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Filipino soldiers used their “bare hands” to fight off armed Chinese coastguard in the disputed South China Sea, a Philippine military chief has said.

General Romeo Brawner Jr, head of the Philippine armed forces, accused Chinese personnel of boarding more than eight motorboats and repeatedly ramming, then boarding, two inflatable vessels on Monday.

Comparing the act to piracy, he said the Chinese had bladed weapons and tried to prevent the transfer of food, firearms and other supplies to a Philippine territorial outpost in the disputed area of the Second Thomas Shoal.

Hostilities between the two countries have escalated in and around the shoal – where the Philippines grounded the BRP Sierra Madre ship in 1999 to create the outpost – which is also claimed by Beijing.

In this handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chinese Coast Guard hold knives and machetes as they approach Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
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Sirens blared constantly as both sides could be heard yelling at each other in video footage. Pic: Armed forces of the Philippines

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows the windshield, communications and navigational equipment on a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
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Damage allegedly caused by the Chinese coastguard. Pic: Armed forces of the Philippines

Footage released by the Philippine military on Wednesday showed the dispute, with Chinese personnel brandishing what appeared to be machetes, knives, axes, hammers and sticks while surrounding two supply boats.

Sirens blared constantly as both sides could be heard yelling at each other. The Chinese appeared to smash the Philippine navy boat with a pole and images showed its side floaters slashed and deflated, and another boat with its windshields and navigational screens shattered.

One Filipino solider lost his right thumb and a number of others were injured as M4 rifles, navigation equipment and other supplies were seized, two Philippine security officials said.

“Only pirates do this. Only pirates board, steal, and destroy ships, equipment, and belongings,” Gen Brawner said.

He demanded the Chinese return all firearms and equipment and “pay for the damage they caused”.

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows communications and navigational equipment on a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
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The Philippines has demanded China pays for the alleged damage. Pic: Armed forces of the Philippines

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
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A damaged Philippine navy inflatable boat. Pic: Armed forces of the Philippines

China blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying Filipino personnel “trespassed” into the shoal, ignoring its warnings.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Chinese coastguard took “professional law-enforcement measures”, accusing the Philippines of illegally supplying its vessels.

“No direct measures were taken against the Philippine personnel,” he added.

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The incident prompted the US to renew a warning that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally.

In addition to China and the Philippines – Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims in the waterway.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea – a claim invalidated by an international tribunal in 2016.

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A “brazen act of aggression” by China – Philippines defence secretary

The latest confrontation in the South China Sea is a new low in relations between China and the Philippines.

It is a simmering dispute that threatens to drag the United States and others into global conflict.

Manila says the images of Chinese Coast Guard officers brandishing an axe represent a “brazen act of aggression”. Beijing says it took “professional law-enforcement measures with restraint” – denying making any “direct measures” at Philippine personnel and insisting they were only stopping an “illegal supply mission”.

It feels, however, like an inflection point at a very tense time. The images being circulated online by both sides are only further inflaming the crisis.

In April, Sky News witnessed the Chinese Coast Guard firing water cannons at the Philippine Coast Guard.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, the defence secretary of the Philippines has told Sky News all out conflict with China is “a big concern” for his country and that they are facing a very “volatile and dynamic situation”.

Gilberto Teodoro claimed Beijing’s ultimate aim is to “strangle international commerce and bring the South China Sea under their exclusive control”.

But Beijing has said its decision to fire water cannons in April was “necessary” and that the Philippines was “violating their sovereignty”.

Mr Teodoro insisted they are simply defending waters that are rightfully theirs and have an “obligation” as a government to “ensure that the Filipino people have the ultimate use and be the ultimate beneficiaries of the economic zone”.

He cast Beijing’s actions near the disputed shoal as part of a campaign of “persistent bullying” bent on “weakening our economy and moral fabric”.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have intensified in recent months.

Mr Teodoro would not be drawn on whether his administration has a red line and insisted they are a “peace loving people” who want to “avoid conflict”. But he also added that any perceived illegal acts by China would be “a violation of our basic law, our constitution” and impossible for “government officials to ignore”.

“The idea of any sort of armed conflict to any Filipino, is really worrisome… We will always try to avoid it. However, in the face of illegal acts by China, it will be a violation of our basic law, our constitution, for government officials to ignore this fact,” he said.

Manila refers to the portion of the South China Sea that is within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines National Task Force says it will continue supply missions to the shoal “on a regular basis”.

