Junior Digest

LONDON/TORONTO, Sept 22,2025: Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday in a move borne out of frustration over the Gaza war and intended to promote a two-state solution, prompting a furious response from Israel.
The decision by four nations from the West, which has traditionally allied with Israel, aligned them with more than 140 other countries also backing Palestinians’ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the occupied territories.
Britain’s decision carried particular symbolism given its major role in Israel’s creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War Two.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”

Other nations, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move.

“I have a clear message to those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre of October 7: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism,” he said, referring to Palestinian militant group Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
“And I have another message for you: It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

The Hamas-led attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s ensuing campaign in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to local health authorities, spread famine, demolished most buildings and displaced most of the population – often multiple times.
PALESTINIANS WELCOME RECOGNITION
“It is a human duty of every respectful and free human being in the world to support Palestinians during the ordeal they are going through and Britain’s role now comes within this,” said Sharaf Al Tarda, a Palestinian resident of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Hamas welcomed the move but said it must be accompanied by “practical measures” to end the war in Gaza and prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said recognition would help pave the way for the “State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness”.

Starmer wrote to Abbas to confirm Britain’s decision, noting that London had backed a Jewish homeland in 1917 while also pledging to protect the rights of non-Jewish communities.

Western governments have been under pressure from many in their parties and populations angry at the ever-rising death toll in Gaza, images of starving children and their states’ inability to rein in Israel, even continuing to provide arms.
Announcing his country’s decision, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it would empower those seeking peaceful co-existence and the end of Hamas. “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he added.
Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel said this recognition was a “fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy”. Speaking to reporters at the headquarters of Portugal’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, he said: “Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace…a ceasefire is urgent.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, did not comment immediately on the decision by three of its allies to recognise a Palestinian state, but President Donald Trump has previously made clear he opposes such a move.
Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would propose that the cabinet apply sovereignty in another Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, the West Bank. That would represent de facto annexation of land seized in a 1967 war.
BRITAIN PLAYED A KEY HISTORIC ROLE
British troops captured Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire in 1917, and in 1922 the League of Nations awarded Britain an international mandate to administer Palestine during the post-war deal-making that redrew the map of the Middle East.

Sept 22,2025: The goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation announced by the GST Council earlier this month will come into effect today, on September 22, 2025.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Council approved revision of GST slabs from four (5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent); to two (5 per cent and 18 per cent), plus a special rate of 40 per cent on select items and sin goods.
‘Relief for middle-class’: Nirmala Sitharaman
Termed as a “Diwali gift” to consumers, Sitharaman said the aim of the new reforms is to bring relief to the middle class. “In common man and middle class items, there is a complete reduction,” she stated.
“This reform is not just about rationalising rates. It’s also on structural reforms. It’s also about ease of living, so that businesses can conduct their operations with the GST with great ease. We’ve reduced the slabs. There shall be only two slabs, and we are also addressing the issues of compensation cess,” the finance minister added.
GST rate: What items get cheaper?
As many as 375 items, including automobiles, electronics, equipment, kitchen staples and medicines, are set to get cheaper for you from today.

Food items that will see reduced prices include beverages containing milk, coffee, condensed milk, biscuits, butter, cereals, corn flakes, drinking water packed in 20-litre bottles, dry fruits, fruit pulp or fruit juice, ghee, ice cream, jam and fruit jellies, ketchup, namkeen, paneer, pastry, sausages and meat, and tender coconut water, among others.
Other daily items such as after-shave lotion, face cream, face powder, hair oil, shampoos, shaving cream, talcum powder, toothbrush, and toilet soap bars could see reduction in prices.
In electronics, the items that will see price cuts include, airconditioners (ACs), diswashers, televisions (TVs), and washing machines.
Cost of medicines will come down for the common man, GST for medical devices such as diagonistic kits and glucometers has been cut to 5 per cent, which could lead to price cuts as well. The government has already directed pharmacies to revise their MRP or sell medicines at a lower rate after taking into account GST cut benefits, according to a PTI report.
In the beauty and physical well-being services, GST has been slashed for barbers, fitness centres, health clubs, salons, and yoga, which could be passed to the end customers.
For homebuyers, GST on cement has been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, which is likely to lead in lower home prices.
The biggest beneficiary has been the auto space, where effective tax including cess has been reduced from 35-50 per cent to flat 40 per cent.
Notably, after the GST rate cut announcement, several consumer brands announced reduction in the prices of their goods, including Amul, HUL, L’Oréal and Himalaya. Auto brands also rushed to announced the “Diwali” rate reductions from September 22, 2025.

