New security corridor in southern Gaza Strip, dividing Khan Younis

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is contemplating a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades, media reported, and was to meet senior security officials on Tuesday 5 August to finalize a new strategy in the 22-month war. It was unclear, however, whether Netanyahu was foreseeing a prolonged occupation or a short-term operation aimed at dismantling Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. Mediation between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas has collapsed despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire to ease hunger and appalling conditions in the besieged Palestinian enclave.