Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally advanced a contentious plan to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, effectively undermining the possibility of a future Palestinian state.

On Thursday, Netanyahu signed an agreement paving the way for construction of 3,400 new settlement units, a move that would sever East Jerusalem from large portions of the West Bank while linking existing Israeli settlements.

“We are fulfilling our promise—there will be no Palestinian state. This land is ours,” Netanyahu declared, vowing to double the population of the planned settlement area.

International observers warn the move could deepen Israel’s isolation, especially as several Western nations have recently announced plans to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly.

Israeli occupation forces have arrested four Palestinians, including the mayor of Silat al-Zahhar in Jenin, during a series of raids in the West Bank. The operations targeted homes in Silat al-Zahhar, Jaba’, and Kafr Dan, involving house searches and vehicle checks. Mayor Abdul Fattah Abu Alis, Zayed Kanan, and two others, Yemen Mari and Mohammed Azzam Mari, were taken into custody. The raids reflect ongoing tensions and frequent military actions in the region, impacting local residents’ daily lives.

The Israeli military has ordered Gaza City residents to evacuate south, warning of upcoming attacks. Shortly after, Israeli forces struck a high-rise building, claiming it was used by Hamas for intelligence operations, though no evidence was provided. Israel described Khan Younis as a “humanitarian zone” offering aid and shelter. Hamas denied Israel’s claims, insisting the building housed displaced civilians. The offensive, backed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, raises fears of renewed mass displacement in Gaza, once home to nearly one million people.

Israel’s growing involvement in Cyprus, particularly through Greek Cypriot alliances, aims to secure energy routes and expand regional influence, while sidelining Turkey and the TRNC. Allegations of espionage and military positioning in Northern Cyprus have sparked controversy, but Turkish Cypriots remain committed to their rights under international law. The Greek Cypriot-Israeli partnership strengthens defense and intelligence cooperation, yet dependence on Israel is rising. Strategic energy projects and settlement activities highlight Israel’s broader geopolitical ambitions, underscoring Cyprus’ critical role in Eastern Mediterranean security and energy networks.

Israeli forces say they now control about 40% of Gaza City, including Jaitun and Sheikh Radwan. Heavy ground and air assaults have left at least 53 Palestinians dead in one day, most of them civilians. Gaza officials warn no area is safe, even in designated “humanitarian zones.” Since October 7, 2023, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley accuse Israel’s government of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel has temporarily halted its plans to annex parts of the West Bank after a warning from the United Arab Emirates, which cautioned that such a move could violate the Abraham Accords and endanger regional agreements. The Israeli cabinet shifted its focus to the ongoing security situation in Palestinian territories, especially amid possible discussions at the UN on Palestinian state recognition. Analysts suggest that regional and diplomatic pressure has forced Netanyahu to step back, despite his previous opposition to Saudi Arabia’s stance.

Thousands of Israelis marched in Jerusalem against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza. Protesters lit fires and clashed with police outside his residence.

Another crowd gathered in front of the Knesset, while demonstrators blocked train tracks before being dispersed with water cannons.

Critics accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain at the expense of hostages still held by Hamas. “He is risking their lives to serve his own agenda,” one protester said.

Israel has confirmed the death of Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades, in a Gaza City airstrike on Saturday. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Ubaida was killed alongside at least 11 others, including women and children. Hamas denied the claim, calling it psychological warfare. Abu Ubaida, born Hudaifa al-Khalut, had been a symbolic figure since 2004, gaining prominence after the 2006 Gilad Shalit kidnapping. His last message warned that hostages faced the same risks in any Israeli assault.

Israel has declared Gaza City a “dangerous battlefield” as its forces escalate operations with heavy airstrikes and shelling, particularly in northern and eastern areas. The army ended a temporary humanitarian pause, warning of ongoing offensives against militant groups. UNRWA cautioned that up to one million people risk further displacement, while famine has already taken hold. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 63,000 Palestinians, amid a blockade that has crippled food, medicine, and essential services in Gaza.

At the UN Security Council, 14 of 15 member states—excluding the U.S.—held Israel responsible for Gaza’s famine. Representatives from the UK, France, Russia, and China issued strong statements against Tel Aviv. Heated exchanges broke out between Israel and Algeria’s envoys.
The Algerian delegate showed photos of malnourished Palestinian children and read a letter from slain journalist Mariam Abu Daggar to her son. Britain’s ambassador Barbara Woodward said, “For the first time in modern Middle Eastern history, famine has been recorded—entirely man-made.”
Israel countered that Palestinian child deaths were caused by illness, not malnutrition. U.S. envoy Dorothy Shea acknowledged Gaza’s hunger crisis but dismissed recent IPC reports as inaccurate.

Yemeni armed forces have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Al-Lidd Airport in the Yaffa region of Israel, carried out with a Palestine-2 ballistic missile in retaliation for the blockade on Gaza.
Military spokesperson General Yahya Saree said the strike disrupted airport operations and forced “hundreds of thousands of occupying Jews” to flee to shelters. Declaring the attack a “religious and moral duty” to support Palestinians, Saree urged the Arab and Islamic world to take stronger action against the “genocide and blockade” in Gaza.
He added, “We stand with Gaza until the siege is lifted and the aggression ends.”

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched missiles at Israel, claiming the attacks are in protest against Israeli aggression in Palestine and in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
The Israeli military said one missile fired from Yemen was intercepted. The Houthis had previously halted attacks during a two-month truce in Gaza but resumed operations after Israel launched new offensives.
In response, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled ports and Sana’a airport. The recent bombardments caused heavy damage and civilian casualties in the capital.

Israel’s Chief of Defense, General Yaal Zamir, announced that a proposed agreement to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza is “on the table.” The matter now rests with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision. On August 19, Israel’s security cabinet submitted a new proposal via mediators, which Hamas has reportedly accepted. Despite this, Netanyahu remains intent on continuing military operations in Gaza. The Israeli government faces growing domestic pressure as families of hostages protest outside ministers’ residences, demanding an end to the war and immediate release of captives.

A group of young Israeli settlers has attempted to establish a new settlement in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in Quneitra province. This area falls under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Videos shared on social media show the settlers crossing the security barrier and pouring concrete in the village of Bir Ajam. The planned settlement was named “Neve Habashan.” Reports also note that since the Assad regime weakened, Israel has increased military posts and patrols in Quneitra and has carried out attacks across various Syrian provinces.

Israel witnessed nationwide strikes and protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza occupation plan. On Sunday, nearly half a million demonstrators gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags and photos of hostages.

The rally, organized by the October Council, demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas and an immediate halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive. When protesters attempted to march toward Netanyahu’s residence, they were stopped by security forces, leading to at least 40 arrests.

The protests spread beyond Tel Aviv, with demonstrations reported in Jerusalem, Haifa, and nearly 300 other locations across the country.