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The United Nations on Monday gave strong backing to the Trump administration’s strategy for stabilizing and administering Gaza, offering crucial international support for U.S. efforts to guide the war-torn region toward peace after two years of conflict. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, approved by the U.N. Security Council, authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in Gaza, establishes a transitional governing body to be overseen by President Donald Trump, and outlines a possible future path toward an independent Palestinian state. Trump celebrated the vote on social media, calling it one of the UN’s most significant approvals and a milestone for global peace. The resolution formally supports Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan and builds on the fragile truce he helped negotiate with U.S. allies. It represents a major step in defining Gaza’s future following the Israel-Hamas war, which left widespread destruction and tens of thousands dead. First major winter rains flood Gaza tent camp, worsen crisis Under the proposal, a new “Board of Peace” would act as a temporary governing authority led by Trump. The stabilization force would receive broad authority, including border control, security operations, and disarmament efforts. Its mandate, along with the board’s, would expire at the end of 2027. Arab and Muslim nations that had indicated willingness to contribute troops had made clear that UN authorization was a necessary condition for their participation. Russia, which had introduced a competing proposal, abstained along with China in the final 13–0 vote, avoiding use of its veto power. Hamas rejected the resolution, saying it fails to meet the political and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. Stronger language on Palestinian statehood helped secure supportU.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said the resolution “marks another significant step toward a stable and prosperous Gaza” and toward ensuring Israel’s security. The measure came after nearly two weeks of negotiations in which Arab nations and Palestinian representatives pushed the U.S. to take a firmer stance on Palestinian self-determination. US pushes for support on Gaza resolution as Russia puts forward competing draft While the resolution acknowledges the possibility of eventual Palestinian statehood, it gives no specific timeline or guarantees. It states that such progress could come after substantial reconstruction in Gaza and reforms within the Palestinian Authority. The revised text says these developments could create “conditions for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” It also promises the U.S. will facilitate talks between Israel and the Palestinians on a long-term political framework. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to Palestinian statehood, even as his coalition expressed concern about the resolution’s endorsement of a “pathway” to independence. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon praised Trump for advancing peace efforts. Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama thanked Trump for helping secure the ceasefire but emphasized that lasting peace in the Middle East requires justice for Palestinians. A coalition of Arab and Muslim nations—including Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey—had issued a joint statement encouraging quick adoption of the proposal. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow abstained because the resolution gives too little power to the Security Council and stops short of firmly supporting Palestinian statehood. The vote bolsters hopes that the fragile ceasefire will hold. The war began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people; Israel’s response has killed over 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who say most victims are women and children. Additional elements of the U.S. proposalTrump said the members of the new Board of Peace would be announced in the coming weeks, along with other planned initiatives. The resolution directs the stabilization force to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization and ensure weapons held by non-state groups are permanently removed. Hamas criticized this aspect, saying it compromises the force’s neutrality and aligns it with Israel. The force is authorized to use military measures as needed to fulfill its mandate. Troops will help secure Gaza’s borders alongside a Palestinian police force they will train and vet, and will work with other nations to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians. They will coordinate closely with Egypt and Israel. As the force takes control on the ground, Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from Gaza according to benchmarks and timelines tied to the demilitarization process—terms that must be agreed upon by the stabilization force, Israel, the U.S., and ceasefire guarantors.

