The War in Gaza: Failed negotiations, unfolding famine and the mounting international pressure

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CWA # 1782

Conflict Weekly

The War in Gaza: Failed negotiations, unfolding famine and the mounting international pressure

Conflict Weekly # 292-93, 7 August 2025, Vol 6, Nos. 31 & 32

IPRI Team
7 August 2025

Conflict Weekly #292&293, 7 August 2025, Vol.6, Nos.31 & 32
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha

The War in Gaza: Failed negotiations, unfolding famine and the mounting international pressure
Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha

In the news
On 5 August, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met senior security officials to finalise a new strategy for the war in Gaza, with media reports suggesting he supports a full military takeover of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory.

On the same day, the UN expressed concern over reports of this possible expansion, calling them “deeply alarming,” if true. "International law is clear in this regard; Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state," stated the UN Assistant Secretary.

On 4 August, Reuters reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 40 Palestinians, including ten seeking aid, and five more died of starvation. Canada conducted its humanitarian airdrop over Gaza. "This obstruction of aid is a violation of international humanitarian law and must end immediately," stated the Canadian government.

On 1 August, France airdropped 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza. "Airdrops are not enough. Israel must open full humanitarian access to address the risk of famine," President Emmanuel Macron said in his X statement.

On 30 July, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September, becoming the third G7 nation, following France and the UK, to make such an announcement recently.

On 29 July, the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alert was issued, reporting that “the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip.”

Issues at large
First, the humanitarian crisis and unfolding famine. The recent IPC alert stated that Gaza has met two out of the three thresholds of an active famine: plummeting food consumption and malnutrition. As of July 2025, nearly 320,000 children, every child under five in Gaza, are at risk of acute malnutrition, according to UNICEF. Although humanitarian airdrops have resumed, agencies including UNRWA and the Protection Cluster warn that they are severely insufficient and inaccessible to the most vulnerable. Aid groups and UN agencies point to Israel’s blockade as the primary cause for the starvation, stressing that land access for aid must be urgently expanded. The UN reported 180 hunger-related deaths, including 93 children, as of August. The crisis is compounded by Israel’s attacks on aid seekers, with the UN reporting that over 1,000 died attempting to access aid since the Gaza Humanitarian Facility (GHF) began in May 2025.

Second, the collapse of the Doha negotiations. The failed mediation by the US, Egypt and Qatar to establish the 60-day truce and the exchange of hostages has diminished the prospects of diplomatic resolution. Israel remained at an impasse over Hamas’ demands of lifting the blockades over humanitarian aid, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the end to all hostilities. Following the stalled negotiations, Hamas reiterated that it would not disarm without “the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.” The repeated failures to compromise on urgent humanitarian concerns fuel the deadlock and erode the prospect for a ceasefire.

Third, mounting international and domestic pressure. The repeated collapse of ceasefire efforts and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza have weakened the support of Western allies. France, Canada and the UK have voiced their plans to recognise the Palestine state at the UN General Assembly in September. The call for a ‘two-state resolution’ is also gaining momentum as all other diplomatic efforts fail. Domestically, Netanyahu’s annexation plans face resistance from military leadership, while public outrage over the prolonged war and the failure to secure the release of the hostages has reached unprecedented levels.

In perspective
First, the shifting international dynamics and what they mean. The recent announcements by the UK, France, and Canada to recognise a Palestinian state signal a clear diplomatic shift. If Israel maintains its current course, it risks growing isolation. Despite the mounting international pressure, they still fall short of a coordinated global response. The absence of a coherent post-conflict strategy for Palestine further erodes international confidence in Israel’s actions. Israel’s demand to dismantle Hamas before any withdrawal, and Hamas’s refusal to disarm, have created a deadlock that benefits neither side. The international community needs to move toward a unified framework to end the war and prevent it from becoming a permanent flashpoint.

