Gaza Death Toll Rises to 76; Kyiv Hit by Major Drone and Missile Attack
Key Takeaways
- Israeli attacks in Gaza resulted in at least 76 deaths on May 24, 2025.
- Kyiv was hit by drone and missile attack on May 23, injuring 14.
- Russia and Ukraine exchanged 390 prisoners each on May 24, 2025.
- Gaza faces famine amid aid shortages, with UN describing aid as 'a teaspoon'.
- Trump threatens 50% EU tariffs and 25% iPhone tariffs, causing market declines.
Top Stories
Israeli attacks kill at least 76 in Gaza.
On 2025-05-24, Israeli attacks in Gaza reportedly resulted in at least 76 deaths, with the number of casualties expected to rise as strikes continue.
Kyiv hit by major drone, missile attack; 14 injured.
On 2025-05-23, Kyiv, Ukraine, experienced a significant combined drone and ballistic missile attack, injuring at least 14 people. Ukraine’s air force reported that Moscow launched 250 long-range drones and 14 ballistic missiles overnight.
Russia, Ukraine exchange 390 prisoners each.
On 2025-05-24, Russia and Ukraine have each released 390 prisoners of war and said they would free more in the coming days, an initiative agreed in talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Turkiye last week. On 2025-05-23, United States President Donald Trump welcomed the exchange between Ukraine and Russia in a social media post, adding it could “lead to something big”.
Gaza faces famine amid aid shortages, escalating conflict.
On 2025-05-24, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Palestinians in Gaza are enduring “what may be the cruellest phase of this cruel conflict,” warning that Israel’s escalating military campaign and prolonged blockade have pushed the population to the brink of famine. Guterres described the flow of supplies into Gaza as woefully insufficient, even after Israel allowed several hundred trucks to cross into Gaza this week following a partial easing of its 11-week siege, stating, “All the aid authorised until now amounts to a teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required.” Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that Palestinians are struggling daily to find food and water, and that the aid allowed in the past two days is insufficient to address the deepening humanitarian crisis. COGAT confirmed on Friday, May 23, 2025, that 107 trucks had entered Gaza on the previous day, May 22, 2025, loaded with flour, medicine, and equipment; the United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has branded the aid deliveries “a drop in the ocean”.
Trump threatens EU, Apple with tariffs; markets react.
On 2025-05-23 and 2025-05-24, Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1 and a 25% levy on imported iPhones if they are not manufactured in the United States, reigniting trade fears. These threats caused major U.S. stock indexes and European shares to fall, the dollar weakened, and gold rose. The European Union vowed to defend its interests, and EU official Maros Sefcovic stated that a trade deal ‘must be guided by mutual respect, not threats’.
Global Watch
Australia flood death toll rises to four.
On 2025-05-24, the death toll in Australia floods rises to four, with tens of thousands stranded.
DRC Senate lifts immunity of ex-President Kabila.
On May 23, 2025, the Senate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) voted overwhelmingly in favor of lifting the immunity of ex-President Joseph Kabila. This makes him liable for prosecution on accusations of treason for alleged links to the M23 armed group.
Rohingya face dire situation amid aid cuts.
On 2025-05-24, UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi stated that the double tragedy of shipwrecks is "a reminder of the desperate situation" of the Rohingya and the hardship faced by refugees in Bangladesh due to dwindling humanitarian aid. Humanitarian organizations have been hit hard by funding cuts from major donors, including the United States administration of President Donald Trump and other Western countries, as they prioritize defence spending due to growing fears of Russia and China.
Mass stabbing in Hamburg injures at least 17.
On 2025-05-23, a mass stabbing occurred at the main train station in Hamburg, Germany, resulting in at least 17 injuries. A 39-year-old German woman was arrested, and authorities are investigating a possible psychological emergency.
Political Pulse
Rwanda in talks with US for migration deal.
On 2025-05-23, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that Rwanda is in talks with the United States regarding a migration deal, following the failure of a similar plan with the United Kingdom last year.
