Hurricane Melissa Devastates Cuba as Gaza Ceasefire Teeters Amid Rising Death Toll – 10/29/2025, 4:24:32 PM

Myanmar Ceasefire

A major ethnic rebel group in Myanmar has signed a ceasefire with the military following China-mediated talks.[1]

Middle East and Gaza

Israel has killed at least 104 people in Gaza, including 46 children, according to reports.[2] Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the strikes targeted Hamas fighters in retaliation for the killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah on Tuesday, though Hamas denied involvement.[2] The Gaza ceasefire remains in jeopardy following these strikes.[3] Among those killed were journalist Mohammed al-Munirawi and his wife, who were sheltering in a tent in Nuseirat in central Gaza.[2] Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed 256 journalists in Gaza.[2]

Pope Francis has condemned antisemitism and vowed to fight it amid rising tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza.[1]

South Asia

Pakistan’s Defense Minister has warned Afghanistan that any new “terrorist or suicide attack” by militants on Pakistani soil would draw a stern response.[1]

Natural Disasters

Turkey: A seven-story apartment building in Gebze, Turkey’s northwestern region, has collapsed, trapping five people under the rubble.[1]

Vietnam: Deadly floods have battered central Vietnam, killing at least 10 people with five others missing after days of heavy rain triggered floods and landslides.[1]

Hurricane Melissa: Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on October 29 as a strong Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 125 miles per hour.[3] Cuban authorities evacuated 750,000 people ahead of the storm.[2] The hurricane previously struck Jamaica on October 28 as a powerful Category 5 hurricane with 185-mile-per-hour winds, leaving more than half a million people without power.[2]

Military and Defense

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has welcomed Japan’s commitment to accelerate its military buildup and defense spending as part of strengthening the alliance to deter China.[1]

The Pentagon carried out three military strikes on four vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 14 people.[2] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the boats were being used for narcotrafficking without providing evidence.[2] Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her government does not support the strikes.[2] Since September, the U.S. has carried out attacks on at least 13 boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, killing more than 50 people total.[2]

Latin America

In Brazil, at least 64 people were reported dead during a massive raid on a favela in Rio de Janeiro, described as the deadliest raid in Rio’s history.[2] Over 2,500 law enforcement agents stormed the favela, home to approximately 300,000 people, targeting one of Brazil’s most powerful organized crime groups.[2]

Trade and Economics

President Trump has announced a trade deal with South Korea.[2] Earlier, Trump welcomed Japan’s $490 billion in investment commitments.[1]

A Reuters investigation found that President Trump’s family amassed more than $860 million from sales of crypto assets in the first half of 2025, with significant holdings in World Liberty Financial tokens.[2]

Domestic U.S. Issues

The Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest interest rate decision, with markets widely expecting a quarter-point rate cut.[3] Following the government shutdown, hundreds of air traffic controllers have taken second jobs after missing their first full paychecks, with increasingly frequent sick day calls affecting flight operations.[3]

Elections

Tanzanians headed to polls on October 28 in an election pitting incumbent leader Samia Suluhu Hassan against opposition candidates from smaller parties after her main rivals were barred from running.[1]