Aug 11, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point US-backed Gaza peace framework, stating in televised cabinet remarks that Israeli forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump presented the proposal, which Hamas had accepted in late July.

Although Israeli military strikes in Gaza have largely paused under pressure from Washington, Netanyahu's refusal to accept the terms highlights a growing rift with the US administration. Facing an upcoming national election on October 27, Netanyahu is navigating political friction between far-right coalition allies who oppose territorial concessions and American demands for a diplomatic solution. Israeli forces continue localized operations to address immediate security threats while the broader peace initiative remains stalled.

Sources: Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald.

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before a parliamentary inquiry commission in Rome to defend his government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conte, who headed the administration during the public health crisis, rejected claims of unlawful conduct regarding emergency decrees, procurement, and healthcare measures.

During his testimony, Conte revealed that he had submitted an anonymous document to prosecutors in Rome regarding potential irregularities in a 100-million-euro mask contract with JC Electronics. He cautioned panel members against turning the proceedings into political execution squads, maintaining that his administration acted properly throughout the crisis. Lawmakers from the ruling coalition questioned Conte's decisions and the timing of his legal submission, while Conte insisted that all measures taken were necessary and justified.

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

Rescue teams in western Colombia are continuing search operations after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar. Authorities declared a national state of emergency as search teams and military personnel clear debris from collapsed structures to locate survivors.

Casualty estimates have varied as the situation develops. Initial reports cited at least 20 fatalities, but subsequent updates raised the figure to 132, with recent estimates confirming at least 164 dead and over 500 injured. The tremor, centered at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers, caused widespread damage and was felt in neighboring Ecuador.

Emergency officials warn that the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts proceed in affected areas.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

An investigation is underway after an explosive-laden drone crashed near a strategic gas pipeline in northeastern Bulgaria, close to the Romanian border. Sofia’s Ministry of Defence identified the aircraft as a model "largely used by Ukrainian armed forces," though authorities noted there is no indication of an intentional attack.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgii Tykhyi stated that Kyiv did not target Bulgaria "deliberately," adding, "We are in close contact with the Bulgarian side in order to clarify the circumstances."

The incident occurred amidst intensified regional fighting. Recent reciprocal strikes between Ukrainian and Russian forces resulted in at least 14 fatalities, with cross-border attacks hitting civilian areas and energy infrastructure across the conflict zone.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.