NEW DELHI, Sept 20,2025: Imposing a new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications could disrupt the global operations of Indian technology services companies that deploy skilled professionals to the United States, India’s IT industry body Nasscom said on Saturday.

The White House announced the new fee on Friday, prompting some major U.S. tech firms to advise visa holders to either remain in the country or return there quickly. The new fee marks Washington’s most high-profile attempt to overhaul the country’s temporary employment visa system.
Nasscom, representing India’s $283 billion IT and business process outsourcing industry, said the abrupt rollout of the policy would impact Indian nationals and disrupt continuity of ongoing onshore projects for the country’s technology services firms.
The industry body said the one-day deadline for the new policy created “considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world.”
It also said the new policy could have “ripple effects” on the U.S. innovation ecosystem and on global job markets, pointing out that for companies, “additional cost will require adjustments”.

Microsoft, JPMorgan (JPM.N), Amazon responded to the announcement by advising employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the United States.
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has launched a broad crackdown on immigration, including efforts to limit certain forms of legal immigration.
Trump’s proclamation aims to curb the overuse and alleged abuse of the H-1B visa programme, which employers have used to bring in foreign workers, mostly from India, sometimes seen as replacing or undercutting American workers. However, this move, which has already drawn a lot of chatter in India, may not be entirely detrimental to the world’s largest democracy, and in some ways could have potential upsides.
Social media users and renowned faces, including former diplomats and former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, have slammed Trump’s move, asserting that the massive USD 100,000 H1-B fee will destroy the American economy and not the Indian economy.
The H-1B visa programme has been a significant factor in India’s brain drain, allowing the US to acquire top Indian talent, particularly in tech, without bearing the significant training costs borne by Indian institutions and the nation. While some argue this creates global networks and remittances for India, the overall impact is seen as a loss of valuable human capital.

But, Trump’s move to massively hike the H-1B visa fee has sparked an opportunity for Indians working in the US to return and contribute their skills and ideas for the homeland. This could also significantly boost the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programme, which the government is heavily focusing on in various sectors, be it defence, technology or R&D.
Apart from this, social media users in India too said Trump’s move will kill the US economy and at the same time, create opportunities for Indians working in the US to contribute to nation-building and demand better infrastructure from the government.

New Delhi, Sep 19,2025: The European Commission (EC) has outlined a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ to deepen, broaden and better coordinate bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges.
The EC adopted a Joint Communication outlining the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ marking a significant milestone in EU-India relations. This initiative was announced by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
She said the two sides will cooperate in advancing trade, investment and talent mobility, strengthening joint economic security, advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together, deepening industrial cooperation in Defence.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said ‘’India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union. There are many areas where our interests, strengths and political will align. Boosting our collaboration – which we are proposing today – will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides. There are areas where we disagree. Ultimately our partnership is about defending a rules-based international order. Our negotiations will address these challenges.

The Joint Communication identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths, building on existing ties while addressing areas that present potential for increased engagement. Amid shifting geopolitical realities, closer EU–India relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security and diversifying supply chains in response to today’s uncertain global order.

Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India’s growing global influence, according to the Joint Communication.

