Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to conquer Gaza City as half-hearted in a video posted online. Israel's far right pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to go harder against Hamas, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting Sunday on the premier's plan to conquer Gaza City.

Over 22 months into the war in Gaza, Israel is gripped by a yawning divide, pitting those calling for an end of the conflict along with a deal for the release of the hostages against others who want to see Hamas vanquished once and for all. The debate has only intensified after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet announced plans Friday to expand the conflict and capture Gaza City.

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Ukrainian and European officials have met US Vice President JD Vance in Britain, apparently to convey their position on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

This comes ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Saturday that he had a series of phone calls with leaders of Britain, France and other countries. Zelenskyy said Europe's voice must be taken into account in negotiations to reach a ceasefire.

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Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a criminal court on Saturday in the capital N'Djamena.

Masra was found guilty of inciting the public to hatred and hostility, according to the ruling handed down by Chad's criminal court. Masra was arrested in May after a government probe alleged that he incited people to violence, which led to the death of 42 people in clashes in Mandakao village in the southwestern province of Logone Occidental.

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Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed to a lasting peace after decades of conflict, US President Donald Trump said Friday as he hosted the leaders of the South Caucasus rivals at a White House signing event. Armenian Prime Minister and Azerbaijan's President said Trump's mediation should earn him a Nobel Peace Prize -- an award the US leader has been vocal about seeking.

Trump said at the event that “the two republics are committing to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Trump added the two leaders would have a "great relationship,".

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US President Donald Trump said he will meet Russian President Putin on August 15 in Alaska.  Trump made the announcement on social media on Friday, describing the summit as a "highly anticipated meeting." Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov also confirmed the summit plan when he spoke to reporters on Saturday.

Ushakov said the presidents will undoubtedly focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. He also said that the economic interests of the US and Russia overlap in Alaska and the Arctic, and prospects for the implementation of large-scale and mutually beneficial projects can be seen.

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Turkish President Erdoğan addressed the 38th Ordinary Financial General Assembly of the Foreign Economic Relations Board and the “Respect for Masters” Award Ceremony on Friday. He stated that Türkiye follows a foreign policy centered on conscience, justice, and the value of human life. He also emphasized that Türkiye has become a sought-after player at peace negotiation tables worldwide.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders isn't a condition for him to meet with Russian President Putin in what would be their first in-person encounter in Trump's second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shortly before Trump's Oval Office remarks that "the Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to this meeting."

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The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country's security cabinet has approved a military plan to take control of Gaza City amid the continuing conflict with Hamas. The announcement issued by the office on Friday morning said the security cabinet had approved the prime minister's proposal for defeating Hamas. It also said the Israel Defense Forces will prepare to expand the military operation in Gaza City.

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrives at the Kremlin to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The pair are set to discuss the development of bilateral relations, as well as key regional and international issues. Putin names the United Arab Emirates as a potential location for an upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed Thursday to extend a ceasefire deal that followed five days of hostilities along their border last month. The joint statement signed by Thai Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said they agreed to continue a freeze on border troop movements and patrols.

The statement scheduled another meeting within a month and both sides would also agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news in order to de-escalate tensions.

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