The promise of peace in Gaza was overshadowed by chaos on Thursday, when Israeli tanks were seen firing on a crowded coastal path near Deir al-Balah, moments after a highly anticipated ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas was announced.

According to Reuters footage filmed at 0939 GMT, explosions and plumes of smoke erupted dangerously close to dozens of civilians walking near the shoreline. The footage — now circulating widely on social media — shows people running for cover amid the shelling, even as both sides had agreed to halt fighting under the first phase of a U.S.-backed peace plan.

The shocking incident comes mere hours after Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced that Israel and Hamas had “signed off” on the framework for a temporary ceasefire aimed at pausing the brutal two-year conflict in Gaza.

“This is the first concrete step toward ending one of the world’s longest and most tragic wars,” Trump said from Washington, D.C., emphasizing that the truce includes humanitarian provisions and hostage exchanges.

However, Thursday’s events have raised serious questions about whether both parties are fully committed to the deal’s terms.

The Ceasefire Deal: What It Promised

Under the agreement, Hamas has reportedly agreed to release 20 surviving Israeli hostages, alongside the remains of 28 others who were killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks that reignited the conflict. In return, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees captured during recent military operations.

A key provision in the first phase requires Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to partially withdraw to a pre-defined “yellow line” within 24 hours after formal government ratification. Simultaneously, a minimum of 400 humanitarian aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza each day for at least five consecutive days — carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel to restore the enclave’s crumbling health infrastructure.

The deal also allows thousands of displaced Palestinian families from southern Gaza to return to Gaza City and its northern districts, areas that were nearly leveled during months of intense bombardment.

Despite these provisions, reports suggest that military operations have continued — albeit on a smaller scale — even as political leaders in Jerusalem prepared for cabinet approval of the truce.

Footage Sparks Global Outrage

The footage released by Reuters quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from humanitarian groups and diplomats across the world.

Human Rights Watch described the event as “a shocking violation of ceasefire intent,” while Amnesty International urged an immediate investigation.

“Firing on civilians — especially during the critical hours of ceasefire implementation — could amount to a war crime,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the footage but told journalists that they are “reviewing operational reports from Deir al-Balah.”

In Tel Aviv, protests erupted late Thursday as some Israelis demanded accountability and clarity over whether the ceasefire would truly take effect.

A Fragile Path Toward Peace

The ceasefire announcement had initially sparked cautious optimism after months of stalled negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The agreement marks the first formal step toward halting a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 2023, displacing over 1.7 million people across Gaza.

However, analysts warn that both sides face significant political and military pressures. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the deal risks backlash from right-wing factions who oppose prisoner releases. For Hamas, compliance could weaken its control in Gaza if perceived as capitulation.

Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. peace negotiator, said the footage threatens to derail what was already a delicate process.

“Trust is the currency of any ceasefire,” Miller noted. “And when trust is broken in the first few hours, it becomes almost impossible to restore.”

Reactions From the Region

In Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting ceasefire monitoring mechanisms, calling the footage “deeply concerning.” Meanwhile, Qatari officials — key intermediaries in the talks — have called for restraint and verification before assigning blame.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply troubled” by reports of continued shelling, urging all parties to “respect the spirit and letter of the ceasefire.”

“The people of Gaza have suffered enough,” Guterres said, adding that humanitarian corridors must remain open and secure.

What Happens Next

The first phase of the ceasefire is expected to last 14 days, with subsequent phases dependent on adherence and progress in negotiations. If successful, phase two would include a longer-term truce and broader reconstruction initiatives across Gaza.

For now, the haunting footage from Deir al-Balah serves as a grim reminder of how fragile peace remains.

Even amid diplomatic breakthroughs and public promises, the sound of tank fire — echoing across a coastline where children were walking moments before — underscores that in Gaza, the road to peace is still paved with fear.
For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com

A year after one of its naval vessels ran aground and sank in Samoan waters, the New Zealand Government has paid 10 million Samoan Tala (NZD 6 million; £2.6 million) in compensation to Samoa.

The ship, HMNZS Manawanui, crashed into a reef off the coast of Upolu, sparking a fire before sinking beneath the waves. The incident, which occurred during a seabed survey in October 2024, was the first time New Zealand lost a naval ship at sea since World War II.

Oil slicks and dead sea turtles

The vessel began leaking oil after it went down, with slicks spreading onto nearby beaches and alarming reports of sea turtles washing ashore dead. Samoan authorities voiced concern about the environmental fallout, while local fishing communities reported disruptions to their livelihoods.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed the payment to Samoa, stating it was made “at Samoa’s request” and reflected the “serious impact on communities and the environment.”

“We recognise the impact the sinking has had on local communities and acknowledge the disruption it caused,” Peters said. “Minimising environmental damage and supporting Samoa in its response remain our top priorities.”

