Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: &nbsp;New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in New York on Friday that New Zealand will not be recognizing the state of Palestine at this time. &ldquo;With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,&rdquo; Peters said in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, according to Reuters.<div class="fr-embed responsive-video"><div class="video-wrapper aspect-video"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1971718983637520693&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=021308110e693a6d0f1abb490d3dbc366f94e567&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="width: 550px; height: 761px; min-height: 0px; position: static; visibility: visible;" data-tweet-id="1971718983637520693"></iframe></div></div></div>A New Zealand government&rsquo;s press release on Saturday, quoted the foreign minister as saying, &ldquo;We are also concerned that a focus on recognition, in the current circumstances, could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions.&rdquo; &lsquo;When the time is right&rsquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians&rsquo; right to self-determination,&rdquo; Peters said. &ldquo;What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership &ndash; not further conflict and extremism. &ldquo;New Zealanders are shocked by the harrowing images of famine in Gaza, revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government and disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.&rdquo; He said, &ldquo;New Zealand&rsquo;s position remains that it is a matter of when, not if we recognize the State of Palestine.&rdquo; &ldquo;Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognize a Palestinian state when the time is right. &lsquo;Complex issue&rsquo;&ldquo;What we are looking for now are real actions towards the full viability and legitimacy of the State of Palestine, rather than rhetoric in that direction; Israel to stop and reverse all actions aimed at destroying the two-state solution, including illegal settlements in the West Bank, and to return to meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians; the release by Hamas of all the hostages it holds; the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas; and the renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders who have yet to do so.&rdquo; Recognition of Palestine is a complex issue on which reasonable people can disagree, Peters said. &ldquo;Some of our close partners have chosen to recognize Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognize Palestine at this time. Indeed, we have a shared objective of trying to help bring about a two-state solution. Where we differ with some of our partners is on the issue of whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realization of a two-state solution.&rdquo; Immense suffering in GazaNew Zealand remains committed to doing its part to alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza, the New Zealand foreign minister said. The New Zealand Government has also today released Cabinet material associated with its decision on the recognition of Palestine, the New Zealand government&rsquo;s statement said.

Australasia

Middle East

New Zealand will not recognize Palestine at this time, citing ongoing conflict, Hamas' control in Gaza, and unclear future prospects. It supports a two-state solution but stresses recognition must occur when conditions are right.

New Zealand says it will not recognize state of Palestine at this time

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United Nations Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session in New York, on Friday, according to a statement issued by Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO). &ldquo;The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive engagement as an elected member of the Security Council,&rdquo; a readout published on the UN&rsquo;s website about the meeting stated. The secretary-general and the prime minister exchanged views on developments in the region, as well as reform of the international financial architecture, it added. During their warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s resolute commitment to strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations playing a central role in addressing the most pressing global challenges, the press release from the PMO said. The prime minister appreciated the secretary-general&rsquo;s remarkable leadership in promoting international peace and stability, as well as the UN&rsquo;s role in strengthening global governance with enhanced voice of the developing countries, it added. Additional climate finance&nbsp;Expressing gratitude for the secretary-general&rsquo;s appreciation of the government&rsquo;s rescue and relief efforts during the recent devastating floods in Pakistan, the prime minister underlined the need for concerted international actions, including mobilization of additional climate finance to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the most climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan. The prime minister emphasized issues of critical national and regional importance to Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and externally sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. Kashmir dispute&nbsp;He urged a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. The prime minister commended the secretary-general&rsquo;s leadership and sincere efforts for de-escalation of recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Sharing serious concern over the burning issue of Gaza, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s support for efforts for an immediate ceasefire and ending the war, provision of humanitarian assistance, and opening a political horizon for an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to continue playing constructive role as a member of the UN Security Council for regional and international peace and security. Advancing global peace&nbsp;The secretary-general lauded Pakistan&rsquo;s strong voice and critical role at the UN, including principled positions at the Security Council. They agreed on the need for concerted efforts to further enhance and strengthen the indispensable role of the United Nations in advancing global peace and development, the PMO statement concluded.

Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, discussing multilateralism, climate change, Kashmir, Gaza, and regional peace. Both reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the UN’s central role in global peace and development.

