The Israel-Hamas war

The Israel-Hamas war|The negotiations
Talks in Doha are underway - held without Hamas

New negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza have begun in Doha in the mediator country of Qatar, sources told AFP and Reuters.

The head of the Israeli security service Mossad is participating in the meeting - as well as heavy representatives of the United States, Egypt and Qatar. However, no Hamas officials are present, according to Reuters sources. However, the mediators' plan is to consult with Hamas once Thursday afternoon's meeting is over.

Hamas and Israel have repeatedly blamed each other for the failure to reach a solution. An Israeli source states that the country's delegation has now received increased leeway from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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The Israel-Hamas warThe demonstrations
The head of the prestigious university resigns after student protests

The top manager of the prestigious American university Columbia University in New York is resigning. This after several months of criticism from both students and politicians about how the pro-Palestinian protests on campus were handled, American media write.

Minouche Shafik is the third president of an Ivy League university to resign following the protests. She was criticized for not doing enough to curb anti-Semitism on campus - but also for cracking down too hard on the protesters.

In a statement, Shafik says that it has been a great honor to lead the institution, but that it has also been a turbulent time.

"This period has been very stressful for my family, as well as for many others in our community."
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The Israel-Hamas war|The attacks
40,000 reportedly killed in Gaza - bloodiest ever

More than 40,000 people have been killed since the war against Israel began, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. No previous war against Israel in the Gaza Strip has been bloodier, writes Haaretz.

The BBC notes that neither the UN nor international journalists can verify the figures from either side, but that the UN and other international bodies have previously regarded the department's statistics as reliable.

The figures do not differentiate between civilians and Hamas fighters, but according to the ministry, women and children make up a majority of those killed. Historically, only deaths in hospitals have been counted, but due to difficulties in operating in Gaza, death figures in "credible media" have also been included, according to the BBC.

Earlier in August, Israel's IDF stated that it had killed 15,000 Hamas terrorists, but the Palestinian death toll has been repeatedly questioned.

In a new statement, the IDF writes that it is a "mistake" to uncritically rely on the statistics, writes Haaretz. Furthermore, the IDF maintains that it acts in accordance with international law and takes precautions to protect civilians.