It also identifies significant untapped potential in trade and investment, outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties, particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

It proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues, with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

The new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation, including a potential EU-India Startup partnership, and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme. It suggests ambitious initiatives for decarbonisation and the clean transition, such as intensifying cooperation on renewables, developing green hydrogen capabilities and expanding green finance.

Moreover, it highlights opportunities to jointly strengthen food security, and health, climate and disaster resilience.

The Joint Communication takes forward the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. ‘’This will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives, including on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism, and foster defence industrial cooperation, focusing on boosting production and technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and driving innovation.

It said that launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation. Closer cooperation on the Indo-Pacific, addressing hybrid threats, space security, and intensifying engagement on Russia’s war against Ukraine, shadow fleets, and sanctions are other areas of focus.

The Joint Communication prioritises maximising interaction and strengthening EU-India coordination at all levels. This includes skills mobility with the pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility.

It also proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. In addition to deeper engagement with civil society, youth and think tanks, further reach out to the businesses community is supported by the proposal for an EU-India Business Forum.

Washington DC [US], September 19,2025: US President Donald Trump has declined to give approval for USD 400 million of military aid to Taiwan because he is seeking to negotiate a trade deal with China, The Washington Post reported citing sources.Trump is also striving for a summit deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as per an exclusive report of the US newspaper on Thursday.The Trump administration is generally seeking to soften relations with Beijing, the Post noted. The US media report comes just ahead of Trump’s call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later today. A White House representative said that the aid package decision is not final and may be reviewed.According to local US media outlets, Trump and Xi are expected to speak today to discuss a deal to confirm the framework of a deal that would separate the TikTok app from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to avoid a ban in the United States.
“We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told mediapersons outside the White House on Tuesday according to the New York Post.Last year, former US President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, sell off the app or face a ban in the US due to national security concerns.A US federal law was scheduled to take effect in January this year, requiring the company to find a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States. Trump later extended the deadline.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a press conference in Madrid on September 14 announced that the United States had a “framework” for a deal to keep TikTok operational in the US.Chinese and US officials had trade teams held a new round of talks in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and Monday, following discussions earlier in Switzerland, Britain and Sweden, Xinhua reported.Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative and vice minister of commerce was cited by the Chinese news outlet as saying that the the two sides held candid discussions on TikTok and related concerns, reaching a basic framework consensus on resolving the issue through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting economic and trade ties.China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to unify with Taiwan, using force if necessary.

New Delhi, Sep 18,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke with Nepalese interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.

Nepalese media, quoting the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, said that the two leaders were scheduled to speak via video conferencing today.

PM Modi in a post on X, said he also extended warm greetings to PM Karki and the people of Nepal on the occasion of their National Day tomorrow.

“Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability.

“Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow.”

Prior to today’s conversation, on Tuesday, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Karki at Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Ambassador Srivastava expressed India’s continued commitment to supporting Nepal’s progress and prosperity, assuring that this support would persist in the days ahead, too.

He further expressed India’s assistance in development and reconstruction, stating that India stands in favor of peace, good governance, and stability in Nepal.

Through the Indian Ambassador, Prime Minister Karki responded that she would discuss matters of mutual interest in detail with her Indian counterpart on Thursday, Nepal Khabar reported.

Earlier, in his message of congratulations to her on taking over as Interim Prime Minister, PM Modi had wished for Nepal’s prosperity, and during a speech at an event in Manipur, he had welcomed the formation of a civil government in Nepal following two days of widespread unrest by the Gen Z movement.

In the wake of the Gen Z mass movement and the consequent violence in Nepal, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli resigned from the post of Prime Minister on September 9.

President Ramchandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the Prime Minister of the interim government on the night of September 12.

President Paudel dissolved the Parliament (House of Representatives), and announced general elections for March 5, 2026.

UNI RN

Sept 18,2025: The Palestinian health ministry has said that at least 79 people have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours and 228 people have been in injured.

The health ministry added that a number of people remain trapped under the rubble of buildings which collapsed.
Hospitals in besieged Gaza City are on the “brink of collapse”, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief says, as Israel’s widely denounced ground invasion enters its third day.

