This week, renewed ceasefire talks amid intensified conflict in Gaza. ASEAN plans meetings to address Myanmar crisis. US Institute of Peace regains control of headquarters. Pope Leo offers to host Russia – Ukraine peace talks.
Renewed Ceasefire Talks Amid Intensified Conflict in Gaza
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha on March 17. Hamas official Taher al-Nono told Reuters that both sides were discussing all issues without “pre-conditions.” However, Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza, launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which involves a ground incursion. The operation killed at least 160 people on March 17. ABC News’ journalist Diaa Ostaz, reporting from Khan Younis, said the situation is “getting worse not day by day, but hour by hour.”
Ever since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people, the humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate for Palestinians in Gaza. Over 50,000 Palestinians are reported to have reported killed. Meanwhile, Israel believes that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages in captivity in Gaza, 24 of whom are still alive.
ASEAN Plans Meetings to Address Myanmar Crisis
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plans to hold two dedicated meetings focusing on Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict ahead of its summit next week, Straights Times reported. The meetings aim to revitalize the stalled peace process, although Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn did not specify which issues would be discussed.
ASEAN’s 2021 Five-Point Consensus, which calls for an end to violence and inclusive dialogue following the military coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, has been criticized by Myanmar activists as being ineffective. Critics of the consensus have pointed out that its implementation has been extremely slow, partly due to ASEAN’s “divisions, consensus-based decision-making process and non-interference doctrine,” as Sai Latt writes in Frontier Myanmar.
The country’s civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ruling junta’s actions. After a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, reports indicated that the country’s ruling junta had continued airstrikes, complicating aid delivery and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. On April 28, the London-based Centre (CIR) for Information resilience reported that it had documented 80 air attack incidents across Myanmar between March 28 and April 24. The CIR also reported several paramotor attacks.
US Institute of Peace Regains Control of Headquarters
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) regained control of its headquarters after a federal judge ruled on May 19 that its forced removal by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was illegitimate. The incident began in March when DOGE staffers took over the building and tried to shut USIP down. The court’s decision restores USIP’s leadership and access to the building, reaffirming its independence as a non-executive branch agency dedicated to preventing violent conflicts and promoting peace.
Pope Leo Confirms Willingness to Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has confirmed his willingness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. Global leaders have indicated their interest in the Vatican as a neutral institution, including US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Vatican has previously facilitated humanitarian efforts during the conflict, including prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children.
Keywords: Israel, Palestine, Gaza, Myanmar, ASEAN, USIP, Pope Leo, Russia, Ukraine, peace, conflict, conflict resolution
Tara Abhasakun
Tara Abhasakun is a journalist in Bangkok. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
