Morning Brief: Veterans Affairs Expands One-Year Community Care Access, Netanyahu Pushes for Full Gaza Occupation, Canada Airdrops Aid to Gaza

· Guy D. McCardle

A military cargo plane airdrops humanitarian aid over Gaza. (@BelgiumDefence/X)

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and today’s morning brief covers critical updates from the front lines to the home front. The VA cuts red tape with expanded one-year access to community care for veterans. In Mozambique, over 46,000 people flee new insurgent attacks. Gaza sees more civilian deaths as Netanyahu pushes for full occupation, while Canada begins aid drops and accuses Israel of breaking international law. Ukraine targets Russian infrastructure with drones, the Netherlands steps up with US arms funding, and the UK teams with Japan for F-35B drills. Plus, the US and allies simulate island defense in the Indo-Pacific. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

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VA Expands One-Year Community Care Access for Veterans in 30 Medical Specialties

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Monday that veterans using community care in 30 medical specialties will no longer need reauthorization for a full year, easing bureaucratic hurdles and improving continuity of care.

The new policy, which took effect immediately, replaces prior rules requiring reevaluation every 90 to 180 days.

Eligible veterans will now receive uninterrupted access to private-sector care for 12 months, provided they have received initial approval from a VA physician. The change aims to reduce disruptions caused by administrative red tape.

“No veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement. “This change means better continuity of care, which leads to better health outcomes.”

The community care program allows veterans to seek private care if they face long wait times or live far from VA facilities.

The new policy follows recent efforts to streamline the referral process, including the May removal of a rule requiring second-level approval of physician referrals.

The change comes after lawmakers, particularly Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jerry Moran, raised concerns over cases where veterans saw critical treatment, including cancer care, abruptly halted due to reauthorization denials.

Despite the update, veterans report ongoing delays and denials. Some say they have waited months or been referred to distant facilities. In one case, a veteran in Tennessee claimed his referral was denied without written explanation, leaving him unable to appeal.

The 30 specialties covered under the one-year reauthorization includes the following:

  • Cardiology
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Neurology and Otology
  • Otolaryngology or ENT
  • Gastroenterology
  • Urogynecology
  • Addiction Psychiatry Outpatient
  • Family & Couples Psychotherapy Outpatient
  • Mental Health Outpatient
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Nutrition Intervention Services
  • Oncology and Hematology
  • Neuro-Ophthalmology
  • Oculoplastic
  • Eye Care Examination
  • Optometry Routine
  • Orthopedic Hand
  • Orthopedic General
  • Orthopedic Spine
  • Pain Management
  • Podiatry
  • Podiatry DS
  • Addiction Medicine Outpatient
  • Pulmonary
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
  • Rheumatology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Urology

The VA encourages veterans to contact their local community care offices for more information.

 

Insurgent Attacks Displace Over 46,000 in Northern Mozambique in One Week

A surge in insurgent attacks between July 20 and July 28 displaced more than 46,000 people in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, the United Nations migration agency reported Monday.

Nearly 60% of those forced to flee were children. The UN’s humanitarian office confirmed the attacks struck three districts, triggering the mass displacement.

Mozambique has been battling an Islamic State-affiliated insurgency in its north for eight years. The militants have been accused of beheadings, abductions, and forcing children into labor or combat.

Rwandan troops have been deployed to support Mozambique’s counterinsurgency efforts.

Doctors Without Borders launched an emergency operation to assist the displaced, many of whom are now sheltering in camps in Chiure district, which suffered the worst attacks.

The conflict has displaced over 1 million people in northern Mozambique and halted a $20 billion offshore gas project by TotalEnergies in 2021. Despite international support, the insurgency remains active and continues to threaten regional stability.

 

Dozens Killed as Desperate Crowds Seek Aid in Gaza Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

Dozens of Palestinians were killed or injured Monday as they attempted to reach food distribution points and airdropped aid parcels across the Gaza Strip.

Witnesses and local health officials reported multiple incidents of Israeli gunfire targeting civilians trying to access desperately needed supplies amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis.

