Evening Brief: US-backed Gaza aid program disputes allegations of contractor misconduct, Trump and Putin hold sixth call since return to White House

As Independence Day nears, global flashpoints are flaring. A deadly fireworks explosion rocks Northern California, while pressure mounts in Israel and US aid groups over Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. Trump and Putin reconnect as Ukraine reels from paused US weapons shipments. Russia recognizes the Taliban, Myanmar rebels claim a jet takedown, and China flexes naval power in Hong Kong. Here’s your mission-ready recap from around the world.

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Rescue Crews Search for Missing After Deadly Fireworks Warehouse Explosion in California

Authorities continue searching for seven missing individuals following a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion Tuesday in rural Esparto, Northern California.

The blast leveled the building, sparked multiple fires, and prompted the cancellation of nearby Fourth of July celebrations.

The explosion occurred at a facility operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics, a Bay Area-based company known for producing large-scale fireworks shows. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Officials said two people were injured, and the fire spread to nearly 80 acres of agricultural land.

Among the missing are 18-year-old Jesus Ramos—working his first day—and his brothers, Johnny Ramos and Junior Melendez, according to family members. Fire crews and federal ATF agents are assisting in recovery and investigation efforts, as sporadic explosions continued into Wednesday.

Cal Fire noted the rarity of such incidents given strict state and federal storage regulations. Fireworks stored in high volume or too closely may have intensified the blast, and investigators are examining possible ignition sources.

The explosion was strong enough to blow open nearby homes and was described by residents as resembling a bomb.

The bomb and arson unit has launched an investigation after a fireworks facility caught fire, resulting in a massive explosion that was caught on video. pic.twitter.com/GxbnAY1gxH

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) July 2, 2025

Officials are using drones to survey the area, while Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has deployed state resources to assist.

The incident has disrupted regional July Fourth plans and highlighted the unseen risks faced by workers in the pyrotechnics industry.

Devastating Pyrotechnics pledged full cooperation with authorities and expressed condolences to affected families.

Amnesty Accuses Israel, US-Backed Gaza Aid System of Using Starvation Tactics

Amnesty International has accused Israel and the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) of using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians and enabling genocide through a militarized aid distribution system in the Gaza Strip.

In a report released Thursday, the UK-based human rights group said GHF’s operations turn aid distribution into “a booby trap” for desperate civilians, contributing to mass death, disease, and despair amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas.

The report follows growing condemnation of GHF, which was created to replace United Nations-led aid networks after Israel imposed a months-long blockade on Gaza. More than 165 international humanitarian organizations have called for the initiative to be shut down, accusing it of violating humanitarian principles and failing to deliver sufficient aid.

Amnesty’s secretary general, Agnès Callamard, said the GHF system exposes civilians to lethal force and food insecurity, describing it as a deliberate tactic of warfare.

“This devastating daily loss of life as desperate Palestinians try to collect aid is the consequence of their deliberate targeting by Israeli forces and the foreseeable consequence of irresponsible and lethal methods of distribution,” said Callamard as cited in the report.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 500 deaths near GHF sites in the last month, where private contractors and nearby Israeli troops have allegedly opened fire on crowds.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the report, accusing Amnesty of spreading Hamas propaganda. The military insists it fires only warning shots and denies targeting civilians. Israel claims it has facilitated over 3,000 aid trucks since May 19 and says GHF has delivered food equating to 56 million meals. Humanitarian agencies counter that the aid falls far short of what is needed.

GHF response to recent report from Amnesty International:

“In just five weeks, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has delivered over 58 million meals and one million boxes of aid directly to civilians in Gaza safely, consistently, and without interference from Hamas. Our mission…

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) July 3, 2025

The UNs World Food Programme reported last month that food diversity and availability in Gaza had dropped to their lowest levels since the war began. GHF, meanwhile, defended its operations and challenged critics to collaborate rather than condemn.

GHF, which began operations on May 26, is run by a Trump-aligned evangelical figure and received $30 million from the US government—its first publicly known funding. The group denies allegations of violence at its sites, though Associated Press reporting, supported by contractor testimony and video, points to live fire and crowd suppression tactics.

