SOFREP Morning Brief: UN Humanitarian Chief Warns of ‘Genocide’ Risk in Gaza, Taiwan’s President Rallies Military Ahead of Possible New Chinese Drills

Good morning! Kick off your Friday with SOFREP’s morning brief, offering the latest insights on defense and global affairs for May 16, 2025. UN humanitarian chief warned of genocide in Gaza and rejected the US-backed aid plan as dehumanizing. US President Trump claimed a nuclear deal with Iran is close, but key issues remain unresolved. In the United Arab Emirates, Trump announced $200 billion in deals, including a major Etihad-Boeing aircraft order. The US Space Force will absorb 578 Air National Guard troops despite state opposition. The Pentagon began identifying transgender troops for discharge under Trump’s reinstated ban. Hundreds of migrants are being prosecuted for entering militarized border zones. Pakistan offered talks with India, but India refused without a terror crackdown. Taiwan’s president visited troops ahead of expected Chinese drills.

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UN Humanitarian Chief Warns of ‘Genocide’ Risk in Gaza, Rejects US-Backed Aid Plan

United Nations (UN) humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher defended his use of the term “genocide” to describe the crisis in Gaza, warning the world not to repeat past failures to act on major breaches of international law.

In a sharp rebuke of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Fletcher called the proposed aid system “dehumanizing” and said it undermines humanitarian principles by shifting control to an occupying power.

Fletcher criticized Israel’s blockade, which has halted aid since March, pushing nearly half a million Palestinians toward starvation. He said the UN’s aid plan is the most effective option and warned the new system would force civilians into displacement zones and condition aid on ID checks, rather than need.

So, for those killed and those whose voices are silenced: what more evidence do you need?

Will you act now – decisively – to prevent genocide in Gaza and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law?

This Council must prevail. Demand this ends. pic.twitter.com/yQZWB3FlzI

— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) May 13, 2025

Israel denies genocide allegations and accuses the UN of preserving Hamas’ supply lines. While Israel has agreed to allow temporary aid access through existing networks, it distanced itself from directly funding the foundation’s operations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the plan, vowing continued support despite criticism.

Fletcher remains unconvinced it meets basic humanitarian standards.

Trump Says US Nearing Nuclear Deal with Iran, But Gaps Remain

President Donald Trump said Thursday the US is close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, claiming Tehran has “sort of” agreed to the terms, though Iranian officials dispute that a final agreement is imminent.

Trump emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution over military action during his Gulf tour.

Talks concluded in Oman on Sunday without a breakthrough, as both sides remain divided on key issues, including uranium enrichment limits and the pace and extent of US sanctions relief. While a US proposal was reportedly offered in the latest round, Iranian officials denied receiving any new terms and reiterated that Iran will not abandon its right to enrich uranium under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

🇮🇷🇺🇸 President #Trump said Thursday the US is “very close” to a nuclear deal with 🇮🇷 #Iran, adding Tehran had “sort of” agreed to the terms.

🗨️ “We’re in very serious negotiations for long-term peace,” he said during a Gulf tour.

📍 @SaeedAzimi1772 reports pic.twitter.com/rBS4BRcQWK

— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) May 16, 2025

Iranian officials signaled they are open to limiting enrichment levels and reducing stockpiles if sanctions are fully lifted with enforceable guarantees. However, disagreements persist over the timeline and logistics for reducing enriched uranium and the destination of exported material.

Despite public optimism from Trump, Tehran maintains that talks are ongoing and complex, and insists on a phased sanctions rollback—an approach Washington has yet to endorse. Oil prices dropped $2 amid speculation of a possible deal.

Trump Announces $200B in US-UAE Deals, Including Major Etihad Aircraft Order

President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled over $200 billion in US-United Arab Emirates (UAE) deals, highlighted by Etihad Airways’ $14.5 billion commitment to buy 28 Boeing wide-body jets powered by GE engines.

The order includes Boeing 787s and next-gen 777Xs, set to enter service from 2028.

News from UAE ! Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft marking another major order for the US aircraft maker during President Trump’s visit to three GCC countries.

The $14.5 billion deal will include Boeing B777-9 and B787 models,… pic.twitter.com/W1aBKVP6Ye

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) May 16, 2025

The White House said the deal strengthens US-UAE aviation ties and supports American manufacturing. Etihad plans to expand its fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030, supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. Meanwhile, Boeing also secured a separate $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways for up to 210 widebody jets.

US Space Force to Absorb 578 Air National Guard Troops Despite Pushback from Governors

US Space Force Chief General Chance Saltzman is moving forward with plans to transfer 578 part-time Air National Guard members from six states and headquarters into the Space Force, aiming to bolster the service without creating a separate Space Force National Guard.

The transfers, authorized by Congress in the 2025 defense bill, allow affected personnel to remain in their home states for up to 10 years.

Governors and the National Governors Association have pushed back, arguing the move infringes on state control of National Guard units and risks draining valuable local talent from high-demand space missions.

