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News / Israel agrees to US-backed ceasefire plan; Hamas reviewing offer
The US-brokered proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire during which all Israeli offensive operations in Gaza would be suspended, with the possibility of extending to 70 days according to some sources. Under the plan, Israel would withdraw from northern Gaza and the Netzarim Corridor on the first day, followed by a pullback from southern Gaza by day seven.[3] The agreement includes a phased exchange of captives, with Hamas releasing 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased captives in two batches, while Israel would free 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, 1,111 Gazan detainees, and return 180 bodies. President Trump has personally pledged to guarantee Israel's compliance, with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar serving as mediators to ensure adherence to the terms.
If no permanent agreement is reached by the end of the 60-day period, Israel would have the option to either resume fighting or extend the ceasefire in exchange for additional hostage releases. The deal also includes provisions for expanded humanitarian aid through UN channels and multilateral talks beginning on day one to address a complete hostage-prisoner swap, full IDF withdrawal, Gaza's post-war governance, and the framework for a permanent ceasefire.
Hostage Release Terms
The initial phase of the hostage release would see Hamas free 10 living hostages and return the remains of 18 deceased captives in two stages, with priority given to women, children, elderly, and wounded individuals.[1][2] By the tenth day, Hamas would be required to provide a complete list with detailed medical reports on all remaining living hostages.[1] For the remaining 58 hostages still held in Gaza, their fate would depend on negotiations during the ceasefire period. If an agreement on ending the war is reached, all remaining hostages—both living and deceased—would be released; if not, Israel retains the option to resume military operations or extend the ceasefire in exchange for additional releases.
The selection process for which hostages would be included in the initial release has caused significant concern among families, with Israeli officials acknowledging it as a "cruel decision" that could "tear families apart." While Israel has requested prioritization of humanitarian cases, officials admit that after more than 600 days in captivity, "everyone is already considered humanitarian." The deal's second phase would focus on younger male hostages, both civilian and military personnel, while the third phase would complete the exchange of remains and initiate Gaza's reconstruction.
Hamas Response Timeline
Hamas initially received the ceasefire proposal in early June 2024, responding on June 12 with what it described as a "responsible, serious and positive" answer that opened a "wide pathway" to an agreement. However, an Israeli official claimed Hamas had "changed all of the main and most meaningful parameters" of the proposal, effectively rejecting it. Hamas insisted its amendments were necessary to ensure a permanent end to hostilities and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, rather than just a temporary pause.
More recently, in May 2025, the White House confirmed that a new 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal backed by Israel has been submitted to Hamas, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that "Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas." Hamas acknowledged receiving this latest proposal and indicated it is "reviewing it responsibly to serve the interests of our people." A source familiar with the negotiations suggested that a deal is close, with Hamas's response to be transmitted directly to President Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff once received.
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News / Spain cancels $300M Israeli missile deal over Gaza war
Spain's Defense Ministry cancelled a 285 million euro contract for Israeli-made anti-tank missiles on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in Madrid's diplomatic campaign against Israel over the Gaza war.
The decision affects 168 SPIKE LR2 missile systems that were to be manufactured in Spain by Pap Tecnos, a subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. "The goal is clear...a total disconnection from Israeli technology," government spokesperson Pilar Alegría told reporters.
Spain approved the missile contract on October 3, 2023, just four days before Hamas launched its assault on southern Israel that triggered the current Gaza conflict. The deal included 168 launchers, 1,680 missiles, and logistical support, with Spanish authorities initially arguing their forces needed updated systems to match allied armies.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems told the Associated Press it was unaware of the cancellation, while Pap Tecnos declined to comment. Spain is now reportedly considering American-made Javelin missiles as an alternative.
The missile cancellation represents Spain's most substantial break with Israeli defense technology, following April's scrapping of a 15-million-dollar ammunition purchase. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has emerged as one of Europe's harshest critics of Israel's Gaza campaign, formally recognizing Palestinian statehood in May 2024 alongside Norway and Ireland.
Last month, Sanchez called Israel a "genocidal state" during parliamentary proceedings, prompting Israel's Foreign Ministry to summon Spain's ambassador. Spain has also requested suspension of the European Union's cooperation agreement with Israel and urged partners to impose an arms embargo.
Spain became the first European country to seek permission from the International Court of Justice to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The ICJ has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure food supplies reach Gaza, though Israel disputes the court's interpretation of these orders.
According to El Mundo, Spanish defense officials describe "a deliberate process to phase out Israeli technology gradually," calling it a "formidable challenge" for Spain's defense sector[3]. The policy shift comes as Spain faces pressure to increase NATO defense spending while managing opposition from far-left coalition partners who threaten to withdraw support over Israeli contracts.