Human error at the core

A formal inquiry into the disaster revealed a chain of human errors, most notably the crew’s failure to disengage the ship’s autopilot. Investigators said this lapse led directly to the grounding.

Despite speculation about mechanical failure, the New Zealand Defence Force confirmed human oversight was the root cause. Disciplinary proceedings are expected, though officials have yet to announce outcomes.

The online storm

As details of the crash surfaced, the ship’s female captain became the target of sexist trolling on social media. Some users wrongly claimed her gender was to blame.

The backlash drew condemnation from New Zealand’s then-Defence Minister, who dismissed the critics as “armchair admirals,” stressing that systemic failings, not gender, caused the crash.

The clean-up operation

Following the sinking, New Zealand dispatched naval teams to remove diesel fuel, lubricants, and other pollutants from the wreck. Salvage divers also cleared debris to limit long-term damage to Samoan reefs.

Still, HMNZS Manawanui remains lodged on the reef. Discussions continue between Wellington and Apia about its eventual removal or whether it should remain in place as an artificial reef.

What’s next?

The payment marks a rare intergovernmental settlement over a naval accident. While Samoa has welcomed the move, conservation groups remain cautious. Marine biologists warn the true scale of environmental damage may take years to assess.

For New Zealand, the episode is a sobering reminder of operational lapses and their consequences. For Samoa, it is both a financial settlement and a test of resilience in protecting its fragile marine ecosystems.
For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com

Operation NEON continues to play a critical role in monitoring and enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea. In the latest development, a Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft, on a mission over the East China Sea, encountered dramatic interference by Chinese fighter jets.

The mission, intended to track North Korean vessels violating international sanctions, became a tense standoff when Chinese jets intercepted the Canadian plane on multiple occasions. This high-stakes operation, which started on October 6, 2025, underscores the growing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving China, North Korea, and Canada’s role in global security.

The Mission: Surveillance of Illicit Trade

The CP-140 Aurora is primarily used to track enemy submarines, but this time it’s being deployed to track North Korean ships involved in illicit trade. Under Operation NEON, the Aurora is gathering intelligence, taking photographs, and documenting suspicious vessels in the East China Sea, particularly those linked to North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs.

“We’ve certainly seen vessels that appear suspicious,” says the captain, who has been deployed for this mission. However, his identity has been withheld for security reasons. This mission serves as part of a broader, coordinated multinational effort to pressure North Korea into abandoning its weapons of mass destruction programs.

Chinese Intercepts and Growing Tensions

Operating in international airspace over international waters, the Canadian plane found itself increasingly within China’s radar. The Chinese military, unhappy with the presence of a foreign aircraft near its border, dispatched fighter jets to intercept the Aurora multiple times.

One of the intercepts saw the Chinese jet getting dangerously close to the Aurora, flying within 200 feet of the Canadian aircraft. Despite the hostile actions, the Aurora’s captain remained composed, calmly telling the Chinese pilot, “I’m a Canadian aircraft operating in international airspace, carrying out the duties of all nations.”

Such encounters are not entirely unexpected but have added an extra layer of risk to the mission. Brigadier General Jeff Davis, who commands the Canadian operation, stressed, “As long as things remain professional and safe, this mission continues unabated.”

China’s Role in North Korea’s Survival

The geopolitical backdrop to this encounter reveals China’s significant role in North Korea’s economy. Since 2006, China has been North Korea’s economic lifeline, especially after international sanctions were imposed following Pyongyang’s first nuclear test. While Russia has recently also provided support, China’s involvement remains pivotal in sustaining North Korea’s economy.

This relationship is critical as North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons, with estimates suggesting it possesses around 50 nuclear warheads. The Kim regime has made clear its intentions to force the world into accepting it as a nuclear power, as it nears the development of long-range missiles capable of delivering nuclear payloads to the U.S. mainland.

The High-Risk Operation

Despite the clear danger posed by these intercepts, the Canadian Air Force crew is determined to continue with Operation NEON. The crew’s primary mission is to collect crucial intelligence for the United Nations’ Enforcement Coordination Cell, which is tasked with ensuring sanctions compliance.

“This adds stress to the mission,” admits the Canadian pilot. “Sometimes they try to maneuver closer, but we do everything we can to keep the aircraft safe.” The intercepts are not just tense but also reflect the rising militarization of the East China Sea as China seeks to assert its dominance in the region.

The Bigger Picture: U.S. and Global Involvement

As the situation continues to evolve, **U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to meet with Kim Jong Un again, despite the lack of tangible results from their past summits. Trump, who has met with Kim three times, continues to push for diplomatic engagement, albeit under terms that Kim finds unacceptable. This dynamic is part of a broader international challenge, as nations like China, Russia, and the U.S. navigate the complexities of dealing with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

A Mission Completed Despite Challenges

After nine hours of intense intelligence gathering, the Aurora returned to base, completing its mission under incredibly difficult circumstances. The operation highlighted the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in the face of rising global tensions.
For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com