The documentary that the BBC refused to air showing the targeting, detainment and torture of medics in Gaza by Israeli authorities was broadcast by Channel 4 last night.

Amnesty International researcher, Budour Hassan, explains the use of secret sites by the Israeli authorities. pic.twitter.com/M6aDqS6XeZ

— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) July 3, 2025

Amnesty reiterated previous accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza through mass killings, infrastructure destruction, and aid denial.

Israel strongly denies the charge, calling it an antisemitic “blood libel,” and is actively contesting genocide and war crimes allegations at international courts.

US-Backed Gaza Aid Program Disputes Allegations of Contractor Misconduct

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-backed US aid organization operating in Gaza, denied allegations published by The Associated Press (AP) that its American security contractors fired live ammunition and used stun grenades against Palestinians at food distribution sites.

The AP report, based on two anonymous US contractors, videos, internal messages, and documents, alleged that contractors used aggressive crowd control tactics at GHF’s heavily guarded aid hubs. The footage, reviewed by AP and verified via geolocation and forensic audio analysis, captured sounds of gunfire within 50-60 meters of the camera and scenes of tear gas and stun grenades being used on tightly packed aid seekers.

GHF responded Thursday by calling the AP’s claims “categorically false,” asserting that the gunfire in the videos originated from Israeli forces located “outside the immediate vicinity” of the distribution centers. The Israeli Army, however, stated it was not stationed at or near the sites.

GHF statement in response to recent reporting from the Associated Press:

“GHF launched an immediate investigation when the Associated Press first brought these allegations to our attention. Based on time-stamped video footage and sworn witness statements, we have concluded that…

— Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (@GHFUpdates) July 3, 2025

The foundation accused the AP of relying on a “disgruntled former contractor” terminated for misconduct and criticized the news outlet for not sharing the videos in advance.

AP defended its decision to withhold footage to protect sources’ safety and confirmed the accuracy of the evidence through expert verification.

One contractor who filmed the incidents said he witnessed colleagues firing at Palestinians leaving with food, while another shouted celebratory remarks during the gunfire. GHF claimed no one was injured or shot but did not directly refute this particular account. It also confirmed the removal of a contractor seen shouting in one of the videos.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denies reports its contractors fired live ammunition

‘We’re dealing here with a Hamas propaganda campaign designed to discredit an alternative aid distribution system that denies it the ability to hijack aid,’ @yaakovlappin tells @natasharaquel_ pic.twitter.com/TOboy78bYq

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) July 3, 2025

Journalists have not been granted access to GHF sites, which are located in Israeli-controlled zones.

GHF continues to face mounting scrutiny from humanitarian groups and rights organizations over its methods, as well as Israel’s role in shaping Gaza’s aid distribution during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Drone Strike Hits Near Beirut, Kills One and Injures Three

An Israeli drone strike on Thursday targeted a vehicle in Khaldeh, just south of Beirut, killing one person and injuring three others, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.

The strike occurred in a densely populated area near Lebanon’s only commercial airport.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it targeted “a saboteur” involved in arms smuggling and terror plots on behalf of Iran’s Quds Force. It remains unclear if the intended target was among the casualties.

Videos shared online show the moment an Israeli drone strike targeted a car on the Khaldeh highway south of the Lebanese capital Beirut.

The Israeli army said it “eliminated a terrorist” responsible for smuggling weapons and advancing attacks against Israel on behalf of Iran. pic.twitter.com/HJhml4lGaW

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) July 3, 2025

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire in November between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah and allied militant groups.

Since the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have killed 250 and wounded over 600 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Also Thursday, Hezbollah held a funeral for a former top security aide to leader Hassan Nasrallah. The former bodyguard was killed in Iran during last month’s Israel-Iran conflict, along with his son. Nasrallah himself was killed in a previous Israeli strike in Beirut.

Hundreds Flee Tulkarem Refugee Camp After Israeli Demolition Orders

Over 400 Palestinian families fled the Tulkarem refugee camp in the occupied West Bank this week after receiving demolition orders from the Israeli military, joining tens of thousands already displaced by Israel’s ongoing military campaign targeting refugee camps.