The assault is “driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfit for human dignity”, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

“The injured and people with disabilities cannot move to safety, which puts their lives in grave danger,” he said. “We call for an immediate end to these inhumane conditions. We call for a ceasefire.”
Israel’s military assault on Gaza City has forced hundreds of thousands of desperate Palestinians south and the humanitarian disaster is increasing in intensity, the UN says.
The Israeli military said it was opening an additional route for 48 hours that Palestinians could use to leave Gaza City as it stepped up efforts on Wednesday to empty the city of civilians and confront thousands of Hamas combatants.

Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city and many are reluctant to follow Israel’s orders to move south because of dangers along the way, dire conditions, a lack of food in the southern area and fear of permanent displacement.

At least 63 people were killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, with most of the casualties in Gaza City, local health authorities said.

They said the latest fatalities took the Palestinian death toll from the two-year war between Israel and Hamas past 65,000. Palestinian officials and rescue workers say the true figure is likely higher as many remains are trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel estimates about 400,000 people, or 40% of those who were in Gaza City on August 10 – when it announced plans to take control – have already fled. The Gaza media office says 190,000 have headed south and 350,000 have moved to central and western areas of the city.

A day after Israel announced the launch of its ground offensive to seize control of Gaza’s main urban centre, tanks had moved short distances towards the city’s central and western areas from three directions, but no major advance was reported.

An Israeli official said military operations were focused on getting civilians to head south and that fighting would intensify over the next month or two.

The official said Israel expected around 100,000 civilians to remain in the city, which would take months to capture, and said the operation could be suspended if a ceasefire was reached with the Hamas militant group.

The prospects of a ceasefire appear remote after Israel attacked Hamas political leaders in Doha last week, infuriating Qatar, a co-mediator in ceasefire talks.

Defying global criticism of the attack, including a rebuke by Israel’s stalwart ally, the United States, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel would strike Hamas leaders anywhere.

DUBAI/ISLAMABAD, Sept 18,2025: Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a formal mutual defense pact on Wednesday, in a move that significantly strengthens a decades-long security partnership amid heightened regional tensions.
The enhanced defense ties come as Gulf Arab states grow increasingly wary about the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor. Israel’s attack on Qatar last week heightened those concerns.
“This agreement is a culmination of years of discussions. This is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalization of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries,” a senior Saudi official told Reuters when asked about its timing.

Israel’s attempt to kill the political leaders of Hamas with airstrikes on Doha, while they were discussing a ceasefire proposal that Qatar is helping to mediate, infuriated Arab countries.

The pact could shift the strategic calculus in a complex region. Allies of Washington, Gulf monarchies have sought to stabilise ties with both Iran and Israel to resolve longstanding security concerns.

But the Gaza war has upended the region and Gulf state Qatar has been subjected to direct hits twice in a year, once by Iran and once by Israel.

The Saudi deal comes months after Pakistan fought a brief military conflict with rival India in May.

India’s ministry of external affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on social media website X on Thursday that India was aware of the development, adding it would study its implications for New Delhi’s security and for regional stability.

The senior Saudi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the need to balance relations with Pakistan’s rival, India, also a nuclear power.

“Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can.”

Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said: “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”

Pakistani state television showed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, embracing after signing the agreement. In attendance was Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, regarded as the country’s most powerful person.

JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Sept 17,2025: Israel unleashed a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City on Tuesday, declaring “Gaza is burning” as Palestinians there described the most intense bombardment they had faced in two years of war.
An Israel Defence Forces official said ground troops were moving deeper into the enclave’s main city, and that the number of soldiers would rise in coming days to confront up to 3,000 Hamas combatants the IDF believes are still in the city.
“Gaza is burning,” Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on X. “The IDF strikes with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
BODIES TRAPPED UNDER RUBBLE, THOUSANDS FLEE
In launching the assault, Israel’s government defied European leaders threatening sanctions and warnings from even some of Israel’s own military commanders that it could be a costly mistake.

