Gazans rise against Hamas

Hi Global Recap readers,

It’s truly rare to see Gazans rise up against Hamas, expressing frustration over the endless violence and suffering in the region.

While anti-Israel, pro-Palestine protests in the West might suggest that all Gazans support Hamas’ ideology, the reality is more complex.

• A significant portion of Gaza’s population opposes the continuous “resistance” mentality and anti-Israel sentiment, which fosters resentment and violence in future generations.

• In fact, I’ve shared videos before showing Hamas terrorists publicly executing their own citizens for alleged offenses, such as “stealing” humanitarian aid.

This brings up an interesting question of consistency, which we’ll explore. But first, here’s an update on yesterday’s “leaked war plans” story. 👇️ 

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
”Leaked Plans” Update

First, let me address the recent "leak" of the US’s “war plans” in Yemen on the Signal app.

• Yesterday, we ran a poll asking whether you think the leak is “real.”

• If you clicked the link, you would have seen that Brian Hughes, the National Security Council spokesperson, confirmed the authenticity of the Signal group. Here’s the link again: Click here.

• I asked because many were still skeptical about the leak’s authenticity, mainly because it came from Jeffrey Goldberg, the Atlantic reporter who broke the story.

• In fact, even after the White House and President Trump confirmed the leak, some people are still claiming it was an “intentional 3D chess move” by the Trump administration. Not sure about that.

Trump’s Comments

President Trump revealed that someone connected to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat.

• Trump described the individual as working at a “lower level” with Waltz.

• Goldberg’s number was reportedly shared without proper authorization.

• However, Mike Waltz still took “full responsibility” for the leak, saying it was “embarassing.”

The Signal Chat Drama

The chat contained discussions about sensitive war plans, making the breach a serious concern.

• Critics have labeled the incident as “sloppy” and “careless.”

Gabbard

(If you have two hours to spare, you might want to watch the entire hearing above 😬)

During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard faced tough questions about her participation in a Signal group chat.

• The chat reportedly included discussions about Yemen military strikes.

• However, Gabbard claimed the chat didn’t mention specific targets but acknowledged general discussions about them.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Iran’s Underground Missile City

Iran just gave the world a peek into its underground “missile city,” but the flashy reveal might have exposed a critical flaw.

Reveal

Iranian state media released a rather dramatic video showcasing a massive underground weapons facility.

• The video features military leaders Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

• The facility houses advanced missiles like Kheybar Shekans, Ghadr-Hs, and Sejjils.

• It’s part of Iran’s effort to flex its military muscle amid rising tensions.

Vulnerability

While the video aims to intimidate, it also highlights a major design flaw.

• The munitions are stored in long, open tunnels with limited protective measures.

• Experts warn this setup could lead to catastrophic chain reactions if breached.

• Unlike other Iranian facilities, this one lacks robust blast doors or separated storage.

Timing

The timing of the video isn’t random.

• There are indications that the US is getting ready for a large-scale operation in the region as it is currently ramping up its presence at Diego Garcia.

• At least five B-2 Spirit bombers and seven C-17 Globemaster III transport planes have landed or are en route.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA & 🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Russia, Ukraine Agree to Truce

Russia and Ukraine have reached a rare agreement to pause attacks on Black Sea and energy targets, with the US stepping in to mediate.

But don’t get too excited—there’s plenty of skepticism to go around.

The Deal

The United States brokered separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine to halt maritime and energy-related attacks.

• The maritime truce aims to prevent strikes on Black Sea shipping.

• Energy facilities will also get a 30-day reprieve from attacks.

The Drama

As expected, both sides are already accusing each other of bad faith.

• Russia claims the deal hinges on restoring its banks’ access to the SWIFT system and lifting sanctions on its agriculture and fertilizer exports.

• However, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy denies this, calling it a “manipulation” by Moscow.

• Both countries are relying on the US to enforce the agreements.

• Hours after the announcements, Russia and Ukraine traded accusations over drone attacks. However, there were no immediate reports of strikes on Black Sea or energy targets.

