Israel-Gaza: The IDF says it killed Mahmoud Fatair, an Islamic Jihad Nukhba commander tied to hostage captivity, as fighting and hostage-linked operations continue. Gaza diplomacy: A “Board of Peace” official pushed back on Israeli cabinet criticism of a proposed International Stabilization Force, saying the plan is about implementation and Hamas disarmament. Iran-US oil shock: Trump said planned strikes on Iran were paused for talks, while Iran denied direct talks; markets reacted with a sharp oil drop and renewed hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Energy routes: Kuwait is weighing a new crude pipeline with Arab neighbors to bypass Hormuz, as shipping risk remains elevated. OPEC+ supply: OPEC+ agreed another September output increase, completing the rollback of 2023 voluntary cuts. Saudi shipping: Saudi Yanbu saw its busiest day since Houthi threats, with multiple supertankers loading despite risks. West Bank violence: Data shows mosque attacks in the occupied West Bank surged over the past decade, with a sharp rise after Oct 2023. Regional politics: Iraq’s Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani met Syria’s al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss SDF integration and Kurdish rights. Turkey economy: Turkey’s July inflation edged down to 31.75% y/y, though data reliability remains questioned.