U.S. President Donald Trump sided with Israel, telling reporters at the White House that Hamas would have “hell to pay” if it used hostages as human shields during the assault.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump had invited him to the White House in two weeks, after both men have addressed an annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.
In the latest expression of international alarm, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel called the assessment “scandalous” and “fake”.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that what is happening in Gaza was horrendous and that the war in the Palestinian territory was morally, politically and legally intolerable.

Palestinian local health authorities said an Israeli strike had hit a vehicle carrying displaced people fleeing south near the coastal road in Gaza City. The latest deaths take Tuesday’s toll to at least 75, most of them in Gaza City.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strike.
Where a missile had destroyed two multi-storey residential buildings during the night, people clambered over an immense mound of dislocated concrete to pry out victims, footage obtained by Reuters showed. A woman cried as a small child’s body was pulled from the wreckage, hastily wrapped in a green blanket and carried away.
RUBIO OFFERS U.S. SUPPORT, EU PLANS NEW SANCTIONS
Israel renewed calls on civilians to leave, and columns of Palestinians streamed towards the south and west in donkey carts, rickshaws, heavily laden vehicles or on foot.
Hours before the escalation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Jerusalem that, while the United States wished for a diplomatic end to the war, “we have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen”.

In Brussels, a spokesperson for the EU executive said it would agree on Wednesday to impose new sanctions on Israel, including suspending certain trade provisions.

Netanyahu told a press conference on Wednesday that if there was one lesson learned from the Gaza war it was that Israel needs to create an “independent weapons industry” that can “withstand international constraints”.

The IDF said it estimated 40% of people in Gaza City had left. Hamas said 350,000 had left their homes in the eastern parts of the city, heading to displacement shelters in its central or western areas, while another 175,000 people had fled the city altogether, heading south.

Much of Gaza City was laid to waste in the early weeks of the war in 2023, but around 1 million Palestinians had returned there to homes among the ruins. Forcing them out means confining most of Gaza’s population to overcrowded encampments along the coast further south lacking food, medical supplies and space.

Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin said the military was adjusting its humanitarian efforts in light of the evacuations and “there will not be a situation of starvation in Gaza”.

Three more Palestinians died of malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours, Gaza’s health ministry said on Tuesday, raising total hunger deaths to at least 428. Israel says the extent of hunger has been exaggerated.
ISRAELI ARMY CHIEF PUSHED FOR CEASEFIRE DEAL, SOURCES SAY
Some Israeli military commanders have expressed concern that the Gaza City assault could endanger remaining hostages held by Hamas or be a “death trap” for troops.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, at a meeting Netanyahu convened late on Sunday with security chiefs, urged the prime minister to pursue a ceasefire deal, according to three Israeli officials, two of whom were in the meeting and one of whom was briefed on its details.

Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, Israeli tallies show. Israel’s military assault against Hamas has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry says.

Tehran, Sept 16,2025: Iran has rejected references to a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict contained in the final communique of the Arab-Islamic emergency summit in Doha, saying the approach fails to address the root of the issue and accusing US policies of perpetuating Israeli aggression.

“The so-called two-state solution will not solve the Palestinian issue,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by state media, reports Iran International.

“The only real and lasting solution is the establishment of a single democratic state through a referendum with the participation of all Palestinians, inside and outside the occupied territories.”

The summit reaffirmed support for the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions calling for a two-state settlement with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
Tehran also disassociated itself from mentions of East Jerusalem, the 1967 borders and related terms in the communique, reiterating what it described as the Palestinian people’s “inalienable right to self-determination” and the use of “all necessary means” to achieve it.

The ministry also condemned what it called Israel’s alleged “brutal crimes.”

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement echoed the criticism, dismissing the communique as weak and symbolic.

Senior official Mohammed Ali al-Houthi said that “a simple and tiresome statement of condemnation will not prevent the crimes of the occupiers” and urged stronger measures.