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Strategic Defense / King Charles defends Canadian sovereignty in rare speech to Parliament
Upon arrival at the Senate of Canada building, King Charles received full military honors including a Royal Salute, a 100-person guard of honor from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, and a 21-gun salute.[4][5] The procession represented more than pageantry—it symbolized Canada's constitutional monarchy at a time of heightened tensions with the United States, with cheers of "God Save the King" heard from the crowd as the monarch inspected the honor guard.[5] This marked the first time a Canadian monarch had participated in such a ceremonial opening of Parliament since Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, underscoring the visit's significance as an affirmation of Canadian sovereignty.[6][5]
Citations:
[1] https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/05/27/crowds-gather-to-witness-royal-procession-for-throne-speech/461824/
[2] https://nationalpost.com/news/royals/canada-king-charles-throne-speech-queen-camilla
[3] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/livestory/king-charles-queen-camilla-ride-on-horse-drawn-carriage-through-ottawa-to-senate-ahead-of-throne-speech-9.6774177
[4] https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/historic-rcmp-19th-century-carriage-carrying-king-and-queen-to-make-debut-during-royal-visit/
[5] https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2025/05/itinerary-unveiled-for-the-2025-royal-visit-of-their-majesties-king-charles-iii-and-queen-camilla.html
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_royal_tour_of_Canada
[7] https://halifax.citynews.ca/2025/05/27/the-latest-king-charles-to-read-throne-speech-after-parade-wraps-up-royal-visit/
[8] https://www.cjme.com/2025/05/27/the-latest-king-charles-to-read-throne-speech-after-parade-wraps-up-royal-visit/
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Strategic Defense / Vance urges shift in US foreign policy at Naval Academy
This pendulum swing away from nation-building crosses party lines, with both Republican and Democratic administrations gradually retreating from such commitments. President Biden explicitly marked this transition in his speech on the Afghanistan withdrawal, stating it meant the end of major military operations "to remake other countries."[2] Yet experts caution that this may not be permanent—the United States will likely be called upon again to stabilize failing states, as many security threats including "terrorism, pandemics, the global refugee crisis, and international drug trafficking" continue to emerge from unstable regions.[3] The challenge for American policymakers now is to develop more limited, focused approaches with "clear exit strategies" rather than open-ended commitments.[4]
Citations:
[1] https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/07/strategic-change-us-foreign-policy
[2] https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2021/0916/Why-end-of-Afghan-war-is-not-end-of-US-led-nation-building
[3] https://orionpolicy.org/nation-building-is-dead-long-live-nation-building/
[4] https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-death-of-usaid-heralds-the-end-of-nation-building/
[5] https://news.wfu.edu/2021/08/25/u-s-lessons-from-afghanistan-move-away-from-nation-building/
[6] https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/articles/carpenter_nation-building-terrorism.pdf
[7] https://jstribune.com/silverman-when-nation-building-works/
[8] https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/94670/Audit_11_08_Allouche.pdf
[9] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-globalization-of-politics-american-foreign-policy-for-a-new-century/
[10] https://www.csis.org/analysis/nation-building-any-other-name
[11] https://www.noemamag.com/the-end-of-nation-building
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Strategic Defense / Hegseth warns China threat to allies is 'imminent
The remarks underscore the Trump administration's efforts to reassure nervous allies while maintaining pressure on Beijing amid escalating tensions over trade, technology and territorial disputes that have reshaped the strategic landscape across the region.
Warning of Chinese Aggression
Hegseth told defense leaders from across the Indo-Pacific that Beijing is "credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power" in the region[1][10]. He cited China's numerous military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan and its construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea to support new military outposts[2].
"We are not going to sugarcoat it — the threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent," Hegseth said, while emphasizing that Washington will bolster its overseas defenses[1][2]. The defense secretary also highlighted China's ambitions in Latin America, particularly its efforts to increase influence over the Panama Canal[2].
However, Hegseth insisted that allies must contribute more to their own defense, referencing European nations being asked to commit 5 percent of GDP to defense spending[11].
Chinese Pushback and Regional Balancing
China's delegation head, Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, accused Hegseth of making "groundless accusations," calling some claims "completely fabricated" and dismissing the remarks as attempts to "provoke trouble" and "destabilize the Asia-Pacific region"[1].
The exchange reflects the delicate position of regional nations caught between their largest trading partner and primary security guarantor. Hegseth cautioned against this balancing act, warning that "economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence and complicates our defense decision space during times of tension"[1].
Senator Tammy Duckworth, part of a congressional delegation attending the conference, pushed back on any suggestion the US was forcing allies to choose sides. "The United States is not asking people to choose between us and the PRC," she said[4][16].
Broader Strategic Competition
The warnings come as the Trump administration has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods and regional partners alike, creating uncertainty about American commitment to the region[17]. Recent months have seen China's President Xi Jinping visiting Southeast Asian nations hit by US tariffs, positioning Beijing as a bulwark against protectionism[17].