Second, the inaction in Gaza and its cost. The failure to reach a ceasefire and ongoing challenges to aid delivery have pushed Gaza deeper into crisis. The international community’s inability to ensure consistent humanitarian access or restrain Israel’s operations risks normalising the crisis. UN agencies have warned of “mass starvation” calling it man-made. Protecting civilians must outweigh tactical disagreements, as each delay brings Gaza closer to famine and long-term collapse.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Abhiruchi Chowdhury, Kasvi Batra, Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Lekshmi MK, Aparna A Nair, M Kejia, Rizwana Banu Vaihali Chittrothu and Santhiya M

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Rejects US demand to stop purchasing oil from Russia and Iran
On 4 August, the Associated Press quoted China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement to continue oil purchases from Iran and Russia. The ministry stated: “China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests.” It added: “Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything. China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded that when it comes to oil purchases from Russia and Iran, China takes its sovereignty seriously and that “we don’t want to impede on their sovereignty, so they would like to pay a 100% tariff.” He also called the Chinese “tough” negotiators, and he believes they have a deal in the making.

China: Embassy in the Czech Republic condemns President Pavel’s meeting with the 14th Dalai Lama
On 27 July, China’s Embassy in the Czech Republic expressed opposition to the Czech Republic President Petr Pavel meeting the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and politician Penpou Tseringem. The embassy spokesperson said: “The Xizang region has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times, and Xizang affairs are purely China's internal affairs and allow no external interference.” They asserted that the current Dalai Lama is a political exile who, under the guise of religion, is engaging in a secessionist movement against China. They added that the Tibetan government in exile is a separatist political body that strives to gain independence and form a country that no one recognises. The embassy urged: “The Czech side to uphold its one-China commitment, take effective measures at once to eliminate the adverse impact of this incident, cease sending any wrong signals to "Xizang independence" separatist forces, and in deeds safeguard the healthy and stable development of China-Czech relations.”

China: Floods kill 30 people in Beijing
On 29 July, the BBC reported that 30 people died and more than 80,000 people were evacuated after floods ravaged the northern part of China. According to the report, eight people died in a landslide in Chengde city. China’s President Xi Jinping has called for an “all-out” rescue effort. Xi said: “No effort should be spared to search for and rescue those missing or trapped, to transfer and resettle residents in affected areas, and to reduce casualties to the greatest extent possible.” China has allocated USD 28 million for recovery efforts and rebuilding transportation and other infrastructure. The floods have damaged dozens of roads and disrupted the power supply to more than 130 villages.

Taiwan: Energy supplies will last for ten days if under a China blockade, CSIS report
On 5 August, SCMP reported the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) findings that Taiwan would run out of natural gas supplies in ten days, coal supplies would deplete in seven days and oil reserves in 20 days. The report analysed 26 war scenarios, which will be major challenges for the Taiwanese military in countering a Chinese blockade. The report concluded that the impacts would not be “low-cost, low-risk” for China because all scenarios of the blockade have high potential to evolve into a wider conflict. In case of maximum escalation, the report found that the US will be involved and their missiles will strike China, and in turn, Chinese missiles will strike Guam and Japan. The report said: “A] blockade was likewise not a good precursor to invasion because the aggressive action put other countries on alert and, in some cases, resulted in the loss of Chinese assets that would be needed in the event of invasion.” Taiwan exclusively depends on external energy imports, with 98 per cent coming from abroad. China’s PLA war games exercises have been targeting Taiwan’s energy resources. The report suggested building Taiwan’s energy infrastructure domestically and preparing a plan for US support for Taiwan.

South Korea: No more anti-North Korea loudspeakers along borders, says defence ministry
On 4 August, South Korea's Ministry of Defence announced the removal of anti-North Korean loudspeakers along the country's border as a "practical measure to help ease tensions between the South and the North." Defence Ministry spokesperson said: "The removal is a follow-up measure to the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts in June." The daily loudspeaker broadcasts were reinstated by the previous conservative government of South Korea, following North Korea's campaign of trash-laden balloons. The loudspeakers blasted propaganda messages and K-pop songs. After the current liberal government came to power under President Lee Jae Myung, there were efforts to improve the relations. In June, his administration turned off propaganda broadcasts. The current measure aims to dismantle the loudspeaker to ease tensions.

