Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to block peace talks and prolong the war. He said Ukraine is not afraid of meetings, unlike Russia. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a summit between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, but Moscow insists the agenda is not ready. NATO chief Mark Rutte backed Ukraine’s call for strong security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Putin’s demands for land concessions were a “trap.” Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia launched heavy missile and drone strikes, while Ukraine hit a Russian oil facility. (PC: BBC)

A UN-backed report has confirmed famine in Gaza City and nearby areas, saying it is “entirely man-made.” Over half a million people face “starvation, destitution and death.” Residents described severe hunger. Reem Khader, a mother of five, said her youngest child has never tasted fruit. Rajaa Talbeh, 47, lost 25kg while living in a tent. Another mother, Rida Hijeh, said her daughter’s weight dropped dangerously due to malnutrition. Aid groups say restrictions on supplies are worsening the crisis. Doctors report rising cases of children with swelling, hair loss, and weakness. Families say they are running out of food and hope. (PC: BBC)

NRI industrialist and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul has passed away at the age of 94 in London. He was admitted to a hospital a few days ago due to illness and breathed his last on Thursday evening. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, Paul moved to the UK in 1966 while seeking treatment for his daughter, who later died. He went on to build the Caparo Group of Industries. Known as a respected member of the UK House of Lords, Paul worked for business, education, and health causes. Leaders from India and Britain, including PM Modi, expressed grief at his death. (PC: X)

For the first time in Gaza—and the broader Middle East—the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has officially declared famine in the Gaza City region, affecting over half a million people suffering from starvation, destitution, and death . The UN agencies FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO stress that this is a fully man-made crisis and call for an immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid access to halt further deaths . Famine is projected to spread rapidly to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by late September, potentially engulfing up to a third of Gaza’s population . In Gaza’s North, conditions are as severe—or worse—but lack of data has prevented formal classification, underscoring the need for urgent access and comprehensive assessments. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Hamas, declaring that “the gates of hell will soon open” if the group does not accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war. Katz stated Gaza City could face destruction similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun. His remarks followed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of a major military operation to capture Gaza City. Israel demands the release of all hostages and Hamas’s full disarmament. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators but refuses to disarm without a Palestinian state. Israeli officials remain skeptical, citing past failed negotiations. Humanitarian groups warn of worsening crisis amid escalating tensions. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The Trump administration has suspended the issuance of H-2B worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing public safety concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate halt, warning that foreign drivers operating large trucks endanger American lives and undercut domestic truckers. The move follows a fatal Florida crash involving Harjinder Singh, an undocumented driver now charged with vehicular homicide. An investigation is underway into regulatory lapses. Additionally, over 55 million visa holders are being vetted for deportable offenses. The administration also reinstated strict English proficiency enforcement, disqualifying over 3,000 drivers. These actions reflect a broader crackdown on immigration and transportation safety. (PC: Wikipedia)

Ukraine faced one of the heaviest Russian attacks in weeks, with 574 drones and 40 missiles launched overnight. Ukrainian officials said 1 person was killed in Lviv and 15 injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics firm was hit. The air force claimed 577 incoming weapons were intercepted. Hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles were used, with strikes from Russia, Crimea and the Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, but ruled out Budapest. The strikes came as Donald Trump led diplomatic efforts to end the war. (PC: BBC)

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), led by Masood Azhar, is raising PKR 3.91 billion through digital wallets to rebuild terror bases destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor. The outfit plans to set up 313 new camps across Pakistan. Investigators say the group now moves 80% of its funds through mobile wallets, bypassing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) checks. Many donations come from Gulf countries. Sources claim funds are also being used for weapons, including drones. Indian security agencies warn JeM is decentralising camps to avoid future strikes. This exposes Pakistan’s hollow FATF compliance and highlights ISI’s backing of terror financing networks. (PC: HT)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that negotiations will begin to free hostages held in Gaza and end the ongoing war. “These two things – defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages – go hand in hand,” he said. Israeli forces have advanced to the outskirts of Gaza City, with more troops joining the operation. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on proposals for indirect talks. Netanyahu stressed that all hostages must be freed for the conflict to end. No timeline was provided, and details of the negotiations remain limited. (PC: Reuters)

The UK has summoned Israel’s ambassador after final approval was given for a controversial settlement plan in the West Bank. The project, known as the E1 settlement, will add about 3,500 homes east of Jerusalem and could cut the West Bank in two. Britain, along with 21 other nations, condemned the decision, calling it a clear breach of international law and a major threat to a two-state solution. The UN also warned the plan would “drive a stake through the heart” of peace efforts. Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich said the move was meant to erase the idea of a Palestinian state. (PC: Reuters)