Morning Brief: National Guard to Withdraw in Fall, UN Readies Massive Gaza Aid Push, Russia Launches New Attacks on Ukraine

Good Morning! States begin pulling National Guard troops from Trump’s D.C. crackdown as the US sends troops to Israel to support a Gaza ceasefire. The United Nations readies a major aid push, Tony Blair joins Gaza’s reconstruction plan, and Venezuela protests US strikes at the UN. Meanwhile, Russian missiles hit Kyiv, Pakistan retaliates against the Taliban, India restores its Kabul embassy, Chinese warships visit Cambodia, Taiwan boosts air defenses, and Kim Jong Un pledges to build a “socialist paradise.” Here’s your Friday, October 10, 2025, world brief.

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States Plan Fall Withdrawal of National Guard Troops from Trump’s D.C. Law Enforcement Campaign

More than half of the states contributing National Guard troops to President Donald Trump’s federal law enforcement initiative in Washington plan to withdraw their forces by late October or November, officials told the Associated Press.

The move signals a potential drawdown of the months-long deployment that began after Trump declared an emergency over crime concerns in August.

About 2,300 Guard members from eight states and D.C. remain in the capital, alongside hundreds of federal officers. Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia—representing over 80 percent of out-of-state forces—have set end dates, while Alabama, Louisiana, and South Dakota have not.

The D.C. National Guard will stay at least through December.

Most States with National Guard Troops in DC Plan to Withdraw This Fall https://t.co/1wd3eeimlK

— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) October 10, 2025

The White House says the campaign has reduced crime, but local officials and residents have criticized the deployment as excessive and unsettling.

A D.C. lawsuit challenging the legality of the operation is scheduled for hearing on October 24.

US Deploys 200 Troops to Israel to Support Gaza Ceasefire and Aid Operations

The United States is deploying about 200 troops to Israel to help oversee and support the Gaza ceasefire agreement, US officials said Thursday.

The personnel, drawn from US Central Command (CENTCOM) and other units, will form a civil-military coordination center to manage humanitarian aid, logistics, and security assistance.

The center will operate from Israel and not inside Gaza.

Trump to send 200 TROOPS to monitor Gaza ceasefire — AP

Anonymous American officials say boots will be on the ground in Israel, not Gaza

To establish ‘civil-military coordination center’ and help get aid into Strip https://t.co/I3GYDjI0eJ pic.twitter.com/HrKNVZ3PuQ

— RT (@RT_com) October 9, 2025

The deployment follows the first phase of a Trump administration-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which includes releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The US team will also help monitor the ceasefire’s implementation and assist in planning the transition toward a civilian government in Gaza after two years of war.

Israel Approves Outline of Trump-Brokered Ceasefire and Hostage Deal with Hamas

Israel’s Cabinet approved the outline of a US-brokered deal to release hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a key step toward a ceasefire in the two-year war.

The agreement, mediated by President Donald Trump’s administration, would see Israel withdraw from much of Gaza as Hamas releases all remaining hostages.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 67,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage.

Despite the breakthrough, Israeli airstrikes continued Thursday, killing at least 11 people.

New strikes were seen and heard in Gaza today. They came after the Israeli cabinet early this morning accepted the framework of a ceasefire deal, which is due to take effect within 24 hours of the decision

Click here to read more: https://t.co/Yk4eruQ4nM pic.twitter.com/qgcDCepHgo

— The National (@TheNationalNews) October 10, 2025

Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said the deal includes opening border crossings, resuming aid deliveries, and freeing about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu faces political tension within his coalition, as far-right ministers oppose any ceasefire allowing Hamas to remain in power.

The final signing is expected in Egypt, with prisoner releases and troop withdrawals to begin within days.

UN Prepares Massive Aid Push for Gaza, Awaits Israel’s Approval After Ceasefire Deal

The United Nations said that 170,000 metric tons of food, medicine, and humanitarian supplies are ready to enter Gaza pending Israeli approval, following a US-brokered ceasefire deal.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the organization plans to ramp up deliveries to reach over 2 million Palestinians after months of restricted access that provided only 20 percent of needed aid.

Under the 60-day ceasefire plan, the UN aims to send 500-600 aid trucks daily, deliver food to 2.1 million people, restore health care and sanitation systems, provide shelter materials, and reopen temporary schools for 700,000 children.

Fletcher said reversing famine and protecting civilians are top priorities but warned that access, safety guarantees, and funding remain critical challenges.