At least 16 people died and over 130 were wounded Sunday near the Zikim Crossing, Gaza’s main aid entry point.

Another 10 were killed in the Morag Corridor as Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on crowds approaching aid convoys.

Additional fatalities occurred near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites, including eight killed and 50 wounded near the Netzarim Corridor, according to Al-Awda Hospital. Witnesses described chaotic scenes and claimed Israeli troops shot at civilians. The military said it fired only warning shots.

Footage captured by the Associated Press showed chaotic scrambles for parachuted aid in central Gaza, with some parcels landing in the sea or off-limits areas. One aid drop injured a displaced man after crashing into a tent.

The UN and aid groups criticized the airlifts as dangerous and inefficient compared to land deliveries.

Israel’s blockade and ongoing offensive have severely limited aid access, pushing Gaza toward famine nearly 22 months into the war. Several hundred civilians have reportedly been killed while trying to reach food since May. The Israeli military disputes these numbers and maintains it acts only in response to threats.

The war began after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 60,900 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which the UN considers the most reliable source despite Israel contesting the figures and not providing alternatives.

Aid groups and families of Israeli hostages say both Gazans and captives face starvation, blaming both Israel’s restrictions and Hamas’s actions.

 

Netanyahu Pushes for Full Gaza Occupation as Security Chiefs Call for War’s End

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to push for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to media reports on Monday, amid growing domestic and international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

A senior official quoted by Ynetnews stated, “The die is cast, we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip.” Netanyahu is expected to consult his Security Cabinet and military leaders in the coming days.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly oppose the move, warning it could take years to eliminate Hamas’s tunnel network and may endanger the lives of the remaining 50 hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Despite these warnings, Netanyahu appears prepared to accept the risk, according to insiders.

One official said, “If this doesn’t suit the IDF chief of staff, he can resign.”

While hardline ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition have long demanded a full takeover and resettlement of Gaza, senior military and intelligence veterans are now speaking out.

On Monday, 19 former Israeli security chiefs, including ex-Mossad directors, former IDF chiefs of staff, and ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, released a video urging an immediate end to the war.

They argue that while Israel’s initial response was justified, the continued war is now politically driven and endangers the nation’s security and democratic character.

Former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon declared, “This war stopped being a just war,” and former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo warned, “We are on the precipice of defeat.”

The group demands a deal that secures the release of all hostages and ends the war.

 

Canada Airdrops Aid to Gaza, Accuses Israel of Violating International Law

Canada conducted its first humanitarian airdrop over Gaza using a Canadian Armed Forces aircraft, delivering 21,600 pounds of critical aid amid a worsening humanitarian crisis fueled by Israel’s nearly 22-month-long military campaign.

The airdrop, executed with a CC-130J Hercules, supports Global Affairs Canada’s relief mission and joins similar operations by Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Germany, and Belgium, according to the Israeli military.

Ottawa sharply criticized Israeli restrictions on aid delivery, stating Monday that “this obstruction of aid is a violation of international humanitarian law and must end immediately.”

Israel has not responded to the accusation but maintains that Hamas is responsible for the humanitarian collapse and defends the restrictions as necessary to prevent aid diversion to militants.

Canada’s move comes ahead of its plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September, increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel as famine spreads in Gaza.

Although Israel lifted its full blockade in May, aid flows remain tightly controlled.

 

Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Power Substation in Russia’s Rostov Region

An overnight Ukrainian drone attack ignited multiple fires in Russia’s southern Rostov region, including one at a power substation, according to acting regional governor Yuri Slyusar on Tuesday via Telegram messaging app.

The blaze, which covered approximately 500 square meters, was extinguished with no reported injuries.

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that air defense units destroyed 24 Ukrainian drones overnight, including seven over Rostov, a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes.

The ministry did not specify how many drones Ukraine launched.

Kyiv has not commented on the incident but has consistently framed cross-border drone operations as retaliatory strikes targeting infrastructure vital to Russia’s war effort.

