{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Middle East conflict

Hamas’ new leader in Gaza not set for compromises with Israel — media

One of the sources said that Izz al-Din al-Haddad had warned recently that either Hamas makes a "honorable deal" to end the war with Israel or else the war will become "a war of liberation or a war of martyrdom"

NEW YORK, July 4. /TASS/. Hamas’ new military wing commander in the Gaza Strip, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, will hold a tougher position in ceasefire talks with Israel, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing regional sources.

According to the newspaper’s sources, al-Haddad took over as Hamas’ military commander in Gaza after Israeli forces killed the previous commander, Muhammad Sinwar in May 2025. The newspaper assumes that under the new leader, Hamas "will hold firm to its position demanding a total end to the war before releasing all remaining hostages," whereas Israel wants to exterminate Hamas’ military potential and remove it from power in Gaza.

One of the sources told NYT that al-Haddad had warned recently that either Hamas makes a "honorable deal" to end the war with Israel or else the war will become "a war of liberation or a war of martyrdom."

According to earlier reports, the latest Gaza settlement initiative provides for a 60-day ceasefire, the release of ten hostages and transfer of 18 bodies of hostages who died in the Gaza Strip, as well as the pullout of Israeli troops to the so-called Morag Axis running across the southern Gaza Strip from the east to the west between the cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah. It also envisages the release of at least 1,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, including 100 Arabs serving life sentences, as well as sending "tens of thousands" of trucks with relief aid to the enclave.

Israel has reportedly accepted this deal while Hamas is still mulling it over. US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that Hamas "takes this deal, because it will not get better - It will only get worse."

Middle East conflict

Hamas demands liquidation of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

"Continuing systemic murders near aid distribution points of Zyonist-American forces <...> affirm their criminal role in the siege, hunger and murders of our people", the movement said

Russian troops liberate six communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russian troops delivered six strikes by precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles on Ukrainian military sites over the week

Ukraine loses up to 175 troops in area of North group responsibility over day

The enemy also lost two armored combat vehicles, six vehicles, three field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, three three ammunition depots and three material depots

Ukraine strikes Belgorod Arena sports complex with UAVs, no casualties reported — governor

Firefighting units are on-site working to extinguish a fire on the roof

European Commission to speed up work on countermeasures to US’ tariffs — Macron

According to Trump, there will be no tariffs if the EU begins manufacturing their products within the United States

Ukrainian army loses up to 65 troops in Dnepr area of responsibility over past day

The enemy also lost 11 vehicles and nine electronic warfare stations

Typhoon formed to the south of Japan, weather service warns

The wind velocity is as much as 18 meters per second in the epicenter, with gusts up to 25 meters per second

Mediators wait for Israel to present new roadmap for troops withdrawal from Gaza — TV

The AFP agency reported earlier, citing Palestinian sources, that the major stumbling block at the consultations in Doha is Israel’s intention to preserve its military presence in the Palestinian enclave

Former POWs are mobilized again in Ukraine

As an example, he cited the case of maidan activist Andrey Kolomiyets

Ukraine loses over 1,280 servicemen in special op zone over 24 hours

Thus, Ukraine lost over 170 servicemen in the responsibility zone of the Battlegroup North, up to 225 troops in the area of the Battlegroup West, over 185 in the zone of the Battlegroup South, up to 450 in the area of the Battlegroup Center, over 190 in the Battlegroup East’s zone, and up to 60 servicemen in the area of the Battlegroup Dnepr

Trump says US allies will pay for Ukraine weapons

The US president added that the deal was reached at a NATO summit last month

Kim notes importance of Lavrov’s visit

Lavrov, in turn, said jokingly that the first guest was Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora who "did so much advertising that I could not but accept your invitation"

FACTBOX: Casualties in Lipetsk, Tula Regions after overnight drone strike

As a result of the drone strikes, one person was killed and another injured in both Lipetsk and Tula regions

Ukraine’s prime minister seen as candidate for defense minister — lawmaker

Vladimir Zelensky announced on July 10 that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov may be appointed ambassador to the United States

Hamas threatens to start taking Israeli troops in Gaza hostage

According to the recent data from Israel, radicals still hold 20 living hostages and the bodies of 30 captives

North Korea reaffirms unambiguous support for all special op goals — Lavrov

"In turn, we once again expressed our sincere gratitude for the contribution of Korean People’s Army servicemen to the successful liberation of the Kursk Region from Ukrainian Nazis and foreign mercenaries," the Russian foreign minister added

West group destroys more than 230 Ukrainian troops over day

Group also destroyed 51 unmanned aircraft control points and five ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army

