Netanyahu says Israel considering alternatives to ceasefire talks with Hamas

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government was considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas after it and the U.S. recalled their negotiating teams. His statement came even as a Hamas official said he expected negotiations to resume next week. The United States recalled its negotiating team from Qatar and after President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff said Hamas’ latest response to the negotiations showed a “lack of desire” to reach a truce. The sides have held weeks of talks in Qatar reporting small signs of progress but no major breakthroughs.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says defenses are holding firm against Russia’s summer push

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces are holding back a concerted summer push by Russia’s bigger army to break through defenses along parts of the front line. He says Ukraine has thwarted Russian efforts to get into Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region. He says the situation has also improved in the northeastern Sumy border region. Analysts say Russia has recently made only incremental gains in its slow and costly advance against Ukrainian defenses. With the war now in its fourth year after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of its neighbor, the effort is draining resources on both sides, although Russia can sustain the fight for longer while Ukraine seeks further support from Western partners.

Militant Georges Abdallah arrives in Lebanon after more than 40 years in French detention

BEIRUT (AP) — A Lebanese pro-Palestinian communist militant has arrived in Lebanon following his release after more than 40 years in detention in France. Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, 74, was serving a life sentence for complicity in the murders of two diplomats, one American and one Israeli, in Paris in 1982. The Paris Court of Appeal ruled last week that Abdallah could be released on the condition that he leave the country and never return. Abdallah was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1987 for complicity in the assassinations of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Ray, who was stationed in Paris as an assistant military attaché, and Israeli diplomat Yacov Barsimantov.

Tens of thousands flee their homes as Thailand and Cambodia clash

SURIN, Thailand (AP) — Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia over disputed border areas has entered a second day, leaving at least 15 dead and displacing more than 80,000 people. Clashes flared up again Friday in multiple areas along the border, including near an ancient temple claimed by both countries. The Thai army accused Cambodian forces of using heavy artillery, prompting what Thai officials described as “appropriate supporting fire” in return. Malaysia has expressed concern and offered to mediate. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for restraint and urged both countries to resolve disputes through dialogue.