A Palestinian child rides his bicycle past the rubble of destroyed buildings in Gaza City on August 2, 2026. Israeli strikes on Gaza hit multiple residential buildings and killed at least 13 people, authorities said on August 2, despite Hamas saying it agreed to the latest stage of a deal to end the war. Photo: Omar Al-Qattaa / AFP / Lehtikuva
International news
Iran and Oman moved closer to an agreement on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, as US President Donald Trump claimed negotiations with Tehran would begin after he cancelled planned military strikes. Iranian officials denied any direct talks with Washington.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued attacks across Gaza that killed at least 19 Palestinians despite a new US-backed roadmap intended to advance a ceasefire and the disarmament of Hamas.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington had been prepared to launch what he described as a large-scale military operation against Iran before deciding to pursue diplomacy.
