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- 1Qatar's Al Thani accuses Netanyahu government of sabotaging Gaza talks▼Qatar's Al Thani claims Netanyahu's 'far-right government' sabotaging Gaza talks
Qatar's Sheikh Al Thani has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government of deliberately undermining negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. The charge, reported by The Jerusalem Post, escalates tensions between Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, and Israel, and highlights deepening frustration over stalled talks.
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Israeli gunfire has killed a child in Gaza, according to reporting by Middle East Eye. No further details about the incident, the child's identity, or the circumstances of the shooting are available. The death adds to the toll of child casualties in the territory amid the ongoing conflict and continued military operations there.
- 3Analysts weigh substance versus spectacle at Trump-Xi summit▼Diplomacy or ‘diplotainment’? Key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit in Washington
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Washington for a summit that has drawn criticism over whether it produced real diplomatic results or served mainly as political theatre. Commentators have dubbed the spectacle 'diplotainment', questioning whether headline-grabbing moments masked a lack of concrete agreements. Observers are parsing the outcomes for signals on trade, technology and broader US-China relations.
- 4Fresh fighting in Tigray raises fears of new Ethiopian war▼Is Ethiopia on the verge of another civil war as fighting erupts in Tigray?
Fighting has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region, prompting warnings that the country could slide back into civil war barely two years after the devastating conflict there ended with a 2022 peace deal. Observers are asking whether renewed clashes between forces in the region and federal authorities could unravel that agreement and reignite large-scale war.
- 5Report: Netanyahu told forces to limit Gaza escalation days before Oct 7▼Days before Oct 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas launched the October 7 attacks. The report has reignited debate over whether political considerations shaped Israel's security posture ahead of the assault, fueling ongoing controversy over failures leading up to the deadliest day in the country's history.
- 6Gaza media office says 262 Palestinian journalists killed since war began▼262 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel since Gaza war: Media office
Gaza's media office says 262 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, according to a report carried by Anadolu Agency. The figure underscores the toll on media workers covering the conflict, and press freedom groups have repeatedly raised concerns about reporter safety in the territory.
- 7Russia Says It Struck Military Infrastructure and Vessel in Ukraine●Russia Says It Struck Military Infrastructure, Vessel in Ukraine
Russia's defence ministry says its forces carried out strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure and a vessel, reporting the attacks as part of its ongoing campaign. No independent confirmation of the targets or extent of damage was included in the claim. Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on the reported strikes, which come amid continued fighting.
- 8Zelensky accuses Moscow of fake diplomacy to buy war time▼Zelensky accuses Moscow of buying time for war with fake diplomacy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of engaging in what he calls fake diplomacy, arguing that Russia is using peace talks as a stalling tactic to buy time and continue its war. His remarks land amid ongoing debates over negotiations to end the conflict, with Kyiv warning against being drawn into talks that Moscow does not intend to honor.
- 9Russia and Ukraine trade claims of strikes on military targets▼Russia claims strikes on military targets as Ukraine says it hit drone launch site
Russia says its forces carried out strikes on Ukrainian military targets, while Ukraine reports hitting a Russian drone launch site. The duelling claims come as the war continues with both sides targeting infrastructure and military assets deep behind the front lines. Neither claim could be independently verified, and the fuller operational impact of the reported strikes remains unclear.
- 10Report: Netanyahu told forces to ease Gaza tensions days before Oct. 7▼Days before Oct. 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
A report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas's October 7 attack. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza and whether earlier signals of an attack were ignored ahead of the assault.
- 11Sudan's war: chemical attacks and besieged civilians denied safe passage▼SUDAN’s War & besieged civilians: From chemical attacks to denial of safe passage
Reports from Sudan describe civilians trapped under siege amid the country's ongoing war, with allegations of chemical weapons use and the denial of safe passage for people trying to flee. The situation highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis, as besieged populations face bombardment, shortages of food and medicine, and blocked escape routes. Advocacy groups are calling for international attention and accountability for attacks on civilians.
- 12Sudan's refugee exodus to Chad jumps 20-fold as aid dries up●Sudan’s refugee exodus to Chad jumps 20-fold as aid dries up
The number of Sudanese refugees fleeing into Chad has surged twenty-fold, aid agencies and regional media report, as funding for the crisis runs out. The influx compounds an already severe humanitarian emergency driven by Sudan's war, with camps along the border stretched beyond capacity and shortages of food, water and shelter deepening.
