Latest news for 30 May 2025

ISRAEL

Israel agrees to US-backed temporary ceasefire.

Israel has reportedly agreed to a US-proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating more aid in return for several more living and dead hostages. Hamas is expected to reject the proposal as it doesn’t include Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza (and also therefore the group’s own continued hold on local power). Meanwhile, Israel has greenlit the biggest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades. (BBC)

POLAND

Poles love the polls (again).

Millions of Poles will vote in the country’s presidential election on Sunday, with Warsaw's liberal mayor (Trzaskowski) neck and neck with a right-leaning historian (Nawrocki). It’s a largely ceremonial role, though the president’s veto power on bills could make or break the current pro-EU government in Warsaw. (Politico)

Comment: The Trump administration has openly backed Nawrocki, with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem personally endorsing him there earlier this week. Will this help? Poland was once the only European country with a net-positive view of Trump back in 2019, but polling from this March suggests folks have since soured on the president, citing (for example) his scepticism towards NATO.

KAZAKHSTAN

Middle power play.

Kazakhstan hosted its third annual Astana International Forum this week, with President Tokayev arguing (in English) for middle powers to have a greater say in global affairs. (Eurasianet)

Comment: Add the Kazakhs to the long list of middle powers hoping to fill what they see as a void while the big players face off.

KOSOVO

Road blocked.

Business owners in Kosovo have hit the streets of Pristina this week after the government announced companies with >50 employees will no longer be eligible for generous energy subsidies, potentially tripling their bill. (Reuters)

PHILIPPINES

New naval bases ahoy.

The Philippine Navy is set to open several bases as it takes delivery of its newest warships from Korea. It’s all part of Manila’s modernisation efforts to flex a bit more naval muscle as Beijing ramps up its vast claims across the South China Sea. (SCMP)

COLOMBIA

Workers on strike.

Labour unions went on a 48-hour strike this week in a show of support for left-leaning President Petro, after he alleged Colombia’s legislature is impeding efforts to let voters decide on labour reforms. (AP)

SYRIA

US back in Damascus.

After a 13-year absence, the US raised its flag over the ambassador’s residence in Damascus again this week, hoisted by the US ambassador to neighbouring Turkey himself, property/PE billionaire Tom Barrack (now also the US envoy to Syria). (Ambassador’s X account)