Japan: Australia secures the largest defence export deal for stealth frigates
On 5 August, Australia announced a USD six billion deal to acquire 11 Mogami-class stealth frigates from Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, making it Japan’s largest defence export since World War II. Defence Minister Richard Marles said that the warships, equipped with 32 vertical launch cells for long-range missiles, would replace Australia’s ageing Anzac-class fleet, with the first vessel to enter service by 2030. Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed the frigates’ compatibility with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Three ships will be built abroad, and the remaining in Western Australia. This move aligns with Australia’s broader defence overhaul, including its AUKUS submarine programme. Despite past defence project delays and budget issues, Australia aims to raise defence spending to 2.4 per cent of GDP, exceeding NATO’s two per cent target.

Thailand-Cambodia: Border talks begin in Malaysia after deadly clashes
On 4 August, The Straits Times reported that senior security officials from Cambodia and Thailand began four-day talks in Kuala Lumpur to ease border tensions following the deadliest clashes, which left over 40 people dead. Although a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 29 July halted five days of intense fighting, thousands remain in evacuation camps, fearing renewed violence. On 3 August, Cambodia accused Thailand of planning further attacks, an allegation Thailand dismissed as baseless. Despite tensions, both sides described the border situation as calm and pledged to uphold the truce. As part of the ceasefire agreement, the talks extended from one day to four, will conclude on 7 August with the participation of defence ministers from both countries and observers from Malaysia, the United States, and China.

Thailand-Cambodia: Truce holds for a second day despite violation accusations
On 30 July, a fragile truce between Cambodia and Thailand was maintained for a second consecutive day, despite mutual accusations of violations. Thailand’s military accused Cambodia of breaching the ceasefire at three locations along the border. Cambodia denied the accusation and took its military officers and diplomats to the border checkpoint to verify if the ceasefire was intact. They reported that Thailand has illegally captured 20 Cambodian soldiers. Although there have been no reports of armed fire since the ceasefire, both troops continue to be deployed on the frontier. The “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, brokered by Malaysia, was agreed on 29 July. A joint statement noted the talks were “co-organised by the US, with the active participation of China.” The US reportedly warned of 36 per cent tariffs if hostilities persisted. Military leaders from both sides have since met to ensure compliance, discuss repatriation, and supervise withdrawals. While calm has returned to the border, concerns remain about long-term stability and the possibility of ceasefire violations.

Myanmar: US removes sanctions on key military allies
On 25â€¯July, The Straits Times reported that the US removed sanctions on several key business allies of Myanmar’s ruling military, weeks after its commander, Senior Generalâ€¯Min Aung Hlaing, penned a letter commending President Donald Trump and urging tariff relief. In a Department of Treasury notice, entities including KTâ€¯Services & Logistics (and its CEO Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung), Suntac Technologies (Sit Taing Aung), and military-linked individual Tin Latt Min were removed from the blacklist. These parties were sanctioned during 2022 and 2024 for their ties with Myanmar's military and arms production. Human Rights Watch described the move as “extremely worrying,” warning of a potential shift in US policy toward Myanmar’s military regime.

Indonesia: USD three billion deal on Turkish KAAN fighter jets
On 29 July, The Straits Times reported that Indonesia signed a deal worth USD three billion with Turkey to purchase 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets. The contract, signed in Ankara, follows earlier reports of Indonesia’s interest in the stealth-capable aircraft co-developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries and BAE Systems. The KAAN jets, intended to modernise Indonesia’s ageing air fleet, are expected to be delivered in stages starting in 2028. Indonesia’s Minister of Defence Prabowo Subianto emphasised the strategic value of deepening defence ties with Turkey, noting technological transfer and co-production as part of the agreement. This signals Jakarta’s intent to diversify its defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers like the US and Russia.

South Asia
Pakistan: Security forces neutralise three militants in Mastung, Balochistan
On 25 July, The Express Tribune reported that security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in Mastung, Balochistan. They managed to neutralise three militants, who, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), were backed by India. However, in the gunfight, two army personnel lost their lives. Security forces have initiated a search operation for other militants. Separately, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Tall Scouts, a soldier fell victim to a “sniper attack.” In another incident in Bannu, KP, an FC personnel died and two others were wounded in a militant assault.

