Mediators have been shuttling between Israeli and Hamas negotiators since July 6 as they scramble to end nearly two years of war in Gaza where fears of mass starvation are growing. Through 21 months of fighting both sides have clung to long-held positions preventing two short-lived truces being converted into a lasting ceasefire.

After Israel blames UN for aid bottleneck, spokesperson says approvals haven't been granted to pick up or distribute aid from sites in Strip; also rules out UN cooperation with GHF

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog visited the Gaza strip on Wednesday and told soldiers that there were “intensive negotiations” about returning the hostages in Gaza, adding that he hopes that they will soon “hear good news”.

The evacuation order has cut off the coastal area of Al Mawasi, where thousands of Palestinians are living in tents, from the city to the rest of central Gaza, where most humanitarian organizations in the Strip are headquartered, according to a visual analysis by ABC News.

Basketball Ireland could be fined up to €30,000 if they withdraw from the Eurobasket qualifiers before they start.

US President Donald Trump floated the idea of a US-controlled "Riviera of the Middle East” in February. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The World Health Organization says Israel's offensive in central Gaza has compromised its efforts to continue working, after its facilities came under attack. Also on the programme, we speak to the Kenyan human rights activist who was arrested on suspicion of terror offences;