Aug 10, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israel "did not agree to it" and declaring "it is not our draft." Netanyahu insisted that Israeli forces will remain in their present positions across Gaza until Hamas undergoes verifiable disarmament.

In response to concerns that Hamas might regain control if Israeli troops pull back, Trump's Peace Council assured Israeli officials that military withdrawal remains conditional on the complete disarming of Hamas.

Despite diplomatic assurances, violence in the enclave has escalated. Health officials in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people within 24 hours, marking one of the deadliest days since the US initiative was introduced.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, La Repubblica, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Ceuta Regional President Juan Vivas has estimated that between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants remain in the Spanish enclave, calling the ongoing situation "unsustainable." Vivas urged Madrid to accelerate migrant returns to Morocco and demanded at least 1,000 extra security personnel to reinforce the border. Meanwhile, thousands of residents filled Ceuta’s central square for an interfaith rally organized by Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu communities under the slogan "Basta ya: Ceuta no se rinde" to demonstrate civic solidarity. The border surge has also triggered institutional friction in Madrid, with reports indicating Spanish Legion military units have been detaining and transferring migrants directly to the border fence, highlighting an operational disagreement between the Interior and Defence ministries over enforcement procedures.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic management during a parliamentary inquiry hearing in Rome, rejecting accusations of wrongdoing.

Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that emergency decrees and procurement decisions were taken strictly to protect public health. Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous report to prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract with supplier JC Electronics, calling for a thorough investigation into potential counterfeit goods. Addressing lawmakers, Conte asserted that "no illegality" occurred under his leadership and cautioned the committee against acting as a political target squad.

The hearing proceeded following several hours of procedural delays in the Chamber of Deputies.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

The diplomatic dispute between Italy and Spain has intensified as both nations enforce reciprocal border controls at airports and seaports, temporarily disrupting Schengen travel.

Spanish authorities implemented matching restrictions after Rome suspended free movement for arrivals from Spain, citing migration risks linked to recent events in Ceuta. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called Madrid's response "incomprehensible and totally unacceptable," asserting that Italian checks will remain until security risks dissipate.

In Rome, domestic political friction deepened. Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of creating an "unfounded" diplomatic row, whereas government allies argued Spanish migration policies forced Italy's hand. Meanwhile, travelers at transit hubs like Rome's Fiumicino Airport experienced increased delays and expressed dismay over restrictions on European movement.

Sources: ANSA, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, Marca.

Drought-driven cooling water shortages at Eastern European power plants have triggered a sharp rise in electricity prices across Europe, including the Netherlands. Dutch wholesale power prices rose to between €150 and €200 per megawatt-hour, up from approximately €80 last month, primarily affecting consumers on dynamic contracts.

Concurrently, the United Nations World Food Programme warned that El Niño-induced droughts, floods, and extreme heat could push nearly 50 million additional people into food insecurity by late 2027.

Meanwhile, environmental policy implementation in the Netherlands faces scrutiny, with critics highlighting that recent legislation designed to hold clothing manufacturers accountable for fast-fashion waste has failed to foster circularity, as companies buy off obligations for minimal fees.

Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NRC, NU