 

Netherlands Becomes First NATO Ally to Fund US Weapons for Ukraine Under New NATO Mechanism

The Netherlands announced Monday it will contribute 500 million euros ($578 million) to purchase US military equipment for Ukraine, making it the first NATO country to fund deliveries through a new alliance mechanism.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed the package includes Patriot missile systems and components.

The initiative, called the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), was recently introduced after US President Donald Trump proposed that European allies finance American arms transfers to Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the Dutch contribution and urged other members to join, stating that Ukraine urgently needs air defense, ammunition, and critical gear to repel Russian attacks.

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said more countries are expected to announce contributions in the coming weeks and emphasized that deliveries will begin quickly. NATO will coordinate the mechanism in partnership with Ukraine and the US, with Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexus Grynkewich validating the aid packages based on Kyiv’s needs.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move, thanking the Netherlands for boosting Ukraine’s air defenses and calling it a vital step in protecting Europe from Russian aggression.

 

UK and Japan Launch Joint F-35B Carrier Operations in Philippine Sea

A UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184) have begun joint F-35B Lightning II fighter drills in the Philippine Sea this week under Operation Highmast.

The exercise marks a key milestone in UK-Japan defense cooperation and focuses on enhancing combined carrier strike capabilities.

The UK’s HMS Prince of Wales (R09), flagship of the CSG, is conducting cross-deck flight operations with Kaga. The UK task group includes 18 F-35Bs from Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron and Royal Navy’s 809 Squadron.

Japan, which recently received its first four F-35Bs, is still training pilots under US Marine Corps supervision.

Some UK F-35Bs have already arrived in South Korea for Operation Hightower. The UK CSG departed Darwin, Australia, after joint drills during Talisman Sabre and will split for port visits to Japan and South Korea following the Philippine Sea exercise.

The UK and Japan are also coordinating with US Navy forces in the region. US Marine Corps F-35Bs from VMFA-242 recently operated off Prince of Wales’ deck, and the UK carrier conducted dual operations with USS George Washington (CVN-73) during Talisman Sabre.

Japan is upgrading Kaga and sister ship JS Izumo (DDH-183) to support full F-35B carrier operations. Izumo’s modifications will complete in 2028, while Kaga’s are set for 2026-2027.

The current UK-Japan drills are expected to further strengthen interoperability among NATO and Indo-Pacific allies amid growing regional security challenges.

 

US, Allies Rehearse Amphibious Island Chain Defense in Talisman Sabre 2025

The US Navy’s Expeditionary Strike Group 7 (ESG-7), alongside Australia, Japan, and South Korea, conducted large-scale amphibious operations during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 to simulate joint defense of the first island chain against a peer adversary like China.

The drills included simultaneous amphibious assaults, surface warfare, and strike operations across coastal Australia, with over 40,000 troops from 19 nations participating, the largest iteration of the Australia-led exercise to date.

Flagship USS America (LHA-6), dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47), and amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD-22), all part of ESG-7, supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during the landings. Amphibious Task Group 1 stormed Freshwater Beach while Task Group 2, comprising US and Japanese forces, landed at Stanage Bay.

These exercises were designed to rehearse joint integrated combat operations across sea, air, land, space, and cyber domains.

The US Marine Corps debuted Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) on Australian soil for the first time.

Rear Adm. Tom Shultz, ESG-7 commander, highlighted the value of multinational integration and combined arms maneuver in deterring regional threats and advancing Indo-Pacific security.

The scenario involved defeating a fictional adversary, Olvana, modeled closely after China.

The exercise served as a demonstration of multinational readiness and deterrence capability in response to Chinese aggression near Taiwan and in the broader region.

Shultz emphasized that ESG-7 and the 31st MEU play a pivotal role in protecting Indo-Pacific stability and projecting decisive US naval power. The exercise also included joint sailing operations and multilateral coordination through key maritime chokepoints like Hydrographer’s Passage and the Capricorn Channel.

 

Sources: News Agencies