SOFREP Morning Brief: Israeli Investigation Finds “Operational Failures” in Killing of 15 Medics in Gaza, Russia Resumes Aerial Strikes on Ukraine After Brief Easter Ceasefire

Get the SOFREP Morning Brief: Your update on defense and global affairs for Monday, April 21, 2025. Israel admitted failures in a strike that killed 15 medics in Gaza; a commander was fired. US airstrikes in Yemen killed 12 as operations against Houthis intensify. Descendants of British slave owners and enslaved people met at the UN to push for reparations. Russia resumed airstrikes on Ukraine after a short Easter truce. Pope Francis died at 88. US and Philippine forces launched major war games near Taiwan amid China tensions.

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Israeli Investigation Finds “Operational Failures” in Killing of 15 Medics in Gaza

An Israeli military investigation concluded Sunday that a chain of “professional failures” led to the March 23 killing of 15 emergency workers by Israeli forces in Gaza’s Tel al-Sultan district.

The incident, one of the deadliest for aid workers in recent memory, resulted in the firing of a deputy battalion commander.

The investigation found the deputy commander mistakenly assumed the ambulances belonged to Hamas militants and ordered troops to fire under poor night visibility.

Cellphone footage later revealed the ambulances had flashing emergency lights and visible medical markings, contradicting initial Israeli claims. Soldiers opened fire as medics rushed to aid another previously attacked vehicle. The gunfire continued for over five minutes, followed by a separate volley at a United Nations (UN) vehicle.

Israel has admitted to “professional failures” after troops opened fire on emergency responders in Gaza last month, killing 15 medics and humanitarian workers. pic.twitter.com/dOaDEIsrdF

— The National (@TheNationalNews) April 21, 2025

Eight Red Crescent workers, six Civil Defense personnel, and one UN staff member were killed. Soldiers bulldozed the bodies and ambulances into a mass grave.

The military said the burial was intended to protect the remains from scavengers and to clear an evacuation route.

Maj. Gen. Yoav Har-Even, who led the investigation, acknowledged the decision to crush the ambulances was a mistake but said there was no intent to conceal the event. He confirmed the deputy commander was the first to open fire, triggering the response from other soldiers.

No weapons were found in the ambulances, and none of the medics were armed.

The military stated six of those killed were Hamas operatives, though names were not provided. Three other medics were misidentified as militants.

Har-Even said one surviving medic was detained and mischaracterized as a Hamas member during initial questioning — a claim later refuted.

The findings were turned over to the Military Advocate General (MAG), which may determine whether civil or criminal charges are warranted. Israel says the MAG operates independently, with oversight from the attorney general and Supreme Court.

There are no international investigations currently underway into the incident.

The UN condemned the attack, with its humanitarian office stating that “too many civilians, including aid workers, have been killed in Gaza.” The International Red Cross described the killings as the deadliest assault on its personnel in eight years.

“Enough with all we’ve already lost. Are we to lose more of our colleagues too? There will be no one left.”

⭕️These were the words of our colleague, medic Rifaat Radwan, when he learned that his teammates had been targeted. He rushed to rescue them alongside his colleague Asaad.… pic.twitter.com/EbCSG18wZe

— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) April 11, 2025

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Israeli strikes have killed more than 150 emergency responders and over 1,000 health workers in Gaza, according to the U.N. Israel has defended many of its operations by accusing Hamas of embedding militants in medical and civilian infrastructure.

Israel disputes accusations of war crimes currently under review by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has charged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. Israel maintains that its legal system is capable of investigating military conduct and has denounced the ICC’s actions as politically biased.

The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s response has led to the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

US Airstrikes in Yemen Kill 12, Wound Dozens Amid Intensified Campaign

Twelve people were killed and 30 wounded in US airstrikes on Yemen’s capital early Monday, according to Houthi officials.

The strike targeted the Farwa neighborhood market in Sanaa’s Shuub district—a site previously hit by American forces.

Footage aired by the Houthis showed extensive damage, with civilian casualties including children.

At least 12 people were killed and 30 others wounded after a US air strike hit a market in Sanaa’s Shuub district.

The US military said it was targeting “Iran-backed Houthi terrorists” responsible for disrupting international shipping in the Red Sea. pic.twitter.com/aoFks5iOvF

— The National (@TheNationalNews) April 21, 2025

US Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to confirm details or comment on civilian casualties.

Additional overnight strikes reportedly hit other governorates including Amran, Hodeida, Marib, and Saada. This follows a deadly US strike last week on the Ras Isa fuel port, which killed at least 74 and injured 171, according to Houthi sources.

