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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal to give up the Donbas region for a ceasefire, warning it would invite further Russian attacks. His statement came before a planned Alaska meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, BBC reported.

Trump hinted a peace deal might involve territorial swaps, including Russia’s demand for parts of Donbas. Russia holds much of the region and is advancing militarily.

Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s constitution requires a referendum before any land is ceded and voiced frustration at being excluded from the talks, calling the summit a win for Putin. He will join a virtual meeting with Western leaders urging Trump not to concede to Russian pressure, according to BBC.

Madonna has urged Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and bring hope to the suffering children, calling him “the only one who cannot be denied entry.” She emphasized the urgent need to fully open humanitarian aid to save innocent lives, BBC reported.

International bodies warn that famine is worsening in Gaza, with the UN saying aid deliveries remain far below what’s needed due to delays at Israeli-controlled borders. Israel denies starvation claims.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire and respect for humanitarian law after civilians were killed in an Israeli strike. Madonna’s plea reflects her deep concern as a mother and her ongoing calls for peace, according to BBC.

Meanwhile, U2’s Bono condemned violence on both sides and urged the release of hostages. The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and severe malnutrition in Gaza.

Gaza City has faced intense air attacks for days as Israeli forces prepare to occupy it, causing heavy destruction and many civilian casualties. Rescue efforts are hindered by ongoing shelling.

International powers warn of a worsening famine in Gaza and urge immediate aid access. Israel denies starvation claims and blames delays on aid agencies. Attacks near aid sites have killed over 1,300 Palestinians, mostly by Israeli forces, according to BBC.

The WHO called for urgent delivery of medical supplies to address a dire health crisis before the expected occupation.

Israel plans to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds and increase aid through safe corridors and air drops. Meanwhile, residents report relentless strikes and mounting casualties.

Hamas reports 100 deaths in a day, including malnutrition cases. Global leaders and rights groups accuse Israel of causing famine and possible genocide, which Israel denies, BBC reported.

Tensions grew after Israel killed five Al Jazeera journalists, drawing international criticism.

Since Hamas’s October 7 attack, Israel’s response has resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza’s health ministry and UN data.

A British Army investigation found that some soldiers at the Kenya training base Batuk continue to use sex workers despite a 2022 ban. The report identified 35 suspected cases since July 2022, describing the behaviour as “low to moderate” but unacceptable, BBC reported.

The inquiry followed concerns raised after a 2012 incident involving a local woman’s death and a recent ITV investigation into soldiers’ conduct. UK military leaders condemned the exploitation and promised tougher training and discipline.

Kenyan MPs are also probing claims of abuse and soldiers fathering children they then abandon. Despite these issues, most locals reportedly support the base’s presence. In June, a soldier was sent home after a rape allegation, according to BBC.

At least 40 people were killed in an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Abu Shouk displaced persons camp in Sudan’s Darfur region, aid groups reported. The camp, home to around 200,000 people, was struck amid heavy fighting in nearby el-Fasher, the last major army stronghold in Darfur, according to BBC.

The conflict between the RSF and Sudanese forces has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and famine declared in parts of the country. The RSF, linked to past ethnic violence, has frequently targeted camps housing non-Arab communities during the war.

The Trump administration has overhauled the State Department’s annual human rights report, removing sections on corruption, LGBTQ+ persecution, and easing criticism of allies like Israel and El Salvador while increasing scrutiny of Brazil, South Africa, and some European democracies, BBC reported.

Former State Department official Uzra Zeya accused the move of undermining decades of rights advocacy. The report omits International Criminal Court warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders and praises El Salvador despite Amnesty’s abuse allegations. Its release followed delays and internal dissent after guidance to shorten content and drop certain rights issues.

A 31.82-megawatt photovoltaic power station built by China’s Pinggao Group International Engineering Co., Ltd. has been completed in Stefan cel Mare, Calarasi County, southeastern Romania, Xinhua reported.

Constructed over 10 months, the plant will operate for 25 years, producing 42m kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and reducing carbon emissions by 20,000 tonnes.

At the inauguration, Chinese and Romanian officials hailed the project as a milestone in green energy cooperation, highlighting its role in climate action and local development. Local leaders welcomed further Chinese investment, calling the plant a source of pride and a boost to Romania’s renewable energy capacity, according to Xinhua.

Iraq and Syria have agreed to establish a joint committee to evaluate and rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, which has been out of service since it was damaged during the 2003 U.S. invasion, Xinhua reported.

The decision came during talks in Baghdad between Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani and Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. Discussions focused on restoring the pipeline, which has faced sabotage and aging issues. The ministers agreed to involve an international consultant to assess its operational viability, pumping systems, and repair needs, stressing its importance for boosting energy cooperation and serving both nations’ interests.