Key facts
- Venezuela and Israel have agreed to establish consular services after a 17-year break.
- Colombia has recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
- Syria and Saudi Arabia condemned Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
- US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel will resume in Rome from August 4-6.
- Qatar accused Israel of "foot-dragging" on a Gaza ceasefire deal.
- Hamas has agreed to the terms of a Gaza ceasefire deal.
- Israel is reportedly holding the bodies of approximately 1,700 Palestinians.
- These bodies are held as potential bargaining chips for future exchange deals.
- An Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh, Lebanon, wounded two civilians.
- A subsequent strike in Nabatieh damaged an ambulance.
- Russia and Syria agreed on the future of Moscow's military bases.
- Iran's political factions are divided over potential negotiations with the United States.
Venezuela and Israel have agreed to establish a mechanism for consular services, ending a 17-year hiatus in diplomatic relations. This development coincides with Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a move that has drawn condemnation from Syria and Saudi Arabia. In parallel, US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to resume in Rome from August 4-6, aiming to advance a trilateral framework agreement that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah.
In the context of the Gaza conflict, Qatar has accused Israel of "foot-dragging" on a ceasefire plan, with Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stating that Hamas has achieved a breakthrough by agreeing to the terms and urging international pressure on Israel. Reports also indicate that Israel is holding the bodies of approximately 1,700 Palestinians, including combatants and civilians, as potential bargaining chips for future exchange deals. This practice, reportedly supported by security officials, is condemned by rights groups and is seen as conflicting with international humanitarian law.
Elsewhere, Russia and Syria have reached an agreement regarding Moscow's military bases, which will see Syria take over civilian facilities while military sites will become joint training centers. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated this deal will boost bilateral ties after 18 months of negotiations. Meanwhile, Iran is experiencing a political rift, with deal advocates, including President Pezeshkian and Speaker Ghalibaf, clashing with ultraconservatives who oppose potential negotiations with the United States.
An Israeli drone strike in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Tuesday wounded two civilians, and a subsequent strike targeted a rescue team, damaging an ambulance.