Evening Brief: Breakthrough or Breakdown? Israel OKs Gaza Truce Proposal

Evening! End your Thursday with SOFREP’s Evening Brief, packed with the latest news on defense and global affairs for May 29, 2025. At A Glance: Israel agreed to a US-proposed 60-day Gaza ceasefire. Iran rejected a nuclear deal, demanding full sanctions relief and enrichment rights. Syria signed a $7 billion energy deal with the US, Qatar, and Turkey after sanctions were lifted. IAEA says Russia isn’t restarting the Zaporizhzhia plant yet. Russia accused Serbia of secretly arming Ukraine. Ex-Congo president Kabila visited M23-held Goma, raising treason fears. ISIS attacked a Mozambique army base. Pakistan killed 9 Taliban militants in Kashmir and North Waziristan.

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Israel Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal, Hamas Cautious as Talks Continue

Israel has accepted a new US-brokered proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday.

The plan, advanced by US envoy Steve Witkoff, aims to halt fighting in Gaza and secure the release of more hostages.

Hamas offered a cautious response, calling the Israeli-backed draft a perpetuation of occupation and famine, but said it would study the proposal “with all national responsibility.” The group has long demanded a lasting ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.

The emerging deal includes a 60-day pause in fighting, the release of 10 living hostages and several bodies, and the exchange of over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners. It also promises serious negotiations toward a longer truce, Israeli pullbacks, and increased humanitarian aid with hundreds of trucks daily to ease famine conditions in Gaza.

Israel insists it will not end the war until all hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed or removed from power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also faces internal pressure from far-right coalition partners who oppose ending the conflict.

.@PressSec Karoline Leavitt: “I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and the resident submitted a ceasefire proposal to Hamas that Israel backed and supported…We hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home.” pic.twitter.com/eI9f8JZ8zO

— CSPAN (@cspan) May 29, 2025

Hamas, still holding 58 hostages, fears releasing them without a permanent ceasefire would expose it to renewed Israeli attacks aimed at total destruction. With much of its leadership and infrastructure already decimated, Hamas is pushing for guarantees of long-term security and political transition.

Over 54,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict since Israel launched its campaign following Hamas’ October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. The war has displaced nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s population and destroyed large swaths of the territory.

Despite the proposed deal, a permanent resolution remains elusive.

Israel’s government rejects Palestinian statehood, and the Palestinian leadership is fractured. No serious peace talks have taken place in over 15 years. Negotiators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar continue efforts to mediate the deadlocked conflict.

Iran Rejects Imminent Nuclear Deal, Demands Full Sanctions Relief and Enrichment Rights

Senior Iranian officials on Thursday rejected speculation of an imminent nuclear deal with the United States, insisting that any agreement must fully lift sanctions and allow Iran to continue its uranium enrichment program.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran remains committed to diplomacy but will not accept any deal that compromises its nuclear rights.

Ali Shamkhani, a top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that Iran would not bow to pressure and reaffirmed the country’s defense capabilities and negotiating red lines.

Former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei dismissed President Donald Trump’s push for a deal as a mix of “illusion” and “bluff.”

“Any deal must see sanctions lifted”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi says the path to a potential deal between Iran and the United States goes through the negotiating table, not media speculation.

Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/boCY50qN7H pic.twitter.com/WW5ljNCwff

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) May 29, 2025

The comments follow Trump’s statement that he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any potential strike on Iran while the US continues talks. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if diplomacy fails, while Iran has hinted at its ability to weaponize its uranium stockpile if provoked.

The US and Iran have held five recent rounds of indirect negotiations in Oman and Rome. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said the latest session showed “some but not conclusive progress.”

Iran reportedly rejected a six-month pause in uranium enrichment during the fifth round of nuclear talks on May 23 as US officials continue to push for zero enrichment.

Witkoff reportedly proposed after the fourth round of talks that Iran suspend uranium enrichment for three… pic.twitter.com/difBz6WhyY

— Critical Threats (@criticalthreats) May 28, 2025

Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors were in Tehran this week as the United Nations nuclear watchdog continues to monitor Iran’s rapidly advancing program.

Despite public posturing, both sides remain deeply divided over key issues. Iran demands full sanctions relief and permanent recognition of its enrichment program, while Washington seeks strict limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for economic relief. Further negotiations are expected but a breakthrough remains uncertain.

Syria Signs $7 Billion Energy Deal With Qatar, Turkey, and US Consortium as Sanctions Lifted

Syria signed a landmark $7 billion energy deal on Thursday with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish, and US firms to rebuild its shattered power infrastructure.