UN chief lauds Pakistan’s ‘constructive engagement’ as UNSC member 

NEW YORK: The annual high-level gathering at the UN General Assembly this week will see more than 140 world leaders descend upon New York City in an effort to secure global peace and security despite growing divides on how to do that. Nearly 90 heads of state, 43 heads of government and one crown prince are among the dignitaries to appear on the UN stage beginning on Tuesday to make their case for how to bring an end to regional conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, while addressing the growing climate crisis and the dangers posed by the rapid development and use of artificial intelligence. Looming over the weeklong summit is the internal financial turmoil plaguing the United Nations as it celebrates the 80th anniversary of its founding, which emerged from the rubble of World War II. Questions about the UN&rsquo;s relevancy and efficiency have sharpened from supporters and critics alike. Recent US cuts to foreign assistance and the reevaluation of humanitarian contributions by other countries have forced a reckoning for the world body. Here are five things to look out for this week: Outcome of the two-state solution conferenceThe week began with a high-profile meeting chaired by France and Saudi Arabia focused on garnering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The hours-long conference ended late Monday with several countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco, announcing or confirming their recognition of a Palestinian state, a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal did. Germany, Italy and Japan took part in the conference but did not recognize such a state. The US and Israel boycotted the event, saying the international push for a Palestinian state rewards Hamas and makes it harder to reach a deal to halt the war and return the remaining hostages. It came as several US allies, including Canada and the United Kingdom, announced recognition of an independent Palestinian state over the weekend. The meeting and expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood will likely have little if any actual impact on the ground, where Israel is waging another major offensive in the Gaza Strip and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood, has threatened to take even further unilateral action in response. But proponents of the effort, including top UN officials, remain unpersuaded that recognition of Palestine is crucial at this stage of the conflict. As the US isolates, other world powers reaffirm climate pledgesMore than 110 world leaders will speak at a special UN climate summit on Wednesday, designed to get nations to strengthen their required but already late plans to wean themselves from coal, oil and natural gas that cause climate change. Dozens of business leaders are in New York networking in various conferences aimed at greener and cleaner energy. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t believe the doomsters and the gloomsters and the naysayers who say that somehow the world is moving away from climate action, clean energy,&rdquo; United Kingdom climate chief Ed Millibrand said. The nations of the world were all supposed to come up with new five-year plans for curbing carbon emissions by February, leading into the Brazil negotiations. But only 47 of the 195 nations &mdash; responsible for less than a quarter of global emissions &mdash; have done so. United Nations officials said they really need to be submitted by the end of this month so experts can calculate how the world is doing in its emission reduction efforts. The world&rsquo;s biggest emitter, China, and another top polluter, the European Union, are expected to announce their plans or rough sketches of their plans this week. The United Nations session this week is designed to cajole countries to do more. Trump returns to UN after retreating US from world stagePresident Donald Trump will be the second leader to speak when the General Assembly kicks off its debate Tuesday morning. Trump will be returning to the UN for the first time since beginning his second term in January. His speech will be among the most anticipated as America&rsquo;s allies and adversaries wait to see what the president will say about ongoing efforts to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. UN officials will be holding their breath to see if more funding cuts from the US &mdash; their largest donor &mdash; are on the horizon after Trump and his allies spent the first few months in office slashing international aid spending. He issued a first-day executive order withdrawing the US from the UN&rsquo;s World Health Organization. That was followed by ending US participation in the UN Human Rights Council, and ordering up a review of United States membership in hundreds of intergovernmental organizations aimed at determining whether they align with the priorities of his &ldquo;America First&rdquo; agenda. &ldquo;There are great hopes for it, but it&rsquo;s not being well run, to be honest,&rdquo; Trump told reporters last week as he prepared for his address to the General Assembly. Eyes on Syria and Iran&rsquo;s presidents at high-stakes momentFollowing Trump&rsquo;s remarks, the two other headline speakers come from the Middle East, where various conflicts have thrown the region into further tumult over the last several years. On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will appear on the UN stage at a moment of great magnitude for his country, as a 30-day window to stop the reimposition of sanctions on Tehran is closing at the end of this week. The clock started when France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Aug. 28 declared Iran wasn&rsquo;t complying with its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. It also comes after a series of last-ditch diplomatic talks to avoid imposing UN sanctions appeared to break down in recent days, with European leaders accusing Iran of not being serious about the conditions outlined. Pezeshkian and his foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, have the next few days to meet with their European counterparts in New York to come to a resolution that would avoid the series of financial penalties that would push the already crippling Iranian economy into further disarray. A few hours later, Iran&rsquo;s once strategic ally, Syria, will debut its new leader, the first head of state to represent the war-torn country at the UN in nearly six decades. Ahmad al-Sharaa will officially represent the new Syria on the world stage for the first time since the ousting of then-President Bashar Assad in December by a lightning insurgent offensive led by al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa has spent nine months seeking to restore ties with Arab countries and the West, where officials were initially wary of his past ties with the al-Qaida militant group. His speech on Wednesday will also be watched closely by the US, which previously designated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group al-Sharaa formerly led, as a terrorist group. All the meetings you won&rsquo;t seeSome of the most tantalizing and impactful diplomacy conducted during the UN General Assembly will likely happen behind the scenes during embassy receptions and at private dinners and drinks at some of Manhattan&rsquo;s most exclusive restaurants and clubs. The high-level week, noted by some UN watchers as the World Cup of diplomacy, is jam-packed with official and unofficial gatherings between heads of state and government, where complex trade deals, sensitive peace negotiations, and even normalization efforts between allies and adversaries alike could see breakthroughs. Officials state that more than 1,600 bilateral meetings are scheduled to take place inside the sprawling UN campus that oversees the East River.

