Hamas Accepts Egyptian Ceasefire Proposal; Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,600
Key Takeaways
- Hamas accepted an Egyptian ceasefire proposal; Israel countered with a US-coordinated proposal.
- Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600; rescue efforts are hampered by damage.
- Trump blocked US resettlement for Afghan pilots who fought against the Taliban.
- Myanmar's military controls under 25% of the country; ethnic armies control 42%.
- Russian drone attack on Dnipro killed four and injured 21 on March 30, 2025.
Global Affairs
Hamas accepts Egyptian ceasefire proposal, Israel counters.
On 2025-03-29, Hamas agreed to an Egyptian ceasefire proposal in Gaza, which included the release of 5 hostages (including American-Israeli Edan Alexander) in exchange for returning to phase 1 ceasefire conditions. Israel responded with a counter-proposal coordinated with the US, amid anti-government protests in Tel Aviv calling for the release of Israeli hostages.
Russian drone attack on Dnipro kills four, injures 21.
Ukraine launches attacks in new Russian region.
Macron hosts Zelenskiy, European leaders for Ukraine security summit.
Russian strikes injure scores in Ukraine.
Taliban releases American Faye Hall after U.S. lifts bounties.
Pro-democracy rally in Istanbul supports jailed Imamoglu.
Ecuador prepares for US forces amid gang violence.
Anti-government protests in Tel Aviv demand hostage release.
Myanmar Crisis
Myanmar earthquake death toll surpasses 1,600, rescue efforts hampered.
On 2025-03-29, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread damage and a death toll exceeding 1,600. Rescue efforts are underway, but are hampered by a lack of equipment, damaged infrastructure, and transport disruptions. The junta reported over 1,500 buildings damaged in the Mandalay region, and Mandalay airport is non-functional due to runway damage.
Myanmar military controls less than 25% of country.
Myanmar junta continues airstrikes after earthquake; NUG pauses operations.
Despite a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the military junta continues air strikes, drawing condemnation from the UN. The shadow National Unity Government (NUG) announced a two-week temporary pause in offensive military operations in quake-stricken areas, except for defensive actions, starting March 30, 2025.
Concerns aid will be weaponized in Myanmar civil war.
Trump's World
Afghan pilots in limbo after Trump blocks US resettlement.
Trump open to acquiring Greenland, even militarily.
On 2025-03-29, President Donald Trump expressed his openness to acquiring Greenland by any means, including military force, though he believes it may not be necessary. This follows Vice President JD Vance's visit to Greenland, which faced resistance from residents and local leaders, and precedes a visit by Denmark's prime minister from April 2-4.
Trump considers tariffs if countries offer significant value to U.S.
"Tesla Takedown" protests hit U.S., Canada, Europe.
House demands records from Health Secretary Kennedy Jr.
McConnell criticizes Trump's Putin dealings, Ukraine policy.
Marko Elez reinstated after racist posts, Trump influence alleged.
Trump supports officials in Signal text chain incident.
U.S. Institute of Peace faces mass firings.
On 2025-03-29, nearly all of the U.S. staff members at the Institute of Peace were fired. This is seen as a sharp escalation of the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s efforts to eliminate the government-funded independent nonprofit, with their team previously gaining access to the institute’s building.