Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem declared that the group will not disarm as long as Israeli aggression continues, warning they are ready for a “Karbala-style” struggle. Speaking in Arbaeen, he invoked Imam Hussein’s legacy, emphasizing the choice between justice and oppression. Qassem praised the 2006 victory for deterring enemies, criticized the Lebanese government for cooperating with U.S. and Israeli agendas, and affirmed continued support from the Islamic Republic. He called for unity in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly preparing arrest warrants against Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on charges of apartheid. Former Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan completed the cases before stepping aside, but deputies are hesitating due to U.S. sanction threats. If issued, these would be the ICC’s first apartheid charges, recognized as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. Rights groups and the ICJ have also accused Israel of unlawful occupation and systemic discrimination.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that child malnutrition in Gaza City has reached 21.5%. This means nearly one in five young children is undernourished.

The crisis is being compounded by soaring temperatures above 40°C and limited water supplies, heightening dehydration risks. UNRWA staff, already under immense stress, are themselves facing severe food insecurity.

The Kremlin has stated that no final document is anticipated following the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that preparations were limited, and any agreements or understandings will be outlined during a joint press conference after the summit. Discussions on Ukraine remain bilateral, and Kyiv’s position will be addressed later. Peskov also highlighted that previous meetings between Trump’s envoy and Putin were productive, but warned against rushing predictions about the summit’s outcome.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that 32 Palestinians were killed in Gaza within 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes, including 13 people who were seeking humanitarian aid. Four additional deaths were attributed to malnutrition amid worsening food shortages.

Al Jazeera reported that vast areas of northern Gaza have been reduced to “lifeless rubble,” while residents of Gaza City fear fresh displacement as Israel orders evacuations toward the south. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza has sparked further alarm.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv has received a $5 billion pledge from European allies to purchase U.S.-made weapons, with $1.5 billion already delivered. The funding, part of NATO’s ‘Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List’ initiative, is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense. Zelensky also met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, emphasizing bilateral cooperation. Analysts highlight that the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska could have major implications for Ukraine and Europe, even though neither leader will attend.

Defying international pressure, Israel continues its assault on Gaza, killing at least 100 Palestinians in indiscriminate airstrikes in a single day. Heavy bombardment flattened hundreds of buildings in the Zaytoun neighborhood alone over the past three days. Meanwhile, starvation and malnutrition have claimed the lives of eight more people, including three children, bringing the famine-related death toll to 235—of whom 106 are children. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians gathering for aid, killing 37.

The Alaska meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin has stirred cautious optimism in Russia, with some citizens hoping for renewed diplomacy and potential sanctions relief. Analysts, however, view the summit as largely symbolic, given the deep divide over Ukraine’s territories. While Trump hints at a peace deal with possible territorial swaps, Zelensky will not attend. The talks aim to halt Russia-Ukraine hostilities, but real compromise remains uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tension and disputes over occupied regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any Russian proposal to give up the Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, warning it could be exploited for future attacks. Speaking ahead of the Russia–U.S. meeting in Alaska, he emphasized Ukraine will not surrender territory, citing constitutional requirements for a referendum on land exchanges. Despite recent Russian advances, Zelensky stressed Kyiv will defend against attackers. The announcement comes amid global concern over possible territorial negotiations following Trump’s comments on peace deals.

World-renowned pop star Madonna has called on Pope Leo to visit Gaza and bring relief to children affected by the ongoing conflict. Posting on Instagram, she emphasized the urgency, saying the Pope is uniquely positioned to enter Gaza and spread hope before it’s too late. Madonna, a vocal supporter of Palestinians, highlighted the suffering of children and stressed that all children of the world deserve protection amid Israel’s military operations, which have killed over 61,500 people and created severe food shortages.

A month after Israel’s ‘Rising Lion’ operation against Iran, a Maccabi Healthcare survey finds that half of Israelis are struggling with insomnia, fatigue, fear, and anxiety. Around 16% report severe fatigue, while 30% feel they need mental health support. Children are also affected, with 25% of parents noting behavioral changes. Experts warn that prolonged stress and poor sleep are impacting daily life and physical health, emphasizing the need for monitoring, early intervention, and mental resilience measures.

Yemen’s Houthi armed group has claimed attacks on four major Israeli locations—Haifa Port, Negev, Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat), and Beersheba—citing retaliation for Israel’s military operations and civilian casualties in Gaza. Six drones reportedly hit all intended targets. The Houthis warned their strikes will continue until Israel halts aggression and lifts the blockade. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 73 killed in the last 24 hours and rising deaths from starvation, including children. The Haifa Port strike is one of the most significant claimed attacks so far.

Israeli forces have killed 73 more Palestinians in Gaza in the past 24 hours, despite condemnations from 26 countries, including the UK, EU, and Canada. Among the dead are two people who died of starvation—one a six-year-old child—and 19 who were shot while attempting to collect food aid.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s offensive has killed 61,599 Palestinians and injured 154,088, according to Gaza health authorities. Survivors describe catastrophic conditions as food shortages and relentless attacks devastate the enclave.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of preparing a new military offensive instead of seeking a ceasefire. Speaking on August 11, Zelensky highlighted intelligence reports indicating Russia’s intent to continue pressure on Ukraine and dismissed any signs of Russia preparing for peace. He emphasized troop redeployments signal further attacks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a planned meeting with Putin on August 15 in Alaska, aiming to discuss the escalating conflict.

The killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli airstrike outside Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital has triggered worldwide protests and mourning. The attack also killed two other Palestinians, raising the death toll to seven. Since late 2023, at least 238 journalists have died amid the conflict. Demonstrations demanding justice took place in cities including Ramallah, Tunis, Berlin, Washington DC, and London. Protesters accused major media outlets of biased reporting that enabled the massacre, calling for truthful coverage of the Gaza crisis.