Rwanda-backed rebels killed over 140 civilians in eastern Congo, rights group says

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A new report by Human Rights Watch says Rwanda-backed rebels killed at least 140 people in eastern Congo in July. The report on Wednesday said the victims were mostly ethnic Hutus. The M23 group is supported by Rwanda and has been blamed for the killings. The attacks are thought to be part of a military campaign against a mostly Hutu armed group. Rwandan authorities have accused Hutus who fled the 1994 genocide in that country of participating in it. The newly reported killings could escalate tensions in Congo’s mineral-rich east, where U.S.-backed efforts for a ceasefire continue.

NATO defense chiefs hold ‘candid discussion’ on security guarantees for Ukraine

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO defense chiefs have discussed potential security guarantees for Ukraine to help end Russia’s three-year war. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said 32 defense chiefs held a video conference and had a “candid discussion” amid a U.S.-led diplomatic push for peace. Ukraine is seeking military assurances against the threat of future Russian invasions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the talks for excluding Moscow. An alliance official said U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe, took part in the virtual talks Wednesday. U.S. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also met with European military chiefs Tuesday evening in Washington .

Israel to mobilize 60,000 reservists ahead of an expanded Gaza City operation

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says it plans to call up tens of thousands of reservists for an expanded operation in Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the plan, which involves deploying 60,000 reservists and extending service for 20,000 more. The move comes amid international concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many inhabitants are displaced and facing famine. The operation aims to target Hamas’ underground tunnel network, according to Israeli official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, negotiations for a ceasefire continue, with Hamas agreeing to the terms of a proposed 60-day halt to the fighting but with Israel yet to respond.

Israel approves settlement project that could divide the West Bank

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel has given final approval for a controversial settlement project that would effectively cut the occupied West Bank in two. Palestinians and rights groups say it could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state. On Wednesday, the project received final approval. The international community overwhelmingly considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank to be illegal and an obstacle to peace. The E1 settlement project is significant because it would block a potential direct route between Ramallah and Bethlehem. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich cast the approval as a rebuke to Western countries that announced their plans to recognize a Palestinian state in recent weeks.