Weekly Political Round-Up

Aaryan Bora, Political Reporter        Vanesa Zackova, Political Editor

Why the US government has shut down and what happens now

The US government shutdown, which entered its third day on October 4, 2025, has resulted in approximately 750,000 federal government workers without pay and halted most non-essential services nationwide. The dispute centres on healthcare funding: Democratic leaders advocate for extending tax credits to lower insurance premiums and reversing recent President Trump’s healthcare cuts enacted in 2024, while Republican lawmakers demand further austerity measures and reductions in federal spending. President Trump has suggested that the shutdown could serve as an opportunity to streamline the federal workforce, potentially affecting mid-term federal employment levels.

The shutdown has caused significant disruptions, including delays in passport processing, the suspension of several food assistance programs such as SNAP, and the closure of national museums and monuments. Agencies such as the CDC and NIH have paused several research and health initiatives. While national parks remain partially open, staffing has been reduced, raising concerns over increased vandalism, environmental damage, and public safety. Economists from major financial institutions estimate that the shutdown could decrease weekly GDP growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points, with the risk of more severe economic consequences if President Trump proceeds with mass layoffs or furloughs of federal employees.

Israel Tightens Gaza Siege as Trump Pushes Peace Plan

Israel has intensified its blockade around Gaza City, completing a key corridor that restricts civilian movement and funnels residents through Israeli-controlled checkpoints, Defense Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) describe Gaza as Hamas’s last stronghold, where approximately 250,000 to 350,000 Palestinians remain trapped amidst ongoing conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has temporarily suspended its humanitarian operations in Gaza, warning that thousands of civilians are at immediate risk and must be protected under international humanitarian law.

The escalation coincides with Hamas considering a new peace proposal outlined by President Donald Trump, which calls for an immediate ceasefire within 72 hours, the release of all hostages, and the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a peace agreement. President Trump warned Hamas leaders verbally that rejecting the proposal would result in severe consequences, stating they would "pay in hell." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed cautious support for the plan, while far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised it as dangerous and potentially provocative.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly. UNICEF reports widespread child malnutrition, overcrowded safe zones, and shortages of medical supplies, with at least 45 confirmed deaths among civilians and children in recent days. The conflict, which erupted after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, has now resulted in more than 66,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities, with ongoing violence and collapsing infrastructure.

Manchester Synagogue Attack Treated as Terrorism

A car-ramming and stabbing attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur has left two people dead and three injured. The attacker, identified as Jahid Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, was apprehended at the scene. Al-Shamie was found to have a criminal record and was reportedly on bail for an alleged rape. Authorities confirmed the discovery of suspicious items on the attacker—later determined to be fake explosives—leading to questions about his motives.

Victims Adrian Daubly (53) and Melvin Cravitz (66) were praised by community leaders for their bravery; Daubly was recognised for helping to barricade the synagogue doors before being fatally shot by police in an accidental discharge, while Cravitz, a security guard, died attempting to prevent the attacker from entering the building. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “appalling act of hatred” and pledged stronger protection for Jewish communities.

The incident sparked widespread reactions across religious and social communities. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis condemned a “wave of anti-Semitic hatred,” and Muslim leaders called for solidarity. King Charles III expressed his deep shock and support, emphasising the need for unity against extremism. The attack has reignited national debate about the rise of violent extremism and the protection of minority communities across the UK.

UN Moves to Confront Haiti’s Rampant Gang Violence

The UN Security Council has approved a plan to create a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) comprising up to 5,500 troops and police officers to combat the escalating gang violence in Haiti. The initiative builds on the earlier Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission led by Kenya in 2023, which failed to reach full deployment due to logistical and political challenges.

Haiti’s security situation has sharply deteriorated since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Armed gangs control roughly 85% of Port-au-Prince, with over 5,500 people killed in 2024 and approximately 1.3 million displaced nationwide. The proposed GSF will be granted broader powers, including the ability to detain gang leaders and dismantle criminal networks, working closely with Haitian authorities to restore law and order and facilitate humanitarian aid.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, described the resolution as a “decisive turning point,” emphasising its potential to bring stability. Haitian representative Ericq Pierre welcomed the initiative as vital for the country’s survival. The deployment timeline remains undecided, with ongoing discussions on which countries will contribute forces. Human rights monitors continue to report widespread abuses by gangs, including child recruitment, trafficking, and mass killings.

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