Morning Brief: Israeli Strikes Kill 17 in Gaza as Military Renews Offensive, Ukraine Moves to Exit Anti-Landmine Treaty Citing War Needs

Good morning! The final day of June kicks off with renewed firepower and rising tension across multiple fronts. Israel ramps up strikes in Gaza, Hamas networks are dismantled in the West Bank, and Iran casts doubt on a fragile ceasefire. From sniper ambushes in Idaho to refugee crises in Chad and Afghanistan, pressure is building around the globe. Add Trump’s high-stakes policy moves and Ukraine’s battlefield shakeups, and the week ahead promises no shortage of conflict and consequence. Here’s what you need to know to start your Monday sharp.

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Israeli Strikes Kill 17 in Gaza as Military Renews Offensive

Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 17 people in Gaza on Sunday, including three children, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.

Spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported 16 deaths from strikes across five locations and one fatality from Israeli fire near an aid distribution center in Rafah.

Among the dead were two children killed in a Gaza City airstrike that leveled their home without warning, witnesses said. In southern Gaza, a drone strike on a tent for displaced civilians near Khan Yunis killed five, including a child. Bassal also reported that a young man was shot while waiting for humanitarian aid.

The Israeli military did not comment directly on the incidents but reiterated its campaign aims to dismantle Hamas military infrastructure. It issued new evacuation orders for northern Gaza, warning of intensified operations in the area and directing civilians to move to the Al-Mawasi coastal zone.

Video shows a Palestinian on a bicycle trying to escape falling debris caused by an Israeli air strike on a residential building in the Abu Iskandar area in northern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/abOWrIZ4sV

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 29, 2025

The renewed push follows Israel’s ceasefire with Iran after a 12-day war. Israel has since shifted focus back to Gaza, where Palestinian militants continue to hold Israeli hostages.

Since the conflict began in October 2023 following Hamas’s attack that killed 1,219 people in Israel, Israeli strikes have killed over 56,400 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The United Nations considers the casualty figures credible.

Israel Breaks Up Major Hamas Network in West Bank, Arrests 60 Operatives

Israel’s Shin Bet security agency announced Sunday it dismantled a large Hamas militant network in the West Bank city of Hebron, arresting over 60 members suspected of planning imminent attacks.

The agency described the three-month operation—conducted with the Israeli military and police—as the largest of its kind in the West Bank in the past decade.

Authorities uncovered 10 militant cells preparing to carry out shooting and bombing attacks.

🔴 Israeli security forces thwart Hamas terror network in southern West Bank’s Hebron, arresting over 60, seizing weapons, and uncovering an underground hideout pic.twitter.com/yRm4x92HOJ

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) June 29, 2025

Shin Bet reported the seizure of 22 weapons and linked the suspects to a 2009 attack that killed four Israelis near Hebron. Terrorism charges are being filed against those arrested.

The operation comes amid heightened violence in the West Bank following Israel’s Gaza offensive in response to Hamas’s October 7 assault. Since then, 945 Palestinians—militants and civilians—have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, according to Palestinian officials. Israel reports 35 of its own civilians and soldiers killed in related violence.

Israeli Court Delays Netanyahu Corruption Testimony After Trump Backs Postponement

An Israeli court on Sunday delayed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial, citing national security concerns and US President Donald Trump’s public support for the postponement.

The Jerusalem district court said it accepted Netanyahu’s request “at this stage,” canceling this week’s hearings.

Netanyahu’s lawyers argued he must focus on critical security matters following a ceasefire with Iran and continued military operations in Gaza. The court reversed an earlier rejection after hearing from Netanyahu, the heads of military intelligence, and the Mossad.

Trump called the trial a “witch hunt” and demanded its cancellation or a pardon for Netanyahu, stating the US would “not stand” for its continuation. Netanyahu thanked Trump publicly.

An Israeli court has postponed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial after he requested a delay with the support of US President Donald Trump, in a ruling published by the premier’s party. https://t.co/LS40ZzcdHH pic.twitter.com/YuAPdfC9Ia

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 29, 2025

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the remarks, calling them inappropriate interference.

