Aug 26, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm rejection of the US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza, declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Speaking in televised remarks to his cabinet on Sunday, Netanyahu directly addressed the framework announced by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Hamas in late July. He affirmed that "Israel rejects the 15-point document" and pledged that military operations would continue to neutralize threats against Israeli troops.

The announcement underscores mounting diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem. Although Israeli military strikes in Gaza have slowed under American pressure, Netanyahu faces complex political dynamics ahead of Israel's upcoming national election on October 27, balancing demands from his far-right coalition partners against calls from the White House.

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

Russian forces launched extensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, striking targets in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Chernihiv. The attacks caused widespread power outages and severe damage to civilian infrastructure, resulting in dozens of casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine would retaliate, while Ukrainian defense forces launched counter-drones toward Moscow.

Meanwhile, domestic political friction mounted as former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for legal mechanisms to conduct national elections during the conflict, arguing that "democracy cannot be hostage to Russia." The political maneuvering coincides with anti-corruption investigations and an upcoming parliamentary vote on confirming Yevhenii Khmara as defense minister.

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

United States President Donald Trump has announced an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, citing stalled diplomatic progress. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to detail the specific financial measures on Monday.

Iran responded with stern warnings. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated Tehran would target the regional interests of neighboring nations collaborating with Washington's financial offensive.

Concurrently, tensions persist around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian hardliners are leveraging control over the critical maritime corridor to demand complete implementation of June's 14-point memorandum, including sanctions relief, asset unfreezing, and an end to port restrictions. While Washington reportedly seeks a quick resolution limited to restoring naval transit, Iranian leadership intends to maintain maritime pressure until all economic terms are granted.

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

US President Donald Trump stated a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be finalized within days, even as Tehran demands significant concessions and maintains that access remains restricted until Washington alters its regional posture. Trump downplayed the urgency of reopening the route, describing diplomatic maneuvering as a "chess game" while noting Iran's ongoing economic difficulties.

Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions between Tehran and Oman continue to focus on establishing secure commercial maritime corridors. However, Washington warned of potential military action against any interference from Tehran or Muscat, with Trump maintaining that no supplies will enter Iran without a formal agreement or surrender. Despite official US assertions that the waterway remains open and operational, commercial shipping through the strait dropped by an additional 20 percent following a recent vessel attack.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, Dan, Vijesti.

Russian authorities have stepped up domestic restrictions ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, banning the opposition party Yabloko and sentencing prominent figure Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison. The measures coincide with heightened public concern regarding potential post-election military mobilization, prompting some residents to sell property and plan departures.

At the same time, Western intelligence agencies assess that President Vladimir Putin could test NATO's cohesion through hybrid tactics or limited military incursions in the coming years. Analysts also point to structural governance challenges in Moscow, noting recurring seasonal strains alongside the absence of a clear succession framework for the 73-year-old leader.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Index, Klix, Vijesti