US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel, calling the current ceasefire talks a potential "last opportunity" for a truce and hostage swap in the Gaza conflict. After a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken reported that Israel supports the US ceasefire proposal. The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and increased humanitarian aid. However, Hamas criticized the proposal, and violence continues with recent attacks and airstrikes. The talks will resume in Cairo, but progress remains uncertain.

Mark Smith, a British diplomat at the embassy in Ireland, has resigned, accusing the UK of being "complicit in war crimes" through continued arms sales to Israel. Smith, who presided over arms export licensing in the Middle East, shared his resignation letter online, condemning Israel's actions in Gaza as clear breaches of international law. He criticized the UK's arms export regime, stating that there is "no justification" for continued sales to Israel. The UK government insists it upholds international law and is reviewing Israel's compliance with humanitarian standards.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested after a triple stabbing in Greater Manchester, UK left a woman dead and two others critically injured. The incident occurred late Sunday night on Barnard Road in the Gorton area. A 43-year-old woman died at the scene, while a 17-year-old girl and a 64-year-old man were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police believe the suspect knew the victims. An investigation is ongoing, with officers conducting inquiries and increased patrols in the area. Authorities are asking witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Ukraine's forces are advancing in Russia's Kursk region, aiming to create a "buffer zone" to stop cross-border attacks. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed this goal as his troops blew up a second bridge over the Seym River. Despite Ukraine's progress, Russia is gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, closing in on the city of Pokrovsk. Kyiv's forces control nearly 1,000 square kilometers in Kursk, while Russia moves troops to counter the Ukrainian offensive. Residents in conflict zones are urged to evacuate as fighting intensifies on both fronts.

A British-flagged yacht, the Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily during severe weather, leaving one dead and six missing. Of the 22 people on board, 15, including a one-year-old child, were rescued. The yacht was around 700 meters from the harbor when it capsized. The captain of a nearby ship found the survivors in a life raft and alerted the coastguard. A wreck was located at a depth of 50 meters, with divers and helicopters searching for the missing. The nationality of the deceased is unknown, while the missing include individuals from the UK, US, and Canada.

Russia reports Ukraine's destruction of a third bridge in the Kursk region, part of Kyiv's ongoing invasion since two weeks ago. Ukrainian forces targeted the Seym river bridge, marking the second such attack since Friday, aimed at limiting the supply capacity of Russian troops. Moscow revealed the latest attack in a video shared on a state TV Telegram channel. Meanwhile, over 121,000 residents have been evacuated from nine border districts in Kursk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is achieving its strategic goals in the region as Russian forces struggle to repel the Ukrainian advance.

Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, emphasized comprehensive reforms before the next general elections during his first diplomatic engagement in Dhaka. After former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted amid violent protests, Yunus outlined his government's roadmap for restoring law and order and reviving the economy. He accused Hasina of destroying Bangladesh's institutions, rigging elections, and leading a brutal dictatorship. Yunus promised a "Second Revolution" led by citizens seeking democracy. He urged international support for Bangladesh's transformation, affirming the country's commitment to multilateralism and cooperation with a UN fact-finding mission on recent violence.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Israeli military positions on August 19, 2024, including drone strikes on bases in northern Israel. The group targeted a barracks near the Lebanese border and a base near Acre, claiming retaliation for recent Israeli strikes that killed top commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Hezbollah reported a rocket and artillery attack on another Israeli position and confronted Israeli soldiers near the border. The violence has escalated tensions, with significant casualties reported on both sides since the onset of the Gaza War.

In Chicago, Democrats celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for the White House, following President Joe Biden's exit from the race. Biden, 81, will deliver a prime-time address at the Democratic National Convention, urging support for Harris, who would be the first female US president if elected. The convention, starting Monday, faces protests against Biden's policies, particularly regarding Israel's Gaza offensive. Harris, 59, will formally accept her nomination on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump will campaign in key battleground states, with his campaign focusing on policy rather than personal attacks.

Ukraine has struck a second critical bridge in Russia's Kursk region as its ongoing incursion into Russian territory enters its second week. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed the attack, releasing footage of the destroyed bridge near Zvannoye. This follows an earlier strike on a bridge in Glushkovo. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the operation aims to create a buffer zone in Russian territory. Meanwhile, Russian forces captured Svyrydonivka in eastern Ukraine, intensifying their push towards the strategic city of Pokrovsk.