The essentials
Fighting in Gaza. The Israeli army said on Sunday it had killed 40 Hamas fighters over the past week. They were in tunnels under the town of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, an area under the control of the Israeli army. Intense negotiations were taking place to allow them to be repatriated to areas controlled by Hamas. Dozens of other armed men are believed to still be in these tunnels.
Catastrophic humanitarian situation. Aid entering the enclave remains insufficient, denounces the UN. The territory is in ruins and a concerted plan for reconstruction is needed.
Benjamin Netanyahu asks for mercy. The Israeli Prime Minister officially requested on Sunday a presidential pardon for President Isaac Herzog in his corruption trial, to end, according to him, the divisions he is causing in the country. Donald Trump had requested such a gesture for his ally.
Pope’s visit to Lebanon. Pope Leo The Israeli army claims to be targeting Hezbollah, which it accuses of rearming.