Netanyahu faces three cases, including accusations of receiving $260,000 in gifts for favors and attempting to influence media coverage. He denies all charges and claims political motivation behind the prosecution. His government has pushed controversial judicial reforms criticized as attempts to undermine court independence.

The trial, which began in May 2020, has faced multiple delays.

Iran Doubts Israel Will Honor Ceasefire After Deadly 12-Day War

Iran warned Sunday it does not trust Israel to uphold the current ceasefire that ended 12 days of warfare, stating it remains ready to retaliate if hostilities resume.

The conflict, which began on June 13 with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear-linked sites, marked the most serious escalation between the two countries to date.

Iran’s top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, accused Israel of breaking commitments and emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond “with force.”

Iran on Sunday said it was not convinced Israel would abide by a ceasefire that ended their 12-day war this week. https://t.co/LHnPrcdCnC pic.twitter.com/8fRIHy52vM

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 29, 2025

The war, joined by the US in its latter phase, targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump, who announced the ceasefire, has threatened renewed strikes if Iran enriches uranium to weapons-grade levels.

The conflict derailed nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US and left significant casualties. Iran reported 627 civilians killed and nearly 5,000 injured. Iranian missile strikes killed 28 in Israel, according to Israeli authorities.

During the war, Iran arrested dozens for alleged espionage, seized weapons and drones, and imposed new restrictions on communications equipment, including Elon Musk’s Starlink service.

NEW: Iran has likely begun to assess damage and conduct repair operations at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Commercially available satellite imagery captured on June 28 and 29 shows Iranian heavy equipment near two clusters of three impact points on ventilation shafts at… pic.twitter.com/w2IyR2HpfM

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 29, 2025

An Israeli strike on Tehran’s Evin prison killed 71 people, including guards, prisoners, staff, visitors, and nearby residents, according to Iran’s judiciary. Iran has since transferred inmates from the prison, which has housed several high-profile detainees, including Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi.

UN Warns of Instability as 1.2 Million Afghans Forced to Return from Iran and Pakistan

At least 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan so far in 2025, according to the UN refugee agency, which warned Saturday that large-scale repatriations risk further destabilizing Afghanistan’s already fragile situation.

Most returnees fled conflict, poverty, or Taliban rule.

More than half of the returnees came from Iran after Tehran imposed a March 20 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave or face deportation. Iran has expelled over 366,000 Afghans this year.

Departures surged during its recent 12-day war with Israel, with a single-day peak of 36,100 crossings on June 26.

We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of Afghans returning in adverse circumstances from Iran. Returns on a massive scale have the potential to destabilize the fragile situation in Afghanistan.

Our statement: https://t.co/YbwmoVAgME pic.twitter.com/sbrEbUseJM

— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) June 28, 2025

Pakistan has also intensified deportations, setting a June 30 deadline for 1.3 million Afghans to leave, with a total target of 3 million expulsions this year. Both governments deny specifically targeting Afghans.

Afghan returnees face dire conditions, with many arriving exhausted and fearful, especially women and girls concerned about Taliban restrictions on their rights. Over half the population in Afghanistan depends on humanitarian aid, but funding cuts and Taliban policies have forced agencies to scale back essential services.

The Taliban pledged safety and reintegration support, including food, shelter, cash aid, and relocation to home provinces. Residential camps and housing projects are underway. Officials visited the border region of Herat to oversee the effort, promising immediate assistance.

Iranian officials continue urging undocumented foreigners to leave voluntarily, citing national security and social pressure. Afghan nationals in Iran have faced growing hostility and accusations of espionage since the Israel-Iran conflict erupted.

Sudanese Refugees in Chad Face Deepening Crisis Amid US Aid Cuts

Nearly 1.2 million Sudanese have fled into eastern Chad since the start of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023, with 235,000 now packed into Adre, a border town built for 40,000. Refugees live in makeshift shelters, with limited aid and rising desperation.

The situation has worsened after major US-backed humanitarian funding cuts under the Trump administration.