- 13Zelenskyy: Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week▼Zelenskyy says Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired more than 2,200 drones at Ukraine over the past week, underlining the scale of Moscow's escalating aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The claim highlights growing pressure on Ukraine's air defenses and renewed international concern over the pace of Russian drone attacks in the war.
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Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have passed 8,000, making this the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record. Health authorities and international organisations are working to contain the virus's spread, but the scale of infections continues to grow, drawing global concern and emergency responses in affected regions.
- 15Bank of Japan debated need for faster rate hikes, minutes show▼Bank of Japan debated need for faster rate hikes, July minutes show
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July policy meeting show board members debated the need to raise interest rates at a faster pace than previously planned. The discussion highlights growing concern inside the central bank over inflation pressures and the pace of policy normalisation. Markets will read the minutes for clues on the timing of the next rate move.
- 16Russia Restored Perimeter Nuclear Retaliation System, Report Says▼Russia Has Restored the Perimeter Retaliatory Nuclear Strike System, The Sunday Times Says
Russia has restored its Cold War-era 'Perimeter' system, designed to launch a nuclear retaliatory strike automatically if leadership is decapitated, according to The Sunday Times. The dead-hand-style system would ensure retaliation even if Russian command structures were destroyed in a first strike. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions over nuclear rhetoric tied to the war in Ukraine.
- 17Iran warns of 'doomsday war' but keeps diplomacy open▼Iran ready for ‘doomsday war’ if US resumes attacks, but open to diplomacy: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is prepared for a 'doomsday war' if the United States resumes military attacks, while stressing that Tehran remains open to diplomatic negotiations. The statement underscores Iran's dual posture of military deterrence and willingness to talk as tensions with Washington persist.
- 18Iran pushes diplomacy after Trump rejects peace plan▼Iran insists on diplomatic solution after Trump rejects peace plan
Iran is publicly insisting it still seeks a diplomatic resolution after US President Donald Trump rejected a proposed peace plan. The story is being carried widely by international outlets including Reuters, Al-Monitor and Ynetnews, highlighting concerns that the deadlock could escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing calls for negotiations.
- 19Germany and Russia hold first talks since Ukraine invasion▼First Germany-Russia talks since Ukraine invasion: Why now?
Germany and Russia are holding their first direct talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to DW. The reported meeting has prompted questions about why the two governments are re-establishing contact now, with observers weighing what it could mean for diplomacy over the war, sanctions policy, and Europe's broader posture toward Moscow as the conflict continues.
- 20World War II-Era Feud Threatens Key Alliance for Ukraine●A World War II-Era Feud Is Threatening a Pivotal Alliance for Ukraine
A longstanding dispute rooted in World War II is straining an alliance that Ukraine considers pivotal to its war effort, according to the Wall Street Journal. The feud risks undermining cooperation at a time when Kyiv depends heavily on Western partners for military and financial support as it continues fighting Russia's invasion.
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Poland has voiced growing concern that the war in Ukraine could spread beyond Ukraine's borders and into NATO member states. The warning comes as fighting continues near Polish territory, with Warsaw highlighting the risks of strikes or incidents crossing into its airspace. Polish officials are calling for continued vigilance and allied support as the conflict shows no sign of ending.
- 22Israeli forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani▼WATCH: Israeli forces kill global jihadist terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7
Israeli forces have killed a global jihadist terrorist involved in the kidnapping of Noa Argamani during the October 7 attacks, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. Argamani became one of the most recognisable hostages of the Hamas-led assault before being rescued in June 2024. The killing of the abductor is drawing attention as Israel continues operations against those responsible for the attacks.
- 23First Germany-Russia talks since Ukraine invasion▼First Germany-Russia talks since Moscow's Ukraine invasion
Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The resumption of contact between Berlin and Moscow marks a notable diplomatic shift, coming as debate grows in Germany and across Europe over how to approach Russia diplomatically. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited so far.
- 24China may allow ByteDance and Alibaba to buy new Nvidia chips●China weighs allowing ByteDance, Alibaba to buy new Nvidia chips, The Information reports
Chinese authorities are weighing whether to permit ByteDance and Alibaba to purchase new Nvidia chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Reuters. The potential decision would mark a shift in China's stance on US-made AI semiconductors and would matter for the country's largest technology companies racing to build artificial intelligence capabilities.
- 25Russia's casualties in Ukraine rise by over 2,000 in a day▼Russia's war casualty toll in Ukraine up by over 2,000 over past day
Russia's military casualties in its war against Ukraine increased by more than 2,000 over the past day, according to Ukrainian figures reported by Ukrinform. The daily toll highlights the continued intensity of fighting along the front lines, with Ukraine regularly publishing Russian losses in personnel as part of its wartime updates.
