Israel persists in deadly Gaza strikes despite increasing global pleas for a ceasefire. The phase of the Gaza war, in its third month, has claimed 24 lives in Jabalia camp. Fighting began with Hamas attacks on October 7, causing widespread devastation. Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to fight until the end, aiming to eliminate Hamas and secure hostages' release. International figures, including France's foreign minister, call for an immediate and lasting truce, expressing concern over civilian casualties. The UN warns of a humanitarian breakdown in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed. Talks on a new truce, involving Qatar, resume amid escalating tensions in the region.

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, dismisses the place of Islam in Europe, stating compatibility issues with Western values. She criticizes Islamic cultural centers in Italy, funded by Saudi Arabia, claiming a distant Islamization process from European civilization. Meloni's remarks follow a political festival hosted by her far-right party, attended by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who emphasized the need for global asylum system reforms. Elon Musk also made a rare appearance, advocating the preservation of cultural identity amid Italy's historic low birth rate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns over Finland's NATO membership, citing the creation of a new military district in response. Finland, sharing a significant border with Russia, joined NATO in April amid Moscow's Ukraine offensive. Putin stated, "There were no problems there; now there will be." Tensions rise as Russia reacts to Helsinki's NATO accession, warning of counter-measures. This follows Finland closing its border with Russia, accusing Moscow of orchestrating a migrant crisis. Putin emphasized Russia's lack of interest in war with NATO countries, responding to recent remarks by US leader Joe Biden on Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

Ukraine announced thwarting two Russian missile and 20 drone attacks overnight, including an Iskander-K cruise missile strike. The Ukrainian air force successfully shot down the drones and the Kh-59 guided air missile, preventing damage from the Iskander-K. The missiles originated from Crimea and the occupied Kherson region. In response, Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones in border regions. While drone attacks near Russian borders are frequent, last week saw a major drone assault on southern Ukraine, accompanied by ballistic missiles hitting Kyiv, resulting in approximately 50 injuries. Russia continues daily bombardments on Ukrainian towns.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock jointly called for a "sustainable cease-fire" in Gaza, expressing concern over civilian casualties saying "Too many civilians have been killed" during the Israeli Defense Forces' assault. In a Sunday Times letter, they emphasized the need for lasting peace while acknowledging the complexity of the situation. The appeal follows US President Joe Biden's criticism of Israel's recent bombings as "indiscriminate." Cameron and Baerbock condemned extremist settlers in the West Bank, accusing them of hindering a two-state solution. The call for a ceasefire coincides with the US urging Israel to shift focus toward targeting Hamas leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Saturday that military force remains necessary against Hamas, even after Israeli troops mistakenly killed three hostages in Gaza. Carrying a white flag, the captives cried out in Hebrew before being fired upon. Families of remaining prisoners pled for ceasefire talks, but Netanyahu claimed negotiations require ongoing military pressure. The "tragic" friendly fire deaths occurred amid Israel's relentless bombardment of Gaza, leaving 18,800 dead since October. Netanyahu stands firm, arguing military assault enables "the return of the kidnapped and...victory." But the killings have intensified scrutiny of civilian casualties, with the U.S. voicing concern. Netanyahu remains steadfast in using force.

In a recent interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled U.S. President Joe Biden's assertion that Russia would attack a NATO country if successful in Ukraine as "complete rubbish." Tensions rise as Biden's remarks provoke Moscow, with Putin stating Russia has no interest in conflict with NATO. Meanwhile, debris from a downed drone claims a civilian life in Ukraine's Odesa region, escalating the conflict. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly thwarted multiple drone attacks, with one falling into a residential area, causing casualties. As geopolitical complexities intensify, Putin confirms plans to run for president independently, backed by broad support. The Arctic climate science community also feels the impact of strained relations, hindering collaboration since Russia's 2022 invasion.

As Israel's military offensive in Gaza continues, families of hostages held by Hamas issued an emotional plea for negotiations to free their loved ones. "We only receive dead bodies. We want you to stop the fight and start negotiations," said Noam Perry, daughter of captive Haim Perry, at a Tel Aviv event. The army admitted to "mistakenly" killing three hostages carrying a white flag. Ruby Chen, father of a captive soldier, fears "who will be next in line" under Israel's "Russian roulette" approach. With over 250 Israeli hostages and nearly 19,000 Gazans dead since October, families begged: "It's time to change this assumption" that continued assault will rescue prisoners.

At least 61 migrants are presumed dead after the boat they were traveling on sank off the coast of Libya on Saturday. The overcrowded vessel was carrying 86 people when it departed Zuwarah in northwest Libya, heading for Europe. It capsized amid high waves, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Twenty-five people were rescued by the Libyan coast guard and taken to a migrant detention center. The survivors reported that those on board were mostly from African countries including Nigeria, Gambia, and others. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants risking dangerous sea crossings to reach Europe, often facing perilous conditions. [Representative Image]

An Israeli military official said three Israeli hostages killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Friday had been holding up a white flag when they were shot. The hostages were emerging from a building near Israeli troops during intense fighting in the Shejaiya area. A soldier felt threatened and opened fire, killing two hostages immediately. The third retreated back inside, spoke Hebrew asking for help, but was also killed in further gunfire. The military said the shooting violated rules of engagement. Over 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza from a Hamas raid in October. The incident prompted protests from hostage families demanding the government secure their release.