THE GUARDIAN

Gaza death toll hits 40,000, with thousands more yet to be counted

The figure given by the strip’s health officials does not tell the full story of Palestinian losses, excluding those missing or buried in rubble

THE GUARDIAN

Israel-Gaza war live: Israel publishes plan for new West Bank settlement as regional tensions simmer

Israel has published plans for one of its proposed new settlements in the occupied West Bank, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Wednesday, upping the ante a day before planned new Gaza peace talks seen as vital to preventing a regional war.

THE GUARDIAN

Russia-Ukraine war live: Russia claims to have stopped attempt by Ukraine to break deeper into Kursk region

Russia’s defence ministry says it has stopped an attempt by Ukraine to break deeper into the Kursk region and has struck back against Kyiv’s forces in the Sumy region.

THE GUARDIAN

US orders strike group to accelerate deployment to Middle East amid fears of Iran attack on Israel

The US has ordered a strike group of fighter jets and navy warships to accelerate its deployment to the Middle East, as the region braces for possible attacks by Iran and its allies after the killing of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah.

THE GUARDIAN

Israel-Gaza war: thousands evacuate Khan Younis as Israeli tanks return to city – as it happened

Israeli tanks returned to the southern Gaza City of Khan Younis on Friday, forcing thousands to evacuate along congested roadways, as Palestinian fighters continued to attack Israeli troops from the ruins, residents and the military have told Reuters.

THE GUARDIAN

Aukus pact will turn Australia into ‘51st state’ of the US, says Paul Keating

Australia’s participation in the Aukus defence pact risks handing military control of the country to Washington and becoming the “51st state of the United States”, according to former prime minister Paul Keating.

THE GUARDIAN

Putin reportedly calls for Iran to limit damage in any retaliation against Israel

Vladimir Putin has reportedly told Iran to avoid civilian casualties in any retaliatory attack on Israel for the assassination of the Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, an underlining of the constraints it faces as it frames its response.