Gaza Ceasefire Roadmap: The US-backed Board of Peace says Hamas has agreed to a detailed second-phase plan for Gaza, including steps toward relinquishing weapons, with Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye named as key mediators—though Israel’s acceptance and disarmament wording remain contested. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain welcomed the announcement but stressed full Israeli withdrawal, uninterrupted humanitarian aid and a path to Palestinian statehood, while Pakistan also praised the progress and urged full implementation. Maritime Security Push: Saudi Arabia’s 14-nation maritime defense alliance to protect Red Sea shipping and Bab al-Mandeb has gained further backing, with Qatar and Pakistan among signatories; Somalia also joined the Saudi-led initiative. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran warned it is working with Oman on operational mechanisms for Hormuz navigation, while US-Iran escalation reporting keeps the region on edge. Qatar in the Mix: Qatar is repeatedly cited as a mediator in Gaza talks and as a participant in Red Sea security arrangements. Energy & Trade Fallout: Pakistan raised RLNG prices sharply despite limited spot LNG imports, linked to disrupted Qatari supply amid Middle East conflict. Sports (Qatar-linked): Neeraj Chopra won Commonwealth Games javelin silver; Qatar’s Seifeldin Abdelsalam took silver in the pole vault event won by EJ Obiena. FIFA Governance Shock: Gianni Infantino scrapped a plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits after backlash from major football bodies.