The agreement, inked at the presidential palace in Damascus, includes the construction of four gas-fired power plants and a 1,000-megawatt solar farm, aiming to generate a total of 5,000 megawatts.

Present at the signing were interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US Ambassador Thomas Barrack, marking a major shift in international engagement. Syrian Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir hailed it as a “historic moment,” while Barrack confirmed that President Donald Trump had unconditionally lifted sanctions on Syria and pledged sustained US support.

Only a week after President Trump’s announcement to lift sanctions, we have already unlocked billions of dollars of international investment for Syria. The $7 billion U.S.-Türkiye-Qatar energy deal in Damascus today is the first major example of regional partnerships and… pic.twitter.com/vPX0nr7zIO

— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) May 29, 2025

The consortium is led by Qatar’s UCC Concession Investments, Turkey’s Kalyon and Cengiz Enerji, and Power International USA. The project is expected to create over 50,000 direct and 250,000 indirect jobs. Turkish officials also confirmed a separate gas supply deal that will send two billion cubic meters of gas to Syria annually.

As relations thaw, the US is pushing for a Syria-Israel non-aggression pact. Barrack described the long-standing conflict as “solvable” and suggested starting with talks on borders and boundaries.

Syria confirmed it is engaged in indirect talks with Israel via mediators to avoid escalation.

In another diplomatic milestone, Barrack inaugurated the US ambassador’s residence in Damascus—just meters from the shuttered US embassy—for the first time since relations broke off in 2011.

The raising of the American flag in the capital underscores a dramatic warming of ties between Washington and Damascus.

IAEA Sees No Signs of Imminent Restart at Russian-Held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Despite Power Line Construction

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Thursday that inspectors have seen no signs that Russia is preparing to restart Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, despite satellite images showing new power lines being built near the facility.

The statement follows a Greenpeace report warning that Russia may be moving toward an unauthorized restart of Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

Greenpeace cited satellite photos showing high-voltage power line construction in Russian-occupied Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine raised alarm in a formal complaint to the IAEA, accusing Russia of violating international law and threatening nuclear safety by proceeding without approval from Ukraine’s nuclear regulator.

The Zaporizhzhia plant, held by Russian forces since early 2022, remains in cold shutdown with its six reactors fueled but inactive. The facility relies on external power to maintain cooling and safety systems, which have been disrupted multiple times during the war.

Damage to infrastructure, including the 2023 collapse of the Kakhovka Dam, has complicated any restart efforts.

Russia builds power lines to connect Europe’s largest nuclear plant in occupied Ukraine to its own electrical grid — Greenpeace.

Satellite images show that Russia has constructed 90 km (55 miles) of high-voltage power lines connecting to the captured Zaporizhzhia nuclear power… pic.twitter.com/Kmv0i7Gmxb

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) May 28, 2025

While Russia has previously suggested restarting the plant, the IAEA said current conditions make that unlikely. Restarting would require a far greater water supply than is currently available, and the plant’s cooling system remains compromised.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said the issue would be discussed during upcoming meetings with both Ukrainian and Russian officials. US President Donald Trump has also raised the plant in ceasefire discussions, suggesting the US could help restore control to Ukraine.

The Zaporizhzhia facility remains a focal point in the broader conflict, carrying global concerns about nuclear safety in a war zone.

Russia Accuses Serbia of Secretly Supplying Arms to Ukraine, Calls It a ‘Stab in the Back’

Russia accused Serbia on Thursday of covertly supplying ammunition to Ukraine, claiming Belgrade is betraying its long-standing Slavic ally by funneling arms through NATO intermediaries.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged that Serbian weapons, including hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and millions of small arms rounds, are reaching Kyiv via countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and even some African states.

The SVR claimed the exports are facilitated using fake end-user certificates to mask the shipments’ final destination. It condemned the actions as contributing directly to the killing of Russian troops and civilians, sharply criticizing Serbian defense industry workers and political leaders for profiting off the war.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed he recently discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and agreed to form a bilateral working group to investigate how Serbian-made weapons ended up on the Ukrainian frontline.

Serbia has denied directly supplying arms to Ukraine, though exports of Soviet-caliber munitions — compatible with Ukrainian systems — have been documented since 2023.

❗️🇷🇸Serbia is one of the largest suppliers of ammunition to 🇺🇦Ukraine, according to 🇷🇺Russian foreign intelligence.