Sphere Within Sphere outside the United Nations Headquarters on the first day of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly's High-Level week,

Americas

Over 140 world leaders convene in New York for the UN’s 80th General Assembly, tackling conflicts, climate pledges, AI risks, and financial strains. Key moments include Trump’s return, Palestine recognition, Iran’s sanctions deadline, Syria’s debut, and high-stakes backroom diplomacy.

UN General Assembly 2025: What you’ll see and what you won’t

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will vote Friday on reimposing deep economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. Britain, France, and Germany -- signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action intended to stop Tehran obtaining nuclear weapons -- allege that Iran has broken its promises under that 2015 treaty. Diplomatic sources expect that the resolution will not have the nine votes needed to uphold the status quo -- in which sanctions remain lifted -- and as such, the punishment will be reimposed. Letter to UNFrench President Emmanuel Macron said he expected international sanctions against Iran to be reinstated by the end of the month, in an excerpt from an Israeli television interview broadcast Thursday. &quot;The latest news we had from the Iranians are not serious,&quot; he said. In a letter to the UN in mid-August, the &quot;European Three&quot; slammed Iran as having breached several JCPOA commitments, including building up a uranium stock to more than 40 times the level permitted under the deal. Despite a flurry of diplomatic talks between the European powers and Tehran, the Western trio insisted there was no concrete progress. Nine votesRussia and China, which oppose the reinstatement of sanctions, would need to secure nine votes from the 15 members of the Council -- which diplomatic sources say may prove impossible. &quot;Algeria and Pakistan may support Russia and China in backing the resolution, but I think other members are likely to oppose it or abstain, so the Europeans and US will not have to use their veto,&quot; said International Crisis Group analyst Richard Gowan. The vote could result in the imposition of sanctions as early as next week -- although the UN&#39;s annual high-level meeting, which Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend, could present opportunities for last-ditch negotiations. &quot;The Council still has time to greenlight a further resolution extending the suspension of sanctions -- if Iran and the Europeans reach a last-minute bargain,&quot; Gowan said. Last minute bargain? The hard-won 2015 deal has been left in tatters ever since the United States, during Donald Trump&#39;s first presidency, walked away from it in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Western powers and Israel have long accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June derailed Tehran&#39;s nuclear negotiations with the United States.

The UN Security Council will vote on reimposing sanctions on Iran for allegedly breaching its 2015 nuclear deal commitments. Western powers seek penalties, while Russia and China oppose.