The states impacted include Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, and Ohio. Space Force officials say they have not yet contacted individual members due to the ongoing dispute.

Critics warn the plan may undercut state readiness and erode the Guard’s ability to retain skilled personnel.

Pentagon Begins Identifying Transgender Troops for Discharge Under Trump Policy

The Pentagon confirmed Thursday it will begin discharging transgender service members using routine medical screenings and commander reports, following the Supreme Court’s decision to lift a block on President Donald Trump’s ban.

About 1,000 troops have already voluntarily come forward for separation. Going forward, annual health assessments will include questions aimed at identifying individuals with gender dysphoria, a diagnosis the Pentagon is using to flag transgender service members.

Commanders are instructed to order medical record reviews of troops showing symptoms or history of gender dysphoria. While the Defense Department claims it will implement the policy with “dignity and respect,” critics argue the process lacks safeguards against abuse and enables discrimination.

Troops with a history of gender dysphoria or who show symptoms of the condition will be subject to medical record reviews if they don’t self-report, according to a memo issued Thursday by the Pentagon.https://t.co/3bSqdfsuEh

— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 16, 2025

Voluntary separation offers larger payouts, which officials hope will encourage transgender troops to leave without contest. Involuntary separations will come with reduced compensation but still include honorable discharge, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, and benefits if no misconduct is involved.

The Pentagon says the process will take time due to annual screening schedules and defends the policy as essential to military readiness, despite backlash and ongoing legal challenges.

Hundreds of Immigrants Charged for Entering Militarized Border Zone Under New Trump Policy

The Trump administration has begun prosecuting hundreds of immigrants for unauthorized entry into newly designated militarized zones along the southern US border in New Mexico and western Texas.

Since late April, roughly 400 cases have been filed under new national security charges carrying up to 18 months in prison, in addition to existing illegal entry penalties.

Oversight of these areas has been transferred to the US military, with Army commands at Fort Bliss and Fort Huachuca in charge. Though US troops have not yet made arrests, they are now authorized to detain migrants temporarily. Federal public defenders are challenging the charges, arguing that prosecutors must prove migrants knowingly violated military restrictions.

The Department of Justice insists that posted signs in Spanish and English provide sufficient notice and justify the prosecutions. Critics, including the ACLU and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), warn the policy threatens civil liberties and expands military authority over traditionally civilian land.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the crackdown, stating that anyone entering the National Defense Area will be prosecuted “to the FULLEST extent of the law.” The administration is also accelerating deportations, including third-country removals to El Salvador. Arrests at the border have since dropped to historic lows.

Pakistan Offers Dialogue After Cross-Border Clashes; India Refuses Without Terror Crackdown

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness to engage in peace talks with India during a visit to the Kamra air base on Thursday, following a recent military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Sharif, joined by senior military leaders, reiterated that any dialogue must address the Kashmir dispute, a long-standing point of contention.

India swiftly rejected the offer, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stating that talks with Pakistan would only focus on terrorism. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), are integral parts of India and that New Delhi remains open only to discussing the return of PoK.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s stance on bilateralism and demanded that Pakistan hand over wanted terrorists and dismantle terror infrastructure.

The exchange comes after India’s military launched Operation Sindoor on May 6–7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the killing of 26 people in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan responded with missile and drone attacks on May 8–10. India retaliated with strikes on several Pakistani military bases.

Sharif’s remarks mark his second visit to a defense facility since the skirmish, signaling a push to maintain military morale while keeping open a conditional door for diplomacy. India, however, remains firm that any meaningful engagement must begin with Pakistan addressing terrorism.

Taiwan’s President Rallies Military Ahead of Possible New Chinese Drills

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visited key military units on Friday to show support and boost morale ahead of a potential new round of Chinese military exercises.

Lai met with army engineers and anti-submarine helicopter crews at Kaohsiung’s Zuoying navy base, praising their role in national defense and emphasizing unity in protecting Taiwan’s security.

The visit comes as Taipei warns that China may stage additional drills around the one-year anniversary of Lai’s presidency next week. China, which brands Lai a “separatist,” has repeatedly rejected his calls for dialogue and continues to assert sovereignty over Taiwan, despite the island’s self-governance.

Today, President @ChingteLai visited the Army Engineer Training Center and the Navy Anti-Submarine Aviation Command in Kaohsiung. He expressed gratitude to the service members for their steadfast dedication to guarding the frontlines day and night.#ROCArmy #ROCN #ROCArmedForces pic.twitter.com/ljDATVQwk2

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 16, 2025

Though Lai avoided direct mention of China during his remarks, his appearance alongside Defense Minister Wellington Koo and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu signaled preparedness amid rising cross-strait tensions. Beijing’s recent military actions—such as “Joint Sword – 2024A” and “Strait Thunder-2025A”—suggest more exercises are likely.

China’s defense officials accuse Lai of provoking instability, calling him a “Taiwan Strait crisis maker.”

Taiwan remains on alert as Chinese military pressure escalates near key political milestones.

Sources: News Agencies