Gaza Strip

Canada plans to recognize the state of Palestine in September 2025 at a UN meeting. This decision is driven by the spread of famine in Gaza and assurances from the Palestinian Authority regarding reforms.

Israel may annex part of Gaza if Hamas does not agree to a peace deal. Israeli cabinet member Zeev Elkin stated that territorial loss is the most painful for the enemy.

Malta will announce its recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025. This was announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela, emphasizing the commitment to establishing peace in the Middle East.

France will launch an air operation in the coming days to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip to meet the urgent needs of the civilian population. This operation will not replace the need to increase the volume of aid through ground transportation.

Donald Trump stated that Iran interfered in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas by sending "bad signals" to Hamas. This statement was made during Trump's meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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.

Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state before the end of the current parliament's term in 2029, if it contributes to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This decision should be used to achieve a breakthrough in the conflict, rather than as a symbolic step.

Brent and WTI crude futures rose after the US reached a trade agreement with the EU and may extend the tariff pause with China. This dispelled fears about the negative impact of tariffs on economic activity and fuel demand.

Yemeni Houthis have announced their intention to attack any Israeli-linked ships they can reach. They claim to have a "religious, moral, and humanitarian responsibility" towards the people of Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces will implement a daily military pause from 10:00 to 20:00 in certain areas of the Gaza Strip to allow access for humanitarian aid. Also, from 6:00 to 23:00, safe routes for humanitarian convoys, coordinated with the UN, will be in effect.

Special Representative of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, stated that he seeks to achieve peace in Ukraine and the Middle East before the end of his term. He considers the cessation of the Russian-Ukrainian war and hostilities in the Middle East to be his main achievements.

Israel has resumed air deliveries of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and is taking other measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This includes establishing humanitarian corridors for UN convoys and humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas.

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.

A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.

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 an immediate cessation of the "barbarism" of the war in Gaza and a peaceful resolution of the conflict after the shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church. Israeli attacks killed 58 Palestinians and wounded at least 60.

The Israel Defense Forces are launching ground military operations in central Gaza for the first time, issuing evacuation warnings for Palestinians in Deir al-Balah. Civilians are ordered to move south to the Mawasi area on the coast.

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.

A new version of Elon Musk's Grok chatbot sometimes searches the internet for Musk's position on a particular issue before expressing its own opinion. This happens even when Musk is not mentioned in the question, raising concerns about the transparency and objectivity of the AI.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would resume fighting in the Gaza Strip if Hamas is not eliminated within 60 days. This is a condition for a permanent ceasefire, on which Israel is working together with the US.

The European Union and Israel have reached an agreement to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Measures include increasing humanitarian aid supplies, restoring aid routes, and repairing infrastructure.

Marco Rubio, head of the US State Department, announced sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the UN Human Rights Council's special rapporteur. The reason cited was her actions, allegedly aimed at prompting the International Criminal Court to act against American and Israeli officials.

Israel's Defense Minister instructed the military to develop a "humanitarian city" on the ruins of Rafah to accommodate over 2 million Palestinians. According to the minister, Palestinians will undergo screening for Hamas affiliation and will not be able to leave the zone.

US President Donald Trump said that negotiations to end the war in the Gaza Strip "are going very well," expressing confidence that Hamas is ready to end the conflict. Netanyahu discussed plans for the resettlement of Palestinians, while the Palestinian presidency rejected such ideas.

Israel has sent a negotiating team to Qatar to discuss a 60-day truce in Gaza, which includes an exchange of hostages and bodies of the deceased. US President Donald Trump personally guarantees Israel's adherence to the cessation of military operations.

Yemeni Houthis attacked the Greek dry cargo ship Magic Seas, flying the Liberian flag, 51 nautical miles southeast of Hodeidah. The vessel caught fire and began to sink after drone boat strikes and shelling; the crew abandoned the ship.

An Israeli negotiating team will travel to Qatar for indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release. At the same time, the office of the Israeli Prime Minister stated that the changes Hamas intends to make to the proposal are "unacceptable to Israel."

The EU diplomatic service will present member states next week with options for action against Israel in response to human rights violations in the Gaza Strip. Restrictions could include suspending the agreement, sanctions against ministers and military personnel, trade measures, an arms embargo, or suspending scientific cooperation.

The Israel Defense Forces announced control over 65% of the Gaza Strip. Over the past week, more than 100 Hamas militants have been eliminated, including commander Hakeem al-Issa.