Residents packed their belongings—mattresses, appliances, and essentials—onto vehicles and left their homes on Wednesday. The demolitions, which affect 104 buildings, were justified by the Israeli army as necessary to combat militant activity and ensure operational freedom in what it calls high-terror zones.

Late Wednesday, Israel’s Supreme Court issued a temporary freeze on the demolitions following an appeal from Adalah, a Palestinian rights group. The military has until September 2 to respond.

Despite the legal pause, displaced families have not returned, and the army declined to comment.

Some of the displaced residents of Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank, forcibly removed by the Israeli occupation since January, were briefly allowed to return this morning to collect some of their belongings before the imminent demolition of their homes by… pic.twitter.com/phwVDeug1W

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) July 2, 2025

The Tulkarem operation is part of a broader post-October 7 offensive that has razed and depopulated camps like Nur Shams and Tulkarem. Israel has indicated troops may remain in some camps for up to a year.

Local officials say demolition orders have now displaced around 1,000 families in total.

Ukraine Scrambles as US Pauses Key Weapons Shipments Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Ukraine is facing intensified Russian assaults along the front line and in major cities just as the United States pauses shipments of key military equipment, including critical air defense systems.

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze some arms deliveries, most notably Patriot missiles and HIMARS systems, comes as Ukraine contends with mounting drone and missile strikes and an ongoing manpower shortage.

Patriot air defense missiles, vital to protecting cities like Kyiv from frequent Russian ballistic missile attacks, are irreplaceable and only available globally with US approval.

A senior Ukrainian official stressed their urgent necessity and questioned Washington’s political will to maintain support, warning of increased civilian vulnerability.

While Ukraine has ramped up domestic production of drones and 155mm artillery shells, high-tech systems like Patriots remain out of reach without American cooperation. In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for deeper defense industry partnerships with Europe and fast-tracking legislation to modernize Ukraine’s arms production, both domestically and abroad.

European countries have overtaken the US in total military aid to Ukraine for the first time since mid-2022, contributing $85 billion compared to $77 billion from the US, according to the Kiel Institute. However, Europe lacks the manufacturing capacity to fully replace the loss of American weapons.

2/ Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast. Russian forces advanced in northern Kharkiv Oblast and near Toretsk and Novopavlivka.

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 2, 2025: https://t.co/3bZbUNOkld pic.twitter.com/CPtheXy0WV

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) July 3, 2025

On the battlefield, Ukraine’s forces remain short-handed and increasingly reliant on drones. While artillery and ammunition supplies have improved, analysts warn that the absence of advanced US systems could leave Ukrainian airspace dangerously exposed as Russia steps up its offensive.

Ukrainian officials say the priority now is securing steady, reliable weapons deliveries, warning that disruptions, especially at such a critical moment, risk undermining frontline resilience and national defense.

Trump and Putin Hold Sixth Call Since Return to White House, Discuss Iran, Ukraine, and Bilateral Cooperation

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Thursday in a conversation the Kremlin described as “frank and constructive,” covering key issues including Iran, Ukraine, and potential US-Russia cooperation.

The call came amid rising global tensions following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22.

Putin stressed resolving Middle East conflicts through political and diplomatic channels and agreed to continued dialogue between Russian and US officials on the matter.

On Ukraine, Trump reiterated his desire to end the war quickly, while Putin expressed Moscow’s willingness to resume talks, pointing to previous negotiations in Turkey that yielded humanitarian results. However, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to achieving its goals in Ukraine, including NATO exclusion and recognition of its territorial gains.

The call followed news that the Pentagon is pausing some weapons shipments to Ukraine due to stockpile concerns, though that issue was not discussed during the call, according to Russian adviser Yuri Ushakov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he expects to speak with Trump soon regarding the aid freeze.

US President Trump and Russian President Putin discuss Iran, Ukraine and other issues in “frank and constructive” phone call, Kremlin says. Dasha Chernyshova has more pic.twitter.com/JufQHyGkyr

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) July 3, 2025

Beyond security concerns, Trump and Putin also discussed Syria, energy and space cooperation, and even cultural exchanges involving films promoting “traditional values.” Putin congratulated Trump on the US Independence Day and expressed support for Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax and spending bill.

