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Hamas Accepts Disarmament Framework; Israel Signals Skepticism

US President Donald Trump announced that the US-led Board of Peace reached a deal for the phased disarmament of Hamas in Gaza and gradual Israeli withdrawal, which Hamas confirmed it had accepted. Israel's government had not officially responded and key officials voiced deep skepticism, while both sides outlined conflicting conditions on sequencing.

Donald Trump holds a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room (file photo)

31 July 202615 outlets

Lebanese Army Deploys to Southern Lebanon Pilot Zone; IDF Fires Near Troops

The Lebanese army began deploying to pilot zones in southern Lebanon under a US-brokered Trilateral Framework agreement, entering Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on Tuesday. The Lebanese military accused Israeli forces of firing near its units during the deployment, with Israel and Lebanon offering conflicting accounts of why shots were fired.

22 July 20264 outlets

US–Iran Conflict Escalates: US Soldier Killed in Iraq, Strikes on Nuclear Site, Regional Spillover

On July 18–19, 2026, a US service member was killed during the disposal of an Iranian drone in northern Iraq, raising the US death toll in the ongoing US–Iran conflict to 17. Simultaneously, the US launched airstrikes against Iranian targets, Iran struck US-allied countries including Jordan and Kuwait, and a US attack on an under-construction Iranian nuclear power plant drew international concern.

Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran (file photo)

19 July 20264 outlets

U.S. Conducts Seventh Night of Strikes on Iran Amid Hormuz Escalation

The U.S. military carried out its seventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran on July 17–18, 2026, targeting military infrastructure, while Iran retaliated against U.S. bases and Gulf state facilities. Fighting intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has largely halted and both sides advance competing narratives about civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

18 July 20266 outlets

US-Iran Escalation: Naval Blockade, Strikes, and Hormuz Toll Dispute

In mid-July 2026, the United States re-imposed a naval blockade on Iran and launched multiple rounds of military strikes, while Trump briefly proposed a 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz shipping before reversing the policy within hours. Iran countered with strikes on US military facilities and commercial shipping across the region, as an interim ceasefire agreement continued to collapse.

14 July 20265 outlets

Developing story · 1 earlier report

13 Jul — US Launches New Wave of Strikes on Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Standoff

Israeli Defense Minister Katz Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz submitted a formal request to President Isaac Herzog on July 14, 2026, seeking a pardon and expungement of the criminal record of Elor Azaria, a former soldier convicted of manslaughter for killing an incapacitated Palestinian man in Hebron in 2016. The Israeli military opposed the request, while the president's office said it was awaiting additional opinions before proceeding.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog in 2023 (file photo)

14 July 20265 outlets

Strike on Sanaa Airport Amid Dispute Over Iranian Aircraft Landing in Yemen

Yemen's internationally recognized government claimed responsibility for striking the runway at Sanaa International Airport on Monday, July 13, 2026, stating the action was taken to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing in Houthi-controlled territory. The Houthis attributed the strike to Saudi Arabia, declared the end of a de-escalation phase, and threatened retaliation.

Sanaa International Airport (file photo)

13 July 20265 outlets

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Military Escalation

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice following a week of escalating military exchanges with the United States, which included a third round of US strikes on Iran and Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states hosting US military bases. The escalation followed Iran's attacks on commercial vessels navigating the strait and effectively ended a ceasefire and memorandum of understanding reached in June.

12 July 20267 outlets

Developing story · 3 earlier reports

12 Jul — US–Iran Exchange of Strikes Over Strait of Hormuz 12 Jul — US-Iran Military Escalation Over Strait of Hormuz (July 2026)11 Jul — US Launches Third Round of Strikes on Iran; Strait of Hormuz Closed

Israeli Settlers Attack CNN Crew Near West Bank Village of Sinjil

On Saturday, July 12, 2026, four Israeli settlers attacked a CNN media crew and accompanying journalists near the West Bank village of Sinjil, wielding rods, stones, and a knife. Israeli police arrested the four suspects, while the incident drew attention to broader settler violence in the West Bank, including a separate incident in the village of Mughayyir and the detention of US Congressman Ro Khanna by settlers.

