Aug 23, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace framework endorsed by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas has fully disarmed.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu directly dismissed the proposal, stating that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed." The refusal marks a visible diplomatic split with Washington following recent US announcements regarding progress toward a regional settlement.

The dispute comes as Netanyahu campaigns ahead of Israel's national election scheduled for late October. The prime minister faces competing pressure between far-right coalition allies opposed to concessions and Washington's push for an enduring ceasefire.

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

Italian authorities have placed 27 major cities on high alert as the country contends with its fourth intense heatwave of the season.

According to Italy's Ministry of Health, hazardous conditions and extreme temperatures are affecting both residents and tourists across major urban centres. In Rome, temperatures climbed to approximately 37 degrees Celsius, prompting visitors and locals to congregate near shade and public water fountains to cool down. Health officials continue to advise caution and hydration during peak heat hours as elevated temperatures persist across Southern Europe.

Sources: Berlingske, DR

Ukrainian drone crews operating near the southern frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region are confronting significant psychological strain alongside physical risks as remote warfare intensifies. Operating from concealed positions in evacuated residential homes, soldiers from the 82nd Brigade rely on camouflaged satellite communication terminals to guide uncrewed aerial systems and conduct precision strikes.

While remote operations shield personnel from direct infantry combat, operating bases remain high-priority targets for Russian artillery and guided aerial munitions. Additionally, service members report acute psychological distress caused by the routine observation of graphic, high-resolution footage during live surveillance and lethal targeting missions.

Sources: Die Presse

Ukrainian lawmakers are scheduled to vote on Wednesday on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as the country's new defence minister, alongside a confirmation vote for Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The ministerial reshuffle follows the dismissal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who has publicly warned of governance failures and wartime corruption while advocating for national elections.

Simultaneously, newly appointed armed forces commander Mykhailo Drapatyj has initiated a broad structural overhaul of the military leadership. Drapatyj’s restructuring aims to dismantle internal patronage networks created under previous command and elevate proven frontline officers into high-level strategic roles across the Ukrainian armed forces.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy