Hamas has agreed in principle to a roadmap for decommissioning its weapons in Gaza under a U.S.-backed peace framework. The plan calls for phased and verifiable disarmament, with U.S. oversight and Israeli military withdrawal tied to progress on demilitarisation. Major disagreements remain over the timing and implementation of the process.

No Gaza reconstruction before Hamas disarms, says Israel 

Erbil is reportedly emerging as a crucial hub for quiet diplomacy between Washington and Tehran. Reports suggest the US is exploring backchannel contacts with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to help secure a broader agreement, while Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani has again offered to facilitate dialogue. The developments highlight renewed efforts to revive negotiations amid continuing regional tensions.


US seeks IRGC backchannel to secure deal 

#gravitas An Israeli air force officer has been arrested on suspicion of using sensitive information to place bets on polymarket, including wagers tied to Israeli military strikes in Iran and Yemen. 

Israeli air force officer caught betting on next bombing on Iran, Yemen 

Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for Israeli forces to kill 30-40 people in Gaza every night and advocated Jewish settlements and Palestinian displacement. Iran condemned the remarks

Ben Gvir calls for 30-40 nightly killings in Gaza, Iran reacts

Israel’s ruling Likud party has launched a billboard featuring New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, accusing the four of wanting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lose the upcoming October election.


Netanyahu's party election billboard groups Mamdani with Khamenei, Erdogan, sparks backlash 

Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon that killed 11 people, labeling the military actions as "gross violations of international law" and a severe infringement on national sovereignty.


Iran: Israel strikes 'gross violations of international law'

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked a diplomatic row after calling the UK the "Islamic Republic of Britain" during a podcast interview, contrasting today's Britain with the Churchill-era solidarity Israel once received from British media.


Netanyahu calls UK 'Islamic Republic of Britain,' sparks backlash over Churchill-era comparison

Israel and Lebanon have shortlisted Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia as potential contributors to a new international mechanism aimed at verifying Hezbollah's disarmament in southern Lebanon. The list emerged from US-mediated talks in Rome, with these countries possibly providing troops to observe or take part in weapons inspections.


UK, Italy, Switzerland, Indonesia shortlisted to monitor Hezbollah's disarmament

Tensions are escalating in the West Bank as Israeli settlers continue to besiege Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, south of Nablus. Several Palestinian families have reportedly been trapped inside their homes, with access to essential supplies disrupted.

The Israeli military attempted to clear the area but was unable to remove the settlers. Additional troops have since been deployed, while the IDF says the forces are there to maintain security and protect residents. Reports also say disciplinary action is being considered over allegations of soldiers assisting or fraternising with settlers.

The incident has drawn international criticism, including from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who condemned the siege. The developments have added to growing concerns over settler violence, Palestinian displacement and rising tensions across the West Bank.

Palestinians say Israeli forces take no action against settlers

A dramatic new report reveals Trump secretly swapped planes during last month's NATO summit in Turkey, sneaking out via a catering truck onto a military jet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stayed behind on the "decoy" Air Force One, unaware to press and staff. The move followed intelligence, sourced from Israel, warning of a possible Iranian missile threat. But CIA analysts reportedly had "low confidence" in the intelligence, and Rubio himself was said to be skeptical, choosing to fly on the plane Iran would have targeted anyway.


Trump's secret plane swap: Did Trump rely on Israel intel instead of CIA? 

Tensions are rising around the Strait of Hormuz as the US redirects dozens of vessels amid growing pressure over Iran’s blockade. With peace talks stalled, President Trump says the US has “total control” of the strategic waterway and describes its naval presence as a “wall of steel.” Iran’s IRGC, meanwhile, says the conflict has strengthened its military experience, raising fears of a prolonged standoff.


Hormuz crisis: Trump says Iran has little left but fake news and empty threats

Trump's secret plane swap: CIA had 'low confidence' in Israeli-sourced Iran threat 

The Israeli Navy has officially integrated the INS Drakon, its newest and most advanced Dolphin II-class diesel-electric submarine, built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Stretching over 73 meters and displacing roughly 2,400 tons submerged, the Drakon is the largest submarine built in Germany since World War II.


Israel's new submarine could give it a hidden strike option

#Gravitas A new Israeli tax authority study shows a sharp surge in emigration among the country’s highest-paid professionals, including technology workers, doctors and engineers, raising fears in Israel of a deepening brain drain and billions of dollars in lost tax revenue. 


Emigration of highly educated Israelis hits record high 

A growing rift is emerging between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Trump is pushing for diplomatic resolutions, while Netanyahu insists on continued military action until Hamas is fully disarmed.

 Netanyahu-Trump rift widens: Bibi rejects Gaza deal, but does US care?

Uganda has backed the proposed Gaza Stabilisation Force aimed at supporting security and stability efforts in the region. The move comes amid ongoing discussions over post-conflict arrangements, humanitarian needs, and international involvement in Gaza.

Uganda backs proposed Gaza stabalisation force

West Asia remains on edge as Iran and Oman move closer to finalizing a Strait of Hormuz shipping agreement while tensions continue to rise across the region. Israel has launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon, with the IDF citing Hezbollah ceasefire violations. At the same time, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that their energy infrastructure could become targets if they fail to persuade the United States to halt military action.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay military action and prioritize diplomacy. Meanwhile, Washington continues to express frustration over stalled talks with Tehran, even as negotiations over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz continue through Oman.

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

West Asia is witnessing another dangerous escalation despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that any fresh U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against critical infrastructure, including oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water facilities, and transport networks. The developments come as Washington continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran while expressing concerns over divisions within Iran's leadership.

As uncertainty grows over the future of the Hormuz shipping route and the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS 

A growing rift has reportedly emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected proposals involving an Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, raising fresh doubts over ceasefire negotiations and the prospects for a lasting peace. The disagreement highlights deep divisions over the next phase of the Gaza conflict and regional security.

Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

A major power struggle appears to be underway between Israel's defence minister and the Israeli military. After reportedly announcing on live television that he was replacing a top IDF general, Israel Katz is now allegedly walking back his remarks, even as the Israeli military reportedly refused to act on Katz's announcement. 

 Israel in turmoil, army defies order to remove general 

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. 

Iran-linked crime network accused of recruiting teen hitmen 

Despite ongoing ceasefire efforts, a lasting peace in Gaza remains elusive. Israel has expanded its military presence to more than half of the Gaza Strip while remaining cautious about any agreement with Hamas, raising fresh concerns over the future of the conflict and regional stability.


Israel wary of Hamas deal, occupies more than half of Gaza

An Israeli court has temporarily blocked a controversial proposal to transfer crocodiles to Ketziot Prison as part of a security moat plan backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The move was halted after an animal welfare group challenged the legality of the plan, arguing the reptiles should be treated as a protected species.

Ben Gvir's crocodile moat plan faces legal obstacle 

A man whose girlfriend was killed at the Nova music festival at the hands of Hamas in the October 7, 2023, massacre shot himself dead at her grave after he found himself unable to cope with her absence. The Jerusalem Post reported Bar Asraf, a 30-year-old resident of Sha’arei Tikva, died by suicide, grieving Liron Barda, who worked as the bar manager at the festival.&nbsp;&nbsp;His friends told Walla that Liron's death had left him lonely. His sister said he "loved talking there (at his grave) and being with her." So when he went missing at a wedding, they checked for him there and found him lying dead.&nbsp;"We were at my brother's wedding. He apparently started to feel lonely. You couldn't tell. He was always happy and laughing," his sister, Lihi, told Walla. She added that Liron was his best friend. "He has a tattoo of her; she was a part of his soul," Lihi recalled. He left them at the wedding, and they thought he had gone to spend some alone time, like he usually did.&nbsp;"An hour passed, then two hours passed, and my older sister said, 'Come on, we're going to look for him'," she said. First they checked in the logical places, and then they went to check Liron's grave.&nbsp;Her sister had a bad feeling and told her, "You go." Lihi said, "I walked over, and suddenly I saw him lying next to Liron’s grave. I said to him, 'Bar, get up, what are you doing again...' and then I realised he was covered in blood." There was a gun lying next to him. "My father started CPR. I knew it was the end. He was cold... He died in the place he wanted to be most, with the woman he wanted to be with most,” she continued.&nbsp;Lihi said that he was coping with Liron's absence well. But he had a “moment of madness, being alone while seeing everyone with their families.”<h2>Liron tended to the wounded instead of running from the scene</h2>On the fateful day of October 7, Barda, who worked as the bar manager, stayed to administer first aid to the wounded even as her friends and family begged her to flee. "On that day, he started driving toward Re'im to save her, until he realised there was no one left to save and they turned him back halfway," Lihi said.&nbsp;His mother, Bracha, said that her son was a "good person, helped everyone. He bought food for those in need. A boy of giving, of love." She said Barda and Asraf were "soulmates since childhood." She added, "She was his listening ear. Everything to him. Every problem he had, she was his confidante."&nbsp;Bracha said they noticed that he was struggling to live without Liron. "A little while ago, I saw him looking sad and asked what was wrong. He said, 'Mom, I'm sad. It's hard for me without Liron. I miss her. There's no one who can replace her, no one to cheer me up.'"

