World News

Hamas Accepts Egyptian Ceasefire Proposal; Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,600

1269 words · 6 mins read

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.

On March 30, 2025, a mass Russian drone attack on Dnipro, Ukraine, killed four and injured 21. The attack set a restaurant and several buildings ablaze.

Israel strikes southern Beirut, first time since November.

North Korea sends 3,000 more soldiers to aid Russia.

Russian court hands long jail terms to Ukrainian fighters.

Ukraine launches attacks in new Russian region.

On March 29, 2025, Ukraine launched attacks in a new Russian region. This comes as Ukraine faces setbacks on home soil.

Macron hosts Zelenskiy, European leaders for Ukraine security summit.

On 2025-03-27, Macron hosted European leaders, including Zelenskiy, for a summit aimed at boosting Ukrainian security ahead of any potential ceasefire with Russia; European bid for Ukraine ‘reassurance’ force is fraught with risk.

Russian strikes injure scores in Ukraine.

Russian strikes injure scores in Ukraine as US and Kremlin officials meet for ceasefire talks.

Taliban releases American Faye Hall after U.S. lifts bounties.

On 2025-03-29, Faye Hall, an American detained in Afghanistan, was released by the Taliban. This followed the U.S. lifting of bounties on three Taliban leaders, and she is now in the care of Qatari officials.

Pro-democracy rally in Istanbul supports jailed Imamoglu.

On March 30, 2025, Pro-democracy protesters gathered in Istanbul's streets for a huge rally in support of jailed opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu.

Ecuador prepares for US forces amid gang violence.

Reported on March 30, 2025, CNN reports that Ecuador is preparing for US forces. This comes as President Noboa calls for help battling gangs.

European leaders: Not the time to lift Russia sanctions.

Anti-government protests in Tel Aviv demand hostage release.

On 2025-03-29, anti-government protests took place in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators demanded action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Khan Younis devastation highlighted in new image.

Published on 2025-03-29, an image shows destroyed houses in Khan Younis, Gaza, on 2025-03-27. This highlights the devastation caused by the conflict.

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.

Published on 2025-03-29, a BBC investigation revealed that the military in Myanmar now controls less than a quarter of the country, while ethnic armies and resistance groups control 42%.

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.

Published on 2025-03-29, there is widespread concern that the military in Myanmar will use aid as a weapon in the civil war, denying it to areas where resistance groups are active.

Woman rescued alive from Myanmar earthquake rubble.

Published on 2025-03-29, rescuers in Myanmar were cheered as they carried 30-year-old Phyu Lay Khaing away on a stretcher after pulling her alive from rubble.

Trump's World

Afghan pilots in limbo after Trump blocks US resettlement.

On 2025-03-28, it was reported that Afghan pilots who fought against the Taliban in the 20-year war are in limbo. This is due to President Trump blocking US resettlement plans for them.

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.

On 2025-03-29, President Donald Trump stated he is open to tariff negotiations if other countries offer significant value to the U.S. He plans to introduce reciprocal levies on Wednesday, April 2.

"Tesla Takedown" protests hit U.S., Canada, Europe.

On 2025-03-29, reports indicated that "Tesla Takedown" demonstrations are occurring across the United States, Canada, and Europe. These protests target CEO Elon Musk's efforts to reduce federal government staffing and budgets.

House demands records from Health Secretary Kennedy Jr.

On 2025-03-29, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent a list of demands to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The demands seek records related to actions described as endangering public health by undermining routine vaccinations.

McConnell criticizes Trump's Putin dealings, Ukraine policy.

McConnell warns of ‘embarrassing naivete’ in Trump admin’s dealings with Putin while sharply criticizing Ukraine policy.

Marko Elez reinstated after racist posts, Trump influence alleged.

On 2025-03-29, Marko Elez was reinstated to his government position after resigning last month due to racist social media posts. The decision to reinstate him, with access to sensitive government systems, was reportedly influenced by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk.

Trump supports officials in Signal text chain incident.

On 2025-03-29, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for national security officials involved in the Signal text chain incident. The incident involved sharing classified information about a military operation in Yemen with a reporter.

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.

Spartz faces angry constituents over government cuts, Signal scandal.

On 2025-03-28, Representative Victoria Spartz held town halls where she faced angry constituents. The anger stemmed from government cuts and the Signal scandal, and she defended the Trump administration's actions.

White House Correspondents' Dinner cancels Amber Ruffin's performance.

The White House Correspondents’ Association canceled Amber Ruffin’s scheduled performance at its annual dinner on 2025-04-26. This decision was due to strained relations with the Trump administration and concerns about the focus of the event.

Trump admin restores funding to Russian war crimes initiative.

Trump's envoy touts Kremlin talking points.

Trump’s foreign envoy touts Kremlin talking points, in interview that will alarm Europe.

Breaking Stories

Search underway for 4 US Army soldiers missing in Lithuania.

Washington state shooting: 2 killed, 4 injured.

Reported on March 30, 2025, 2 people were killed and 4 injured in a shooting at a house party in Washington state.

Bangkok skyscraper collapse: 15 still alive under rubble.

On March 30, 2025, rescuers reported that at least 15 people are still alive under the rubble of the Bangkok skyscraper that collapsed on Friday.

World Dynamics

King Charles cancels engagements due to cancer treatment side effects.

King Charles has cancelled engagements after experiencing temporary side effects from cancer treatment. He also sent a message of condolence after the Myanmar earthquake.

Putin's personal view of Russia's global position.

Follow What Matters to You