Gaza Ceasefire Pressure: Hamas urged mediators and the “Board of Peace” to force Israel to meet its first-phase Gaza commitments and approve the second-phase roadmap, as Israel continued strikes including in Khan Younis and Nuseirat while Israel insists it won’t withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Diplomatic Backlash: Qatar and seven Arab and Islamic states condemned Israel’s rejection of the US-backed Gaza roadmap and Palestinian statehood, warning it undermines efforts for a lasting peace. West Bank Settler Coercion: UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said Israel is outsourcing coercion to settlers after settlers trapped residents inside homes in Qusra for a week. Iran-US Tensions: Iran’s military leadership framed the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran’s strategic leverage and warned against Trump’s talk of making it US territory, while Iran’s parliament advanced a bill to criminalize interviews with “hostile” media. Regional Security Realignment: Trump hailed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan as a “big, bold” step toward mutual defense. US-Korea Drills Cut: Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint exercises with South Korea after Seoul declined to help with Iran denuclearization, citing also his relationship with Kim Jong Un. Afghanistan Watch: UN appointed Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh to lead UNAMA, as rights groups warn of worsening humanitarian and rights crises under Taliban rule.