Sep 8, 2026, 08:00 AM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point Gaza peace proposal presented by US President Donald Trump, insisting that Israeli forces will not pull back until Hamas undergoes full disarmament. Speaking during televised cabinet remarks, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed and will continue to thwart threats against our forces."

The decision underscores a growing public rift between Washington and Israel over the conflict's resolution. Hamas had previously accepted the US-backed framework following American-led negotiations. Despite diplomatic pressure from Washington leading to a recent reduction in Israeli strikes, Netanyahu faces internal political pressure ahead of an October election, balancing demands from far-right coalition partners against calls from the White House to finalize a ceasefire.

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

United States President Donald Trump announced that no diplomatic talks with Tehran are currently scheduled, reiterating that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. Trump warned of potential military escalation if Iranian or Omani forces interfere with international maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, following reports of a targeted vessel in the area. Iranian officials responded by warning that their military would adopt an offensive posture if diplomatic avenues with Washington fail.

Concurrently, diplomatic efforts regarding Gaza remain stalled. Hamas stated its acceptance of the second phase of a US-backed peace framework. However, Israeli officials reiterated that armed forces will not pull back from the enclave until Hamas completes total disarmament.

Sources: CDM (Cafe del Montenegro).

American forces targeted Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, conducting Washington's first direct strikes on Iranian soil in a month. Iranian state media subsequently confirmed six naval personnel were killed in recent US actions.

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic negotiations remain active. Qatari mediators reported ongoing talks regarding a potential bilateral US-Iran agreement, while Iranian officials announced a tentative agreement with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, subject to third-party non-interference.

However, diplomatic progress faces headwinds after US President Donald Trump announced plans to seek financial compensation from Tehran for past hostile actions, introducing new obstacles to a swift resolution.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Healthcare providers across the United Kingdom are experiencing a surge in patients seeking treatment for severe eye discomfort and vision complications following a recent solar eclipse. Medical authorities reported that numerous individuals observed the celestial event without utilizing certified protective eyewear, significantly raising the risk of solar retinopathy.

Eye specialists warned that direct exposure to solar radiation can cause irreversible damage to retinal cells. Standard sunglasses fail to filter out the intense light rays during an eclipse. Health officials strongly advise anyone experiencing persistent eye pain, blurred vision, or dark spots after viewing the event to consult an ophthalmologist immediately.

Sources: Kanal 5.

Severe summer heat continues to impact Europe, triggering record temperatures and widespread public health warnings. In Austria, a suburb near Vienna recorded the country's highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths associated with 52 days of severe heat between May and July, with France and the United Kingdom currently bracing for further extreme conditions.

In Italy, officials issued red alerts for all 27 major cities as the nation faces its fourth heatwave of the season. Temperatures are expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius for at least another week. Health authorities recommend that residents take precautions, including staying indoors between 11:00 and 18:00, staying hydrated, and monitoring for wildfire risks.

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