In 2024, US support to Chad’s emergency response fell from $39.3 million to just $6.8 million. Aid agencies now face a 30% funding shortfall, forcing reductions in food, healthcare, and shelter services. The World Food Program has warned its rations for Adre refugees will run out by July.

Despite plans to relocate refugees to more established camps, many Sudanese refuses to leave Adre, citing economic opportunity, proximity to their homeland, and better community support.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a significant refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands fleeing to neighbouring countries like Chad.

Refugees face dire conditions in overcrowded camps, where access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter is limited.

The… pic.twitter.com/HmCcxbatUr

— TRT Afrika (@trtafrika) June 29, 2025

Sudanese-run businesses and schools are emerging in the town, but locals report price hikes and growing pressure on water supplies. Tensions are rising as Chadian residents begin to demand their land back.

Authorities cite security concerns, including rising crime and the emergence of Sudanese gangs, and are now forcibly relocating new arrivals. The UN is transporting 2,000 people daily to other camps.

At the newer, rapidly expanding Tine camp, 46,000 refugees have arrived since late April from Northern Darfur. They live in extreme conditions with little shelter or food. Aid workers warn that, without more funding, Tine could become another humanitarian disaster like Adre.

Refugees recount horrific violence in Sudan—rape, robbery, and killings—yet receive little support upon arrival.

UN officials fear the mounting strain and unmet needs will spark broader instability across eastern Chad.

Russian Strikes Wound 12 in Ukraine as Kyiv Renews Call for Air Defenses

Russian forces launched a large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine over the weekend, wounding at least 12 people and prompting renewed appeals from Kyiv for additional air defense systems.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia fired 477 drones and 60 missiles, as of writing, while Ukrainian defenses has intercepted 475 drones and 39 missiles.

Almost all night long, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine — 477 drones were in our skies, most of them Russian-Iranian Shaheds, along with 60 missiles of various types. The Russians were targeting everything that sustains life. A residential building in Smila was also hit,… pic.twitter.com/1ExZhYAMBg

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 29, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his request for US-made Patriot systems, stating that air defense is critical to saving lives. He criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for continuing the war despite international calls for peace.

In central Cherkasy, 11 people, including two children, were injured. In western Ivano-Frankivsk, a woman was hospitalized, and in Kharkiv, a Russian drone strike killed a 60-year-old man. A Ukrainian F-16 pilot also died while attempting to intercept Russian projectiles.

Russia claimed it targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities and oil refineries and captured new ground in Donetsk. Moscow also said it intercepted three Ukrainian drones.

Read more in the June 29. 2025 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: https://t.co/mgjnrYZNRz pic.twitter.com/8v8RVZtxqJ

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 29, 2025

Separately, Russian spy chief Sergei Naryshkin reported a phone call with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe, offering no further details.

Ukraine Moves to Exit Anti-Landmine Treaty Citing War Needs

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree Sunday initiating Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.

The decision, published on the president’s website, still requires parliamentary approval and formal notification to the United Nations to take effect.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry described the move as a “difficult but necessary” step to defend its territory amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Officials argued that adherence to the treaty leaves Ukraine vulnerable, as Russia continues to deploy landmines extensively without restrictions.

In 2005, Ukraine ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and Their Destruction, commonly known as the Ottawa Convention, and since then has faithfully fulfilled its obligations.

At the same time, the… pic.twitter.com/JnattZfVUf

— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) June 29, 2025

Ukrainian lawmaker Roman Kostenko supported the decision, stating it reflects the reality on the battlefield. Kyiv’s move aligns with recent withdrawals or policy shifts by regional allies Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—all countries bordering Russia.

Human rights groups have criticized the trend, warning of increased long-term risks to civilians from unexploded mines.

The US and Russia have never been signatories to the Ottawa Convention, which has over 160 member states.