Mr Teodoro says as long as they are “harassed” by China, “these conflicts will continue because these are Filipino fishermen within the EEZ and within traditional fishing areas”.

The US has recently made clear it will respond if there is a military move against the Philippines by China. But Mr Teodoro wants to see more outrage internationally. “I wish the whole world was more vociferous in voicing their concern and opposition to what China is illegally doing,” he said.

He believes China has not only “attempted to redefine international law but to also redefine the English dictionary with the word provocation” – the product he claims of a “paranoid mentality brought up by a closed society”.

It is the kind of rhetoric that will enrage Beijing and unlikely to encourage any kind of concessions.

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Philippines: China is a ‘big concern’

In January, Manila and Beijing agreed to improve maritime communication through talks, especially regarding the shoal.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela described China’s actions as “provocative, unprofessional and inhumane”.

“They serve as a clear indication that humanity has once again allowed barbarism to trample upon compassion, and that what is right is only defined by might,” he wrote on X after the latest clash.

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Trump applying ‘heavy pressure’ on Netanyahu to end war in Gaza

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Trump applying 'heavy pressure' on Netanyahu to end war in Gaza

US President Donald Trump is putting “heavy” pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza, two sources close to the ceasefire negotiations have told Sky News.

One US source said: “The US pressure on Israel has begun, and tonight it will be heavy.”

The source, who is not authorised to speak publicly, was referring to the White House dinner on Monday night between Trump and Netanyahu.

A second Middle Eastern diplomatic source agreed that the American pressure on Israel would be intense.

Benjamin Netanyahu gave Donald Trump a letter he said he had sent to a Nobel Peace Prize committee commending his peace efforts
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Benjamin Netanyahu gave Donald Trump a letter saying he had nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. Pic: AP

Netanyahu arrived in Washington DC in the early hours of Monday morning and held meetings on Monday with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state and national security adviser.

The Israeli prime minister plans to be in Washington until Thursday with meetings on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Trump has made clear his desire to bring the Gaza conflict to an end.

However, he has never articulated how a lasting peace, which would satisfy both the Israelis and Palestinians, could be achieved.

His varying comments about ownership of Gaza, moving Palestinians out of the territory and permanent resettlement, have presented a confusing policy.

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‘Israel has shifted towards economy of genocide’

Situation for Palestinians worse than ever

Over the coming days, we will see the extent to which Trump demands that Netanyahu accepts the current Gaza ceasefire deal, even if it falls short of Israel’s war aims – the elimination of Hamas.

The strategic objective to permanently remove Hamas seems always to have been impossible. Hamas as an entity was the extreme consequence of the Israeli occupation.

The Palestinians’ challenge has not gone away, and the situation for Palestinians now is worse than it has ever been in Gaza and also the West Bank. It is not clear how Trump plans to square that circle.

Read more:
Explainer – What is the possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal?
Israeli soldier describes arbitrary killing of civilians in Gaza

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‘Some Israeli commanders can decide to do war crimes’

Trump’s oft-repeated desire to “stop the killing” is sincere. Those close to him often emphasise this. He is also looking to cement his legacy as a peacemaker. He genuinely craves the Nobel Peace Prize.

In this context, the complexities of conflicts – in Ukraine or Gaza – are often of secondary importance to the president.

If Netanyahu can be persuaded to end the war, what would he need?

The hostages back – for sure. That would require agreement from Hamas. They would only agree to this if they have guarantees on Gaza’s future and their own future. More circles to square.

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Trump 100: We answer your questions

Was White House dinner a key moment?

The Monday night dinner could have been a key moment for the Middle East. Two powerful men in the Blue Room of the White House, deciding the direction of the region.

Will it be seen as the moment the region was remoulded? But to whose benefit?

Trump is a dealmaker with an eye on the prize. But Netanyahu is a political master; they don’t call him “the magician” for nothing.

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Trump makes decisions instinctively. He can shift position quickly and often listens to the last person in the room. Right now – that person is Netanyahu.

Gaza is one part of a jigsaw of challenges, which could become opportunities.

Diplomatic normalisation between Israel and the Arab world is a prize for Trump and could genuinely secure him the Nobel Peace Prize.

But without the Gaza piece, the jigsaw is incomplete.

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IDF presence in Gaza ‘only issue’ still to be resolved in push for Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Sky News understands

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IDF presence in Gaza 'only issue' still to be resolved in push for Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Sky News understands

Only one issue remains unresolved in the push to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Sky sources.

