THE GUARDIAN

Intense phase of Israel’s war with Hamas near end, says Netanyahu

Israel’s prime minister has said the most intense phase of the assault against Hamas in Gaza is coming to an end, freeing up forces to move to the Lebanese border, where escalating exchanges of fire with the militant group Hezbollah have increased fears of a wider war.

THE GUARDIAN

US ‘incredibly concerned’ over Putin’s threat to supply weapons to North Korea after Asia tour

THE GUARDIAN

Outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte wins race to head Nato

The long-serving Dutch leader is expected to be confirmed formally as Nato’s secretary general in the coming days and take over when the incumbent head, Jens Stoltenberg, steps down on 1 October after nearly a decade in charge.

THE GUARDIAN

Russia and North Korea sign mutual defence pact

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, have signed a pact that includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other’s aid if either is attacked.

THE GUARDIAN

Russia and North Korea: what can they do for each other?

China accounts for more than 90% of North Korea’s trade and has been its most dependable aid donor and diplomatic ally. But as Vladimir Putin’s imminent visit to Pyongyang proves, the secluded state’s behaviour is being increasingly influenced by its security and economic ties with Russia.

THE GUARDIAN

Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves Israeli war cabinet

Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the Israeli war cabinet that had been overseeing the conflict in Gaza, rebuffing his far-right allies who had been seeking seats, and apparently moving to solidify his grasp on decision-making over the fighting with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah across the Lebanese border.

THE GUARDIAN

‘No one has any idea’ how many Israeli hostages are alive, says Hamas official

A senior Hamas official has said the group does not know how many of the Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza are still alive, as Israeli and Hamas sources set out positions that could undermine the possibility of an imminent ceasefire deal.

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US and Ukraine to sign 10-year security agreement at G7 summit

THE GUARDIAN

‘Unprecedented scale’ of violations against children in Gaza, West Bank and Israel, UN report says

More grave violations against children were committed in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel than anywhere else in the world last year, according to a UN report due to be published this week.

THE GUARDIAN

US to ask UN security council to back Joe Biden’s Gaza peace deal

The US is to try to shore up support for its proposed Gaza ceasefire deal by asking the 15-strong UN security council in New York to back a resolution supporting the deal.