Pakistan: To strengthen defence cooperation with Tajikistan
On 25 July, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Sahir Shamshad Mirza, met with Tajikistan’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Saizoda Bobojon Abdukodir, in Rawalpindi. He is additionally the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan. The two military leaders discussed “regional security” and bilateral “strategic interests.” Two sides underscored the importance of historical ties and looked into possible areas to enhance “defence cooperation.”

Pakistan: Reaffirm commitment with China in ensuring peace and stability in the region
On 24 July, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir met China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Beijing. Wang Yi conveyed China’s “full confidence” in Pakistan’s military for enhancing the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to be a “diplomatic priority” for Beijing. He expressed Beijing’s willingness to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute towards regional peace and stability. Pakistan’s chief of army staff acknowledged Beijing’s continual backing and assistance for achieving its “socio-economic” goals. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Armed Forces’ resolve towards the safety of Chinese nationals working in the country. He additionally stressed Islamabad’s commitment towards enhancing “counter-terrorism” collaboration with Beijing for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The Middle East and Africa
Iran: Talks with E3 countries held in Istanbul
On 25 July, Iran and the E3 countries (France, Germany and the United Kingdom) held a diplomatic meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting followed earlier warnings by the E3 countries that failure to reach a nuclear deal by the end of August would lead to re-imposition of sanctions on Iran under the “snapback mechanism” of the 2015 nuclear deal. From Iran, the meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and senior Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who termed the meeting as “serious, frank and detailed.” Additionally, Iran revealed that both sides decided that negotiations on the matter will continue.

Iran: President Trump’s fresh threats against the nuclear programme
On 28 July, US President Donald Trump issued fresh threats against the Iranian nuclear programme after Iran announced that it will not abandon nuclear enrichment for civilian purposes. Trump stated that Iran was sending “very bad signals, very nasty signals” and that the US would again destroy their “nuclear possibilities” if needed.

Syria: Violence breaks out in Aleppo and Suwayda
On 4 August, Al Jazeera reported that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacked “armed factions” with ties to the security forces in the Deir Hafer area of the northern province of Aleppo. The SDF controls most of the country’s northeastern region and had agreed to reintegration with the country's army in March. Earlier, on 2 August, the Syrian government had blamed the SDF for a rocket attack in the northern city of Manbij in which three civilians and four soldiers were injured.

Separately, on 3 August, Al Jazeera reported violence broke out in the Suwayda province with Druze armed factions attacking the country's security forces, killing one soldier and injuring several others. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed four deaths. Following the attacks, the government accused the Druze factions of violating the ceasefire reached in July.

Syria: Talks with Israel over the confrontation in Suwayda
On 26 July, Al Jazeera reported that delegations from Syria and Israel held talks in Paris over the recent brief confrontation in Syria’s Suwayda province. During the talks, the Syrian side stressed that the country’s “unity and sovereignty” were “non-negotiable” and reiterated that the province of Suwayda and its residents were an “integral part of Syria.” Syria called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. In mid-July, violent clashes broke out between the Druze and Bedouin tribes in the province, with Syrian security forces intervening to tackle the situation. In response, Israel intervened on behalf of the Druze community and struck the government forces in Suwayda and the government building in Damascus. The US brokered a ceasefire, and the talks followed.

Lebanon: Hezbollah Chief dismisses calls for disarmament amid cabinet decision
On 5 August, Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem re-emphasised that the group will not disarm under pressure and that the resistance against Israel should be deliberated in “national consensus.” He stressed the armed group’s preparedness to defend Lebanon’s “sovereignty and independence” and highlighted its role in defending against attacks by Israel. He threatened Israel with massive retaliation in case of a wider attack. Qassem’s remarks followed demonstrations by the group’s supporters on 4 August against its proposed disarmament. Qassem’s speech was followed later in the day by a cabinet meeting chaired by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, wherein the onus of the integration of all armed groups was put on the army, with the end of the year as the deadline.