Apartment building collapses in Kherson Region due to Ukrainian airstrike

Governor Vladimir Saldo said that civilians are trapped under the rubble

Slovakia aims to reach agreement with EU on Russian gas by July 15 — PM Fico

At the same time, he noted that it is difficult to predict when an agreement satisfactory to Bratislava will be reached and when the EU will be ready to adopt new anti-Russian sanctions

Russia, North Korea heard Trump’s statements on need to resume dialogue — Lavrov

But nothing more has followed so far, the Russian foreign minister said

Lavrov reflects on Rubio meeting, European militarization, provocations targeting DPRK

TASS has compiled key highlights from the Russian foreign minister's statements

Kim Jong Un receives Lavrov — Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian foreign minister also conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kim

Trump airs his grievances regarding FBI criticizing attorney general

Ukraine, EU lost in conflict with Russia but pretend they can win — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban noted that EU leaders still aim to "defeat Russia on Ukrainian territory" and, toward this goal, continue to provide Kiev with both military and financial support

Hamas demands liquidation of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

"Continuing systemic murders near aid distribution points of Zyonist-American forces <...> affirm their criminal role in the siege, hunger and murders of our people", the movement said

Putin, Kim Jong Un likely to meet in future — Lavrov

The Russian President and North Korean leader are in constant communication, the Russian foreign minister said

Russia to commemorate memory of North Korean soldiers fallen for Kursk Region — Lavrov

"This was our initiative, which our Korean friends supported," the Russian foreign minister said

Top Hungarian diplomat blames von der Leyen for raised US tariffs

According to Trump, there will be no tariffs if the EU begins manufacturing their products within the United States

Von der Leyen survives confidence vote as dissent surprises Brussels

The European Commission president argued that the EU "needs strength, vision, and the capacity to act"

Mexican president hopes to settle situation around US tariffs before they come in force

She recalled that the two countries have set up a working group comprised of representatives from the Mexican economy, foreign, energy, and finance ministries and members of the US government to address this issue

European leadership seeks to mobilize continent for war against Russia — Lavrov

"The latest statements and actions coming from Berlin, Paris, and London indicate that the current generation of politicians who have come to power in these and a number of other countries have forgotten the lessons of history," the Russian foreign minister said

Yunakovka in Sumy Region moves into gray zone, Ukraine abandons some positions — expert

Andrey Marochko said that several strategic heights in the southwest and southeast of Yunakovka are still under Ukrainian control, which makes it difficult for the Russian army to advance rapidly in this sector of the front

North Korean leader affirms ‘unconditional support’ of Russia in situation in Ukraine

Kim Jong Un and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on July 12 in Wonsan

US congresswoman says strikes on Iran reason to impeach Trump

"He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said

US company no longer searching for investors to fund Kiev — newspaper

According to the news agency, the company initially intended to create a multibillion-dollar fund and announce it at a conference on Ukraine's reconstruction in Rome on July 10-11

Erdogan hails PKK disarmament as major step toward terrorism-free Turkey

The Turkish leader wished for God’s help on the path the country is following "for the sake of our security, our people, and lasting peace in the region"

Russia, North Korea struggling against making Eurasia NATO’s domain — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, both countries are advocating principles of international law

Russian defense chief inspects Battlegroup Dnepr in special military operation area

Andrey Belousov was informed on the operational evaluation of new weapons developed by the Kalashnikov Group firearms manufacturer

Novgorod-made FPV drone Prince Vandal causes $300 mln damage to NATO

Earlier, the CEO of the research and production center Ushkuynik, Alexey Chadayev, said that the drone for the first time would begin to be manufactured in several regions of Russia

Russia, North Korea to stay committed to Strategic Partnership Treaty — Lavrov

Lavrov noted North Korea’s contribution to the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis

Nearly 70 children die of hunger in Gaza since March

According to the enclave’s health ministry, the overall death toll from hostilities in Gaza since October 2023 has climbed to 57,882, with 138,095 people being wounded

Checkpoints on Turkish-Syrian border to work 24 hours a day since July 14

The decision was made "for the purpose of facilitation the return of Syrians to the homeland and relieve the burden of checkpoints in hours of their greatest load"

PKK disarmament marks new chapter for Turkey — Erdogan

The Turkish president announced that the 47-year era of terrorism in the republic

Tariffs on imports from EU, Mexico to be set at 30% starting August 1 — Trump

According to Trump, there will be no tariffs if the EU and Mexico begin manufacturing their products within the United States

Press review: Trump ramps up rhetoric toward Russia as EU eyes Ukraine accession talks

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 10th

Lavrov to pay three-day visit to North Korea, arrives in Wonsan

North Korea became the second leg of the tour of the head of Russian diplomacy in Asia

Ukrainian army loses 135 soldiers, 2 ammunition depots in South group's area of operations

