Middle east 2025.05.10 | Daily Situation

1. Introduction / Background 

Israel has intensified military operations in Gaza, with plans approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet to expand and hold ground in Gaza, potentially leading to full military occupation. Over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with Israel imposing a blockade that has blocked humanitarian aid for over two months, exhausting food supplies. As of now, Hamas continues to hold around 59 Israeli hostages in Gaza, with families and international actors calling for their release. The conflict's expansion raises fears for the hostages' safety. 

RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR - 10.05.2025 | SITUATION UPDATE

 1. Introduction / Background

On Day 1171 of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, international diplomacy intensified in Kyiv with the arrival of key European leaders. The high-level visit coincided with a renewed call for a 30-day ceasefire, amid warnings of an imminent large-scale air assault on Ukraine. Meanwhile, armed clashes continued despite Russia's unilateral ceasefire.

RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR - 10.05.2025 | SITUATION UPDATE

Narrative

The Russia-Ukraine War began in February 2014 when Russian forces covertly invaded Crimea, marking the start of a conflict that would escalate over the years. By April 2014, Russia and local proxies seized territories in Ukraine's Donbas region, triggering a prolonged war in eastern Ukraine that resulted in over 14,000 casualties by 2022. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing multiple reasons, including the false claim that Ukraine was committing genocide against Russian speakers in the Donbas and a desire to prevent Ukraine’s further integration with NATO and the European Union. Although Russia initially made significant territorial gains, Ukrainian forces mounted fierce resistance, successfully repelling attempts to capture Kyiv and other major cities. The conflict continues to evolve, with devastating humanitarian impacts, significant military casualties on both sides, and widespread international attention as the war reshapes the geopolitical landscape.

INDIA-PAKISTAN TENSION - 09.05.2025 | SITUATION UPDATE

1. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22.04.2025, India launched Operation Sindoor on 07.05.2025, targeting several locations, allegedly claiming terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. Countries including the U.S., France, the U.K., and Israel have backed India's right to self-defence. Besides, a number of Pakistani-origin drone attacks or attempts to attack targeting Indian Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot & Udhampur were widely reported, while India has claimed that a number of drones had been shot down. The tension remains high with both sides keeping their military on high alert.