Aug 16, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework presented by the United States, insisting that Israeli forces will not leave the enclave without the complete disarmament of Hamas.

In televised remarks to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu stated that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and declared that armed forces "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The rejection follows earlier assertions by US President Donald Trump of diplomatic progress, highlighting tension between Washington and the Israeli leadership.

Netanyahu faces delicate domestic pressures, balancing demands from right-wing coalition partners who oppose concessions with diplomatic expectations from the United States ahead of upcoming national elections.

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

Firefighters in southern Croatia have brought a severe wildfire under control after it swept from Lokva Rogoznica to the outskirts of Omiš, destroying houses, vehicles, and boats. Emergency crews have shifted focus to extinguishing residual hotspots with the support of four firefighting aircraft.

Hospital authorities in Split treated up to 40 individuals, admitting 14 patients. Between seven and eight victims remain in intensive care with life-threatening burn injuries. During the height of the blaze, more than 500 residents and tourists evacuated into the sea and were rescued by maritime authorities, police, customs, and private boat owners. Power is gradually returning as residents assess the widespread damage.

Discrepancies remain regarding casualties: Danas reported that a body was recovered in Omiš, whereas news agency Beta cited official statements indicating no confirmed fatalities.

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

United States Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker confirmed that a bilateral agreement between Washington and Kyiv to co-produce Patriot air defence interceptor missiles will not be finalized before the coming winter. Whitaker indicated that manufacturing interceptors remains a long-term goal, though collaborative initiatives with European partners to produce other air defence equipment remain active.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks struck commercial and logistics infrastructure inside Russia. Moscow Regional Governor Andrey Vorobyov reported that a strike on a warehouse near the capital killed at least five people and injured ten others. Local authorities also noted overnight drone attacks directed at facilities linked to the online retailer Wildberries across the Saint Petersburg and Tver regions.

Sources: MIA (Media Information Agency), SDK, Sloboden Pečat

Discussions between Iran and Oman regarding safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have continued, with Washington noting gradual progress despite the absence of a finalized agreement. Tehran maintains that it seeks regulatory oversight of maritime traffic, while reiterating that reopening the corridor depends on United States concessions, including sanctions relief and financial compensation.

US President Donald Trump stated that an arrangement could be reached within days, though he also downplayed the waterway's immediate necessity and warned of severe consequences should passage remain obstructed.

Concurrently, approximately 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens have begun returning southward according to the United Nations, as Lebanese and Israeli delegates opened a seventh round of bilateral talks in Rome.

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