Aug 13, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a US-backed 15-point peace proposal for Gaza, declaring that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas completely disarms.

Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" previously accepted by Hamas in late July. He insisted the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and would continue operating to counter threats against its personnel.

The announcement highlights a growing diplomatic rift between Jerusalem and Washington, even after Israeli forces eased major operations under pressure from US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu faces domestic political friction ahead of a national vote on October 27, balancing coalition pressure with US relations.

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

Severe heatwaves continue across Europe as national meteorological agencies report record-breaking temperatures and heightened public health risks. In Austria, the GeoSphere weather service reported a preliminary national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Stammersdorf, north of Vienna, surpassing the previous peak set in 2013.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health extended top-tier red alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as the country endures its fourth heatwave of the season with temperatures forecast near 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have linked at least four deaths to the heat and urged the public to stay indoors during peak daylight hours. Meanwhile, weather services across Western Europe, including in France and the United Kingdom, are forecasting sustained high temperatures, compounding ongoing drought and wildfire risks across the continent.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)

Czechia continues to grapple with severe hydrological drought, with precipitation levels down roughly 34 percent compared to standard averages, making this year among the driest recorded since 1961. Dwindling groundwater and surface water have left numerous streams dry, prompting local rescue efforts to relocate fish and protected river fauna to surviving pools.

Along the Vltava cascade, water management authorities confirmed that if water levels at the Orlík reservoir decline by an additional 3.5 metres, emergency discharges from the Slapy reservoir will be triggered—a measure statistically projected only once every 50 years. Meanwhile, experts warn of long-term desertification risks in southern Moravia and the Elbe lowlands, urging comprehensive landscape water retention strategies as public concern over extreme temperatures and climate preparedness grows.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.

A wave of cross-border strikes has resulted in casualties and infrastructure damage across Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian drone strikes in Moscow Oblast killed five people and injured ten at a commercial facility, while a drone crash on a Black Sea beach in Krasnodar Krai left seven dead and around 40 injured. In Leningrad Oblast, air defense interceptions sparked a major fire at a Wildberries logistics depot.

Concurrently, a Russian strike on Kyiv caused nine deaths and left dozens wounded. Frontline reports indicate intensified fighting, including Russian tactical advances near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast and Ukrainian counter-movements toward Uspenivka. Meanwhile, Belarusian authorities reported the formation of a new air assault brigade along the Ukrainian border.

Sources: France24, Mediazona, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Insider

Ukrainian drone strikes continue to impact Russian energy infrastructure, igniting a blaze at an oil facility in Salavat while forcing prolonged shutdowns at other installations. Concurrently, authorities in Kyiv are preparing for major power disruptions ahead of winter, anticipating sustained Russian strikes against domestic electrical networks.

Regionally, security concerns are growing following United States intelligence assessments indicating Moscow may attempt to test NATO cohesion through cyber operations or limited incursions along the alliance's eastern flank. The Kremlin has also increased pressure on Nordic neighbours, blacklisting several Norwegian civil society and humanitarian organisations as undesirable entities. Domestically, Russian authorities have tightened information controls, penalising residents who share footage of strike damage on social media platforms.

Sources: Aftenposten, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), Finansavisen, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)