Yemen: 68 refugees die in a boat tragedy off the Abyan coast
On 4 August, a boat carrying 154 Ethiopian refugees and migrants collapsed near Yemen’s Abyan province, resulting in 68 deaths. Refugees often pay smugglers a hefty amount to cross the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden, which are the world’s deadliest routes. Despite ongoing conflict, Yemen still receives thousands of migrants annually, with 60,000 arrivals in 2024.

Sudan: 13 children die due to food shortage in East Darfur camp
On 31 July, the Sudan Doctors Network confirmed that 13 children died due to severe food shortages in Lagawa displacement camp in East Darfur’s el-Daein city. The camp is home to over 7000 people and has been repeatedly attacked by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Additionally, the UN warned of escalating cholera cases in Tawila due to the collapse of water and sanitation services.

Mozambique: Thousands flee amidst surging violence in Cabo Delgado
On 5 August, the UN reported that the intensified attacks by armed groups on northern Mozambique displaced thousands of people in July. It deepened the dire humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of Mozambique. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the armed group attacks between July 20 and 28 triggered the displacement of at least 46,667 people. Since January, over 95,000 people have fled Cabo Delgoda due to the humanitarian crisis.

Rwanda and DRC: Kigali and Kinshasa agree on roadmap for economic framework as part of peace deal
On 1 August, the US State Department announced that Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed on an outline for the regional economic integration framework to be launched within 90 days. The agreed principles guide the framework, covering cooperation on sectors such as energy, infrastructure, public health, mineral supply, and national parks. Mineral wealth exploitation is a key driver of the conflict between Congo’s military and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. In this context, the two countries have affirmed that each country has "full, sovereign control” over the utilisation, processing and export of its natural resources. Further, they have resolved to ensure that armed groups do not receive funding through the mineral trade. This development comes after Rwanda and Congo signed a peace agreement in June this year, during talks mediated by US President Donald Trump's administration.

Democratic Republic of Congo: ADF attack on a church in Komada town kill 40 people
On 28 July, at least 43 people, including nine children, were killed in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-affiliated militia. The UN peacekeeping mission said that the attack occurred during a night vigil at a church in Komada town in Ituri province. The attackers looted and set fire to the nearby shops and businesses. Originating in Uganda in the 1990s, the ADF is now operating across the eastern part of the DRC. The UN peacekeeping mission condemned the deadly violence. On 29 July, the armed group ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack. The Congolese government described the incident as “horrific.” The M23 rebel group criticised the state’s failure to protect citizens. Since 2019, ADF and ISIL have jointly committed several attacks to establish a militant state in East Africa.

Nigeria: Kidnappers kill 35 hostages in Zamfara despite the ransom payment
On 29 July, criminal gangs in Nigeria’s Zamfara state killed at least 35 hostages after receiving ransom, who were abducted from Banga village. This incident took place in Kauran Manoda LGA, involving the kidnapping of 56 people in March. Later, 18 were released. Despite the 2022 law criminalising ransom payments and authorising the death penalty in cases where hostages are killed, the enforcement of the law remains absent.

Angola: Five people die and 1200 arrested over the fuel price protests
On 30 July, Angolan police said that five people were killed and more than 1200 were detained after the demonstrations in the capital, Luanda. It started as a three-day strike by the taxi drivers over a 33 per cent diesel price hike. President João Lourenço dismissed the protesters' concerns, saying that Angola’s diesel price is relatively low globally.

Europe and the Americas
Turkey: 13 people die in wildfires
On 24 July, Euronews reported on the wildfire that broke out in Turkey’s Eskisehir province, killing ten firefighters and injuring 14 others. The fire's origin remains unknown. The total wildfire death toll in Turkey has now risen to 13 this year, with seven wildfires still burning across the country. Extreme heat and dry conditions are among the key factors contributing to the outbreaks. With winds and temperatures expected to shift imminently, the Forestry Ministry has urged citizens to remain vigilant. Experts warn that such wildfires are becoming frequent and destructive due to climate change, especially during the summer months in Central Anatolia, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean.