Israeli settlers and soldiers in Hebron's Old City (file photo)

12 July 20264 outlets

Israel Announces 26th Knesset Elections for 27 October 2026

Israel's parliament announced that national elections for the 26th Knesset will be held on 27 October 2026, the last date permitted by law. The Knesset will dissolve on 17 July 2026, making this the first full four-year parliamentary term completed since 1988.

The Knesset building in Jerusalem (file photo)

12 July 20268 outlets

Yair Netanyahu Reportedly Changes Name to Yonatan Hon/Hun

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son Yair Netanyahu has legally changed his name to Yonatan Hon (or Hun, per different transliterations), according to a Haaretz report citing Israeli tax records. The new name draws on family heritage from both sides of his family.

Israeli identity card cover (file photo)

9 July 20264 outlets

US-Iran Military Escalation: Second Round of Strikes and Ceasefire Collapse

The United States carried out a second round of strikes against Iran following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump declaring the interim memorandum of understanding 'over.' Both sides traded accusations of ceasefire violations as the region's fragile post-war agreement appeared to unravel.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy gunner near U.S. Navy warship (file photo)

9 July 20264 outlets

US Congressman Ro Khanna Detained by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna says he and his delegation were detained for approximately 90 minutes by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the Palestinian hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta in the occupied West Bank. The IDF's account of its own role in the incident differs from Khanna's characterization.

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna (file photo)

9 July 20266 outlets

Developing story · 1 earlier report

9 Jul — US Congressman Ro Khanna Detained by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

Hegseth Cancels Israel Visit Amid US-Iran Hostilities and F-35 Turkey Dispute

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled a planned visit to Israel on Wednesday, July 9, 2026, amid renewed US-Iran military hostilities that included US strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliatory strikes on US allies Bahrain and Kuwait. The visit had also been intended to address Israeli concerns over a possible US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

F-35 Lightning II fighter jet in flight (file photo)

8 July 20264 outlets

Explosions in Central Damascus During Macron's Visit to Syria

Two improvised explosive devices detonated in central Damascus near the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, wounding at least 18 people, including four police officers. The blasts occurred moments before French President Emmanuel Macron — the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024 — arrived at the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa; Macron had already left the hotel and his visit continued.

7 July 20266 outlets

Funeral Procession for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran

A massive public funeral procession for Iran's assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei took place in Tehran on Monday, July 7, 2026, drawing millions of mourners along a 10km route through the capital. The ceremonies occurred amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States following a war that began on 28 February 2026.

Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran (file photo)

7 July 20268 outlets

Hamas Dissolves Gaza Governing Body, Paving Way for Technocratic Committee

On July 6, 2026, Hamas announced the dissolution of the governing body that has administered the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, with the head of its emergency committee submitting his resignation. The move is intended to facilitate a transition of civilian governance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body established under a 2025 ceasefire framework, though significant obstacles—including Israeli objections and unresolved disarmament questions—remain.

The Mahmoudiya Mosque in Gaza (file photo)

6 July 20267 outlets

State Funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Iran held a multi-day state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February 2026 during a US-Israeli airstrike on a government residence in Tehran. The six-day, five-city funeral procession drew massive crowds and significant international attendance, while his son Mojtaba Khamenei was absent amid questions about his injuries.

Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran (file photo)

4 July 202613 outlets

US Envoys Arrive in Doha Amid Disputed Iran Meeting Plans

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Doha on Tuesday for talks with Qatari mediators on US-Iran negotiations, following a four-day exchange of strikes over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Qatar's foreign ministry both denied that any direct US-Iran meeting was scheduled, contradicting earlier statements by President Trump and the White House.

30 June 20267 outlets

US-Iran Doha Talks Dispute and Strait of Hormuz Military Escalation

Following an exchange of military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz in late June 2026, the US and Iran publicly disputed whether high-level talks were scheduled in Doha, while both sides navigated competing frameworks for the strait's management and a fragile 60-day diplomatic framework remained under pressure.

29 June 202619 outlets

Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Announces Plans for Three Gaza Settlements

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on June 29, 2026 that the Defense Ministry's Settlement Administration has completed groundwork to establish three settlements in northern Gaza, and called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to approve the plan. The announcement came during a visit to southern Israel communities near the Gaza border and was accompanied by controversial claims about Smotrich's role in the Israel-Hamas War.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister (file photo)

29 June 20264 outlets

Iran-US Strait of Hormuz Negotiations and Shipping Dispute

In late June 2026, Iran and Oman moved forward with plans to manage and levy fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US objected and sponsored an alternative southern shipping route. Amid ongoing military exchanges, both sides pursued diplomatic talks toward a final settlement under a June 2026 framework agreement.

A cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz (file photo from April 2020)

29 June 20264 outlets

Israel's Government Votes to Recognize the Armenian Genocide

On June 29, 2026, the Israeli government unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, proposed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The decision still requires ratification by the Knesset and drew immediate condemnation from Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The Knesset in Jerusalem (file photo)

28 June 202610 outlets

US-Iran Tit-for-Tat Strikes Amid Strait of Hormuz Ceasefire Crisis

Following Iranian drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in late June 2026, the United States conducted multiple rounds of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, with both sides accusing the other of violating their June 17 memorandum of understanding.

US Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate in the Persian Gulf (file photo)

26 June 202616 outlets

Iranian Drone Strike on Kuwait International Airport

On Wednesday, June 4, 2026, Iran struck Kuwait International Airport with drones, killing one person and injuring more than 60 others. The attack occurred amid broader US-Iran hostilities, with ongoing but stalled negotiations and simultaneous military exchanges across the Gulf region.

Kuwait International Airport (file photo)

4 June 202612 outlets

France Bars Israeli Officials and Offensive Weapons from Eurosatory 2026 Defence Exhibition

France banned Israeli government representatives from attending the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris in June 2026, and restricted Israeli companies to displaying only air defence products while prohibiting offensive weapons systems. Israel's Defence Ministry condemned the move as 'disgraceful.'

1 June 20264 outlets

Israeli Knesset Advances Dissolution Bill and Attorney General Reform Bills

In late May–early June 2026, the Israeli Knesset advanced a coalition-backed bill to dissolve the parliament—potentially triggering early elections—while also passing first readings of two bills that would curtail the power of the attorney general and make it harder to indict senior officials, amid a coalition crisis driven by a dispute over haredi military draft legislation.

The Knesset building in Jerusalem (file photo)

1 June 20268 outlets

Israel Day Parade in New York City: Smotrich's Unannounced Appearance Sparks Controversy

New York City's annual Israel Day on Fifth parade drew tens of thousands of participants on May 31, 2026, but was overshadowed by controversy after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attended without being announced in advance, prompting condemnation from multiple New York officials and becoming a flashpoint in a Congressional primary race.

Israel Day Parade in New York City, 2026 (file photo)

31 May 202617 outlets

UN Adds Israel and Russia to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Blacklist

The United Nations added Israel and Russia to its annual 'Conflict-Related Sexual Violence' blacklist for the first time, citing verified cases of sexual abuse committed by their forces. Israel responded by cutting ties with UN Secretary General António Guterres, while both countries denied the allegations.

United Nations General Assembly Building in New York City (file photo)

29 May 202610 outlets

US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Framework: Negotiations and Sticking Points

US and Iranian negotiators reached a tentative framework agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and launch nuclear talks, but the deal remained unsigned as of late May 2026, pending approval from President Trump and Iranian leadership, with both sides exchanging conflicting statements about the agreement's terms and status.

United States Department of State building in Washington, D.C. (file photo)

29 May 202623 outlets

Netanyahu Directs Israeli Military to Expand Control of Gaza to 70 Percent

On May 28–29, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced that he had directed the Israeli military to expand its territorial control of the Gaza Strip from approximately 60 percent to 70 percent, exceeding the boundaries set under the U.S.-brokered October 2025 ceasefire agreement.

28 May 202610 outlets

Israel Intensifies Strikes on Lebanon, Hits Beirut Amid Ceasefire Violations Dispute

In late May 2026, Israel launched intensified strikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut, issuing large-scale evacuation orders and expanding ground operations, while both Israel and Hezbollah accused each other of violating a ceasefire that had come into force on 17 April 2026.

Beirut skyline (file photo)

28 May 20268 outlets

Israel Kills Hamas Military Wing Chief in Gaza Strike

Israel conducted a strike in Gaza that killed the head of Hamas's military wing. Hamas confirmed the death, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu made a public statement about the operation.

Israeli Air Force F-35I fighter jets (file photo)

26 May 20265 outlets