The summit, convened in Doha this week following Israel’s September 9 strike on Qatar, condemned the attack as a breach of international law and declared full solidarity with Doha.
Israel has since admitted it is facing growing economic isolation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attributing it to a Qatar-backed political and media blockade, particularly in Western capitals, partially succeeding in disrupting economic cooperation.

In their final statement, Arab and Islamic leaders accused Israel of committing “genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation and siege,” warning such actions undermine peace efforts.

Iran formally requested that its reservations over the two-state solution be recorded in the final report. It also ruled out any US role as mediator in the conflict, citing Washington’s close ties to Israel, while welcoming the mediation efforts of Qatar and Egypt.

London [UK], September 16,2025: In a demonstration of unity and political expression, thousands of British-Bangladeshis and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora gathered at London’s iconic Trafalgar Square on Monday to participate in a large-scale “Rally for Bangladesh.”Organised in opposition to what participants described as the “repressive Yunus regime,” the event was marked by slogans, speeches, and widespread calls for the restoration of democratic rights in Bangladesh.
On its official X account, Bangladesh Awami League stated, “The streets of London echoed with chants of “Joy Bangla” today as thousands gathered to declare their absolute lack of confidence in the Yunus regime in Bangladesh. British-Bangladeshis and expatriate Bangladeshis came together for a massive “Rally for Bangladesh” at the historic Trafalgar Square.”The Bangladesh Awami League emphasised the symbolic significance of the rally’s location, stating: “The choice of venue was symbol seeking to raise international awareness for the Liberation War. Today, more than five decades later, the same square once again reverberated with the spirit of resistance.”Highlighting the current political climate in Bangladesh, the party stated, “Today, as in 1971, the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan remains effectively banned in Bangladesh under Yunus and his political allies. Every day, Awami League supporters are charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act simply for exercising their democratic right to speech and assembly- whether by joining processions or raising slogans. Hundreds of thousands of AL activists and supporters, including doctors, lawyers, academics, journalists, commentators, and even freedom fighters have been arrested by the Yunus regime for defending the values and ethos of the 1971 Liberation war.
“Concluding with a message of unity, Bangladesh Awami League stated, “Today’s rally was therefore more than just a demonstration. It was a message of solidarity. A message from the diaspora to those being persecuted in Bangladesh- You are not alone.”

Sept 14,2025: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall on Sunday alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, commencing a week-long trip to Israel focusing on the Gaza conflict.
At the Jewish holy site, Rubio prayed for “peace” in Israel and beyond, while Netanyahu hailed US-Israel relations, amid rising global tensions following the IDF’s strike against Hamas leaders in Qatar last week and its plan to conquer Gaza City next month.

“I think [Rubio’s] visit here is a testimony to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance, that is as strong and durable as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched,” Netanyahu told reporters at the site.

As is traditional at the landmark, Rubio inserted a note into the cracks of the wall, which read: “May peace reign upon this Holy Land and in the world.”

Joined by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and the three officials’ wives, the two prayed for the safety of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and offered a special prayer for US President Donald Trump.
Following the prayers, the group toured newly opened archaeological excavations from the Second Temple period (516 BCE – 70 CE) in nearby underground tunnels along the Wall, led by Mordechai Suli Eliav, the CEO of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
“Under President Trump, and Secretary Rubio, and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger, and we deeply appreciate it,” the premier said following the tour, before the two shook hands and left the site together.

Rubio did not make public remarks, and neither official took questions from reporters. Neither side’s office provided an account of a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Later on Sunday, Rubio wrote on X that he was “Honored to visit the [Western Wall] in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem,” alongside Netanyahu and Huckabee.

On Monday, Rubio and Netanyahu will meet for talks at 10 a.m. and will issue joint statements in the early afternoon, the State Department said.