UN Security Council votes on reimposing Iran nuclear sanctions

ISLAMABAD: The United States on Thursday again wielded its veto and <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165875" style="font-size: 18px;">thwarted</a> a UN Security Council call for a ceasefire in Gaza, shielding its ally Israel from meaningful diplomatic pressure, according to AFP.The 14 other members of the Council backed the resolution, initiated in August in response to the UN&#39;s official declaration of famine after nearly two years of Israel&#39;s war on Gaza.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1968756708273955177&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=13bc4cdcbcf0840b81ed528f5843275c72fa6252&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 744px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1968756708273955177">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The vote came as Israeli tanks and jets pounded Gaza City, the target of a major new ground offensive, forcing Palestinians to flee south.Health officials report over 65,000 Palestinian deaths since the Israeli war began, with dozens killed in the past 24 hours, according to DW News.According to the US mission&rsquo;s website, Morgan Ortagus, Counselor of the US Mission to the United Nations, in her <a href="https://usun.usmission.gov/explanation-of-position-delivered-by-usun-counselor-morgan-ortagus-on-a-un-security-council-resolution-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-east/" style="font-size: 18px;">remarks</a> stated, &quot;U.S. opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise. It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel&rsquo;s right to defend itself and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this Council.&quot;&lsquo;Permanent ceasefire&rsquo;The resolution had demanded &quot;an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties&quot; as well as the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, AFP reported.The United States has repeatedly rejected that approach multiple times, most recently in June when it used its veto to back Israel.&quot;Let this resolution send a clear message, a message that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on the hostages and the demand for a ceasefire,&quot; Denmark&#39;s UN ambassador Christina Lassen said ahead of the vote.&quot;A generation risks being lost not only to war -- but to hunger and despair. Meanwhile Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians as a result.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1968759431774064921&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=13bc4cdcbcf0840b81ed528f5843275c72fa6252&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1968759431774064921">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&quot;It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure that has compelled us to act today.&quot;11 shelters damaged&nbsp;Earlier, in a social media post X on Thursday, the UN reported that Israeli military operations are intensifying in Gaza City.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1968744331227042215&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=13bc4cdcbcf0840b81ed528f5843275c72fa6252&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 665px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="1968744331227042215"></iframe></div></div>11 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) premises-turned-shelters have been damaged in direct or indirect hits.&#39;Genocide&#39; accusation&nbsp;The previous US veto sparked an unusual show of anger from the 14 other members of the council, who are increasingly vocal in their frustration over their apparent inability to pressure Israel to stop the suffering of Gazans, AFP reported.For the first time Tuesday, a UN-mandated international investigative commission gave its independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing &quot;genocide&quot; in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to &quot;destroy&quot; the Palestinians.The issue will be central to next week&#39;s annual UN summit in New York.&quot;Resolutions against Israel will not release the hostages and will not bring security to the region,&quot; said Israel&#39;s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, ahead of the vote. &quot;Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism.&quot;

The US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional Gaza ceasefire, protecting Israel despite widespread international support and escalating humanitarian crises, including over 65,000 Palestinian deaths.

