July3, 2025 – Clash Report’s Global News Roundup by Regions

Middle East

• Gaza Aid Crisis Escalates:

Amnesty International accused Israel and its U.S.-backed partner, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), of committing genocide by using starvation as a weapon. Over 500 Palestinians have died near aid sites guarded by private security forces.

• Heavy Civilian Casualties in Gaza:

At least 82 Palestinians were killed, including 38 waiting for food aid. Eyewitnesses and two U.S. contractors described chaos and gunfire at GHF sites.

• Ceasefire Deal in Motion:

President Trump announced that Israel accepted a 60-day ceasefire plan. A proposed deal includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies by Hamas.

• Israel-Syria Talks Advance with U.S. and Russia:

The U.S. is brokering direct talks between Israel and Syria, with Russia now joining efforts to deconflict border tensions. Discussions include potential Syrian entry into the Abraham Accords.

• U.S. Sanctions Hezbollah and Iran Oil Network:

The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on an Iraqi-led network smuggling Iranian oil and the Hezbollah-linked bank Al-Qard Al-Hassan, citing billions in hidden revenue flows.

• U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Restarting in Oslo:

According to Axios, secret nuclear talks will resume next week in Norway. The move follows Iran's announcement to restrict IAEA access but maintain oversight through its National Security Council.

• THAAD in Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia launched its first THAAD missile defense unit, marking a significant upgrade in regional security systems as tensions with Iran persist.

• Hezbollah Refuses to Disarm:

Deputy chief Naim Qassem said Hezbollah will not surrender its weapons, rejecting U.S. proposals to link disarmament to reconstruction and border security talks.

Ukraine & Russia

• Top Russian Naval Commander Killed:

Ukraine killed Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, Russia’s deputy navy commander, in a strike on a command post in Kursk. This is one of the most high-profile Russian losses in the war.

• Zelenskyy to Confront Trump Over Weapons Freeze:

Zelenskyy will speak with Trump on Friday after the U.S. paused air defense shipments. Ukraine reported 330 Russian missiles launched in June, warning its cities remain vulnerable.

• CENTCOM Meets IDF After Iran Strikes:

U.S. Gen. Kurilla visited Israel following joint strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, which reportedly set Tehran’s enrichment efforts back by up to two years.

Asia & Trade

• China Threatens Retaliation Over U.S.–Vietnam Deal:

China warned it will “firmly strike back” if harmed by a U.S. trade pact with Vietnam that imposes 40% tariffs on transshipped goods. Beijing sees it as an indirect blow to its economy.

• China Seeks Stability with U.S.:

Senior Chinese official Liu Jianchao said war with the U.S. is “unimaginable” but warned Taiwan remains a red line. Beijing urges Washington to respect the One China principle.

Africa & the Americas

• Haiti Crisis Worsens:

Gangs now control 90% of Port-au-Prince, the U.N. reported. Aid access is collapsing, and violence, sexual assaults, and extrajudicial killings are surging.

• Trump Hosts African Leaders in Trade Shift:

Trump welcomed five African presidents to Washington, shifting U.S. policy from aid to investment, focusing on sectors like energy and infrastructure.