Israel has rejected a ceasefire proposal for Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denying reports of an agreement with Hezbollah. The proposed 21-day ceasefire, backed by the US and France, aimed to pause hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon "Blue Line." Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military to continue its full-force operations against Hezbollah, which has fired hundreds of missiles into Israel. Over 600 people have died in Lebanon since Israel intensified airstrikes, threatening further escalation. Israel's military chief has hinted at a potential ground assault on Lebanon, urging forces near the border to prepare for possible action.

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies, several countries have started preparing to evacuate their citizens. Australia has urged its 15,000 nationals to leave, with plans for sea evacuations in place. Canada is coordinating with Australia to use commercial vessels for evacuations, while the UK has deployed 700 troops to Cyprus. The US is sending troops to Cyprus to assist in evacuation planning. Other countries, like Portugal, are working with EU partners for evacuation operations. Cyprus and Turkey are expected to be key evacuation hubs, with contingency plans heavily relying on sea routes.

In a heartwarming moment at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the Pakistan team posed for photos with the Indian flag alongside the Indian chess contingent. This gesture followed India’s historic double gold medal achievement, with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming their first-ever gold medals. The event marks a milestone in Indian chess, with stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa dominating. The video has gone viral, drawing comparisons to a previous incident involving Pakistan’s hockey team holding Chinese flags during the Asian Champions Trophy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to continue operations at full force, stating there has been no response to a proposed ceasefire deal. His office clarified that reports of a ceasefire are inaccurate, labeling the proposal as an American-French initiative that Netanyahu has not acknowledged. The prime minister emphasized that military action in Gaza will persist until all war objectives are fulfilled. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported ongoing attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, aimed at dismantling the group's capabilities and infrastructure. Netanyahu’s stance indicates a firm commitment to escalating military efforts despite international calls for a ceasefire.

The United States, France, and allied countries have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, alongside support for a truce in Gaza. This announcement followed an emergency UN Security Council meeting regarding the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The joint statement from the White House noted that the situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8, 2023, has become intolerable and poses an unacceptable risk of wider regional escalation. This date marks when Hezbollah began its attacks on northern Israel in response to Hamas’s assault on October 7. A U.S. official mentioned that a decision regarding the ceasefire could be expected “within hours” from Israel and Hezbollah.

Senior U.S. officials have indicated that a ceasefire deal along the Israel-Lebanon border is expected to be implemented 'in the coming hours.' Following extensive diplomatic efforts, the ceasefire is planned for 21 days along the demarcation line known as the Blue Line, allowing both sides to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict that escalated after Hezbollah's attack on October 8. While this ceasefire focuses solely on the northern border, it is hoped that it will facilitate progress regarding the situation in Gaza. The U.S. official stated that a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah would create "space" for further discussions related to Gaza.

In Doha, Qatar, a display of 15,000 teddy bears was set up to honor the children killed in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Each teddy bear wore a black t-shirt with the message, "I am not just a number. I am human with an identity." The initiative aims to raise awareness of the plight of children in Gaza and to collect funds for their support, with proceeds intended for the affected children in the enclave. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 14,000 children have reportedly died in Gaza since the conflict escalated on October 7, with thousands more suffering injuries due to the violence.

Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has ordered troops to prepare for a potential ground invasion in Lebanon amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The move follows intensified Israeli airstrikes, which killed 72 and injured 233 in Lebanon on Wednesday. The US has warned of an "all-out war" while UN-led talks aim for a 21-day ceasefire. Halevi stated that airstrikes are degrading Hezbollah and preparing the ground for possible entry. The conflict's escalation prompts international concern, with diplomatic efforts underway to broker a temporary resolution.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted as part of federal criminal investigations into his administration. The specific charges against him are currently sealed, and he is expected to be formally charged later today. If confirmed, this will make Adams the first sitting mayor among the city’s 110 mayors to face criminal charges. The indictment comes amid an FBI investigation into the functioning of New York City, along with a series of sudden resignations of high-ranking officials within his administration. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to the West, stating that Russia may deploy nuclear weapons if struck by conventional missiles or if faced with an existential threat. This shift in Russia's nuclear doctrine is largely seen as a response to discussions in the US and UK about potentially allowing Ukraine to launch Western missiles into Russia. Putin emphasized that any attack supported by a nuclear power would be considered a joint assault, triggering a nuclear response. The move aims to counter emerging threats and risks in the rapidly changing global landscape.