Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country's goal is to liberate the Gaza Strip from the Hamas group, not to occupy the enclave. He presented a vision for Gaza's post-war development, including demilitarization and the creation of a security zone.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar's Prime Minister Abdulrahman al-Thani discussed a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. This happened amid diplomatic activity aimed at preventing Israel's plan to expand its occupation of Gaza.
On August 9, thousands of protesters in Tel Aviv demonstrated against the Israeli Prime Minister's plan to escalate the war in Gaza. They demanded an end to the campaign and the release of hostages.
Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The plan includes disarming Hamas, returning hostages, and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the country's plans to take full control of the Gaza Strip. The goal is to oust Hamas and transfer the enclave to civilian administration.
A new Gallup poll showed that Pope Leo XIV has the highest approval rating among Americans (+46). Volodymyr Zelenskyy received +18, while Elon Musk has a deeply negative rating of -28.
US President Donald Trump does not object to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to launch a new military operation to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. Israel's security cabinet will approve a "war expansion plan," Trump will allow the Israeli government to make its own decisions.
The UN expressed deep concern over reports of a possible expansion of Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip. UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča emphasized that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene an expanded cabinet meeting to discuss the decision on the occupation of the Gaza Strip and the agreement on the return of hostages. Netanyahu is considering all available options for the next steps.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek cabinet support for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces already control 75% of the territory but oppose full seizure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas does not wish to conclude a hostage deal, but rather seeks to break Israel. He emphasized his determination to free the captives, destroy Hamas, and guarantee Israel's security.
US Presidential Envoy Stephen Witkoff announced the development of a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip and rebuild the enclave. This plan is being developed jointly with the Israeli government, but Hamas is not ready to lay down arms without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The United States Senate goes on summer recess without passing a bill on sanctions against Russia, which gives Trump the exclusive right to decide on their introduction. Democrats are skeptical about punishing Putin, despite his disappointment.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Donald Trump is a peacemaker and seeks to resume negotiations with Russia.
US President Donald Trump does not rule out a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin within 10 days before the end of the term for settling the war in Ukraine.
Senator Lindsey Graham stated that US President Donald Trump seeks peace with Russia, but will not tolerate jokes. Graham emphasized that Trump is unlike his predecessors and will not allow capabilities to be exaggerated.
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff visited the Gaza Strip, where he discussed the humanitarian situation and the Iranian issue. The visit took place after criticism of the aid distribution system by Human Rights Watch.
Slovenia has banned the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel, becoming the first EU country to introduce such restrictions. This decision has symbolic significance due to the almost zero volume of arms trade between the countries.
Hamas will not participate in negotiations with Israel until the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip improves. The US and Israel have formed a new agreement regarding negotiations.
The US expects the war in Ukraine to end by August 8. This information was confirmed by the leading US diplomat at the UN Security Council.
US President Donald Trump stated that strained relations with Putin and Netanyahu prevent him from receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. He is disappointed by the actions of both leaders regarding the continuation of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The UN conference in New York concluded with a call from 17 countries for an end to Hamas's rule in the Gaza Strip. The signatories condemned the attacks by Hamas and Israel, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and a halt to settlement construction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the statement by the head of the British government, Keir Starmer, regarding the future recognition of Palestine as a state. Netanyahu believes that Starmer's actions encourage Hamas terrorism.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that normalization of relations with Israel is only possible after the creation of a Palestinian state. According to him, lasting peace in the region can only be achieved after the rights of the Palestinian people are taken into account.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to recognize the Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. This decision drew sharp condemnation from Israel and the United States, but received a positively neutral reaction from European allies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US strongly rejects French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize Palestine as an independent state at the UN General Assembly. Rubio called this decision reckless, serving Hamas propaganda and harming peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize the Palestinian Authority as an independent state. Netanyahu believes this encourages terror and could create an Iranian proxy, as in Gaza.
Discontent is growing in the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his actions, including strikes on Syria and the shelling of a church in Gaza. American officials believe his behavior could undermine Trump's efforts and is too destructive.
Pope Leo XIV called for the protection of places of worship in Gaza after the IDF shelled the Catholic Church of the Holy Family, killing three people. The Pontiff expressed concern about the humanitarian situation and emphasized the need for a ceasefire.
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has declared the protection of the Druze community a priority following reports of troop withdrawals from As-Suwayda. This comes after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and amid inter-communal clashes that have resulted in over 350 deaths.