US again vetoes UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call

Romesa Umar

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel is responsible for genocide in Gaza, urging the international community to stop the violence and prosecute those accountable.&nbsp;The report follows a two-year investigation into events since October 7, 2023, focusing on Israeli military operations that resulted in unprecedented civilian casualties, the deliberate starvation of the population, the collapse of health and education systems, and violations of the International Court of Justice&#39;s binding orders.&nbsp;Genocide Under Article II: Four Acts Identified&nbsp;The UN Commission outlined four of the five acts defined as genocide under the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute:&nbsp;I. Killing members of groupWidespread and sustained killings of Palestinian civilians were documented, including strikes on homes, hospitals, and designated &quot;safe zones.&quot; Israel&rsquo;s use of heavy explosive weapons in densely populated areas was found to be knowingly indiscriminate and lethal to civilians, including children. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/3cb4a32a-e334-4ff2-8074-da7f35439261-2025-09-11T201435Z_1001427010_RC2AEGA5XC6G_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-GAZA-JOURNALISTS.JPG" alt=" site of an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital " style="max-width: 100%;" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the Associated Press, and journalist Moaz Abu Taha are seen at the site of an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital shortly before they were killed in a second strike that hit the same location where Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri was killed in the first strike, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, in this still image taken from video by Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled, who was wounded shortly afterward while filming the site, August 25, 2025. (Reuters)</figcaption></figure> II. Causing serious bodily or mental harmThe Commission reported over 146,000 injuries, including thousands of amputations and incidents of torture, mistreatment, and sexual and gender-based violence. The trauma from ongoing displacement and deprivation has had particularly severe psychological impacts on children.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/35af6625-1dfa-4ead-8c7c-21766e855a23-2025-09-07T074002Z_874788905_RC2SMGAL2M3C_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-GAZA.JPG" alt="Gaza air strike on a school by Israel" style="max-width: 100%;" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Women hold a child with injuries as Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli air strike on a school that was sheltering displaced people, in Gaza City, September 7, 2025. (REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas)</figcaption></figure>III. Inflicting conditions of life intended to destroyThe siege on Gaza included widespread destruction of infrastructure, denial of food, water, fuel, and electricity, and the targeting of medical services. These conditions, affecting especially women and children, were found to be deliberately imposed to cause the physical destruction of Palestinians.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/f3e3acfe-9b7d-491b-9ebf-c5e64a36bdd6-2025-08-28T120051Z_1751005476_RC29GGA7ZADB_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-GAZA-WFP.JPG" alt="Palestinians wait for food at a charity kitchen in Gaza City" style="max-width: 100%;" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Palestinians wait for food at a charity kitchen in Gaza City, Aug. 28, 2025, after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared the area officially in famine, with conditions expected to worsen. (REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)</figcaption></figure>IV. Measures to prevent birthsThe report documents reproductive violence through denial of maternal healthcare, attacks on pregnant women, and conditions causing miscarriages. These are viewed as part of a systematic effort to destroy Palestinian reproductive capacity. <figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/685f00d8-4669-405d-a86d-25c1dd84eb7c-2025-09-10T022726Z_939082202_RC2QOGAABW5D_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-SUMUD-FLOTILLA.JPG" alt="2025-09-10T022726Z_939082202_RC2QOGAABW5D_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-SUMUD-FLOTILLA.JPG" style="max-width: 100%;" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">A fire breaks out aboard Alma, a vessel in the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid, in Tunisian waters off the coast of Tunisia, Sept. 9, 2025, in this CCTV screengrab. (Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout via Reuters)</figcaption></figure> V. Forcible transfer of children &ndash; not establishedThe Commission did not find sufficient evidence for the fifth act of genocide, forcible transfer of children, during the reviewed period.&nbsp;Genocidal intentChair Navi Pillay stated: &ldquo;The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza.&rdquo;&nbsp;The UN report emphasized that both the actions on the ground and official statements by Israeli authorities demonstrate intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group, meeting the legal threshold for genocide.

United Nations investigators find Israel committed genocide in Gaza, citing mass killings, starvation, and reproductive violence since October 2023.

Israel guilty of rape, torture, starvation: UN Investigators

ISLAMABAD: The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has exceeded 65,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, amid Israel&rsquo;s continued ground invasion of Gaza City, which began following the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks. On Tuesday, Israeli tanks and ground forces launched a full-scale assault into Gaza City, claiming the operation aims to dismantle Hamas&rsquo; control and secure the release of hostages. However, much of Gaza remains devastated by nearly a year of relentless Israeli bombardment and siege. Humanitarian crisis deepensMore than 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza following evacuation orders, though many remain in the overcrowded and heavily bombarded south. Aid agencies and experts report a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with almost 90% of Gaza&rsquo;s population displaced and widespread famine declared. International condemnation growsA United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, stating that &quot;genocidal intent was the only reasonable inference&quot; based on the actions of Israeli authorities. In response, Saudi Arabia condemned the latest Israeli offensive &ldquo;in the strongest terms.&rdquo; At the recent Arab-Islamic Summit held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), dozens of member states including Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, T&uuml;rkiye, and Qatar collectively denounced Israel&rsquo;s actions as war crimes. Meanwhile, the European Union announced its toughest sanctions to date, including proposed tariffs on Israeli goods and penalties against senior Israeli ministers and settlers, to pressure Israel to end the war. &ldquo;The war needs to end, the suffering must stop, and all hostages must be released,&rdquo; said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during a press conference in Brussels. Protests inside IsraelIn Tel Aviv, families of hostages held by Hamas held protests outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s residence, demanding a ceasefire to protect their loved ones. However, Israeli officials have signaled no intention of halting the operation, despite international calls for restraint.