According to Russian foreign intelligence, Serbia has supplied Ukraine with more than 100,000 artillery shells and 1 million rounds of small arms ammunition. pic.twitter.com/QV5cniov0m

— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) May 29, 2025

Vucic, who has pursued European Union (EU) membership while maintaining close ties with Moscow, has refused to impose sanctions on Russia and attended the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow. His balancing act between East and West continues to draw criticism, with EU officials calling his appearance alongside Putin inappropriate.

Despite Russian accusations, Vucic defended Serbia’s autonomy, saying frequent criticism from both sides reflects the country’s independent foreign policy.

Serbia remains heavily reliant on Russian energy and has resisted aligning fully with Western actions against Moscow.

Kabila Visits M23-Held Goma Amid Treason Allegations and Political Tensions

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila made a surprise visit Thursday to Goma, a city under M23 rebel control, amid mounting accusations that he supports the Rwandan-backed insurgency.

Journalists witnessed Kabila meeting with local religious leaders alongside M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka, though no public statements were issued.

Kabila’s visit follows a Senate vote last week that stripped him of immunity, opening the door for a potential treason trial.

President Felix Tshisekedi’s government accuses Kabila of masterminding the M23 rebellion, which has seized large parts of mineral-rich eastern Congo.

Jambo, Goma📍👋 pic.twitter.com/StDA7vCMyL

— Joseph Kabila Kabange (@josephkabila01) May 29, 2025

Kabila, who denies the accusations, recently returned to the country after months abroad.

In a rare livestreamed speech, he criticized Tshisekedi’s administration as authoritarian and confirmed his planned visit to Goma. Tshisekedi’s ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party responded sharply, calling Kabila a “Rwandan subject” and demanding he stay out of Congolese affairs.

The visit comes as the US works to mediate peace talks between Kinshasa and Kigali, aiming to stabilize the region and secure access to key minerals.

NEW | Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have intensified their offensive operations against pro-Congolese Wazalendo fighters in Rutshuru district in North Kivu province in recent weeks. 1/6 pic.twitter.com/oUSJBRRZMn

— Critical Threats (@criticalthreats) May 29, 2025

Kabila’s appearance in rebel-held territory risks undermining those negotiations and escalating political tensions in a nation already destabilized by conflict and power struggles.

Islamic State Militants Attack Mozambican Army Base Amid Renewed Violence in Cabo Delgado

Islamic State insurgents recently attacked a military base near Macomia in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, killing multiple soldiers, local military sources confirmed Wednesday.

The clash resulted in casualties on both sides, with over 10 militants reportedly killed. The Mozambican military has not issued an official statement.

The attack, claimed by ISIS through its media channels, is part of a recent surge in violence in the region.

Earlier this month, similar attacks killed 11 Mozambican soldiers, three Rwandan troops, and two wildlife rangers in nearby Niassa province. Security experts report even higher death tolls than official sources.

Insurgents launched the deadliest ISM attack of 2025 so far in Muidumbe, Cabo Delgado—killing 11 soldiers and seizing rifles, RPGs, mortars, and other tactical equipment on 8 May.

Additional casualties were evacuated to Pemba. Full details: https://t.co/sFKL5rz1Ri pic.twitter.com/8si3XXkej3

— ACLED (@ACLEDINFO) May 25, 2025

The uptick in violence comes as French energy firm TotalEnergies prepares to restart its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in Cabo Delgado, previously suspended in 2021 after a large-scale jihadist assault on Palma.

That attack left over 1,400 civilians dead or missing and forced mass displacement.

Despite TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne’s recent statement that security had “greatly improved,” insurgent activity persists.

Since the conflict began in 2017, more than 6,000 people have been killed and over a million displaced, according to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED). The continued threat highlights the fragile security landscape in one of Africa’s most volatile insurgency zones.

Pakistani Forces Kill Nine Taliban Militants in Raids Across Kashmir and North Waziristan

Pakistani security forces killed nine Pakistani Taliban (TTP) fighters in two separate operations in Kashmir and North Waziristan, officials said Thursday.

The raids left six security personnel dead, including two police officers and four soldiers.

In the first operation, police acting on intelligence raided a TTP hideout in Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir. A shootout erupted, killing four militants and two officers.

Kashmir police chief Abdul Jabbar claimed the insurgents were attempting to establish a future operational base and accused the TTP of acting as a proxy for India—a claim New Delhi has not responded to.

In a separate incident in North Waziristan, a known militant hotspot bordering Afghanistan, four Pakistani soldiers and five TTP militants were killed in a firefight, the military reported Thursday night.

Operations targeting the TTP in Kashmir are rare. The group, allied with the Afghan Taliban, has intensified attacks since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, with many TTP members now finding sanctuary across the border.

Sources: News Agencies