South group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions, defeated the manpower and equipment of four mechanized, motorized infantry, and airmobile brigades of the Ukrainian army

Saudi Arabia would welcome Aurus assembly in country — industry minister

"We welcome any brand that comes, creates its own production and localizes it," Bandar al-Khorayef said

Russia, North Korea share positions on strategic issues — Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un met with the top Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov on July 12 in Wonsan

FBI head wants resignation of attorney general over conflict in Epstein case — portal

According to The Daily Wire, Patel also does not rule out that he will leave his position like his deputy Dan Bongino

Russian forces advance faster on Krasny Liman by liberating Zelyonaya Dolina — expert

According to Igor Kimakovsky, the liberation of the settlement creates the conditions for disrupting enemy logistics on this frontline sector

Russia controls almost all Chasov Yar, only one district under Ukraine — expert

The military expert noted that the number of Ukrainian troops in Chasov Yar remains approximately the same, however, "the qualitative composition of the Ukrainian militants has suffered significantly"

West believes Trump sees Zelensky as main obstacle on path to peace — FT

The sources said that the American Patriot complexes are crucial for the protection of Ukraine, but they will not affect its ability to strike back and will not change the overall dynamics of the conflict as a whole

Ukraine to get long-range systems as part of project with Germany by end of July — general

Christian Freuding said that Kiev "needs weapons systems capable of penetrating deep into the Russian territory and attacking warehouses, command posts, airfields, and airplanes"

Bundeswehr spend over 31 bln euro for rearmament in 2024 — department head

Air defense aids and munitions are the priority areas in procurements, Annette Lehnigk-Emden added

More than 70 people detained in United Kingdom for protests in support of Palestine Action

One person was detained for attacking a police officer

SpaceX to invest $2 bln in Grok chatbot developer — WSJ

The investment amount makes up approximately a half of the recent increase of Grok producer’s equity, WSJ said

Trump teases Russia announcement, says moves coming

The US leader said in an interview on Thursday that he planned to make an important statement concerning Russia on Monday

Trump eyeing possibility to allocate money for weapons transfer to Ukraine — CBS

According to sources of the TV company, such step would serve as a "signal to Russia"

Mexico slams US 30% tariffs as ‘unfair deal’

According to the document, the United States and Mexico agreed to set up a permanent working group to consider key issues in the bilateral relations

UN-led world order could come crashing down soon — Lula

The Brazilian leader pointed out that the first fractures in the existing world order began with the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the current conflict in the Gaza Strip presents the clearest evidence of the crisis of the entire international relations system

Trump accuses opponents of fabricating version on extra documents in Epstein case

Epstein was detained by New York state law enforcement operatives on July 6, 2019

Moscow warns US, allies against threatening security of Russia, North Korea — Lavrov

"The North Korean leadership drew the necessary conclusions long before the Israeli and US strikes on Iran," the Russian Foreign Minister said

Netanyahu deliberately prolongs war in Gaza to stay in power — NYT

The publication found out that, under the pressure from the far-right coalition allies, Netanyahu slowed down the negotiations at the key moments when the radical Palestinian movement Hamas was most ready to make a deal

German chancellor hyping up ‘Russian threat’ — senior Russian MP

Merz earlier called on US President Donald Trump to stay with the Europeans on the Ukrainian problem and signaled to Russian President Vladimir Putin "we will not give up"

Kiev throws reserves from Lugansk, Donetsk Republics into fighting in Sumy area — expert

"We can say that Kiev now has the Sumy direction as a priority," Andrey Marochko told

Domestic extremism documents of Biden’s administration to be declassified

"We have to expose their tactics and the playbook of the deep state so that we, the people, can make sure we never allow this to happen again," Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said

Russia asked Interpol if Smolenkov is in US, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman

Several years ago Smolenkov and his family went missing in a foreign country

Several drones destroyed in Voronezh Region

The drone danger regime at nighttime continues

Musk's associates quit DOGE following billionaire's lead — media

According to the report, at least seven programmers have already left DOGE, and three more are planning to depart

Press review: Lavrov, Rubio meet again as EU parliament blocks motion on von der Leyen

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 11th

West needs Ukraine only to fight against Russia, former PM says

"As for their strategic goal, they don’t need a developed Ukraine but they need it to maintain its ability to fight Russia for as long as possible," Nikolay Azarov stated

Western military presence in Ukraine near Russian borders unacceptable — Kremlin

This issue remains extremely important for our country, Dmitry Peskov stated

Russia supports North Korea in situation around Korean Peninsula — news agency

Moscow understands the reasons for implementation of the nuclear program by North Korea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier

