Morning Brief - 18 August 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of August, covering the latest developments....
World leaders have praised the landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to pause the 15-month Gaza conflict on January 19.
Reactions from world leaders have poured in following the announcement of a landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to pause the 15-month conflict in Gaza starting January 19.
US President Joe Biden praised the Gaza ceasefire agreement, highlighting the role of his administration in the negotiations. He emphasized his team's efforts in bringing about the deal and expressed hope for its successful implementation.
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump also praised the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing its historical significance. Trump took to social media, claiming credit for the deal’s success and celebrating its potential to bring peace to the region.
International leaders also expressed their support for the deal.
The Japanese government hailed the ceasefire and hostage release deal, calling it a key step toward improving Gaza's humanitarian situation, pending Israel's approval.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the ceasefire deal, urging full implementation, including hostages' release and the return of remains. He emphasized the potential for lasting peace and improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed hope that the ceasefire would end the aggression in Gaza and allow for a new phase where the Palestinian cause would be addressed justly, emphasizing Qatar's humanitarian role in the deal.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, stressed the urgency of accelerating humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the need to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and pledged Egypt’s continued support for achieving peace.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the US — for their efforts, urging all parties to fully implement the agreement and use it as a step towards establishing a political path for peace in the region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Israel and Hamas to fully implement the agreement and stresse d the need for a lasting diplomatic solution to the conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the ceasefire agreement long-awaited, offering hope for both Israeli and Palestinian families. He highlighted the return of hostages, the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed hope that the deal would bring lasting peace and stability, particularly for Palestinians. He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to supporting Gaza and its people in their recovery and ongoing struggles.
While the ceasefire represents an important milestone, leaders emphasize the need for continued efforts to ensure a comprehensive and enduring peace for the region.
At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis overnight, engulfing houses, forcing about 1,000 people to evacuate to safety and injuring dozens, fire brigade and health officials said on Friday.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Residents of villages in eastern Indonesia hit by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 54 people were awaiting aid on Monday as rescuers prepared to comb through collapsed buildings in search of people trapped beneath the rubble.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of August, covering the latest developments.
At least two people were killed, including the alleged shooter, and a number were injured in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering a scheme to help local police officers cover the legal and financial risks of making immigration arrests under President Donald Trump’s crackdown.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
The economic losses from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia last week are expected to reach 30 trillion pesos ($9.58 billion), Colombia's President Abelardo De La Espriella said on Monday.
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