*) Imran Khan supporters enter Islamabad in a major show of force Thousands of protesters defied tear gas and roadblocks to demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators clashing near the city’s western entry. The cricketer-turned-politician has been jailed since August 2023, facing a procession of legal accusations ranging from illegal marriage to graft and inciting riots. *) Lebanon lawmaker says ceasefire deal with Israel close A ceasefire deal between Lebanon and Israel could be announced within 36 hours, according to a Lebanese parliamentarian. Negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages, with optimism for a positive outcome. Israel's security cabinet is set to meet to approve the deal. *) NATO chief meets Turkish President Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara for key talks. Their discussions tackled global security challenges, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Rutte highlighted Türkiye's crucial role in NATO, praising its military strength and contributions to regional security. *) Scores of Somalis die as two boats drift for weeks off Madagascar Madagascar has rescued 48 Somali nationals from two boats found drifting off its coast, officials say. At least 22 others from the same group tragically died at sea. Fishermen discovered the survivors and brought them to Nosy Be island. The boats, carrying 70 people in total, suffered engine failures and were left stranded. *) Elon Musk says drones must replace jets, calls them future of warfare Elon Musk lashed out at modern fighter jets, saying drones are the future of air combat. He called manned jets like the F-35 obsolete, warning they only put pilots at risk. Musk criticised those still building these jets, labeling them "idiots," and shared a video of hundreds of drones in formation.