Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to ask European allies to help finance improved salaries for troops resisting Russia’s invasion, in a bid to ease growing shortages of recruits.

“Previously, Europeans refused to provide funding for the salaries of our military personnel, only for weapons. Our service members themselves can be the weapon that protects everyone,” Zelensky said.

Source: Bloomberg

The European diplomatic delegation entered the Iranian consulate in Istanbul this morning for consultations and negotiations with the Iranian delegation.

Iran's Deputy FM, Gharibabadi, has just arrived at Iran's consulate in Istanbul. The meeting has already begun since an hour ago.

British Foreign Secretary:

A permanent ceasefire is the best solution to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We do not agree with the Israeli government on the mechanism for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza. We will be present at the two-state solution conference scheduled to be held in New York next week.

Royal Cambodian Army (RCA) troops shooting down a Royal Thai Army (RTA) drone carrying mortars.

The Russian Pacific Fleet conducted missile tests in the Sea of Japan.

The U.S. nearly ran out of THAAD interceptors during June’s 12-day war with Iran.

Two of the seven U.S. THAAD systems were sent to Israel, firing over 150 missiles—almost a quarter of the Pentagon’s stock.

The conflict exposed serious gaps in U.S. missile-defense supplies and the need to ramp up production for modern, large-scale missile attacks.

Source: WSJ

NEW: The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to areas within 50 kilometers of the Thailand-Cambodia border.

NEW: Gaza talks will resume next week after Israel studying the presentation of Hamas, Egyptian media reported citing a source.

Somalia: Al-Shabaab launched suicide bombings and heavy attacks on a military base in Sabiid, Lower Shabelle.

Starmer is facing pressure from senior ministers and French President Macron to recognize Palestinian statehood amid the deepening crisis in Gaza.

France will recognize Palestine at the UN in September and wants the UK to follow suit.

Starmer says recognition is a right but won’t commit to a timeline. Cabinet frustration is growing, with calls to act before it's "too late."

Source: Bloomberg

Kremlin:

A Putin-Zelenskiy summit can only take place as the final step to sign a deal, and it is clearly unlikely that such a complex peace process can be completed within 30 days.

Hamas:

We have responded positively to the mediators' proposals to make the truce proposal successful. Witkoff's negative statements contradict the context of the recent negotiation round.

NEW: Thailand’s Emergency Medical and Public Health Operations Center (EOC) reports 13 dead, 31 injured, and 83,170 evacuated following Cambodian attacks.

German government spokesperson:

There are no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term.

NEW: Thai F-16s bombed four additional targets, including Cambodian firing bases around Preah Vihear, Ta Muen Thom, and Phu Ma Khuea.

Source: Khaosod

Hamas leader Basem Naeem:

Our response can lead to a permanent agreement and a complete Israeli withdrawal.

Turkish and Syrian foreign ministers are expected to visit Iraq soon to continue tripartite talks held earlier in Ankara, Iraqi media reported.

The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on several key issues, including the formulation of economic policies into formal protocol agreements, as well as discussions on security, politics, and regional partnerships.