A man who lost his childhood soulmate, his girlfriend, in the deadly October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival, killed himself at her grave nearly three years later. He was struggling to live without her, his family said, and went missing at a wedding. 

A man whose girlfriend was killed at the Nova music festival at the hands of Hamas in the October 7, 2023, massacre shot himself dead at her grave after he found himself unable to cope with her absence. The Jerusalem Post reported Bar Asraf, a 30-year-old resident of Sha’arei Tikva, died by suicide, grieving Liron Barda, who worked as the bar manager at the festival. His friends told Walla that Liron's death had left him lonely. His sister said he "loved talking there (at his grave) and being with her." So when he went missing at a wedding, they checked for him there and found him lying dead. "We were at my brother's wedding. He apparently started to feel lonely. You couldn't tell. He was always happy and laughing," his sister, Lihi, told Walla. She added that Liron was his best friend. "He has a tattoo of her; she was a part of his soul," Lihi recalled. He left them at the wedding, and they thought he had gone to spend some alone time, like he usually did. "An hour passed, then two hours passed, and my older sister said, 'Come on, we're going to look for him'," she said. First they checked in the logical places, and then they went to check Liron's grave. Her sister had a bad feeling and told her, "You go." Lihi said, "I walked over, and suddenly I saw him lying next to Liron’s grave. I said to him, 'Bar, get up, what are you doing again...' and then I realised he was covered in blood." There was a gun lying next to him. "My father started CPR. I knew it was the end. He was cold... He died in the place he wanted to be most, with the woman he wanted to be with most,” she continued. Lihi said that he was coping with Liron's absence well. But he had a “moment of madness, being alone while seeing everyone with their families.” Liron tended to the wounded instead of running from the scene On the fateful day of October 7, Barda, who worked as the bar manager, stayed to administer first aid to the wounded even as her friends and family begged her to flee. "On that day, he started driving toward Re'im to save her, until he realised there was no one left to save and they turned him back halfway," Lihi said. His mother, Bracha, said that her son was a "good person, helped everyone. He bought food for those in need. A boy of giving, of love." She said Barda and Asraf were "soulmates since childhood." She added, "She was his listening ear. Everything to him. Every problem he had, she was his confidante." Bracha said they noticed that he was struggling to live without Liron. "A little while ago, I saw him looking sad and asked what was wrong. He said, 'Mom, I'm sad. It's hard for me without Liron. I miss her. There's no one who can replace her, no one to cheer me up.'"

A man who lost his childhood soulmate, his girlfriend, in the deadly October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival, killed himself at her grave nearly three years later. He was struggling to live without her, his family said, and went missing at a wedding.&nbsp;

Man kills himself on the grave of his girlfriend murdered by Hamas on Oct 7

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. Israel says it targeted Hezbollah positions inside a security zone to eliminate threats against its forces.

The strikes come as the United Nations voices concern over extensive demolitions near Beaufort Castle, a UNESCO-listed heritage site recently added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject the US-backed framework agreement that calls for its disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UNESCO Site Damaged In Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again called off planned military strikes on Iran, saying he received requests from Iran and Gulf nations to avoid further escalation.

According to Trump, the temporary understanding includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Reports suggest Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to de-escalate the conflict, while the U.S. and Israel had reportedly been preparing one of the largest bombing campaigns against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any new American attack would trigger a powerful response targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. U.S. embassies throughout the Middle East have also issued security alerts amid fears of a wider regional conflict.

Trump Halts Iran Attack After Gulf Pressure | Middle East Crisis Deepens

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

President Donald Trump openly defied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by dismissing concerns regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, stating, "Nobody tells me what we should be selling". Despite Netanyahu’s warnings that the deal would disrupt the regional balance of power, Trump prioritized U.S. interests, defending Turkey as a key NATO ally.

Trump defies Bibi on F-35 sale to Turkiye

Fresh Israeli airstrikes have struck multiple locations across the Gaza Strip, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others, even as hopes rise for a new ceasefire agreement.

According to reports, an Israeli strike hit a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp after evacuation warnings were issued. Additional strikes in Deir al-Balah also resulted in casualties. Meanwhile, families across Gaza continue searching for loved ones who remain missing amid the ongoing conflict.

The attacks come as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee as part of a proposed second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Trump said Israel was "very happy" with the agreement and described it as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Israel Strikes Gaza As Trump Announces Hamas Disarmament Deal | Middle East Crisis

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