Aug 12, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected the 15-point US-backed peace proposal for Gaza recently touted by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Hamas.

In televised remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and asserted that military forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." He emphasized that operations against ongoing security threats would continue regardless of diplomatic efforts.

The refusal underscores increasing political friction between Tel Aviv and Washington, despite Israel recently curbing military airstrikes under American pressure. Netanyahu faces a delicate political position ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October 27, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against pressure from the United States.

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

Crude oil prices surged further toward $90 per barrel as negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz remained unresolved. The price increase boosted energy equities on the Oslo Børs, with Equinor, Aker BP, and Vår Energi posting strong gains alongside shipping stocks.

Concurrently, Norway's sovereign wealth fund reported a record first-half return of 1,753 billion kroner for 2026, representing a 9.4 percent gain.

In contrast, major U.S. stock benchmarks opened lower following previous record highs. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all recorded modest declines as 10-year U.S. Treasury yields rose to 4.7 percent and market volatility ticked upward.

Sources: Dagens Næringsliv, E24, Finansavisen, NRK, VG

Ukrainian forces have escalated long-range aerial strikes against commercial, energy, and naval targets inside Russia. Drone attacks hit the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, damaging storage tanks and injuring four people, according to regional authorities. Operations also targeted a distribution center for the Lenta retail network and FSB coast guard vessels near Kerch.

The expanded campaign coincides with a sharp rise in Russian civilian casualties. Conflict Intelligence Team data indicates over 300 civilians have been killed in non-occupied regions this year, more than doubling earlier totals.

Concurrently, Russian forces recorded tactical advances near Dobropillia and Stepnohirsk. Full intelligence sharing between Washington and Kyiv has reportedly resumed.

Sources: Belsat, Mediazona, NEXTA, The Insider, Verstka.

German authorities temporarily suspended flights at Leipzig/Halle Airport after detecting a drone equipped with explosives near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane on a runway. Security forces deployed a bomb disposal robot to neutralize the device, which managed to bypass existing anti-drone defenses. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated the breach represents a "new dimension of threat" and pointed to a potential "hybrid attack scenario."

Additionally, investigators are checking whether a DHL freight plane collided with an unidentified airborne object in nearby airspace. Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a vital logistics hub for military and humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine. While official inquiries into the incident remain ongoing, media reports highlight growing suspicions of Russian involvement in the sabotage attempt.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Ziarul de Gardă

Ukrainian soldiers from the 82nd Brigade's 1st Battalion are confronting intense psychological and operational challenges while conducting drone reconnaissance and strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region. Operating from abandoned residential properties and relying on hidden satellite terminals, these crews transmit high-definition video feeds to direct artillery strikes and execute direct attacks against opposing forces.

While clear imagery enhances tactical precision, it exposes operators to vivid, close-up depictions of combat casualties, causing severe emotional distress among team members. Beyond the mental toll, crews face constant hazards from electronic warfare, artillery targeting, and counter-drone units seeking their command positions. Strict concealment remains critical as uncrewed aerial systems continue to dominate the front-line battle space.

Sources: Die Presse