.@UNReliefChief Tom Fletcher explains what the humanitarian community plans to deliver to #Gaza in the next 60 days. pic.twitter.com/3yqsEli3nX

— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) October 10, 2025

The UN hopes Israel will soon authorize full humanitarian access to address what it calls a severe hunger and health crisis caused by two years of war.

Tony Blair Tapped to Help Lead Gaza Peace Effort, Drawing Parallels to His Legacy in Kosovo

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has emerged as a central figure in a US-backed plan to stabilize Gaza following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, US officials said.

Under President Donald Trump’s proposal, Blair would help lead a transitional “Board of Peace” — an international authority overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, security, and governance under a UN mandate.

President Donald J. Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict:

1. Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.

2. Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

3. If… pic.twitter.com/veqhr9MW28

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 29, 2025

While Blair’s past role in the Iraq War has drawn criticism from Palestinians and Arab states, supporters point to his success in Kosovo, where his 1999 NATO campaign alongside US President Bill Clinton helped end a Serbian crackdown on ethnic Albanians.

In Kosovo, Blair remains a national hero, honored with statues and even namesakes. His supporters there believe his leadership could aid Gaza’s recovery, though analysts warn that the region’s complex politics and deep mistrust of Western intervention pose major challenges.

Blair previously served as the Middle East Quartet’s envoy until 2015, when peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians stalled.

Venezuela Calls Emergency UN Meeting Over US Military Strikes in Caribbean

Venezuela recently requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address recent US military operations near its waters, accusing Washington of threatening regional and international stability.

In a letter to Russia’s UN ambassador and current council president, Caracas alleged that President Donald Trump’s administration is using anti-drug operations as a pretext to pursue regime change and seize Venezuela’s natural resources.

🚨 Venezuela | Nicolás Maduro’s regime has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in response to what it considers to be a serious “escalation of aggression and military deployment” by the US. pic.twitter.com/rGuoT0Tq1c

— VOZ (@Voz_US) October 10, 2025

The request follows four US airstrikes in the Caribbean that killed 21 people on boats the US said were carrying drugs.

Venezuela’s government warned of a potential “armed attack” in the near future and acknowledged for the first time that the initial strike occurred after previously questioning its authenticity.

Russia, a key Maduro ally, is expected to support Venezuela’s request for council discussion.

Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, Killing One and Injuring Dozens

Russian drone and missile attacks early Friday injured at least 12 people in Kyiv, killed one person in southeastern Ukraine, and caused widespread power outages, officials said.

In central Kyiv, rescue teams evacuated over 20 residents from a burning 17-story apartment building, with five hospitalized.

The strikes knocked out electricity and water supplies across the capital and severely damaged energy infrastructure, according to city and energy officials.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces targeted residential areas and energy facilities, killing a 7-year-old boy and injuring his parents.

At many critical infrastructure sites, recovery efforts continue following Russia’s strike on the energy sector. It was a cynical and calculated attack, with more than 450 drones and over thirty missiles targeting everything that sustains normal life, everything the Russians want… pic.twitter.com/VoGrhhrVaW

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 10, 2025

Ukraine’s Energy Ministry called the assault a major blow to the country’s power network as attacks on civilian and energy targets continue to intensify.

Pakistan Kills 30 Militants in Retaliatory Raids After Deadly Taliban Ambush

Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants in intelligence-led raids targeting Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district, the military said Friday.

The operations followed a Wednesday ambush on a military convoy that killed 11 soldiers, including two senior officers.

The Pakistani Army said the militants, described as “Indian-sponsored Khwarij,” were linked to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Pakistan accused India of backing such groups, a claim New Delhi denies.

The TTP claimed responsibility for the convoy attack.

Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif vowed no leniency toward insurgents and urged Afghanistan’s Taliban government to stop cross-border attacks.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister on the Afghan Taliban’s support to TTP terrorists:

“We cannot tolerate this anymore. Enough is Enough.”

He says Pakistan will now target the hideouts of those aiding the terrorists, both in Pakistan and Afghanistan, regardless of collateral damage. pic.twitter.com/pnSH7KPx03

— The STRATCOM Bureau (@OSPSF) October 9, 2025

Pakistan has faced rising militant violence since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.

India Upgrades Kabul Mission to Full Embassy, Deepening Ties with Taliban-Led Afghanistan

India announced Friday it will upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, marking its first major diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in 2021.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, pledging India’s continued support for Afghanistan’s development, trade, health, and education.