The air campaign marks a sharp escalation in US operations against the Iran-backed Houthis, who have attacked Red Sea commercial vessels and threatened Israeli-linked ships. From November 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis launched over 100 missile and drone attacks on merchant shipping, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors. They also attempted strikes on US warships.

24/7 operations for the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) against Iran-backed Houthis…#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/zFKb3oCiC4

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 18, 2025

Washington has linked the Houthi attacks to broader Iranian regional activities and resumed nuclear negotiations with Tehran in Rome.

The US military has kept operational details classified, complicating efforts to verify the impact and scope of its month-long campaign. The Houthis maintain strict control over media access and casualty reporting.

The ongoing conflict continues to endanger international shipping through the Red Sea, a vital global trade route that handles approximately $1 trillion in annual cargo traffic.

Descendants of British Slave Owners and Enslaved People Meet at UN to Push for Reparations

For the first time, descendants of British slave owners and the enslaved sat at the same table this past week at the UN headquarters in New York to discuss the growing international call for reparations.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues kicks off on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York

➡️ Follow @UN4Indigenous for updates & use #WeAreIndigenous to join the conversation. https://t.co/84BdMAPpxg pic.twitter.com/x5QBj8g9Fi

— United Nations (@UN) April 21, 2025

Charles Gladstone, the great-great-grandson of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, and former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, both acknowledged their ancestors’ involvement in slavery.

Gladstone expressed a “profound sense of guilt” upon discovering that his family wealth was linked to slave estates in Jamaica and Guyana. Trevelyan, whose ancestor owned over 1,000 enslaved people in Grenada, has publicly apologized and contributed 100,000 British pounds (about $133,000) to education efforts in Grenada.

They were joined by Aidee Walker and Kate Thomas, descendants of a Jamaican slave owner, who have begun their own journey of public acknowledgment and reparative action.

Thomas said that an apology was their starting point, inspired by Trevelyan’s advocacy.

The great-great-grandson of 19th-century British Prime Minister William Gladstone said he was horrified to learn seven years ago that his ancestors were slave owners in Jamaica and Guyana.

Read more: https://t.co/KTUqD6i8ld #GLNRToday pic.twitter.com/pBujrAElyz

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) April 20, 2025

The UN Human Rights Council and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continue to push for reparative justice through formal apologies, education reforms, and financial compensation.

CARICOM has advanced a 10-point plan urging former colonial powers to acknowledge and atone for their roles in slavery.

While Britain’s deputy UN ambassador attended the session, the British government reiterated in February that it will not issue cash payments to the Caribbean. Still, speakers like Verene Shepherd of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and Arley Gill of Grenada’s National Reparations Commission said momentum is building.

“This was a historic event,” said Trevelyan.

Antigua’s UN Ambassador Walton Webson echoed the sentiment, declaring that reparations are no longer a taboo subject.

“Now it’s time to put reparations on the lips of every child, every person, and start to take action,” he said.

The session highlighted that Britain’s role in ending slavery is widely known, but its role in profiting from the trans-Atlantic slave trade remains under-taught. Gladstone noted the importance of telling the full truth: “The evils of this crime against humanity are not historical—they’re felt very, very profoundly today.”

Russia Resumes Aerial Strikes on Ukraine After Brief Easter Ceasefire

Russia resumed aerial attacks on Ukraine early Monday, abruptly ending a short-lived 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The renewed strikes targeted the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions, with Ukrainian officials reporting drone and missile attacks just hours after the truce expired at midnight local time.

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the continuation of what it calls the “special military operation.”

Ukraine’s Air Force reported downing 42 Russian drones during a nighttime barrage that began around 2:00 a.m. local time.

A new report by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi on the frontline as of 12:00 p.m. on Easter Day.

Despite Ukraine declaring a symmetrical approach to Russian actions, an increase in Russian shelling and the use of kamikaze drones has been observed since 10:00 a.m. – with FPV drone…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 20, 2025

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Sergiy Lysak stated that Russian drones damaged a residence and caused a fire at a food facility, but no injuries were reported.

The temporary ceasefire, declared Saturday for “humanitarian reasons,” saw reduced combat intensity, according to both sides. However, mutual accusations of violations persisted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said air attacks had paused, but Russia had conducted hundreds of ground raids. Meanwhile, Moscow accused Kyiv of launching drone and shelling assaults that led to civilian casualties.

The ceasefire collapsed shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be reached within the week.

Trump had earlier floated a ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine but rejected by Moscow.

On Sunday, he reiterated his hope for an agreement via his Truth Social platform, stating, “Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week.”

HOPEFULLY RUSSIA AMD UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK. BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!