Sniper Ambush Kills Two Firefighters in Idaho, Gunman Found Dead

Two firefighters were killed and a third wounded Sunday after being ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Authorities said gunfire erupted about 30 minutes after firefighters arrived at the scene. A shelter-in-place order was issued as law enforcement, including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tactical teams, responded under ongoing fire.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as a targeted assault from rugged terrain using a high-powered rifle. Deputies returned fire while attempting to locate the sniper. Later in the evening, officials found the body of a man with a firearm near the scene. His identity and details about the weapon were not released as of writing.

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a “heinous direct assault” and called for prayers for the victims and their families. The wounded firefighter was taken to Kootenai Health, but their condition remains unknown. Authorities have yet to confirm the motive or how the suspect died.

Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.

As this…

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) June 29, 2025

The fire on Canfield Mountain remains active, and local officials warned residents to stay alert.

Coeur d’Alene, a city of 55,000 near the Washington border, is known for its forested trails and is prone to wildfires. The Idaho House Republican Leadership and local residents expressed outrage and sorrow over the rare and deadly assault on emergency personnel.

Trump Signals End to Tariff Pause, Hints at TikTok Deal, Defends Iran Strikes in Wide-Ranging Interview

President Donald Trump announced he will not extend the 90-day pause on tariffs beyond July 9, warning that countries without trade deals with the US will face penalties of up to 50%.

Letters notifying foreign governments of the tariffs will go out soon, he said.

Trump confirmed his administration aims to finalize multiple trade deals but acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating with 200 countries. He also praised a recent trade agreement with China on rare earth exports and warned that higher tariffs remain necessary to correct trade imbalances.

TikTok Deal in the Works

Trump revealed that a group of wealthy investors is preparing to buy TikTok, but he offered no details. He said the deal may require approval from China’s President Xi Jinping.

Trump previously signed executive orders extending TikTok’s operation in the US after a national ban briefly took effect.

Strikes on Iran and Leak Fallout

Trump claimed US strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities and set back Tehran’s program significantly. He dismissed leaked intelligence suggesting only limited damage and called for prosecution of those responsible for the leak.

Iran insists its nuclear work is peaceful, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed major damage but stopped short of declaring total destruction.

Temporary Pass for Farm and Hotel Workers

While highlighting his tough stance on immigration, Trump said his administration is considering a “temporary pass” for farm and hotel industries to shield them from immigration raids. He stressed the need to protect labor-dependent businesses while continuing to deport criminals.

China Relations and Sanctions

Trump expressed openness to lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil exports to China if Tehran demonstrates peaceful intent. He said the US remains prepared to respond to Chinese cyber activity, noting that both countries engage in similar tactics.

WATCH: US President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview broadcast that he had found a buyer for the TikTok short-video app, whom he described as a group of ‘very wealthy people’ https://t.co/0oDxuobpbv pic.twitter.com/aSredkGfLe

— Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) June 30, 2025

The interview underscored Trump’s focus on trade enforcement, national security, and aggressive diplomacy ahead of key foreign policy deadlines.

Suicide Car Bombing Kills 14 Pakistani Soldiers in North Waziristan

A suicide car bombing in northwest Pakistan’s North Waziristan district killed at least 14 soldiers and wounded 25 others, including 10 civilians and children, on Saturday.

The attack occurred during a curfew imposed to support military movement, according to intelligence officials.

The bomber targeted a military vehicle using 800 kilograms of explosives, causing widespread destruction to nearby homes. The Pakistani military confirmed 13 soldiers dead and three civilians wounded but blamed India for the attack without presenting evidence.

#Breaking
Suicide attack on military convoy: 13 soldiers killed.- @AFP

13 soldiers were killed in a suicide car bomb attack in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region. #North_Waziristan #KPK #Pakistan https://t.co/MjRwkHVH67 pic.twitter.com/bE1vhvJI36 pic.twitter.com/O4FL8SyEfV

— ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) June 28, 2025

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction, a breakaway group of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility. The group has been described by analysts as more lethal than the main Pakistani Taliban and is part of a growing militant resurgence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Islamabad continues to accuse Afghanistan of harboring such groups, a claim Kabul denies. The region remains a hotspot for insurgent violence against Pakistani security forces.

Sources: News Agencies