Russia: Moscow condemns "nuclear rhetoric" following escalatory statements between former President Medvedev and President Trump
On 4 August, Russia's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin "absolutely wouldn’t like to engage in such polemics, nor would we like to comment on that in any way," referring to President Trump's statement on positioning nuclear submarines in "the appropriate regions." The statement was in response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's threats of the Kremlin's capacity to carry out nuclear strikes through the "Dead Hand," an automated nuclear launch system. Moscow's condemnation of the "nuclear rhetoric" comes ahead of Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Russia, before imposing sanctions. Peskov has also distanced Moscow from Medvedev's statement, saying that " foreign policy is formulated by the head of state, President Putin.”

Russia: Kremlin ends voluntary ban on Intermediate-Range Missile deployments
On 4 August, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that it does not consider itself “bound by the relevant previously adopted self-restrictions” in terms of Intermediate-Range Missile deployments since “conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons” do not exist any longer. Russia had imposed this voluntary ban after the US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. The Ministry cited multiple instances of US testing, producing, and deploying INF-range class systems in the course of exercises that had an “anti-Russian focus.” The Ministry argued that these exercises were “increasingly emerging” in regions critical for Russia’s national security. Further, the ministry stated that these INF-range missiles were being transported to various European NATO countries for trial use.

Russia: Earthquake in Far East triggers tsunami and flood warnings across the Pacific
On 30 July, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake of a depth of about 19.3 kilometres (12 miles) struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, located in Russia’s Far Eastern coast, resulting in tsunami warnings in the US, Canada, Japan, French Polynesia, and Chile. The earthquake was one of history’s strongest and was followed by multiple aftershocks amounting to a 6.9 magnitude. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake was centred 119 km (74 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of a population of over 165,000 people. The tremors damaged buildings and injured several people. In Severo-Kurilsk in the northern Kuril Islands, south of Kamchatka, tsunami waves exceeded three metres, with the largest measuring up to five metres. Russian scientists claimed that the earthquake in Kamchatka was the most powerful to hit the area since 1952.

Russia: 100 of Ukraine's drones intercepted in Volgograd, Rostov, Voronezh, and Kursk regions, claims the defence ministry
On 27 July, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that 100 Ukrainian drones were intercepted in Russian airspace. According to the ministry, 67 drones were shot down over Bryansk, Smolensk, and Kaluga regions. Another 30 UAVs were intercepted in Volgograd, Rostov, Voronezh, Kursk regions, and the Crimean Peninsula, and regions near Moscow and within Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol, and Tambov regions. Acting Governor of Rostov Region Yury Slyusar confirmed no injuries. Smolensk Governor Vasily Anokhin acknowledged the raid but said there was no immediate information about damage or victims. In the Volgograd Region, drone debris damaged electric lines on the railway in Oktyabrsky District, according to local officials, striking residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Greece: Wildfires continue due to dry and strong winds
On 27 July, Deutsche Welle reported on the wildfires that continued across Greece for a second day. The fires were affected by fast-spreading blazes driven by extreme heat and strong winds. The fires were active in the Peloponnese, Evia, and Kythera islands. People were evacuated from the area. According to the deputy mayor of Kythera, half of the island has burned, with houses, olive trees, and beehives destroyed, and a monastery under threat. Firefighters from the Czech Republic have joined the efforts, with additional aircraft from Italy expected to assist. In Evia, there were flare-ups overnight that destroyed forests, killed thousands of farm animals, and damaged power and water supply lines. Fires in Crete destroyed houses and a church, but have been contained. Police forces were deployed in Kryoneri, north of Athens, to protect homes from possible looting after evacuations.

About the authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis are Project Associates at NIAS. Abhiruchi Chowdhury is a Research Assistant at NIAS. Kasvi Batra is a Research Intern at NIAS. Brighty Ann Sarah and R Preetha are postgraduate students at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. Rizwana Banu, Santhiya M and Aparna A Nair are undergraduate students at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai. M Kejia is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry. Swati Sood is an undergraduate student at Vivekananda College, University of Delhi. Vaihali Chittrothu is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, St Ann's College for Women, Hyderabad.

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