In January 2025, a report compared the effectiveness of ARC, DRA, and NBRC in distributing infrastructure investments in rural areas. These commissions prioritize investments in troubled rural areas, effectively allocating most of their modest funds to these zones.
The Washington Post revealed a US plan to transform Gaza into a tourist and manufacturing zone under US control for 10 years, temporarily relocating its inhabitants with compensation, with the goal of defeating Hamas and countering the Palestinian recognition initiative at the UN. The US withdrew visas from Palestinian officials to not reward terrorism. Israel could take administrative control in parts of the West Bank, nullifying the possibility of a Palestinian state. A humanitarian flotilla is heading to Gaza, defying the Israeli blockade. The situation in Gaza remains desperate.
The Constitutional Court of Thailand ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, deepening the crisis with its leader of Indonesia.
Israel intensifies attacks in Gaza City as Trump discusses post-war in the White House and Saudi Arabia proposes a security force without Hamas. Intense Israeli bombing causes high mortality and destruction, with the UN warning of humanitarian crisis.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization brings together 23 countries, including China, Russia, India, and Iran, for discussion on a new global order. Led by China, the organization faces challenges in cooperation and security.