This marks the sixth known call between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office, signaling renewed efforts to stabilize deteriorated US-Russia relations amid ongoing global conflicts.

Russia Becomes First Country to Officially Recognize Taliban Government

Russia formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan on Thursday, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in August 2021.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed receipt of credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan, signaling the start of “productive bilateral cooperation.”

The move follows Moscow’s decision in April to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations. Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov said President Vladimir Putin made the recognition official based on a recommendation from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, highlighting Russia’s intent to pursue “full-fledged relations” with Afghanistan.

The Taliban hailed the decision as a historic milestone. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said it should serve as “a good example for other countries.” Despite maintaining diplomatic ties with nations like China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Taliban had remained internationally isolated—primarily due to their severe restrictions on women’s rights.

Russia says it has accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of the country.

Read more: https://t.co/fooCvL83lP pic.twitter.com/OnvzxZSCDo

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 3, 2025

Since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban have banned girls’ education beyond sixth grade and barred women from most jobs and public spaces, undermining their early promises of a more moderate rule.

Russia’s recognition reflects a growing shift in its foreign policy, prioritizing regional engagement and stability over Western-led isolation of the Taliban regime.

Myanmar Resistance Claims Shootdown of Military Jet in Eastern Combat Zone

Resistance fighters from the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) claimed they shot down a Myanmar military fighter jet during heavy clashes near Hpasawng township in Kayah state early Wednesday.

The group said the jet, identified as a Chinese-made FTC-2000G ground-attack aircraft, crashed on a hillside where fighters later found wreckage and the remains of two pilots.

KNDF vice commander Maui shared photos and video of the crash site and said the downing occurred amid ongoing military airstrikes in the region following the capture of an army infantry battalion by resistance forces on Monday.

Myanmar 🇲🇲: a junta warplane (FTC-2000G) crashed in the hills of Karenni state near the town of Hpasawng. Both pilots are confirmed to have died.

Resistance forces have secured the area of the wreckage. pic.twitter.com/JgTlyZnHuF

— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) July 3, 2025

State-run media acknowledged the disappearance of a military aircraft during a training flight Tuesday night, about 130 kilometers southeast of Naypyitaw, blaming a possible technical fault or weather conditions but gave no details on casualties or aircraft type.

Kayah state has been a hotspot of intense fighting since the 2021 military coup. The resistance has grown stronger in the region, which borders Thailand, while the military increasingly relies on airpower, primarily sourced from China and Russia, to suppress uprisings.

At least four military jets and five helicopters have been lost since the coup, with opposition groups claiming responsibility for several shootdowns.

China’s Homegrown Aircraft Carrier Shandong Docks in Hong Kong to Boost Patriotism

China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, arrived in Hong Kong Thursday as part of a patriotic showcase, days after the city marked the 28th anniversary of its return from British to Chinese rule.

The Shandong, accompanied by a destroyer and a frigate from its battle group, will be open to public visits over the weekend. All 10,000 tickets were quickly claimed, including 2,000 for access to the carrier.

Weighing 70,000 tons fully loaded and carrying 24 Shenyang J-10 fighters, the Shandong is China’s second carrier and the first built entirely at home.

Its arrival is seen as part of Beijing’s intensified effort to instill national pride in Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests and the subsequent imposition of a strict national security law.

China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, sailed into Hong Kong Special Administrative Region waters on Thursday on its maiden visit to the city, accompanied by an escort fleet.

The fleet’s five-day stay in #HongKong — which includes exclusive public… pic.twitter.com/1QXdhE8Wm6

— Xi’s Moments (@XisMoments) July 3, 2025

The ship previously participated in naval and air exercises near Taiwan and joint carrier drills in the Pacific with China’s first carrier, Liaoning. A third carrier is undergoing sea trials, and a fourth is under construction, signaling China’s growing naval ambitions.

Hong Kong, while enjoying semi-autonomy, has no control over military matters. Chinese military forces maintain a permanent presence in the city, which Beijing increasingly uses as a platform to demonstrate its expanding power and patriotic messaging.

Sources: News Agencies