Aug 24, 2026, 03:00 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally dismissed a 15-point Gaza peace plan proposed by the United States, reiterating that Israeli troops will not pull out of the enclave until Hamas disarms completely.

Addressing his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed," rejecting the framework recently agreed to by Hamas following diplomatic momentum led by US President Donald Trump.

The stance highlights growing strategic discord between Tel Aviv and Washington, despite Israel scaling back major operations following American diplomatic pressure. Netanyahu faces intense political balancing ahead of the October 27 national election, weighing demands from right-wing coalition partners against relations with his main international ally.

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

Extensive Russian missile and drone bombardments across Ukraine have left at least thirteen people dead in Kyiv, alongside casualties reported in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged retaliation following strikes on civilian infrastructure across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, while Russian authorities reported intercepting Ukrainian drones over Moscow. Casualty figures in the capital varied slightly across initial reports, ranging between twelve and thirteen dead.

Concurrently, domestic political friction expanded in Kyiv after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for national elections, arguing that democracy must not remain hostage to prolonged war. The demand coincided with parliamentary voting to confirm Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister amid broadening anti-corruption investigations involving individuals connected to the presidential administration.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica

The United States has launched what President Donald Trump described as an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, following an impasse in negotiations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to detail the measures, which aim to enforce strict financial isolation and target third parties assisting Tehran.

In response, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that Iranian forces will strike the regional interests of neighbouring countries that cooperate with Washington's economic measures. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities continue to maintain their blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting partial maritime agreements and demanding the complete implementation of a 14-point memorandum drafted in June, including sanctions relief and the release of frozen foreign assets.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica

Bulgaria's Ministry of Defence has released preliminary findings concerning the unmanned aerial vehicle that crashed inside the country's borders over the weekend. Officials stated that the device matches a design "largely used by Ukrainian armed forces."

However, defence authorities stressed that present evidence does not point to an intentional cross-border strike or an attack aimed at domestic infrastructure. Technical experts from the Bulgarian military are conducting a detailed analysis of the wreckage to reconstruct its flight path, verify its launch origin, and identify any mechanical or navigational malfunctions that caused the crash.

The crash caused no reported casualties or structural damage. Authorities in Sofia noted that coordination with NATO counterparts is ongoing as investigators conclude the technical review.

Sources: Le Monde.

Ukraine's parliament is scheduled to vote on Wednesday on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nomination of former intelligence chief Yevhen Khmara as the country's new defence minister. Lawmakers are also set to confirm Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the session.

The vote follows the dismissal of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose removal sparked public debate. Fedorov subsequently criticised systemic governance issues, warned against wartime corruption, and called for national elections.

Concurrently, newly appointed armed forces commander-in-chief Mykhailo Drapatyj is reshaping senior military ranks. Drapatyj, recognised for his frontline command since 2014, has moved to dismantle legacy patronage networks and elevate experienced combat officers to higher operational positions.

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