US lifts first sanctions on Syria under Trump.
On 2025-05-23, the US, under President Donald Trump, lifted its first sanctions on Syria. The US Department of the Treasury announced relief to individuals and entities to enable new investment, aligning with Trump’s "America First" strategy. These announcements mark an initial step towards President Trump's pledge on 2025-05-13 to remove sanctions placed on Syria during Bashar al-Assad's leadership.
Trump appeals judge's block on federal layoffs.
Top Headlines
Russian strikes kill at least five in Ukraine.
On 2025-05-23, Russian missile strikes on port infrastructure in Odesa killed at least two people. Additionally, shelling incidents in the eastern Donetsk region resulted in three more fatalities.
Russia accuses Ukraine of 800 drone attacks.
On 2025-05-23, Russia accused Ukraine of launching up to 800 drone attacks against non-military targets in Moscow and other regions over the last three days. Russia stated it would respond but remains committed to peace talks.
Ukraine hits Russian battery-manufacturing facility.
On 2025-05-23, Ukraine’s military reported hitting a battery-manufacturing facility in Russia’s Lipetsk region. Ukraine claimed the facility supplied Russian missile and bomb manufacturers.
Russia to draft peace accord after prisoner exchange.
On 2025-05-24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow will be ready to hand Ukraine a draft document outlining conditions for a long-term peace accord once a prisoner exchange, now under way, is completed. On 2025-05-23, Lavrov said that Russia will have a draft of conditions necessary for an agreement to end the war by the time the exchanges are completed.
Ukraine awaits Russia's proposals for peace talks.
On 2025-05-24, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters that Kyiv was waiting for Russia’s proposals on the form of talks, a ceasefire and a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, suggesting the inclusion of United States President Donald Trump.
Russian military helicopter crashes, crew killed.
On 2025-05-23, a Russian military helicopter crashed near Naryshkino in Russia’s Oryol region, resulting in the death of the crew. The preliminary cause was reported as a technical malfunction.
Business Today
Boeing to avoid guilty plea in 737 Max crashes.
Published on 2025-05-24, it was reported that Boeing is set to avoid a guilty plea with the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the 737 Max crashes.
TCS investigates cyberattack on UK's Marks and Spencer.
On 2025-05-23, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS) is conducting an internal investigation to determine if it was the gateway for a cyberattack on UK's Marks and Spencer (MKS.L) that compromised customer data and disrupted operations. The cyberattack, disclosed in April, is estimated to cost M&S about 300 million pounds ($404.9 million) in lost operating profit, with online service disruptions likely until July.
Trump supports Nippon Steel's bid for US Steel.
On 2025-05-24, Donald Trump stated that US Steel will become partners with Nippon Steel. Shares jumped 21% following the announcement.
US plans Chevron license for Venezuela maintenance.
On 2025-05-24, it was reported that the US plans to issue a Chevron license for minimum maintenance in Venezuela.
Glass Lewis backs Toyota chairman re-election.
Four partners leave Paul Weiss after Trump deal.
ISS backs Dynavax directors in board fight.
Chiquita announces mass layoffs in Panama amid strike.
On 2025-05-23, Chiquita, a US-owned banana giant, announced mass layoffs in Panama due to an ongoing strike protesting new social security laws. The company reported at least $75 million in losses due to the month-long strike, and President Jose Raul Mulino called the strike "illegal".
East Africa Developments
Ugandan activist 'tortured' after Tanzania arrest.
On 2025-05-23, Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire was found "abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities" showing signs of torture after being arrested in Tanzania on May 19, 2025, for supporting opposition politician Tundu Lissu's treason trial. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been accused on 2025-05-23 of increasing authoritarianism amid rising concerns regarding democracy across East Africa.
Tech Insights
Meta wins AI training case in German court.
On 2025-05-23, a German consumer rights group failed to win a court injunction to stop Meta Platforms from training its AI models with Facebook and Instagram user posts. The court in Cologne denied the injunction sought by Verbraucherzentrale NRW.