Muttaqi, who is under UN sanctions, visited India on a temporary travel exemption following talks in Russia earlier this week.

The move signals India’s pragmatic outreach to the Taliban as part of a broader strategy to counter China and Pakistan’s growing influence in Afghanistan.

Pleased to meet FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan today in New Delhi.

This visit marks an important step in advancing our ties and affirming the enduring India-Afghanistan friendship.

Discussed India’s support for Afghanistan’s development, our bilateral trade,… pic.twitter.com/OLBOiv3gZZ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 10, 2025

Analysts say New Delhi’s engagement reflects a shift toward maintaining regional leverage while Kabul’s relations with Islamabad remain strained.

Despite increased diplomatic activity, the Taliban government remains largely isolated internationally due to its restrictions on women and lack of recognition by most countries.

Chinese Warships Visit Cambodia Amid Regional Tensions and Border Dispute

Two Chinese warships arrived in Cambodia on Friday for what Beijing called a friendship and training visit, underscoring its close ties with Phnom Penh amid heightened regional tensions.

The amphibious ship Yimeng Shan and training vessel Qijiguang docked at Sihanoukville’s civilian port and will stay until Tuesday before visiting Thailand and Singapore.

The visit comes weeks after a five-day armed clash between Cambodia and Thailand over a border dispute and amid concerns in Bangkok about Chinese arms supplies to Cambodia.

Cambodia’s Navy said the visit focuses on cooperation and not on the border conflict.

Cambodia Welcomes Friendly Naval Visits for Regional Peace and Cooperation ⚓🇰🇭

Today, Cambodia is honored to welcome warships from Australia and China docking at Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville. As a customary practice, Cambodia warmly receives all friendly nations that send… pic.twitter.com/nmIwPuux1Y

— KIM KHORN LONG (龍金夫) (@longkimkhorn1) October 10, 2025

The ships’ docking at a commercial port instead of the China-funded Ream Naval Base appeared aimed at easing Western concerns that the base is used by Beijing.

China’s ambassador reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and development, while large crowds of ethnic Chinese residents welcomed the vessels with flags and performances.

Taiwan to Build ‘T-Dome’ Air Defense System and Boost Military Spending

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced Friday that Taiwan will accelerate development of a “Taiwan Shield,” or “T-Dome,” air defense system to counter growing military threats from China.

Speaking on Taiwan’s National Day, Lai said defense spending will rise above three percent of GDP and reach five percent by 2030 to strengthen detection and interception capabilities. He described Taiwan as a “beacon of democracy” committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while resisting Chinese pressure.

Lai also outlined a $3 billion relief plan to offset the impact of US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and said Taiwan will pursue tariff negotiations with Washington.

Taiwan’s president has pledged to accelerate the building of a “T-Dome” air defense system in face of the threat from China. Lai Ching-te says his government will establish a rigorous defense system with high-level detection and effective interception. https://t.co/rKoC7VvHFE

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 10, 2025

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, condemned what it called separatist rhetoric and accused a Taiwanese company of spreading “independence fallacies.”

The announcement comes as China continues regular military maneuvers near Taiwan and amid rising regional tensions.

Kim Jong Un Vows to Build ‘Best Socialist Paradise’ as North Korea Marks Party’s 80th Anniversary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to transform his country into “the best socialist paradise in the world” while defending its nuclear buildup against what he called a US-led military threat.

Speaking at a mass rally in Pyongyang ahead of the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, Kim praised North Korea’s dual focus on nuclear and economic development and vowed to strengthen ties with China, Russia, and other allies.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam attended the event, underscoring Pyongyang’s growing alignment with Beijing and Moscow.

Today, #KimJongUn gave a speech at the inauguration ceremony of the newly-completed #Pyongyang General Hospital

KJU commented on the lateness of construction, the quality of build, and outlined changes to be done in health and related fields pic.twitter.com/VARBdnd3yG

— North Korean Archives and Library (NKAAL) (@NorthNKAAL) October 6, 2025

A military parade expected later Friday is likely to feature new intercontinental ballistic missiles, including the solid-fuel Hwasong-20, which analysts say could carry multiple warheads.

Kim’s comments come as he signals interest in renewed diplomacy with the US, following years of stalled nuclear talks, while continuing to expand his weapons programs and military cooperation with Russia.

Sources: News Agencies