6:15 PM GMT – 30/06/2025
The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that Palestinian civilians were harmed at Gaza aid distribution centers, citing “inaccurate artillery fire” in at least three instances that resulted in 30-40 casualties, including several fatalities.
Since lifting an 11-week blockade on May 19, over 400 Palestinians have been killed while seeking humanitarian assistance, prompting new instructions to Israeli forces following what the military called “lessons learned.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operation as “inherently unsafe” and “killing people,” while Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded that its military never targets civilians and accused the UN of aligning with Hamas.
The military stated it has implemented safety measures including improved fencing, warning signs, additional access routes, and relocating one distribution center to reduce civilian casualties.
2:06 PM GMT – 30/06/2025
Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 58 Palestinians on Monday, including 20 people at a beachfront cafe in Gaza City, amid one of the heaviest bombardments in weeks. Israeli tanks pushed into eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb while the military issued new evacuation orders for large districts in northern Gaza, forcing fresh waves of displacement.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was expected at the White House for ceasefire talks as President Trump urged an end to the 20-month war. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed Israel has agreed to a U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, putting responsibility on Hamas.
The conflict has killed over 56,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with more than 80% of the territory now under Israeli military control or evacuation orders.
12:15 PM GMT – 30/06/2025
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced interest in establishing diplomatic relations with Syria and Lebanon, declaring the Golan Heights “non-negotiable” despite Syrian officials insisting they would never relinquish the territory.
Following the recent 12-day war with Iran and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Israeli leaders see an opportunity to forge new regional alliances while Reuters reports that Israel has already held face-to-face meetings with Syria’s new Islamist government.
Saar rejected conditioning normalization on Palestinian statehood, stating a Palestinian state would “threaten the security of Israel,” even as Saudi Arabia continues to demand this as a prerequisite for establishing ties. The diplomatic push comes as President Trump lifted sanctions on Syria and has encouraged the country’s new leadership to normalize relations with Israel.
10:19 AM GMT – 30/06/2025
Oil prices remained steady worldwide on June 30, supported by prospects of decreasing Middle East conflict and expectations that OPEC+ might raise production levels in August. Though overall market demand continues to show uncertainty, industry experts highlighted that indications of regional tension reduction have contributed to price stabilization. Market participants are monitoring both OPEC+ policy signals and Middle East developments closely.
9:45 AM GMT – 30/06/2025
Israeli forces stepped up airstrikes across northern Gaza on June 30, causing at least 25 Palestinian fatalities as residents reported receiving widespread evacuation directives. Military tanks advanced into eastern parts of Gaza City while American officials and Israel’s minister for strategic affairs readied for ceasefire talks in Washington. Israeli authorities continue demanding Hamas disarmament as a precondition for any fighting pause, with Qatari and Egyptian officials working as intermediaries.
