* Hamas vows to restart attacks Friday if blockade not lifted Terror group's spokesman warns southern residents not to return to their homes; Israel says it is poised to respond as required.
* Christians: 'We Are Dying, and World is Too Busy With Gaza to Care' As the orgy of condemnation against Israel in the wake of the Gaza war continues, Christians in Iraq are doing their best to be heard above the din while they still have a voice.
* Watch: Temple Institute Tours Temple Mount on Tisha B'av Rabbi Chaim Richman leads tour of the Temple Mount as it is opened for Jews on 9 Av for the first time since 2011.
* Hamas military wing says it's ready for next round of fighting with Israel Masked members of the Hamas military wing in Gaza gave Al Jazeera an exclusive look at how they are preparing for a new round of warfare.
* Iraq Christians flee as Islamic State takes Qaraqosh Up to a quarter of Iraq's Christians are reported to be fleeing after Islamic militants seized the minority's biggest town.
* CHRISTIAN LEADERS CALL FOR HELP AS ISLAMIC STATE SWEEPS SINJAR Over the past week the terror group Islamic State (formerly ISIS) surged ahead on multiple fronts and scored numerous victories, leaving a wake of death and destruction.
* Russian Strategic Bombers Conduct More Than 16 Incursions of U.S. Air Defense Zones 'Spike' in Bear H flights over past week seen as test of U.S. air defenses.
* Iran to Unveil its Own 'Iron Dome' Style Defense System New missile defense systems set to go online in September.
* Hamas Holds 'Victory Rally' in Gaza As ceasefire hangs in the balance, and despite severe losses, Hamas predictably claims victory.
* Russia imposes retaliatory sanctions on EU Moscow is slapping a ban on EU-imported fruit and vegetables and food from the US in retaliation for western economic sanctions.