*) Israel presents Rafah invasion plan to War Cabinet amid fears of civilian casualties

Israel's military has proposed a plan for the invasion of Gaza's Rafah city, aligning with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion of the necessity of a ground invasion in Rafah for what he calls a "total victory."

Concerns persist about potential civilian casualties in Rafah, where 1.4 million forcibly displaced Palestinians are concentrated.

The city is also a crucial entry point for aid brought in through neighbouring Egypt as the enclave faces famine.

Talks in Doha involving Egyptian, Qatari, and US representatives, along with Israeli and Hamas officials, aim to secure a truce before the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

*) Jordan warns of conflict spread in region due to Israel's Gaza war

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has cautioned against the continuation of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza during Ramadan, stating that it poses a risk of escalating the conflict in the region.

Speaking at a press conference in Amman with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, Safadi emphasised the potential for an explosive situation if the aggression persists during the Muslim fasting month.

He urged a halt to the ongoing war, expressing concerns about the increasing risks and casualties associated with the prolonged conflict.


*) Israeli vows continued attacks on Hezbollah despite Gaza Ceasefire

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged to intensify strikes against Lebanon's Hezbollah, even if a ceasefire is achieved with Hamas in Gaza.

While Hezbollah indicated a willingness to cease daily attacks on Israel with a Gaza ceasefire, Gallant dismissed the idea that the temporary truce would extend to the northern front.

Emphasising an independent approach, he affirmed the goal of pushing Hezbollah away from the Israeli border, either through diplomatic means or by force.

*) Demonstrations across Spain call for arms embargo on Israel
Hundreds of thousands rally across Spain, denouncing Israel's actions in solidarity with Palestine.

Protesters demand an immediate arms trade halt with Israel, led by Podemos leader Ione Belarra, who plans to present a parliamentary motion for an arms embargo, questioning the government's sincerity in its support for Palestine.

*) Algeria unveils Africa's largest mosque with world's tallest minaret

Algeria unveiled Africa's largest mosque on its Mediterranean coast, overcoming political delays and cost overruns.

Constructed by a Chinese firm, the Great Mosque of Algiers boasts the world's tallest minaret at 869 feet.

The third-largest mosque globally and the largest outside Islam's holiest cities, it can accommodate 120,000 worshippers with modernist features honouring Algerian tradition.