🏛️ POLITICAL NEWS
- Kiara Panjwani
- Jul 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 12
12th July 2025
1. Gaza Aid Site Deaths Spark Global Concern
What happened: In the city of Rafah, Gaza, at least 30 people—including 10 civilians—were killed while waiting for food and supplies. The UN now reports that nearly 800 people have died near aid distribution points since late May. Most were simply trying to get food, water, or medicine for their families.
Why it’s serious:
Aid deliveries in Gaza have become extremely dangerous, with attacks and airstrikes happening even near UN aid trucks.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which many hoped would bring relief, has stalled in Doha (Qatar).
The sticking point: Israel wants to keep troops in certain parts of Gaza, while Hamas wants a full military withdrawal.
Why it matters: Children and families are trapped in a deadly situation—where even lining up for food can get you killed. This is drawing major attention from world leaders and human rights groups, who are demanding an end to the violence.
2. Turkey Celebrates a Breakthrough in Kurdish Peace Talks
What happened: In a rare and historic event, 30 fighters from the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) officially laid down their weapons at a disarmament ceremony organized by the Turkish government. The event was broadcast across the country as a step toward peace.
Background:
The PKK has been in conflict with Turkey since 1984, demanding autonomy for Kurdish regions.
The war has caused over 40,000 deaths, including civilians.
Attempts at peace have failed before, but this new progress follows secret talks and promises of political inclusion.
Why it matters: This could finally end one of the longest-running conflicts in the Middle East. If the peace holds, it may bring safety, jobs, and education to regions long affected by war.
3. UK and France Launch Controversial “One In, One Out” Migration Plan
What happened: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a pilot migration deal: For every person the UK sends back to France (who crossed the English Channel illegally), France will allow one legal asylum seeker to go to the UK.
Details:
This is meant to reduce dangerous boat crossings and discourage human trafficking.
Critics, including human rights groups, say it treats people like numbers and could harm vulnerable refugees.
The plan will be tested over the next few weeks and adjusted based on results.
Why it matters: It’s one of the first agreements of its kind between two major nations. It could shape how other countries handle migration, asylum, and border security.
11th July 2025
1. NATO Alliance Gets Stronger at The Hague Summit
What happened: From June 24–25, leaders from all 32 NATO countries gathered in The Hague, Netherlands. They made important decisions to keep everyone safe as tensions rise in Europe.
Highlights:
All members agreed to spend 5% of their national budgets on defense by 2035. That's a big increase over previous targets.
They pledged continued support for Ukraine, including funding for its defense industries.
NATO reaffirmed Article 5, which means an attack on one country is considered an attack on al.
Russia was officially named a “long-term threat”, and members agreed to eliminate trade barriers related to defense.
NATO will next meet in Turkey (2026) and then Albania (2027).
Why it matters: By agreeing to boost defense budgets and stand together, NATO countries are aiming to keep their people safe, especially in case of crises like Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
2. BRICS Summit in Brazil Promotes Global South Unity
What happened: On July 6–7, leaders from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) met in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit.
Highlights:
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new theme for BRICS: “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”, emphasizing stronger teamwork and climate action.
Modi also pushed for global institutions—like the UN Security Council and WTO—to include more voices from the Global South (countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America).
The meeting also discussed rising trade barriers from the U.S., showing BRICS wants to work together for fairer global trade.
Why it matters: BRICS countries represent a large part of the world’s population and resources. By working together and calling for change, they hope to make the world fairer and tackle challenges like climate change and global trade rules.
3. Thailand’s Prime Minister Suspended Over Border Call
What happened: On July 1, Thailand’s Constitutional Court decided that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must step aside after a leaked phone call about a border dispute with Cambodia was made public.
Details:
In the 9-minute snippet, she referred to Cambodia’s ex-Prime Minister Hun Sen as “uncle” and offered to “take care of” any issues if he asked.
The call happened during a tense May 28 clash where a Cambodian soldier died.
The court ruled her comment was dishonest and showed favoritism. She’s now suspended until the charges are resolved.
Why it matters: This shows that even national leaders must follow rules and be honest. It also reminds us that border disputes can cause real diplomatic problems.
10th July 2025
1. Big Attack on Ukraine’s Capital
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, faced one of its largest and most dangerous attacks in months when Russia launched dozens of missiles and drones into the city. Loud explosions shook the streets as people rushed into underground shelters to stay safe. Homes, schools, and even hospitals were damaged, and many were left without power. This attack is part of the ongoing war that began in 2022, and it has made life very hard for people living there. Leaders around the world are calling for peace, but so far, the fighting continues with no clear end in sight.
2. Ship Attacked in the Red Sea
A cargo ship sailing near the Red Sea was attacked by a group called the Houthis, and the ship sank completely. Sadly, some crew members lost their lives. This sea route is one of the busiest in the world and is used to deliver goods like food, fuel, and electronics to many countries. Because of these attacks, many ships are now afraid to pass through the area, which is causing delays and rising prices for everyday items around the world. Governments are trying to find ways to protect ships and stop these dangerous attacks.
3. New Airstrikes in Gaza
In Gaza, a region that has seen months of fighting, over 100 people were killed in just one day after powerful airstrikes hit homes, roads, and shelters. Some of the people who died were aid workers—helpers who bring food, water, and medicine to families in need. Many children and families are scared and don’t have safe places to go. The people living there are hoping for the war to end soon, but the violence has made peace very difficult. Countries around the world are watching closely and urging both sides to stop the fighting.
Read about the history of Israel & Gaza here: https://www.totsdaily.com/post/iran-israel-history-explained-for-kids-students
9th July 2025
1. Macron Wants Europe to Be Stronger on Its Own
French President Emmanuel Macron gave an important speech in the UK. He said Europe should be able to handle its own problems without depending too much on big countries like the U.S. or China. He wants countries in Europe to work more closely together on things like helping refugees, protecting the planet, supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, and stopping violence in places like Gaza. He believes teamwork in Europe is the key to staying strong and peaceful.
2. U.S. May Add New Taxes on BRICS Countries
The United States is thinking about adding a 10% tax on things it buys from countries in a group called BRICS — which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These taxes (called tariffs) are meant to protect American businesses, but they could also upset relationships between countries. If the U.S. does this, things like electronics or metals from those countries might become more expensive, and other countries could fight back with their own taxes.
3. People in Togo Protest Leader’s Power Grab
In the African country of Togo, people have been protesting because their president, Faure Gnassingbé, made changes that give him more power than before. Many citizens believe it’s not fair and could harm democracy. This is important because it shows how even in smaller countries, people are standing up to leaders they believe are acting unfairly. Protests like these are one way citizens try to make their voices heard.
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