Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace plan and ruled out the creation of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains in office. Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed. Trump had described the proposal as a major breakthrough aimed at ending the war, disarming armed groups and establishing transitional Palestinian governance. Hamas, however, has also set conditions, demanding an end to Israeli attacks and military withdrawal before discussing disarmament. The opposing positions threaten to complicate efforts to implement the US-backed roadmap. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s 15-point plan for Gaza, saying Israel will not withdraw its troops until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel would continue military operations to prevent threats against its forces and citizens. Trump’s Board of Peace had said an agreement was reached for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups. Hamas, however, has linked the surrender of its heavy weapons to an end to Israeli military action and a withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel was discussing the next steps with US officials. (PC: BBC)

Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz was found dead at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, after reportedly eating at an unfamiliar restaurant, according to reports. He later reached Quba Mosque for prayers but suddenly collapsed near the entrance and died. The cause of his death remains unclear. Qari Saeed was reportedly responsible for supporting the families of Lashkar members killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir. His death comes days after senior LeT operative Rizwan Hanif claimed that more than 30 members of the banned group had been killed by “unknown men” across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the past few years. (PC: NDTV)

Israel is facing accusations of using archaeology to expand its control over land and ancient sites in the occupied West Bank. At Sebastia, Israeli authorities plan to take control of about 450 acres to create and develop a national park, a move Palestinian landowners oppose. UNESCO has placed Sebastia on its World Heritage List and List of World Heritage in Danger, citing concerns over planned land expropriation. Israel says it wants to protect and develop important archaeological sites and preserve Jewish historical links. Similar land expropriation has begun near Herodium, raising further concerns among Palestinian residents and Israeli rights groups. (PC: BBC)

A state of emergency has been declared in British Columbia, Canada, after the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire nearly doubled in size, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. The fire has spread across more than 103 sq km in the Summerland and Peachland areas. British Columbia Premier David Eby said flames were so intense that they created their own weather systems and lightning. Homes and properties have been destroyed, while some residents were rescued after being trapped by rapidly changing conditions. More than 20,000 people across the province have evacuated this summer as hundreds of wildfires continue to burn. (PC: BBC)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to Serbia, where President Aleksandar Vucic pledged to deepen economic and humanitarian cooperation with Ukraine. The 2 countries agreed to work toward EU membership and aim to finalize a free-trade agreement by the end of 2026. Serbia also offered help with rebuilding damaged Ukrainian cities and promised additional humanitarian, infrastructure and energy support. Vucic has maintained close historical ties with Russia but has increasingly strengthened relations with the West. Serbia has not joined sanctions against Moscow, though its economic and military dependence on Russia has gradually declined. (PC: The Print)

Iran’s semi-official Mehr News agency has released an undated video showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei interacting with followers, apparently seeking to counter reports about his health. The footage came days after Israeli media claimed the 56-year-old cleric was in an “extremely critical condition” and had been taken to a hospital. Reports also cited concerns within Iran’s leadership. However, the video’s date and circumstances could not be independently verified. Khamenei has rarely appeared publicly since becoming Supreme Leader after his father’s death in February. His prolonged absence has fueled repeated speculation about his health and whereabouts.

A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate as authorities declared a provincial state of emergency. The Bald Range fire rapidly spread around communities along Okanagan Lake, destroying homes and trapping residents. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, with nearly half considered out of control amid hot, windy conditions and prolonged drought. Emergency crews, aircraft and search-and-rescue teams are assisting affected communities, while major roads have been closed. Officials warn conditions remain highly dangerous as firefighters struggle to contain the rapidly expanding blaze. (PC: Reuters)

At least 3 people, including a child, were killed and 3 others injured in overnight Russian missile strikes near Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. Ballistic missiles hit areas east of the capital, causing fires and damage. The attack comes days after another Russian strike killed 21 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again appealed for more US-made Patriot interceptor missiles, saying Ukraine’s supplies have fallen significantly. He warned that Kyiv lacks the financial resources Russia uses to sustain the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued drone strikes against Russian oil facilities, while concerns grow over the conflict spreading into neighbouring countries. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has called for a wider military alliance among Islamic countries, similar to NATO, after Pakistan signed a defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Speaking to Geo News, Asif said the agreement should not remain an “exclusive club” and urged Muslim nations to set aside bilateral disputes and work together on defence. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement states that an armed attack on any 1 of the 3 countries would be considered an attack on all. The agreement also covers collective deterrence, defence cooperation, military exercises and personnel training, though full treaty details remain undisclosed. (PC: HT)