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan pro‑democracy activist, has come under fire after being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Critics say the prize is controversial because Machado has publicly backed Israel and its military actions in Gaza and has previously called for foreign assistance to help remove Venezuela’s government. The Nobel Committee named Machado the Peace Laureate on Friday, praising her role in defending democracy and resisting authoritarian rule in Venezuela. orgen Watne Frydnes, the committee’s chair, described her as a "key, unifying figure in a political opposition" and hailed her as a "champion of peace" who has kept democratic hopes alive. In his announcement Frydnes added, "In the past year, Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions. When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognise courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist." The award prompted a swift reaction from Washington, with the White House criticising the decision for "placing politics over peace" — a rebuke that came amid a recent U.S. effort to present President Donald Trump as a global peacemaker. Machado later dedicated her Nobel to Trump; the U.S. President said he was happy for her. Opponents have pointed to Machado’s past statements and actions as grounds for protest. They cite social media posts and public remarks in which she expressed solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and voiced support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. One frequently highlighted line from her past posts says, "The struggle of Venezuela is the struggle of Israel." She has also referred to Israel as a "genuine ally of freedom" and once pledged to move Venezuela’s embassy to Jerusalem if elected. Norwegian lawmaker Bjornar Moxnes noted Machado signed a cooperation document with Israel’s Likud party in 2020, arguing that association with a party blamed by some for actions in Gaza makes the award incompatible with the Nobel’s aims. The Council on American‑Islamic Relations condemned the decision as "unconscionable," urging the Nobel Committee to reconsider and calling instead for recognition of those who have "bravely pursuing justice for all people," including students, journalists, activists and medical workers opposing what they call "the genocide in Gaza." Machado also faces criticism over appeals she made for foreign support against the government of President Nicolás Maduro. In 2018 she posted a copy of a letter she said she had sent to Argentina’s then‑president and to Israel’s prime minister, writing, "Today, I am sending a letter to @mauriciomacri, President of Argentina, and to @netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, to ask them to apply their strength and influence to advance in the dismantling of the criminal Venezuelan regime, intimately linked to drug trafficking and terrorism." That call for outside intervention remains a focal point for critics who say it contradicts the Nobel Peace Prize’s spirit. Supporters argue Machado’s personal sacrifices and leadership in Venezuela’s opposition movement merit recognition, while detractors say her foreign alliances and statements about Israel and intervention undermine the moral standing of the prize. The debate over her selection has quickly become a flashpoint in wider discussions about how the Nobel Peace Prize should balance political realities, moral consistency and the promotion of peace. With inputs from NDTV      

Renowned Bangladeshi photographer and writer Shahidul Alam has claimed that he has been ‘kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel’ while travelling by sea in their flotilla heading towards Gaza. In a video message circulating on social media, Shahidul said, “I am Shahidul Alam, a photographer and writer from Bangladesh. If you are seeing this video, we have been intercepted at sea and I have been kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel, the country conducting genocide in Gaza with active collaboration and assistance of the USA and other western powers.” He went on to appeal to his ‘comrades and friends’ to continue fighting for the freedom of Palestine. Shahidul Alam, known internationally for his photography and activism, has long been vocal about human rights and press freedom issues, including the situation in Palestine. Further details about his whereabouts and the status of others reportedly travelling with him remain unclear. Meanwhile, Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organises civilian maritime missions, has confirmed that the Israeli forces have attacked its convoy of aid boats and seized several vessels en route to Gaza. Israeli forces intercept flotilla bound for Gaza, detain over 140 activists According to the FFC, Israeli forces first targeted The Conscience -- a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists before intercepting three smaller boats on Wednesday. The group said the passengers were “being held in unknown conditions.” Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on X that a raid on the flotilla had taken place. “Another futile attempt to breach the legal naval blockade and enter a combat zone ended in nothing. The vessels and the passengers are transferred to an Israeli port. All the passengers are safe and in good health. The passengers are expected to be deported promptly,” the ministry said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli operation and called for the immediate release of Malaysian activists participating in the mission, reports Al Jazeera. Activists from Ireland, France, Denmark and several other countries were also part of the flotilla. Prof Yunus expresses solidarity with Shahidul Alam and Gaza The FFC said the boats were carrying ‘vital aid’ worth more than $110,000, including medicines, respiratory devices and nutritional supplies for Gaza’s hospitals. “The Israeli military has no legal jurisdiction over international waters,” the group wrote on Instagram. “Our flotilla poses no harm.” This marks the second interception in recent days. Earlier, Israeli forces stopped about 40 vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining over 450 activists who had sought to deliver aid to Gaza. Most of them, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, have since been deported. Several participants from that earlier convoy have alleged physical and psychological mistreatment during detention. French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan said she was ‘beaten’ by Israeli police, while American activist David Adler described being ‘stripped’, ‘zip-tied, ‘blindfolded’, and forced to pose for photos with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed on Tuesday at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, coinciding with the second anniversary of the militant group’s surprise attack on Israel that triggered the devastating war in Gaza. The renewed round of indirect negotiations is centered on a peace plan proposed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which aims to end the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya told Egypt’s Qahera TV that the group seeks guarantees of a permanent ceasefire as part of any agreement involving the release of the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed by Israel to still be alive. It marked his first public appearance since an Israeli airstrike in Qatar last month targeted him and other top Hamas figures, killing six people, including his son and office manager. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accepted Trump’s plan, which calls for the immediate release of hostages, Hamas’s disarmament, and placing Gaza under international administration—conditions yet to be endorsed by Hamas. Netanyahu’s office said Israel was “cautiously optimistic,” describing the ongoing discussions as technical negotiations on a framework both parties have tentatively approved. Trump’s initiative has drawn wide international support. Speaking to reporters Monday, the U.S. president said he believed there was a “really good chance” of reaching a lasting peace deal. Global rallies mark Oct 7 anniversary as Gaza war’s toll deepens, protests grow worldwide Momentum appeared to build further as Qatar announced that its prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, would travel to Egypt on Wednesday to join the mediation efforts. Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Netanyahu’s senior adviser Ron Dermer are also expected to participate. Trump’s peace plan The U.S.-brokered proposal envisions Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza once Hamas disarms, to be followed by the deployment of an international security force. The plan also calls for Gaza to come under international governance, overseen by Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. In a statement Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its demands for a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, without mentioning the issue of disarmament. The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 251 others. Most hostages have since been released through ceasefire deals. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 67,160 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 injured in the ensuing conflict. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but says about half of the dead are women and children. The United Nations and independent analysts regard its data as the most credible estimate of casualties. Gaza peace talks continue on war's two-year anniversary Several international experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israel’s military campaign amounts to genocide—an allegation Israel vehemently rejects. On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis gathered at the sites attacked two years ago to commemorate victims and hostages. During the memorial, a rocket fired from northern Gaza exploded nearby, though no damage or casualties were reported. In Gaza City, residents said Israeli strikes continued until early Tuesday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. Humanitarian lifeline in focus Ahead of the latest talks, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the Gaza conflict as “a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension.” Trump’s proposal, he said, “offers an opportunity that must be seized to end this tragic conflict.” Egypt and Qatar, which have mediated between Israel and Hamas throughout much of the war, are again facilitating the current round of discussions. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said Monday’s talks lasted around four hours. Witkoff, Kushner, and Dermer are due to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday, according to U.S. and Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as their trips had not yet been formally announced. A key element of Trump’s plan is to accelerate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians are facing severe hunger and, in some areas, famine conditions. Source: AP

