Weekly Update (Oct 13th to 19th, 2025)

Middle East: Diplomatic push seeks to stabilise Gaza ceasefire

Intensive diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Egypt this week on consolidating a ceasefire in Gaza amid international pressure to prevent renewed hostilities. Talks centred on humanitarian access and the sequencing of further confidence-building measures. Aid agencies warned that fuel shortages and damage to infrastructure continued to threaten essential services.. While the pause in fighting largely held, analysts cautioned that unresolved political disputes left the ceasefire vulnerable to collapse.

Eastern Europe: Ukraine conflict enters a renewed phase of attrition

Throughout the week, hostilities in Ukraine intensified as Russian and Ukrainian forces commenced new operations along critical front lines. This indicated that the conflict was entering a prolonged phase of attrition. Western leaders pledged to continue providing military and financial assistance to Kyiv; however, Moscow appeared disinclined to engage in substantive dialogue. The events heightened concerns that the conflict is becoming increasingly entrenched, resulting in escalating costs for both parties in terms of finances and casualties.

Global Economy: US–China tensions rise over technology restrictions

Relations between the United States and China came under renewed strain after Washington signalled tighter controls on advanced technology exports, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Beijing criticised the measures as politically motivated, warning that they could further fragment global supply chains. Markets reacted cautiously, reflecting fears that escalating economic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies could weigh on global growth and accelerate strategic decoupling.