Armed conflicts and attacks

A person is killed during an Israeli airstrike against a vehicle in Harouf, Lebanon, bringing the death toll from the attacks since the past 48 hours to eight. (Al Jazeera)

• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/10/25/live-un-says-1-5m-in-gaza-need-aid-israel-blocks-borders-despite-ceasefir?update=4058734

International relations

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says that if peace talks with the Taliban fail, Pakistan will declare an "open war" on Afghanistan, as Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering Pakistani militants, which Kabul denies. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-defence-minister-warns-open-war-with-afghanistan-if-peace-talks-fail-2025-10-25/

International relations

Timor-Leste becomes the eleventh member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (Antara)

• https://en.antaranews.com/amp/news/387969/timor-leste-joins-asean-boosting-regional-unity-and-peace

Politics and elections

Ivorians vote to elect their president, as incumbent Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ivory-coast-votes-with-ouattaras-legacy-age-focus-2025-10-25/

Politics and elections

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is elected the next President of Ireland, after Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys concedes the election during the initial tallying of the votes. (BBC)

• https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cn763jkdp03t

Politics and elections

Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, dies at the age of 93. She was the longest-serving queen consort in history, from her marriage to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950 until his death in 2016. Her son, King Vajiralongkorn, declares a one-year period of mourning. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-queen-mother-sirikit-dies-aged-93-bbc-reports-2025-10-24/