Russia to repair aircraft damaged after Ukraine’s June 1 attack — senior diplomat

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov refuted the Kiev regime’s statements about the attack’s aftermath

Western sanctions disrupt implementation of Russia-UN memorandum’s tasks — MFA

Russia and the UN may not cease collaboration on food security issues after the termination of their memorandum on July 22, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement

MAKS air show scheduled for 2026 and 2027

The event will be organized by the Russian ministry of industry and trade and the Rostec state corporation

Israeli army killed 110 Palestinians in strikes against Gaza — Al Jazeera

In particular, 34 people were killed that waited for rations near a GHF distribution station in the south of Rafah, the TV channel said

Zelensky says US arms supplies resume

On June 10, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the supply of American weapons continues under a schedule agreed between the Washington administration and Congress

IAEA informed about Ukraine’s drone attack on Energodar administration building

Energodar mayor Maksim Pukhov reported earlier that a Ukrainian kamikaze drone attacked the Energodar administration building

Iran’s cooperation with IAEA not halted, its format will be changed — top diplomat

According to the top Iranian diplomat, Tehran is concerned over issues of ensuring IAEA inspectors’ security at Iranian nuclear facilities because there risks of detonating unexploded munitions after the war with Israel

Leader of Los Choneros drug cartel agrees to be extradited from Ecuador to US

In the United States, he was charged with "criminal conspiracy for the purpose of international cocaine trafficking," smuggling and the use of weapons

Russian, North Korean foreign ministers sign plan of exchanges between MFAs

The signing took place as part of the second round of strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level between the two countries

Russia may support Iran in rebuilding damaged infrastructure — Iran’s ambassador

"Russia can play a role both in reconstructing the damaged civilian infrastructure and as a mediator to ease tensions, if needed," Kazem Jalali said

Moscow regrets that Europe unwilling to hear Russia’s position — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statement about the readiness of the "Coalition of the Willing" to be deployed in Ukraine immediately after the ceasefire

US officials ‘shutting up’ those seeking truth on Epstein case — Tucker Carlson

The US journalist also suggested that Epstein may have worked for Israel

US 30% tariffs will disrupt supply chains between US, EU — European Commission chief

Earlier in the day, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform a letter to the European Commission’s president notifying that starting on August 1, 2025, the United States "will charge the European Union a tariff of only 30% on EU products sent to the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs," which are now stand at 10%

Russian stock market indices in the red on Friday — market data

The MOEX Russia Index lost 3.31%, the RTS Index dropped by 3.29%

Putin approves principles of Russia's national language policy

The document aims to preserve, develop, and support the Russian language, the official languages of Russia’s regions, and other indigenous languages, while also promoting Russian globally

German comedian to stand trial in Germany over Trump assassination post

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung, the trial against Hotz is scheduled to begin on July 23 in the Tiergarten district court

Russia to only promote issues of interest to Pyongyang in dialogue with Seoul — Lavrov

"North Korea is our ally," the Russian foreign minister said

EU not interested in Ukraine retaking lost territories — newspaper

According to the paper, the World Bank estimates the damage Ukraine has suffered during Russia’s special military operation at about $500 bln

German major general admits Russia has initiative in Ukraine

Freuding said that the situation in the air had worsened in recent weeks, especially in the large cities and towns of Ukraine

German economy minister calls for pragmatic solution to tariffs dispute with US

According to Katherina Reiche, the German government supports the European Commission’s approach to this matter

Russia closing Polish consulate in Kaliningrad as response measure — Foreign Ministry

The ministry explained this step by "the Polish side’s ungrounded and unfriendly actions as it reduced Russia’s consular presence in Poland under an invented pretext"

Countries undermine global security by exiting landmine ban — Belarusian Defense Ministry

Valery Revenko, Head of the Department of International Military Cooperation and Assistant to the Belarusian Defense Minister for International Military Cooperation, also pointed out that Ukraine’s intention to withdraw from the treaty would only worsen the country’s existing demining challenges

Russia sees why North Korea develops its nuclear program — Lavrov

"The technologies used by North Korea are the result of the work of its own scientists," the Russian foreign minister stated

Russia never attacked anyone first, Kremlin says

Lately, in the West and Ukraine, the claims of an alleged possible Russian "invasion" into Ukrainian territory are being touted increasingly more often

Only ground operation can finish off Iran’s nuclear program, says ex-NATO chief

James Stavridis pointed out that US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the strikes on Iran's nuclear program in June had "obliterated" the Iranian nuclear program was widely challenged

Russia, North Korea set to restore maritime links — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister also expressed hope that tourism between the two countries would grow

What is known about building collapse following Ukrainian strike in Kherson Region

There have been no reports about the number of those trapped under the rubble and their condition