Displaced Palestinians flee northern Gaza

Israel’s Gaza invasion kills 65,000 Palestinians, triggers famine, displacement, and global condemnation, as EU sanctions and Arab states intensify pressure.

Israeli military aggression kills over 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza

ISLAMABAD: The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Monday reaffirmed their &ldquo;collective duty to respond&rdquo; to Israeli military actions, citing regional defense agreements and collective security under international law. The mechanism for a collective response is embodied in the Joint Defense Agreement of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, which is based on integrated, &ldquo;interdependent collective security&rdquo; and adherence to the United Nations Charter. Article 2 of the agreement states that any attack on one member is considered an attack on all, and commits members to providing assistance quickly, including with military force if necessary, to defend against aggression and restore security.&nbsp; The charter also outlines consultation mechanisms, joint exercises, the development of the &lsquo;Peninsula Shield Force&rsquo;, and steps to build a regional military industrial base. The pact draws on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the &ldquo;inherent right of individual and collective self-defense&rdquo; until the Security Council acts to restore peace and security. Unified Military Command meeting soonAt the summit, member states discussed strengthening joint defense mechanisms and what they described as &ldquo;Gulf deterrent capabilities.&rdquo; A meeting of the bloc&rsquo;s Unified Military Command is scheduled to convene soon in Doha, according to Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Leaders said they would continue consultations among military bodies and political organs to coordinate positions and responses under international law. They added that any measures taken would be reported to the UN Security Council in line with the Charter. Qatar condemns Israeli attacksEarlier, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit by condemning the recent attacks. &ldquo;My country&rsquo;s capital was subjected to a treacherous attack targeting a residence housing the families of Hamas leaders and their negotiating delegation,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; The Emir said they would take &ldquo;concrete steps to address the state of madness of power, arrogance, and bloodthirstiness obsession that has befallen the government of Israel.&rdquo; Al Jazeera reported that Israel carried out strikes in Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar, and Yemen within a 72-hour period.&nbsp; Arab-Islamic blocsThe Arab League comprises 22 member nations from North Africa to the Gulf, representing a population of nearly 500 million. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation consists of 57 countries with significant Muslim populations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and was formed in 1969 after an arson attack on Jerusalem&rsquo;s Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), was formed on May 25, 1981, and is a regional political, economic, and security alliance comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It is headquartered in Riyadh and was established through its Charter as a framework for cooperation and collective defense in the Gulf region.

The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reaffirmed their “collective duty to respond” to Israeli military actions, citing Article 51 principles of joint defense and collective security under international law.

Arab–Islamic bloc signal military coordination under defense pact

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s severe monsoon floods have left more than 5.8 million people affected nationwide as swollen rivers hit Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and now risk Sindh.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) posted a statement on September 9 that heavy rains since late June have inundated wide areas of the country, forcing the evacuation of 2.4 million people.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About 94,000 displaced residents are staying in 1,630 evacuation centers. At least 922 people have died and more than 1,000 have been injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan (NDMA).<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The crisis is particularly dire in Punjab, where rivers remain dangerously high. Authorities declared an emergency in Multan on September 9 after flooding affected some 140,000 people. The Chenab, Sutlej and Ravi rivers are running at critical levels, forcing large-scale evacuations.<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flood-affected districts are battling not only rising waters but also a surge in disease.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More than 725 dengue cases have been confirmed in Charsadda, prompting the provincial government to deploy entomologists for containment efforts. Damage to health facilities has left thousands in need of medical assistance, OCHA reported.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/16a61077-03a0-44f6-b3ef-a67f2bbbaaa0-2025-09-12T155924Z_1150093001_RC26QGAOVS2T_RTRMADP_3_ASIA-WEATHER-SOUTHASIA.JPG" alt="2025-09-12T155924Z_1150093001_RC26QGAOVS2T_RTRMADP_3_ASIA-WEATHER-SOUTHASIA.JPG" style="max-width: 100%; width: 1438px;" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">SIYAL, Pakistan (Sept. 12, 2025) &mdash; A resident stands with a tub of laundry in a flooded area after monsoon rains and rising Indus River levels inundated Siyal village in Dadu district of Sindh province. (REUTERS)</figcaption></figure> Sindh is bracing for what officials warn could be a &ldquo;super flood,&rdquo; a large and highly destructive flood, typically involving water flows over 900,000 cusecs, especially in rivers like the Indus. The Indus River has overflowed its banks at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, with officials on high alert as up to 800,000 cusecs of water are expected to pass through.&nbsp; In Thatta, villagers trapped by encroaching waters have turned to boats for food and supplies after Chhachh Lake overflowed, submerging several settlements, Dawn newspaper&nbsp;reported. Local residents have appealed for urgent reinforcement of river dykes, with some accusing irrigation officials of neglect.&nbsp; In Larkana, authorities are working to reinforce sensitive river embankments like Moria Loop and Hakra Loop to prevent breaches, while Japan International Cooperation Agency experts are scheduled to review vulnerable sites, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan. UN announces $5 million aid&nbsp;The United Nations&#39; Emergency Relief Coordinator announced on September 8 the release of $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support urgent shelter, sanitation, health, and livestock needs. Heavy rains are expected to continue in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides. Urban flooding warnings remain in effect for Lahore, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other major cities. Officials have warned that as swollen rivers in the north flow toward the Arabian Sea, downstream provinces &mdash; especially Sindh &mdash; face increased risks in the days ahead.

