Nov 1, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally reaffirmed Israel's rejection of the US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza during televised cabinet remarks. Netanyahu stated that the military "will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed," maintaining a firm stance against the proposal announced by US President Donald Trump and accepted by Hamas in late July.

The rejection underscores continuing diplomatic friction with Washington, even as Israeli forces have recently scaled back military operations under US pressure. Netanyahu remains under domestic political strain ahead of Israel's upcoming general election on 27 October, navigating conflicting demands between coalition allies and international diplomatic partners.

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

The United States military executed large-scale strikes against Iranian targets and three oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz following a major escalation in the region. According to U.S. Central Command, the operations responded to Iranian ballistic missile launches aimed at two American warships and an attempt to deploy naval mines, which officials confirmed have since been cleared.

The strikes mark a significant expansion of direct military actions targeting commercial oil fleets and critical maritime corridors. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of expanded retaliation against Iranian public infrastructure, including electrical power grids and transit bridges, if commercial shipping faces further disruptions. Military analysts characterize the strategy of targeting energy networks and supply routes as an entry into fifth-generation warfare.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV

At the United Nations General Assembly, world leaders delivered contrasting foreign policy visions. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized current Gaza diplomacy as a "shameful spectacle" and denounced Israeli policy in the West Bank, directly challenging Washington's approach. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump defended his unilateral foreign policy, asserting that "while others talk, I act." Trump issued stern warnings to Iran, declared that Cuba would fall, and highlighted US access to Venezuelan oil reserves. On the assembly sidelines, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez approached Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to request a bilateral meeting focused on restoring diplomatic relations between Caracas and Madrid.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, La Vanguardia.

Diplomatic efforts mediated by Qatar are under way to broker an agreement between the United States and Iran, despite escalating military action and hardline rhetoric. US Central Command recently launched strikes targeting two missile launchers on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct American attack on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six naval personnel died during the operation.

Concurrently, Iranian officials stated that Tehran sees "no necessity" for direct discussions with Washington until its preconditions are met. Prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough face further hurdles following announcements from US President Donald Trump indicating plans to seek financial compensation from Tehran for past regional attacks.

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