Sep 6, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly turned down a US-backed 15-point peace framework for Gaza, insisting that Israeli armed forces will not pull back until Hamas is fully disarmed.

In televised comments to his cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed" and vowed to maintain military operations against emerging security threats. The refusal creates fresh tension in diplomatic relations with Washington, as US President Donald Trump had recently championed the proposal following its acceptance by Hamas.

The public rejection comes while Netanyahu navigates internal political pressures ahead of Israel's national election on October 27, balancing the demands of far-right coalition partners against calls from Washington to halt hostilities.

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

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have dismissed media reports claiming American military ammunition stockpiles are depleted following operations against Iran. CNN and other US outlets had previously reported that low missile reserves influenced decision-making regarding further strikes.

In response, Trump posted on Truth Social that the US maintains "vast quantities of 'ammunition'" while domestic production accelerates. Trump also threatened strict legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, for individuals leaking classified inventory details.

Concurrently, Trump stated that diplomatic talks with Iranian officials have resumed, framing the discussions as Tehran's final opportunity to secure an agreement. However, Iranian representatives publicly disputed Trump's account, stating no negotiations are taking place or scheduled.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

German investigators have identified two suspects connected to an August 4 plot involving explosive-laden drones aimed at a Ukrainian An-124 cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Joint investigative reporting revealed the suspects include a Belarusian citizen and a Russian-born individual.

Following intelligence assessments linking the plot to Russian hybrid operations in Europe, Berlin officially held Moscow responsible. In retaliation, German authorities ordered the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

The Kremlin denied any connection to the incident. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Germany's retaliatory measures, alleging that Berlin is choosing a "path of further escalation" and warning that Moscow could respond in kind.

Sources: Liga net, Mediazona, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Europe continues to experience extreme heat as a fourth heatwave hits Italy, prompting health officials to issue top-level red weather alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria. Temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected to persist for another week, following four reported heat-related deaths. Meanwhile, temperature records are falling across the continent. Austria registered its highest-ever temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days recorded since mid-June. Meteorologists warn that incoming hot conditions in France and the United Kingdom will further intensify ongoing drought and wildfire risks across Europe.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has marked 1,413 days in office, making her administration the longest-serving continuous executive in post-war Italian history by surpassing Silvio Berlusconi's second government.

Speaking to supporters in Bari alongside coalition partners, Meloni framed political longevity as a cornerstone of national progress, stating, "stability is the first major reform." While reviewing her government's economic performance and signaling an intention to seek a second term in 2027, she introduced no new legislative initiatives for the remainder of her mandate.

Italian media outlets offered contrasting evaluations of the milestone. Some commentary emphasized increased international credibility and fiscal consistency, while critical reporting noted policy shortcomings and argued that political survival was aided by a fragmented opposition.

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