- 26Iran says ready to restart war with US, but diplomacy possible▼Iran says it's ready to restart war with U.S., but diplomacy an option
Iranian officials say the country is prepared to resume military conflict with the United States, while leaving the door open to renewed diplomatic talks. The statement signals a dual posture of military readiness and willingness to negotiate. It comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional confrontations, and has been picked up widely across international news outlets.
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Reports indicate Russia is expected to step up hybrid warfare against Europe, including tactics such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and other destabilising measures short of open conflict. European officials and security analysts have been warning for months that such operations are already targeting infrastructure, elections and public opinion across the continent. The renewed focus reflects growing concern among European governments about how to defend against these grey-zone threats.
- 28US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons▼US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding points to Riyadh keeping a nuclear weapons option open, likely tied to regional concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. It is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about proliferation in the Middle East and US-Saudi security cooperation.
- 29Russian strikes kill three in Ukrainian cities, Kyiv hit▼Russian attacks kills three in Ukrainian cities; nine injured in Kyiv strikes, officials say
Russian attacks across Ukrainian cities have killed three people, with nine injured in strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say. The overnight barrage adds to the ongoing toll of Russia's air campaign against Ukrainian urban areas, with emergency services responding to damage in the capital and other cities.
- 30Strait known as 'Gate of Tears' becomes new flash point in Iran war▼A new flash point in the Iran war: The narrow strait called the ‘Gate of Tears’
Attention is turning to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, nicknamed the 'Gate of Tears', as a new flash point in the war involving Iran. The narrow waterway is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and its emergence as a battleground raises concerns about disruptions to trade routes and a widening of the regional conflict.
- 31Smotrich urges West Bank campaign mirroring Gaza war▼'Do there what we did in Gaza': Smotrich calls for full-scale war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for waging a full-scale war in the occupied West Bank, saying Israel should 'do there what we did in Gaza'. The remarks, reported by Middle East Eye, drew immediate criticism from Palestinians and rights advocates who warn such an operation would bring Gaza-level devastation and displacement to the West Bank. The comments deepen concerns about escalating Israeli military action beyond Gaza.
- 32Ethiopia slides back into war: who is involved and why▼Ethiopia slides back into war. Who is involved and why?
Reporting indicates Ethiopia is sliding back into war, renewing concern about renewed large-scale conflict in the country. Observers are asking which armed and political actors are involved and what is driving the escalation. Details on the parties, causes and scale of the fighting remain unclear from current coverage.
- 33US Diplomat Says Trump Rejected Iran Truce Plan Over 'No Confidence'●'No Confidence': US Diplomat Tells Why Trump Rejected Iran's New Truce Plan
A US diplomat says President Donald Trump turned down Iran's proposed new truce plan, citing a lack of confidence in Tehran's commitments. The reported rejection adds fresh tension to diplomacy between Washington and Iran, and the remarks are drawing attention as observers weigh what the collapse of the proposal means for future negotiations and regional stability.
- 34Russia denies avoiding Ukraine peace negotiations▼Top Russian diplomat says Moscow remains committed to Ukraine peace talks, denies it is avoiding negotiations
A senior Russian diplomat has stated that Moscow remains committed to peace talks over Ukraine and rejected suggestions that Russia is avoiding negotiations. The statement comes as international pressure persists for a diplomatic resolution to the war, with questions over whether both sides are genuinely willing to negotiate. It highlights the ongoing dispute over responsibility for the stalled peace process.
- 35Captor of hostage Noa Argamani killed in Gaza strikes▼Terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani into Gaza on Oct. 7 killed in weekend strikes
Israeli strikes over the weekend killed one of the militants who abducted Noa Argamani into Gaza during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognized faces of the hostages. News of the militant's death is drawing attention amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 36Militant behind Noa Argamani abduction reported killed in Gaza strike▼Oct. 7 terrorist involved in Noa Argamani abduction killed in Gaza strike, reports say
Israeli media report that a militant involved in the October 7 abduction of Noa Argamani has been killed in a strike in Gaza. Argamani became one of the most recognised hostages of the Hamas-led attack before being rescued in June 2024. The reported killing is being followed closely amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 37Bitcoin and Nasdaq futures fall on Iran strike risk●Bitcoin, Nasdaq futures decline as Trump won’t rule out more Iran strikes
Bitcoin and Nasdaq futures declined after Donald Trump declined to rule out additional US strikes on Iran, keeping investors on edge about a wider Middle East conflict. Riskier assets including cryptocurrencies and stock index futures slipped as traders weighed the possibility of escalation, with renewed geopolitical tension weighing on market sentiment.
