Aug 12, 2026, 09:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly turned down a 15-point Gaza peace proposal backed by US President Donald Trump, reiterating that Israeli troops will remain in the enclave until Hamas completely surrenders its weapons.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" previously agreed upon by Hamas in late July. He affirmed that military forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and announced that operations to counter security threats against Israeli soldiers would persist.

The explicit rejection highlights growing policy friction between Washington and Jerusalem, even as Israeli airstrikes have recently slowed under American diplomatic influence. Facing an upcoming general election on October 27, Netanyahu remains under domestic political pressure from far-right coalition partners who oppose concessions in the region.

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

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have dismissed media reports indicating that American military ammunition reserves are dangerously depleted following operations against Iran. Reports from US outlets had suggested that a shortage of specific missile types influenced recent military decisions. Writing on Truth Social, Trump insisted the military possesses "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened individuals who leak such information with lengthy prison sentences.

Meanwhile, Trump announced that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran have restarted, framing them as a final opportunity for Iran to secure an agreement, despite earlier denials from Iranian officials. Domestically, the administration faces multiple legal challenges from US states over newly imposed tariffs, alongside falling approval ratings ahead of November's midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

US military forces struck the container ship Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the vessel attempted to breach naval restrictions near the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Washington claiming demining operations are complete, transit through the strategic waterway remains severely restricted. Tehran hardliners continue leveraging control over the passage to demand full implementation of the June memorandum, including sanctions relief, unfrozen foreign assets, and war reparations. Iranian officials also dismissed rumors surrounding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s health, citing a recent meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Simultaneously, peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov defended the US Gaza roadmap following its rejection by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Houthi rebels launched further strikes against Saudi targets in the Red Sea.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, Shipping Italy

German law enforcement and intelligence agencies are assessing more than 100 suspected state-sponsored incidents involving sabotage, physical infrastructure attacks, and unauthorized drone flights near sensitive sites. Security officials increasingly point to Russian involvement, citing recent incidents such as undersea cable disruptions and explosive drone activity.

In addition, authorities report an intensified Russian disinformation drive targeting upcoming state elections in September. These coordinated campaigns feature fake videos and targeted online content intended to discredit mainstream parties—including the CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP—while largely avoiding the AfD.

Simultaneously, defense experts are evaluating Germany's rearmament plans. Questions remain over whether current military expenditure sufficiently prioritizes low-cost drone technology over traditional heavy armor in light of recent combat lessons.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ

Spanish security authorities are maintaining reinforced deployments of police, civil guard, and military forces in Ceuta ahead of anticipated border crossing attempts on August 15 and 17, driven by online mobilization in Morocco. Local officials report between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants remain in the enclave following recent arrivals, describing conditions as critical.

Ceuta's regional president, Juan Vivas, has called on the Spanish government to deploy at least 1,000 additional security personnel and expedite returns to Morocco, framing deportations as the primary resolution to the emergency. Meanwhile, Spanish military units have actively gathered and transferred migrants back to the border. The ongoing situation has intensified political debate in Madrid regarding inter-ministerial coordination between Interior and Defense, as well as Spain's diplomatic management of Morocco.

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