"Economic dependence on China only deepens their malign influence," Hegseth said, encapsulating the strategic dilemma facing the region[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pete-hegseth-reassures-allies-us-will-support-them-pressure-china/
[2] https://www.foxnews.com/world/hegseth-says-us-bolster-defenses-overseas-support-indo-pacific-allies-against-threat-china
[3] https://www.npr.org/2025/05/31/nx-s1-5414180/shangri-la-dialogue
[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/threat-china-poses-is-real-us-defence-secretary-pete-hegseth-warns-indo-pacific-allies-of-imminent-risks/articleshow/121535465.cms
[5] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3312561/shangri-la-dialogue-pete-hegseth-warns-china-aims-alter-indo-pacific-status-quo
[6] https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/north-east-asia/china-united-states/347-asia-flux-us-china-and-search-new-equilibrium
[7] https://behorizon.org/asia-on-the-horizon/
[8] https://www.max-security.com/resources/global-forecast/china-us-relations-2025/
[9] https://perryworldhouse.upenn.edu/news-and-insight/treaty-withdrawals-and-security-realignments-potential-impact-of-u-s-disengagement-in-asia/
[10] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hegseth-reassures-allies-us-support-chinese-aggression/story?id=122362466
[11] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-wont-leave-indo-pacific-alone-against-china-says-hegseth/articleshow/121529207.cms
[12] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2602828/world
[13] https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/01/the-indo-pacific-what-you-need-to-know-now.html
[14] https://www.china-briefing.com/news/us-china-relations-in-the-trump-2-0-implications/
[15] https://www.307bw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4165967/chinas-military-buildup-threatens-indo-pacific-region-security/
[16] https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/international/2025/05/31/hegseth-imminent-threat-china-taiwan
[17] https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/05/are-americas-indo-pacific-friends-flirting-with-china.html
[18] https://bowergroupasia.com/indo-pacific-forecast-h2-2025/
[19] https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4202504/hegseth-outlines-us-vision-for-indo-pacific-addresses-china-threat/
[20] https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4202494/remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-pete-hegseth-at-the-2025-shangri-la-dialogue-in/
[21] https://www.toledoblade.com/news/World/2025/05/30/hegseth-says-us-stand-indo-pacific-allies-against-imminent-threat-china/stories/20250530150
[22] https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/31/us-will-stand-by-indo-pacific-allies-against-imminent-threat-of-china/
[23] https://www.fpri.org/article/2025/03/strengthening-us-alliances-in-the-indo-pacific/
[24] https://www.csis.org/events/2025-csis-csds-transatlantic-dialogue-indo-pacific
[25] https://www.csis.org/analysis/shared-threats-indo-pacific-alliances-and-burden-sharing-todays-geopolitical-environment
[26] https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2404551/9-the-indo-pacific-competitive-space-chinas-vision-and-the-postworld-war-ii-ame/
[27] https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR4412z5.html
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Strategic Defense / Military Tensions Between the USA and China: A Growing Concern
1. The South China Sea Dispute
One of the most volatile issues is the South China Sea. China has built artificial islands and militarized them, asserting broad territorial claims that overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations. The U.S. Navy regularly conducts “freedom of navigation” operations in the area to challenge these claims and assert international maritime rights. These maneuvers have led to multiple close encounters between U.S. and Chinese ships and aircraft.
2. Taiwan Tensions
Taiwan remains the most dangerous flashpoint. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to bring it under control. The U.S., while maintaining a policy of "strategic ambiguity," continues to supply Taiwan with arms and maintains unofficial relations. Recent military drills by China near Taiwan, and American military support, have further heightened tensions.
3. Military Modernization and the Arms Race
China is rapidly modernizing its military, focusing on technologies such as hypersonic weapons, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and cyber warfare. The U.S. sees this as a challenge to its dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations are investing heavily in advanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence, stealth aircraft, and nuclear arsenals — fueling a 21st-century arms race.
4. Lack of Military Communication Channels
One of the most serious problems is the limited military-to-military communication between the two countries. Without clear channels to de-escalate incidents at sea or in the air, a single misjudgment could trigger a broader crisis. The lack of trust and transparency raises the stakes in every encounter.
5. Alliances and Influence
The U.S. is strengthening alliances through NATO, AUKUS, and the Quad (with Japan, India, and Australia), while China deepens ties with Russia, Iran, and other states in Asia and Africa. This growing polarization hints at a larger strategic competition, where military influence is tied to political and economic leverage.
Conclusion
While war is not inevitable, the military problems between the U.S. and China are real and escalating. Without mutual efforts to manage competition and build reliable communication mechanisms, the risk of conflict — even if unintended — remains dangerously high.