Thursday briefing: Benjamin Netanyahu rejects a plan for short-term peace
In today’s newsletter: Plans for prisoner exchange, increased aid and a temporary end to violence have slowed in Gaza – the Guardian’s Bethan McKernan explains why
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Good morning.
As the war in Gaza enters its fifth month, the push for a ceasefire has continued. Responding to Israel’s proposals, Hamas has made a far-reaching counteroffer, which includes a four and a half month truce that would see the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, guarantee the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and require the reconstruction of the strip, among other requirements. The Palestinian militant group also added that over the course of the temporary ceasefire, negotiations must continue to ensure a permanent end to the fighting.
Pakistan | Two bomb blasts at the election offices of a political party and an independent candidate in south-west Pakistan killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens more on the eve of parliamentary elections that begin today.
Politics | The father of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey has demanded Rishi Sunak apologise after the prime minister made a jibe at the expense of transgender people just after being told Brianna’s mother was watching him in the House of Commons.
Coronavirus | The Conservative peer Michelle Mone assured the government that she was not entitled to “any financial benefit whatsoever” from a PPE company, five months before £29m of its profits were transferred into a trust for her benefit, the Guardian can reveal.
Defence | British intelligence officials say the UK is closer to a large-scale conflict than at any recent point, as the Middle East crisis intensifies while Russia pursues an expansionist agenda and China develops advanced weapons.
Labour | Keir Starmer will announce today that he is scaling back Labour’s £28bn green investment programme, in his biggest policy U-turn since becoming party leader.
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