A series of developments continued to unfold across the international arena this week, ranging from conflict escalation and climate-induced natural disasters to food crises and renewed diplomatic efforts for peace.
In the Middle East, Israel launched airstrikes on Damascus, Syria, hitting strategic areas including the headquarters of the Syrian Ministry of Defense and Umayyah Square, located near the presidential palace complex. The attacks also extended to southern Syria, where clashes have taken place between Druze groups, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian security forces. Israeli authorities described the operation as an effort to protect the Druze minority, whom they consider potential allies.
Meanwhile in the Gaza Strip, Israeli grenade strikes hit the region’s only Catholic church on Thursday (17 July), killing three people and injuring ten others. Pope Leo XIV quickly held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the protection of religious sites and the resumption of peace talks. Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the incident.
In Eastern Europe, a glimpse of hope emerged for peace efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on 19 July, expressed readiness to resume ceasefire negotiations with Russia. In his daily address, Zelensky emphasized the importance of a “leadership-level meeting” and the need to accelerate negotiation dynamics. “A meeting at the leadership level is crucial to truly secure peace. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting,” Zelensky said.
Additionally, Qatar succeeded in mediating the conflict between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After three months of intensive negotiations in Doha, both parties signed a Declaration of Principles, establishing a roadmap toward a permanent resolution to the conflict. Qatar’s role as mediator further strengthens its standing in regional peace diplomacy.
However, amid diplomatic efforts, Southeast and East Asia were struck by severe natural disasters. In Vietnam, at least 38 people died and seven others went missing after a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay due to a tropical storm. All victims were domestic tourists traveling by sea when strong winds hit the coastal area.
A similar situation occurred in South Korea, where four consecutive days of extreme rainfall left at least four people dead and around 3,000 displaced. More than 641 buildings, 388 roads, and 59 agricultural sites were damaged, particularly in South Chungcheong Province.
Closing the week, Indonesia and the United States reached a key agreement following the reinstatement of tariffs by the Trump administration. After tough negotiations via phone between President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Donald Trump, both countries agreed to reduce U.S. import tariffs on Indonesian products from 32 percent to 19 percent—one percent lower than the rate applied to Vietnam. In return, Indonesia committed to importing USD 15 billion worth of U.S. energy products, USD 4.5 billion in agricultural goods, and purchasing 50 Boeing 777 aircraft. U.S. products will also enter the Indonesian market tariff-free.
Source:
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