- 38Power cuts and rubble greet returnees to Khartoum▼Power cuts, rubble greet returnees to Sudans war-ravaged capital
Sudanese families returning to the war-ravaged capital, Khartoum, are finding a city barely able to support them: electricity is largely out, streets remain choked with rubble, and basic services have collapsed after nearly two years of fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. Reports describe residents clearing debris by hand and coping without power or reliable water as they try to rebuild their lives.
- 39Indonesia Ferry Death Toll Rises to 66 as Search Continues●Indonesia Ferry Death Toll Hits 66 as Search Enters 16th Day
The death toll from Indonesia's ferry disaster has climbed to 66 as rescue teams continue searching for victims on the 16th day of operations. The sinking, one of the country's recurring maritime tragedies, has drawn attention to safety standards on ferries in Indonesian waters. Officials say search efforts are ongoing and the toll may rise further as more passengers remain missing.
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Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.
- 41Indonesia central bank scales back spot-market currency intervention●Indonesia central bank reduces FX intervention in spot market, governor says
Indonesia's central bank has reduced its interventions in the foreign exchange spot market, according to its governor. The move signals the bank's assessment that pressure on the rupiah has eased, though it may still act to smooth excessive volatility. Traders will be watching whether the rupiah remains stable with less official support in the market.
- 42Diplomatic push assessed on ending US-Iran conflict▼Did the biggest week of diplomacy make headway in ending the US-Iran war?
A intense week of international diplomacy has raised the question of whether negotiations made real progress toward ending the war between the United States and Iran. Commentators and analysts are weighing what the round of high-level talks actually achieved, with observers divided on whether the diplomacy brought the two sides closer to a ceasefire or a lasting settlement.
- 43Russian foreign minister vows to see Ukraine war 'through to the end'▼Russian foreign minister vows to see Ukraine war ‘through to the end’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has declared that Russia intends to see the war in Ukraine 'through to the end', signalling no softening of Moscow's position despite international pressure for a settlement. The remarks come as the conflict continues to draw global attention and debate over prospects for peace negotiations.
- 44Iran Says Draft US Deal Covers Sanctions Waiver and Nuclear Limits▼Iran Says Draft US Deal Includes Oil Sanctions Waiver, Nuclear Limits and Asset Release
Iran says a draft agreement with the United States would include a waiver on oil sanctions, limits on its nuclear programme and the release of frozen assets. The outline, if confirmed, would mark a significant step toward easing tensions and restoring Iranian oil exports. Details of the draft have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether Washington has accepted the terms as described by Tehran.
- 45UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over rights abuses▼UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians
The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The update to the database of businesses engaged in activities in the occupied territories is expected to draw sharp reactions from Israel and its allies, while rights groups have long pressed for firms to be held accountable for operations in the settlements.
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The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns that efforts to contain the virus are not holding. Health authorities are expected to step up contact tracing, surveillance and response measures in the newly affected areas as the WHO and partners work to prevent further geographic spread of the outbreak.
- 47Israel strikes kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7▼Israel security forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on Oct. 7 in weekend strikes
Israeli security forces killed a terrorist responsible for kidnapping Noa Argamani during the October 7 Hamas-led attack, in a series of strikes carried out over the weekend. Argamani, who was later rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognizable faces of the hostages taken during the assault. The strike is being reported across Israeli media.
- 48Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000▼Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000: Health Ministry
Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza has passed 74,000. The figure, released as the conflict continues, marks another grim milestone in one of the deadliest wars in recent memory. The ministry's count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and officials have warned the true toll is likely higher, with many bodies still under rubble.
- 49Trump faces Republican defections ahead of U.S.-China summit▼Week in Politics: Trump faces Republican defections; U.S.-China summit; press feud
This week in U.S. politics, President Trump is confronting growing defections from within his own Republican Party, while preparing for a summit with China. A separate feud with the press is also drawing attention. Analysts are watching whether intra-party dissent will weaken Trump's position heading into high-stakes diplomacy with Beijing.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo's government says Ebola infections have crossed 8,000 as the outbreak continues to spread. Health authorities are working to contain the virus amid ongoing challenges with access, security and community resistance in affected areas. The milestone underlines the severity of one of the country's worst Ebola epidemics on record.