Rubio is also slated to meet with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, and is also expected to take part in the inauguration of a new tunnel in Jerusalem’s Old City for visitors approaching the Temple Mount, the holiest site for Jews, which is also sacred for Muslims as the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Following the Western Wall visit, Netanyahu convened a meeting on the hostages in Gaza, the office of one of the attending ministers told The Times of Israel.

Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday morning as tensions rose between Jerusalem and foreign capitals, and as the IDF intensified its attacks against northern Gaza.

The visit came less than a week after the military attacked Hamas leaders inside the US ally Qatar’s capital city, Doha, sparking fierce regional and global condemnation and causing concern over fallout with Qatar, its neighboring Gulf states, and the Trump administration.
On Friday, Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff had dinner with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in New York, after al-Thani held a four-hour-long meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Rubio at the White House.

On the tarmac in Washington ahead of his flight, Rubio told reporters that the US was “not happy” about the seemingly failed Israeli strike, but said the attack will not change Washington’s allied status with Israel.

The secretary added that Trump “wants Hamas defeated, he wants the war to end, he wants all 48 hostages home, including those that are deceased, and he wants it all at once,” Rubio continued. “And we’ll have to discuss about how the events last week had an impact on the ability to achieve that in short order.”

Rubio’s arrival also came as fighting in Gaza City continued to intensify on Sunday, with Palestinians continuing to flee amid looming Israeli plans to capture the city.
Rubio said ahead of the trip that he will be seeking answers from Israeli officials about how they see the way forward in Gaza.
The secretary’s trip also marks a show of support as a flurry of Western states prepare to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly this month.

According to the Axios news site, among the topics that Rubio will discuss with Israeli officials is the potential annexation of the West Bank as a response to Western nations’ planned recognition of a Palestinian state.

Rubio has warned countries considering recognizing Palestinian statehood during the UNGA that Israel could take “reciprocal” action in the form of annexing the West Bank.

Two Israeli officials told Axios that “Rubio has signaled in private meetings that he doesn’t oppose West Bank annexations and the Trump administration won’t stand in the way.”

At the same time, the report cited a US official saying White House and State Department officials who have held internal meetings on the issue fear Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank “would lead to the collapse of the Abraham Accords and tarnish Trump’s legacy.”
Netanyahu signed an agreement on Thursday to advance a West Bank settlement expansion plan cutting across land the Palestinians seek for a state — a move the United Arab Emirates warned could undermine the US-brokered Abraham Accords that normalized UAE-Israel ties.

The report said Netanyahu wants “to figure out from Rubio” how much leeway he has on annexation.

Churachandpur, Sep 13,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured the people of Manipur that he and his government are ‘’with them’’ and appealed for peace saying the land of courage and strength must once again become the land of hope.

Addressing the people of the state, especially the tribal people in hill districts of the state, he said that while recent violence has deeply affected lives, hope is knocking at the doors of Manipur.

The Prime Minister, who met displaced families staying in relief camps, said that the government at the Centre stood firmly with the people of Manipur.

“I appeal to all organisations to walk the path of peace and ensure the future of their children. I promise, I am with you. The Indian government is with you,” he said.
He also underlined the cultural vibrancy and resilience of the state, adding that Manipur’s sentiment, courage and affection were unforgettable and that he bows his head in gratitude before the people.

Emphasising his government’s commitment to development, Modi recalled that in the last decade the state has seen unprecedented investment in connectivity, infrastructure, health and education.

He noted that road and rail projects worth thousands of crores have transformed access across hills and plains, with Rs 3,700 crore already spent on national highways and another Rs 8,700 crore worth of work underway. Rail connectivity alone has seen an investment of Rs 22,000 crore, while Imphal airport has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 400 crore.

He said that the efforts to improve the lives of the people have touched every household, from 60,000 new homes and free electricity for more than one lakh families to 3.5 lakh households now getting drinking water under the Har Ghar Jal scheme.
The health sector, which had long been neglected, is also undergoing change with a medical college set up in Churachandpur and advanced facilities coming up in five hill districts. A special package of Rs 3,000 crore, including Rs 500 crore for displaced families, has been announced to help Manipur get back on its feet.

