Aug 16, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his rejection of a 15-point Gaza peace framework supported by US President Donald Trump, stating that Israeli troops will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas is completely disarmed.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that Israel "rejects the 15-point document" that had previously received conditional approval from Hamas. He maintained that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and pledged that operations would continue against emerging security risks.

The announcement underscores persistent friction between Washington and the Israeli government. While the Israeli military has scaled back major offensives following diplomatic interventions from the White House, Netanyahu remains under pressure from far-right coalition allies while preparing for national elections scheduled for October 27.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly rejected a 15-point post-war Gaza peace plan presented by a US-led committee, maintaining that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas undergoes verified disarmament and ruling out the future creation of a Palestinian state.

Conversely, Hamas representatives have signaled readiness to proceed with the American framework, urging Washington to apply diplomatic leverage on Israel to adhere to the agreement.

Simultaneously, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have quietly authorized reconstruction and infrastructure projects in parts of southern Gaza outside Hamas control, shifting away from previous assurances that rebuilding would strictly depend on full demilitarisation.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, Klix, Tanjug.

Negotiations facilitated by Oman to secure maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remain underway, though definitive terms have yet to be finalised. While the United States acknowledged progress in the talks, Iranian officials reiterate that safe transit routes depend on US concessions, including the removal of economic sanctions and war-related reparations.

United States President Donald Trump offered contrasting assessments of the standoff, suggesting on one hand that an agreement could emerge within days, while also downplaying the urgency of reopening the corridor and warning of severe consequences if passage is not restored.

Meanwhile, diplomatic representatives from Lebanon and Israel met in Rome for a seventh round of discussions, coinciding with United Nations reports that approximately 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens have begun returning to southern regions.

Sources: Avaz, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), Dan, Klix, Vijesti.

Emergency services have contained active flames from a severe wildfire in Croatia's Dalmatia region, which spread from Lokva Rogoznica toward the coastal town of Omiš.

During the height of the blaze, more than 500 residents and tourists sought safety by fleeing into the Adriatic Sea, prompting maritime authorities, police, and over 20 private boat owners to stage water evacuations. Medical personnel at the hospital in Split treated around 40 people, with 14 hospitalized and up to eight patients in intensive care with critical burns. The fire caused extensive property damage, destroying homes, vehicles, and boats.

Reports regarding fatalities remain inconsistent; Danas reported that a body was recovered in Omiš, whereas other regional outlets citing official data stated there were no confirmed deaths. Firefighters continue dampening smouldering hotspots.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, N1, Vijesti.

Spain and Morocco have stepped up security measures around the North African enclave of Ceuta in anticipation of potential mass border crossings on August 15. The heightened alert follows viral social media campaigns on platforms like TikTok promoting unauthorized entry, repeating dynamics from late July when online disinformation prompted tens of thousands to attempt crossings, leading to dozens of fatalities.

Moroccan authorities announced multiple arrests targeting individuals suspected of inciting border breaches. Meanwhile, Spanish officials have deployed additional police forces, recalled military staff from leave, and strengthened frontier barriers. Within Ceuta, high tensions persist as hundreds of migrants from earlier attempts continue to shelter on beaches under humanitarian supervision, while local residents voice concerns over stability and political exploitation.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau.