This article presents major news events from Asia, particularly South Asia, as reported by Al Jazeera. This report provides a concise overview of everything you need to know, keeping you informed and up-to-date in one article. Here is everything important that happened from August 10th to August 16th, 2025.
Protest Held Across the World for Gaza
Source: Al Jazeera
Gaza has entered the final stage of starvation. To allow the entrance of aid in Gaza, protestors across the world have rallied. On August 10th, they flooded the streets worldwide to demand an end to Israel’s genocide. Protestors also called for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid. Demonstrations were held in over 80 countries across the six continents. It included major cities like London, Jakarta, Cape Town, Sydney, and Washington, DC. Individuals held up Palestinian flags and carried slogans like “Stop the Genocide” and “Free Palestine”. They called out their country’s complicity in the starvation. Protestors also condemned the horrifyingly high civilian death toll and the blockage of aid (including medicine). Israel is using starvation as a tool of war and targeting civilians in indiscriminate attacks. This is the peak of human rights violations. The scale highlighted sustained international outrage almost 2 years after the war began.
Source: Al Jazeera
The scale of these protests reflects deep public concern and moral condemnation. However, there has been no immediate political efficacy. Political figures continue to support Israel’s apartheid or only condemn it through words. Despite months of similar large-scale demonstrations, Western governments, especially the US and EU states, have maintained diplomatic backing. They have only incorporated marginal shifts in their rhetoric and policy. The silence of these self-labelled human rights champions is deafening.
On 10th August, Al Jazeera’s entire media team was killed in Gaza. It was a targeted strike by Israel that specifically attacked their media tent. Since 7th October, Israel has killed 270 Palestinian journalists and reporters. This broadcasts to the world that Israel does not want its war crimes to be witnessed by the world and held liable. Protestors have both mourned and celebrated the cause of Palestinian journalists.
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With the consistent targeting of reporters, it’s evident that Israel wants to spread its own propaganda. This narrative is primarily built around portraying the war as essential self-defence. This is one of the challenges faced by the protestors, who are told that Israel has a right to defend itself. The influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups and entrenched geopolitical alliances only adds to the structural challenges faced by protestors. Nevertheless, public pressure is vital. It can and needs to be translated into concrete policy changes. Israel needs to be held accountable by International Law. Till that happens, protests and resistance must continue.
300 Killed in Pakistan due to Heavy Rains and Flash Floods
Source: Al Jazeera
In mid-August 2020, the KPK province was devastated by torrential downpour. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides were subsequently triggered. Pakistan’s disaster authority reports a death toll of at least 321 people. 307 people from KPK lost their lives. Additional fatalities occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Buner, Bajaur, and Swat were among the most impacted districts. The rapid surges of floodwater caused housing collapses and mass casualties. Among the victims were 15 women and 13 children in Buner alone. The tragedy only mounted with the crash of a Pakistani military rescue helicopter. All five people on board were killed. The cause was attributed to adverse weather conditions. Climate experts note that this year’s rains were exceptionally intense. This is likely due to the accelerating effects of climate change in South Asia.
Rescue operations continue despite severe logistical challenges. In Mansehra, authorities successfully evacuated 1300 stranded tourists from landslide-hit mountainous areas. However, many remain missing. The meteorological department has issued urgent warnings for more heavy rainfall. Communities have been advised to take precautionary measures. The heavy death toll also sheds light on Pakistan’s structural vulnerabilities. Weak housing, poor urban planning, and limited access to mountain areas are all areas that need attention. These issues contributed to the high death toll as well made rescue efforts slower. The floods not only represent a worsening climate crisis but also a need for preventive measures. There is a need for resilient infrastructure and early warning systems. Government effort to protect at-risk populations in future monsoon seasons is also required.
Source: Al Jazeera
U.S. Puts Balochistan Armed Group on Foreign Terrorist List
Source: Al Jazeera
On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated Fitna-al Hindustan (FAH) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This is a status more severe than their early listing. In 2019, they were classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that this move underscores the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to combating terrorism. The decision closely followed the U.S. visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. FAH has claimed responsibility for many significant attacks. This includes the hijacking of the Jaffar Express Train in March 2025. In the incident, passengers and security personnel were held hostage and killed. FAH has also been involved in suicide bombings in Karachi and Gwadar Port in 2024.
This FTO designation marks a broader policy convergence between Washington and Islamabad. They are blending security cooperation with strategic economic calculations. Observers note that by formally labeling the FAH as a terrorist organization, the U.S. not only broadens legal avenues to curb support for them but also potentially clears the path for greater U.S. involvement in Balochistan’s resource-rich landscape. Particularly, its rare earth minerals, oil, and gas reserves. In Pakistan, the move earned approval from officials who viewed it as validation of their own counter-insurgency efforts. Yet the decision also brings attention to the deep-rooted grievances within Balochistan. These grievances have been linked to resource control, development disparities, and political marginalization. If left unaddressed, it could perpetuate cycles of violence despite security measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the week’s events highlight a range of global issues. humanitarian, environmental, and political crises have accelerated. Global protests over Gaza demonstrate widespread public concern. Although they have yet to create major policy changes. The floods in Pakistan reveal the destructive force of climate change. They also highlight an urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness. The U.S. designation of FAH as a terrorist organization reflects closer ties with Pakistan. However, it also draws attention to unresolved grievances in the region. Together, these developments show the complexity of international affairs. The importance of continued monitoring, dialogue, and practical measures is crucial.