The Prime Minister stressed that more than 500 villages are currently witnessing development works, with particular focus on empowering tribal youth and women. He said Manipur is a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress, and the government will continue to stand with displaced families until they return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

He also laid the foundation for 19 projects worth Rs 7,300 crore and expressed confidence that in the coming years Manipur would shine as a true jewel of the Northeast.

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 12,2025: The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly voted to endorse a declaration outlining “tangible, time bound, and irreversible steps” towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a meeting of world leaders.

The seven-page declaration is the result of an international conference at the U.N. in July – hosted by Saudi Arabia and France – on the decades-long conflict. The United States and Israel boycotted the event.
A resolution endorsing the declaration received 142 votes in favor and 10 against, while 12 countries abstained.

The vote comes ahead of a meeting of world leaders on September 22 – on the sidelines of the high-level U.N. General Assembly.
The declaration endorsed by the 193-member General Assembly condemns the attacks against Israel by Palestinian militants Hamas on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.
It also condemns the attacks by Israel against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, siege and starvation, “which have resulted in a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the resolution secured the international isolation of Hamas.
The resolution was supported by all Gulf Arab states. Israel and the United States voted against it, along with Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Tonga.
The declaration endorsed by the resolution says the war in Gaza “must end now” and support the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission mandated by the U.N. Security Council.

The United States described the vote as “yet another misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt” that undermined serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

“Make no mistake, this resolution is a gift to Hamas,” U.S. diplomat Morgan Ortagus told the General Assembly. “Far from promoting peace, the conference has already prolonged the war, emboldened Hamas and harmed the prospects of peace in both short and long term.”

Israel, which has long criticized the U.N. for not condemning Hamas by name for the October 7 attacks, dismissed the declaration as one-sided and described the vote as theater.

“The only beneficiary is Hamas …When terrorists are the ones cheering, you are not advancing peace; you are advancing terror,” Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and about 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 64,000 people, also mostly civilians, have since been killed during the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

WASHINGTON, Sept 13,2025: Group of Seven nations’ finance ministers discussed in a call on Friday further sanctions on Russia and possible tariffs on countries that they consider “enabling” its war in Ukraine, as the U.S. called on its allies to impose tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne chaired the G7 meeting, which was held to discuss further measures to increase pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine, according to a statement from Canada, the head of the rolling G7 presidency.
The ministers agreed to speed up discussions to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense, and discussed a “wide range of possible economic measures to increase pressure on Russia, including further sanctions and trade measures, such as tariffs, on those enabling Russia’s war effort,” the statement said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told finance ministers during the call that they should join the U.S. in imposing tariffs on countries that purchase oil from Russia, Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a separate statement following the meeting.

“Only with a unified effort that cuts off the revenues funding Putin’s war machine at the source will we be able to apply sufficient economic pressure to end the senseless killing,” Bessent and Greer said.
Bessent and Greer welcomed commitments made during the call to increase sanctions pressure and explore using immobilized Russian sovereign assets to benefit Ukraine’s defense, according to the joint statement.
Earlier in the day, a U.S. Treasury spokesperson called on G7 and European Union allies to impose “meaningful tariffs” on goods from China and India to pressure them to halt their purchases of Russian oil.
President Donald Trump has imposed an extra 25% tariff on imports from India to pressure New Delhi to halt its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, bringing total punitive duties on Indian goods to 50% and souring trade negotiations between the two democracies.

But Trump has refrained from imposing additional tariffs on Chinese imports over China’s purchases of Russian oil, as his administration navigates a delicate trade truce with Beijing.

Bessent is due to travel to Madrid on Friday for another round of talks with his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, that will cover trade issues, Washington’s demands for Chinese-owned TikTok to divest its U.S. operations, and anti-money laundering issues.