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who arrived in Dubai International Airport on Wednesday evening, is scheduled to reach home on Thursday morning. An Emirates Airlines commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage is scheduled to take off from the Dubai International Airport at 2am on Thursday (Dubai time). The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home before 9am on Thursday (Dhaka time). Prof Yunus left New York on Tuesday night (US time) for Dhaka, concluding a nine-day visit marked by extensive engagements during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). An Emirates Airlines commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:10 pm (US time). Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury saw him off at the airport, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Prof Yunus began his UNGA tour on September 22 and concluded it by attending the high-level conference on the “Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities” held at the UN General Assembly Hall on Tuesday. Prof Yunus leaves New York for Dhaka He delivered his address at the 80th UNGA on September 26 and held a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the session. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Jamaat’s US spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party member secretary Akhter Hossen, and first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara joined the delegation at Prof Yunus’ invitation. Speaking broadly at the UNGA, Prof Yunus warned, the “truth before us is frightening” and stressed that “extreme nationalism, geopolitics that thrive on the suffering of others, and indifference to human pain are destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle”. This tragedy is most visible in Gaza, he said, adding that the two-State solution must be implemented now. Prof Yunus described three goals on which young people must be able to build the future: zero carbon, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. “Let the dream of a three-zero world be the dream of all nations.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine and reaffirmed support for a two-State solution based on pre-1967 borders. He also stressed the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, accountability for the atrocities committed by Israel, and the need for lasting peace in the region. The Adviser made the remarks when Chief Justice of Palestine Dr Mahmoud Sidqi Al-Habbash met with at State guesthouse Padma on Tuesday. Bangladesh has been a great support to Palestine: Ambassador The Chief Justice of Palestine expressed deep gratitude to the leadership and people of Bangladesh for their steadfast support to the Palestinian cause and underscored the importance of greater unity within the Muslim Ummah on this issue. Dr Al-Habbash is visiting Bangladesh on a three-day official trip at the invitation of the Chief Justice of Bangladesh.

The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) is a film centring on the tragic real-life story and the final moments of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl who was killed in January 2024 in Gaza. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, this film will premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 3 September 2025. This work of art also serves as an act of remembrance. Let's take a look at the details of the film The Voice of Hind Rajab. Storyline The film portrays the true story of Hind Rajab, a minor Palestinian girl. She was trapped in a car in Gaza in January 2024. After Israeli gunfire killed her family members, Rajab desperately called to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The child pleaded for rescue as she remained surrounded by violence and was unable to move. Her voice was recorded during that phone call. And this record turned into a haunting document of a life cut short. Rajab’s body was later discovered along with those of paramedics who attempted to reach her. This film makes an extraordinary effort of incorporating Hind’s actual recorded voice into the narrative, rather than recreating it through actors. Thus, the director ensures that audiences confront the raw immediacy of her words, an echo of a child’s cry for survival that transcends borders and politics. Read more: Vash Level 2 (2025) Movie: Review, Ratings, Earnings Powerful Direction Kaouther Ben Hania is praised for her ability to blend documentary realism with innovative fiction. In The Voice of Hind Rajab, the director focuses on sound, silence and absence rather than graphic depictions of violence. Rajab’s humanity was honoured in the film instead of turning suffering into spectacle. The film places itself between drama and testimony. It creates a cinematic space where Rajab’s last words reverberate. Hania carries the ethical responsibility she felt in shaping the story. Going beyond revealing the suffering of a single child in Gaza, the film points out the global failure to protect children in conflicting areas and war zones. As stories from Gaza and Palestine are rarely given centre stage in mainstream cinema, The Voice of Hind Rajab arrives as a trailblazer. Cast and Performances Rajab’s presence is conveyed through her real voice. The film also features a strong ensemble of actors who embody those around her story. The cast includes Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel. Their roles portray paramedics, family members and aid workers whose lives were connected with Rajab’s final call. Read more: Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in September 2025 The performances are restraint, allowing the audience to absorb the reality of Rajab’s voice. Rather than overshadowing her, the actors provide context, framing and emotional depth to a real-life story already marked by its devastating authenticity. The Venice Premiere Set to premiere at the Venice International Film Festival 2025, The Voice of Hind Rajab will enter one of the world's most prestigious film competitions. The festival's decision to include this film shows that they understand how important the story is for people and politics right now. The world premiere of the movie will show how important movies are for showing horrible things and giving people a voice who have been quieted. Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix are executive producers on this film, which gave it more exposure around the world. Their support helped get interest in global distribution and brought attention to the role of well-known Hollywood actors in important real-life stories that come from places that are often ignored or left out. Read more: 9-1-1: Nashville - What we know so far about Season Nine Gaza and the World The events that inspired the movie Voice of Hind Rajab happened during one of the worst times in the Gaza conflict. The film gives the overwhelming destruction a human scale. Rajab's voice, which is preserved in the recording and echoed throughout the film, serves as both a personal testimony and a symbol of many unheard cries for help. The connection between this movie and Gaza isn't just where it takes place; it's the heart of the story. The film confronts audiences with the vulnerability of children in war, forcing reflection on the responsibilities of governments, humanitarian organisations and ordinary citizens. In this way, the film operates as both cinema and moral intervention. Selection for Oscars 2026 Tunisia has officially selected The Voice of Hind Rajab as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch This announcement was confirmed by the National Centre for Cinema and Image (CNCI), Tunisia’s film authority, shortly after news that high-profile Hollywood figures, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara, had signed on as executive producers ahead of the film’s anticipated premiere in Venice. The final nominees will be announced on 22 January 2026. Not to mention, Tunisia’s support marks a significant step in The Voice of Hind Rajab's journey in international cinema. Conclusion The Voice of Hind Rajab isn't just a movie. It makes sure that Rajab's voice will not be silenced. Kaouther Ben Hania's visionary direction, the real recordings of Hind Rajab's last call, and the sensitive performances of the cast all make the film go beyond the usual limits of drama and documentary. The film's premiere in Venice will make it one of the most important films of 2025. Read more: Jackie Chan’s The Shadow’s Edge (2025) Review, Ratings, Release Date The movie makes us listen to not only Rajab but also the many other voices that violence has silenced by putting the words of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl at its centre. So, the movie The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) is an important work of art and a humanitarian statement in modern cinema.

Israel announced plans to escalate its 22-month war against Hamas by gradually taking control of Gaza City, raising serious concerns for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still trapped in the region. The announcement has also renewed international calls to end the ongoing conflict. The war, marked by heavy Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults, has left tens of thousands dead, displaced the majority of Gaza's population, and brought the area close to famine. While no start date has been confirmed for this new ground offensive, it is expected to involve tens of thousands of troops and could worsen Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation. An official familiar with the plan, speaking anonymously, described the takeover as “gradual.” In response, the U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Sunday morning to address Israel’s intentions, after postponing an earlier session originally set for Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on a new deal to end the war. Their proposal reportedly includes the release of all hostages — both alive and dead — in exchange for a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Before approving the Gaza City plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel aims to fully control the entire Gaza Strip. Currently, Israeli forces already hold about 75% of the territory. Hamas rejected Israel’s expansion plans, warning that any increased aggression would not be met passively. International criticism of Israel’s war strategy is growing. Countries such as France, Britain, Canada, and now Germany — which announced it would suspend arms exports that could be used in Gaza — are voicing concerns over the humanitarian toll, especially in light of recent media coverage highlighting starvation. Military analysts suggest that Israel’s plan could be aimed at pressuring Hamas into accepting a ceasefire under Israeli terms. However, Israel’s own military leadership has expressed concerns that expanding operations could endanger the roughly 20 remaining hostages believed to still be alive and overextend the army, which has been active in regional conflicts for nearly two years. Following a Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu’s office confirmed the military would prepare to take Gaza City while attempting to provide humanitarian aid outside active combat zones. Retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi estimates it would take up to three months to mobilize around 30,000 troops, evacuate civilians, and seize control of Gaza City. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. Most hostages have since been released, but 50 remain in Gaza. Israel believes roughly 20 are still alive. Gaza’s Health Ministry — which is run by Hamas but staffed by medical professionals — says over 61,000 Palestinians have died. While Israel disputes these figures, it has not provided its own casualty count. Fresh Push for Ceasefire Arab Gulf nations are backing the latest mediation effort, fearing further regional instability if Israel reoccupies Gaza. Two officials involved in the talks said the proposal includes Hamas disarming or at least not using its weapons, as well as the group ceding control of Gaza. A temporary Palestinian-Arab committee would oversee Gaza and begin reconstruction until a new Palestinian governing body and police force — trained by U.S. allies — could take over. The role of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority remains uncertain. The U.S. has been briefed on the proposal, although a Hamas official said the group has not yet received the latest details. Public Pressure for Peace Grows U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently told hostage families that Israel is now pursuing an “all-or-nothing” deal aimed at both ending the war and bringing all hostages home. While Israelis were initially united behind the war effort, public frustration has grown, especially among hostage families who have staged large protests demanding a ceasefire. “All of Israel wants a comprehensive deal and an end to the war,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is still held hostage. “To ensure our safety, this injustice must end.” Gaza City in Ruins Despite repeated Israeli strikes and raids, Gaza City remains one of the few areas not fully evacuated or turned into a buffer zone. Residents like Umm Youssef, who recently returned after 16 months, describe total devastation: “The area is all rubble — actually, just sand. There’s nothing left to occupy. No life.” A renewed ground offensive could displace tens of thousands more people and further hinder aid delivery. On Friday, at least six Palestinians were reportedly killed and over 140 wounded by Israeli gunfire at the Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza, where U.N. aid enters. Israel has not yet commented on the incident. It's unclear how many people still remain in Gaza City. While many fled earlier in the war, some returned during a ceasefire earlier this year.

The United Nations’ special rapporteur for Gaza and the West Bank on Tuesday called on countries worldwide to take immediate action to stop what she described as “genocide” in Gaza. Francesca Albanese made the statement during a two-day conference in Colombia’s capital, where delegates from 30 countries gathered to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and explore ways to pressure Israel to halt its military offensive. Many attending nations have referred to the violence as genocide against Palestinians. “Each state must immediately review and suspend all ties with the State of Israel ... and ensure its private sector does the same,” Albanese said. “The Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal.” The conference, co-hosted by Colombia and South Africa, includes mostly developing countries but also delegations from Spain, Ireland, and China. Israel has dismissed allegations of genocide as an antisemitic “blood libel.” 5 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza while strikes kill 51 Palestinians More than 58,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign in response to a Hamas attack in 2023, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. While the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, the U.N. and other international organizations consider its figures to be the most reliable. Analysts remain skeptical about the conference’s influence. “The United States has so far failed to influence Israel’s behavior,” said Sandra Borda, a professor at Bogota’s Los Andes University. “It is naive to think this group of countries can have any influence over Netanyahu’s behavior.” Colombia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo said the gathering would explore diplomatic and judicial actions against Israel, stating, “This is not just about Palestine... it is about defending international law… and the right to self-determination.”

At least 59 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday, including 31 who were shot dead while heading to an aid distribution site and 28 others in Israeli airstrikes, according to hospital officials and witnesses. The shootings occurred near Rafah as people approached a site run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The Red Cross reported its largest influx of casualties in over a year, with most injuries caused by gunfire. Israel’s military said it fired warning shots at people behaving suspiciously but claimed it was unaware of any casualties. The GHF denied any incident occurred near its locations. Among the victims was 17-year-old Nasir al-Sha’er, whose mother said he went to get flour for his family. Witnesses said Israeli forces had ordered them to proceed to the site before opening fire. 28 Palestinians including children killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza Israeli airstrikes killed 13 people, including four children, in Deir al-Balah and 15 in Khan Younis, officials said. Strikes also hit Beit Hanoun in the north. Gaza’s 21-month war has left much of the population dependent on aid. Israel restricted aid after ending the latest ceasefire in March. The UN said only 150,000 liters of fuel entered Gaza this week after 130 days—far below needs. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 in Israel, over 57,800 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. In the West Bank, Palestinian-American Seifeddin Musalat was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers. His family has urged a U.S. investigation.