7:15 PM GMT – 03/07/2025
Hamas has warned Gaza residents against cooperating with the US-Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), threatening “maximum penalties” for anyone assisting the organization following deadly incidents near its food distribution sites.
The GHF, which began operations in late May after Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade, responded that it had delivered millions of meals safely and claimed the Hamas statement confirms the group is “losing control.”
A senior UN official reported that most of the more than 400 Palestinians killed while seeking aid since May 19 died near GHF distribution sites, prompting Israel’s military to issue new instructions after acknowledging civilians had been harmed. The United Nations has criticized the GHF’s delivery model as neither impartial nor neutral, while Israel maintains its forces operate near distribution centers to prevent aid from reaching militants, a claim Hamas denies.
5:03 PM GMT – 03/07/2025
The Pentagon has assessed that recent US strikes have degraded Iran’s nuclear program by up to two years, with spokesman Sean Parnell stating facilities were “completely obliterated” during the June 22 operation that used more than a dozen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles.
This assessment differs significantly from an earlier leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report suggesting the setback might only be months, though Trump administration officials claim that preliminary assessment has been superseded by newer intelligence showing severe damage. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi acknowledged that the Fordow nuclear site suffered “serious and heavy damage,” though UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi has suggested Iran could resume producing enriched uranium within a few months.
Some experts remain concerned that Iran may have removed its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium from Fordow before the strikes, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was unaware of intelligence supporting this possibility.
3:58 PM GMT – 03/07/2025
The US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal outlines a phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies of deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with specific release dates throughout the truce period. The plan requires Israeli military withdrawals from parts of northern Gaza after the first eight hostages are released on day one, followed by withdrawal from southern areas on day seven after receiving five bodies, with maps to be negotiated by technical teams. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would begin immediately on day one, focusing on remaining prisoner exchanges, Gaza’s long-term security arrangements, and the declaration of a permanent end to hostilities. President Donald Trump has committed to guaranteeing the agreement, which includes provisions for immediate increased aid delivery to Gaza with UN and ICRC involvement, while mediators can extend the negotiation period if needed to reach a permanent resolution.
2:30 PM GMT – 03/07/2025
Four pro-Palestinian activists were charged with conspiracy offenses after breaking into an RAF base in Oxfordshire and causing £7 million ($9.55 million) in damage by spraying red paint over two military refueling and transport planes. The activists, aged between 22 and 35, are in custody awaiting a court appearance in London, with police planning to present evidence linking their actions to terrorism. Palestine Action, the group claiming responsibility for the June 20 incident, was recently banned as a terrorist organization by British lawmakers, a decision they called an “abuse of power” which they plan to challenge in court. Counter-terrorism police specified the charges include conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for purposes prejudicial to UK safety or interests, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
12:28 PM GMT – 03/07/2025
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged states to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade with Israel, accusing it of conducting a “genocidal campaign” in Gaza during a speech to the UN Human Rights Council where she described the situation as “apocalyptic.” Her latest report named over 60 companies allegedly supporting Israeli settlements and military actions in Gaza, calling for states to suspend trade agreements and ensure legal consequences for companies involved in violations of international law. Israel, which has rejected accusations of genocide citing self-defense following the October 2023 Hamas attack, was not present at the council meeting and later dismissed Albanese’s report as “legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office.”
11:27 AM GMT – 03/07/2025
Hamas is studying what Trump called a “final” ceasefire proposal for Gaza, though the group insists Israel must withdraw from the enclave while Netanyahu vowed to eliminate Hamas. The proposal involves a 60-day truce where Israel would release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas, with recent Israeli strikes killing at least 139 Palestinians in the past 24 hours. The war, which began after Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages in October 2023, has resulted in more than 57,000 Palestinian deaths and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