Energy and Maritime Ceasefires

The agreements address critical aspects of the war, including attacks on energy facilities and maritime security.

• Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power grid, while Ukraine has struck Russian oil and gas sites.

• The maritime truce could ease tensions in the Black Sea, a vital region for global grain exports.

Trump’s Role

President Trump is taking credit for the progress, though he admits there’s “tremendous animosity” between the parties in the talks, but expressed optimism about progress.

• Trump proposed a 30-day full ceasefire, which Russia rejected.

• Critics worry Trump might cave to Russian demands, jeopardizing Ukraine’s security.

🇵🇸 PALESTINE
Rare Protests Against Hamas

In a surprising turn of events, Gazans have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations with Hamas, calling for an end to the ongoing war and the militant group’s control over the territory.

Protests

In the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya, residents gathered in the half-ruined streets to demand change.

• Protesters carried signs opposing the war and chanted for Hamas to leave Gaza.

• This rare public dissent comes after more than a year of devastating conflict with Israel.

• Some blame Hamas for initiating the war with its October 2023 attack on Israel.

Ceasefire Collapse

Tensions really started igniting after Israel abandoned a two-month ceasefire last week.

• The ceasefire, which began in January, ended as Israel resumed bombardments to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

• Gazans fear that any truce leaving Hamas in power will only lead to more conflict.

Fear of Retaliation

Publicly criticizing Hamas is dangerous, given its track record of suppressing dissent. Remember all those brutal videos of Hamas blindfolding Gazans and shooting them in public.

• Protesters like Ahmed al-Masri and Ibrahim (who asked to remain partially anonymous) expressed their fears of retribution.

• Hamas has been accused of detaining and torturing critics, as highlighted in a 2018 Human Rights Watch report.

Bigger Picture

The protests reflect a growing frustration among Gazans who are weary of war and destruction.

• Many believe that lasting peace is impossible without Hamas stepping down.

• As one activist put it, “Without Hamas going away, the next war will only be a matter of time.”

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Adversaries Team Up Against US

A new intelligence report reveals that China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are working together like never before to undermine US interests globally.

We’ve all had a sense of this for a while, but this report really seems to cement what we’ve suspected.

The Big Picture

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released a 30-page threat assessment, spotlighting these four nations as America’s top adversaries.

• China is labeled the “most capable” threat, using military, economic, and cyber tactics to challenge the US.

• Russia is ramping up its nuclear capabilities and remains entrenched in its war against Ukraine.

• Iran is supplying drones to Russia while advancing its own weapons programs.

• North Korea is sending munitions and troops to Russia, gaining access to advanced weaponry in return.

China’s Strategic Moves

China is playing the long game, aiming to replace the US as the world’s dominant superpower.

• Beijing is expected to increase pressure on Taiwan in 2025 to push for unification.

• It’s also expanding its claims in the South and East China Seas, challenging US allies like Japan and the Philippines.

• On the tech front, China is working to outpace the US in artificial intelligence by 2030.

Russia’s Nuclear Ambitions

Russia isn’t holding back when it comes to nuclear advancements.

• President Vladimir Putin is determined to prevail in Ukraine, seeing it as a defining moment in his legacy.

• Moscow is receiving economic and military support from China, Iran, and North Korea to sustain its war efforts.

• Therefore, it’ll be interesting to see how Putin handles future ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine.

Iran’s Dual Role

Iran is juggling its own military ambitions while aiding Russia.

• Tehran has become a key supplier of drones to Moscow.

• Meanwhile, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is at record highs, though it hasn’t officially restarted its nuclear weapons program.

  • There have also been frequent instances of “seismic activity” near its nuclear sites—most chalk it up to natural causes, but plenty of people aren’t so sure.

North Korea’s Calculated Risks

North Korea is leveraging its alliance with Russia to reduce dependence on China.

• Pyongyang has sent troops and munitions to Russia, gaining access to advanced military technology.

• This partnership strengthens its ability to challenge the US.

What’s Missing?

Interestingly, the report omits climate change, a topic previously included for nearly a decade. Perhaps this is reflecting the current administration’s stance on climate change?