* Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal denied Israel's foreign minister and Hamas have denied earlier reports of a truce deal to end fighting in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants.
* Hamas Government Praises, Encourages Human Shields Official statement from Gaza's 'security ministry' urges residents not to leave their homes before airstrikes, despite IDF warnings.
* Pentagon claim: Iraqi Army is capable and on the rebound after ISIL onslaught The administration of President Barack Obama continues to report improved performance by Iraq’s military despite other reports to the contrary.
* Hamas planned wholesale slaughter of Kibbutz Sufa members, says Peres Hamas planned the wholesale slaughter of members of Kibbutz Sufa near the Gaza border, President Shimon Peres told reporters on Thursday.
* Malaysia jet crashes in east Ukraine conflict zone A Malaysian airliner carrying 295 people has crashed in east Ukraine on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, amid allegations it was shot down..
* Poll: Americans Side with Israel, Not Palestinians 51% of Americans say that in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, they sympathize more with Israel; 14% prefer Palestinians.
* Twenty Rockets Found in UNRWA School UN 'Palestinian refugee' organization, linked with incitement against Israel, to launch investigation over rocket cache.
* EU leaders fail to agree on top jobs EU leaders on Wednesday night (16 July) failed to reach an agreement on two top jobs - the high representative for foreign policy and the next EU Council president.
* Hamas believes "important political gains to be made" by striking at Isreal Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has resumed..
* Gaza drone downed by IAF Patriot missile battery shoots down the drone in the second such event since Gaza operation began.