and 81 in custody, as authorities target Brazil’s notorious Red Command gang — it’s one of the country’s deadliest domestic operations in recent history. (AP)

ANGOLA

Up for grabs.

Angola’s state-owned gems company has launched a bid to buy Anglo American’s 85% stake in diamond giant De Beers, setting up a high-stakes contest with part-owner Botswana, which is already launching its own bid. (Mining Technology)

Comment: This is more than just a classic M&A story — take a look at those mining names, whether De Beers or Anglo American, which hint at the extractive sector’s historic links with colonial powers. So for some, this is more about a handover that’s been centuries in the making. And it’s taking place against the backdrop of a structural decline in the diamond industry, partly due to the emergence of synthetic alternatives.