AnewZ Morning Brief - 5th August, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 5th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu says decision made for full occupation of Gaza

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that a decision has been made for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including military operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held.

The Prime Minister's Office said to the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir that, "If this does not suit him, you should resign."

2. Trump envoy Witkoff to head to Russia for 'last chance' Ukraine ceasefire talks

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia later this week, the president told reporters on Sunday, in a bid to secure an elusive ceasefire deal, “Yeah, get a deal where people stop getting killed,” he said.

Witkoff will travel to Moscow on either Wednesday or Thursday, Trump told reporters.

3. Hong Kong issues highest weather warning, as rains shut schools, courts and hospital wards

Hong Kong's weather bureau said its highest "black" rainstorm warning would remain in place until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, as heavy rains lashed the Asian financial hub, closing hospital wards, schools, and the jurisdiction's courts and register offices.

The storms follow deadly flash floods in Southern China over the weekend, which left five dead in Guangdong province and prompted a large-scale search operation involving more than 1,300 rescuers.

4. The Netherlands announces weapons package for Ukraine under new Trump-NATO initiative

The Netherlands becomes the first NATO member to use the alliance’s new initiative to supply Ukraine with much needed U.S. weapons as it continues to fend off Russian attacks.

Amsterdam said on Monday that it will contribute €500 million to purchase U.S. military equipment to be sent to Ukraine, becoming the first NATO country to forge a new protocol to provide Kyiv with American weaponary after U.S. President Donald Trump tightened crucial military aid following his re-election.

5. Texas Republicans issue arrest warrants after Democrats flee state to block map vote

Texas House Republicans on Monday issued civil arrest warrants for more than 50 Democratic representatives who slipped across state lines to deny the chamber a quorum for debating new redistricting maps, thrusting the legislature into its second walk-out crisis in four years.

The warrants, signed by House Speaker Dustin Burrows and enforceable only within Texas, instruct the Department of Public Safety to detain absent members and return them to the Capitol in Austin. Governor Greg Abbott has also ordered troopers to “assist in the arrests” and said he may call successive 30-day special sessions if the stalemate drags on.

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