Intense negotiations are taking place in Qatar in parallel with key talks in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations have told Sky News that disagreement between Israel and Hamas remains on the status and presence of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) inside Gaza.

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Gaza ceasefire deal in progress

The two sides have bridged significant differences on several other issues, including the process of delivering humanitarian aid and Hamas’s demand that the US guarantees to ensure Israel doesn’t unilaterally resume the war when the ceasefire expires in 60 days.

On the issue of humanitarian aid, Sky News understands that a third party that neither Hamas nor Israel has control over will be used in areas from which the IDF withdraws.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Benjamin Netanyahu briefed reporters on Capitol Hill about the talks on Tuesday. Pic: AP

This means that the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – jointly run by an American organisation and Israel – will not be able to operate anywhere where the IDF is not deployed. It will limit GHF expansion plans.

It is believed the United Nations or other recognised humanitarian organisations will adopt a greater role.

On the issue of a US guarantee to prevent Israel restarting the war, Sky News understands that a message was passed to Hamas by Dr Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian American who has emerged as a key back channel in the negotiations.

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Read more from Sky News:
Trump puts pressure on Netanyahu
Netanyahu backs Trump for peace prize
Potential Gaza deal explained

The message appears to have been enough to convince Hamas that President Trump will prevent Israel from restarting the conflict.

However, there is no sense from any of the developments over the course of the past day about what the future of Gaza looks like longer-term.

Final challenge is huge

The last remaining disagreement is, predictably, the trickiest to bridge.

Israel’s central war aim, beyond the return of the hostages, is the total elimination of Hamas as a military and political organisation. The withdrawal of the IDF, partial or total, could allow Hamas to regroup.

One way to overcome this would be to provide wider guarantees of clear deliverable pathways to a viable future for Palestinians.

But there is no sense from the negotiations of any longer-term commitments on this issue.

Two key blocks have been resolved over the past 24 hours but the final challenge is huge.

The conflict in Gaza erupted when Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Some 20 hostages are believed to remain alive in Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

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‘Widespread sexual violence’ took place during Hamas’s 7 October attacks, report by Israeli experts says

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'Widespread sexual violence' took place during Hamas's 7 October attacks, report by Israeli experts says

A newly released report led by Israeli legal and gender experts presents detailed evidence alleging “widespread and systematic” sexual violence during the Hamas-led terror attack on 7 October.

Warning: This story contains descriptions of rape and sexual violence

The findings, published by the Dinah Project, argue that these acts amount to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), and assert that “Hamas used sexual violence as a tactical weapon of war”.

The report draws on 18 months of investigation and is based on survivor testimonies, eyewitness accounts, and interviews with first responders, morgue personnel and healthcare professionals.

According to the Dinah Project, the documented patterns – such as forced nudity, gang rapes, genital mutilation, and threats of forced marriage – indicate a deliberate and coordinated use of sexual violence by Hamas operatives during the attack.

Reported incidents span at least six locations, including the Nova music festival, and several kibbutzim in southern Israel.

A destroyed car near the police station in Sderot, following the 7 October attacks by Hamas. Pic: AP
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A destroyed car near the police station in Sderot, following the 7 October attacks by Hamas. Pic: AP

One section of the report describes victims “found fully or partially naked from the waist down, with their hands tied behind their backs and/or to structures such as trees and poles, and shot”.

At the Nova music festival and surrounding areas, the investigators found “reasonable grounds to believe” that multiple women were raped or gang-raped before being killed.

The report’s findings are consistent with earlier investigations by the United Nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Read more:
What is the possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal?

Israeli soldier describes arbitrary killing of civilians in Gaza

The UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict previously concluded that there were “reasonable grounds to believe” CRSV took place during the attack.

Pic: AP
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Destroyed vehicles near the grounds of the Supernova electronic music festival. Pic: AP

Significantly, the Dinah Project urges the international community to officially recognise the use of sexual violence by Hamas as a deliberate strategy of war and calls on the United Nations to add Hamas to its list of parties responsible for conflict-related sexual violence.

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The nature and scale of sexual violence on 7 October have been a subject of intense controversy, with some accusing parties of weaponising the narrative for political ends.

This report seeks to confront what its authors call “denial, misinformation, and global silence,” and to provide justice for the victims.

Hamas has denied that its fighters have used sexual violence and mistreated female hostages.

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