Climate & Environment

Pakistan's severe monsoon floods have left more than 5.8 million people affected nationwide as swollen rivers hit Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and now risk Sindh.

Sindh on high alert as Indus nears dangerous levels

<ul style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-inline-start:48px;" id="isPasted"><li style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Iran, IAEA agree to resume inspections</li><li style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Deal covers all nuclear-related facilities</li><li style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Cooperation halted after June war strikes</li><li style="list-style-type:disc;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Iran demands security council approval first</li></ul> <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">ISLAMABAD:<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Iran&rsquo;s new cooperation framework with the United Nations nuclear watchdog covers all of its nuclear facilities and installations, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said Wednesday.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The agreement, reached Tuesday, follows Iran&rsquo;s suspension of cooperation after the June war with Israel, when Israeli and United States strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites. The agency has not had access to those facilities since.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The deal, announced Tuesday, followed months of strained relations after Israeli and United States strikes in June targeted Iran&rsquo;s nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict. More than 600 people were killed in the clashes, including scientists and military personnel, and thousands were injured.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Yesterday, in Cairo, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the agency&rsquo;s Board of Governors that the agreement covers &ldquo;all facilities and installations in Iran&rdquo; and includes reporting on sites attacked in the strikes. &ldquo;Iran and the agency will now resume cooperation in a respective and comprehensive way,&rdquo; Grossi said.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Iran, however, stressed that access to sites would be subject to approval by its Supreme National Security Council. Araghchi told state television that &ldquo;the nature of access will have to be discussed at an appropriate time&rdquo; based on Iran&rsquo;s future reports.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the deal. Iran has enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade levels, but the extent of its remaining stockpile after the strikes remains unclear.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The IAEA has called its inability to verify Iran&rsquo;s nuclear stockpile since June &ldquo;a matter of serious concern.&rdquo; Tehran suspended cooperation in July after accusing the agency of double standards and failing to condemn the Israeli and U.S. attacks. President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law halting collaboration, leading inspectors to leave the country.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">European powers have warned they could reimpose sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal if Iran does not comply with inspection requirements. Araghchi cautioned that Tehran would terminate the agreement if &ldquo;any hostile act&rdquo; was carried out against Iran or if sanctions were reinstated.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">&ldquo;Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, rights or security,&rdquo; Araghchi said. &ldquo;At the same time, Iran is demonstrating restraint and responsibility by reaching an agreement with the agency.&rdquo;<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Despite the disputes, Tuesday&rsquo;s agreement was seen as a step toward repairing relations between Iran and the U.N. watchdog.&nbsp;

Asia

Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog have agreed to resume inspections across all nuclear sites. The deal follows months of tension after Israeli and U.S. strikes halted cooperation. Iran warns access will depend on national security approval, keeping the deal fragile.

Articles tagged with "UN"