From Donald Trump Truth Social 04/20/25 04:15 PM

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 20, 2025

Zelenskyy has continued to call for a full 30-day ceasefire or, at minimum, a halt to long-range strikes on civilian targets.

Putin declined to extend the ceasefire, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

China voiced support for efforts to pause the conflict, urging continued dialogue. However, Ukraine recently accused Beijing of supplying arms to Russia and claimed at least 155 Chinese nationals were fighting alongside Russian forces.

China denied those allegations and urged its citizens to avoid involvement in the conflict.

2/ Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Toretsk before the start of the Easter truce.

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 20, 2025: https://t.co/7lpRGW5gMO pic.twitter.com/VQTGd59CuO

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 20, 2025

Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, public sentiment in both Kyiv and Moscow reflected deep skepticism about a lasting peace. Ukrainian civilians expressed doubt over Russian intentions, while many in Russia emphasized national strength over negotiation.

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Decade of Reform and Division

Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, died Monday at 88 following complications from pneumonia. His 12-year papacy was marked by sweeping reforms, global outreach, and deep divisions within the Catholic Church.

Elected in 2013, Francis emphasized humility, social justice, and mercy. He challenged capitalism, denounced climate inaction, and welcomed marginalized groups, including migrants and LGBTQ+ Catholics. His progressive tone angered conservatives, especially over same-sex blessings and restrictions on the Latin Mass.

Francis also faced criticism for mishandling clergy abuse cases early in his papacy but later enacted reforms and defrocked high-profile offenders, including ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

He modernized Vatican finances, opened more roles to women, and made diplomatic inroads with China and the Muslim world. Yet he upheld traditional stances on abortion and the male priesthood.

His death initiates a Vatican mourning period and a conclave to elect his successor. Francis leaves behind a reoriented but divided Church grappling with its future.

US, Philippine Forces Launch Large-Scale War Games Amid China Tensions

The US and the Philippines began three weeks of joint military drills on Monday, simulating full-scale combat scenarios aimed at reinforcing deterrence in the contested South China Sea.

The annual “Balikatan” (“shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog) exercises, now in their 40th iteration, will involve 17,000 personnel and feature integrated air and missile defense simulations for the first time.

High-end US systems, including the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) anti-ship missile platform and the Typhon mid-range missile system, are part of the deployment.

AFP, U.S. Forces Launch Balikatan 40-25 with Full-Scale Defense Drill to Strengthen Interoperability

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces officially launched Exercise Balikatan 40-25 today here, with an opening ceremony that marked the… pic.twitter.com/DLdKIo68Si

— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 21, 2025

Exercises will be staged near the Bashi Channel, a key maritime chokepoint between the northern Philippines and Taiwan.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to observe portions of the training.

US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn said the drills demonstrate the two nations’ “matchless capability” to uphold their 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Philippine Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo emphasized the need to address modern security challenges as regional tensions escalate.

The exercises come amid rising confrontations between Manila and Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Since taking office in 2022, President Marcos has expanded defense ties with Washington.

U.S. Deploys Anti-Ship Missiles to PH Islands in the Luzon Strait Near Taiwan

The U.S. Marine Corps said on Wednesday that it had sent the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, also known as the NMESIS, to the Philippines,

The Luzon Strait between southern Taiwan… pic.twitter.com/5dMrHpIyZD

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) April 19, 2025

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently reinforced this stance, calling China a regional threat and stating that the US is “doubling down” on its alliance with the Philippines.

Beijing has condemned the drills, accusing Manila of “collusion” with foreign powers and warning that the exercises destabilize regional security. China’s foreign ministry stated the activities have drawn opposition from other nations in the region.

Upgrades and Strategic Posturing

Manila is actively modernizing its military, including plans to acquire missile systems, warships, and fighter jets. The US recently approved a potential $5.58 billion sale of F-16s to the Philippines, and Manila recently received a new corvette-class warship from South Korea.

The proximity of the Philippines to Taiwan has also drawn strategic attention.

Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner stated earlier this month that the country would “inevitably” be involved if a conflict erupts over Taiwan. While officials later clarified that his comments focused on evacuating Filipino workers, Balikatan’s location underscores the island’s strategic relevance.

As Balikatan 2025 kicks off, check out our recent work highlighting the expanding US-Philippines defense relationship below! ⬇️ https://t.co/4bmUJ4Qyu8

— Taiwan Security Monitor (@TaiwanMonitor) April 20, 2025

Both the US and Philippine forces insist this year’s exercises do not simulate a Taiwan invasion scenario. However, regional allies like Australia and Japan are also participating with smaller contingents, signaling wider Indo-Pacific alignment.

Sources: News Agencies