Speaking via video to the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas stated his people’s rejection of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and asserted Hamas would have no role in governing Gaza post-war, requiring the group to surrender its weapons. Abbas condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a war crime, while also thanking world leaders who have stood up for Palestinians. He welcomed recent recognition of a Palestinian state but emphasized the need for further action, calling for the international community to ensure Palestinians obtain their rights. Abbas also reiterated his vision for a two-state solution, despite it appearing more distant amid Israel’s rejection of a Palestinian state.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated that up to 3,000 Hamas fighters were present in the city, while Hamas claimed to have 5,000 fighters, though these figures are unverified. The IDF has been employing tactics like rapid thrusts into urban areas and using remote-controlled explosive-laden vehicles, while Hamas has reportedly shifted to guerrilla tactics and ambushes. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of civilians continue to flee south due to the ongoing conflict, facing exorbitant transport costs and abandoning belongings, while those remaining in Gaza City endure bombardment, collapsing infrastructure, and severe shortages. This conflict was initiated by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and since then, at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza.
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During Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, the IDF released footage illustrating Hamas terrorists firing upon forces from within Al-Shifa Hospital, citing this as further evidence of their use of civilian infrastructure for terror activities. The IDF stated it would continue to thwart terrorist activity while adhering to international law. Intense airstrikes in Gaza City resulted in reported deaths, with the Gaza Health Ministry warning of increased strain on hospitals, including the imminent shutdown of Al-Shifa due to a fuel shortage. The ground offensive to take control of the city continues with renewed vigor.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was observed reacting during a speech given by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The event took place in New York City on September 23, 2025. This moment, captured in a photograph, showcases a significant interaction between two prominent political figures. The image provides a visual record of this notable international gathering.
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On September 22, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron recognized a Palestinian state during a UN summit aimed at garnering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal also took the symbolic step, applying pressure on Israel as its retaliatory war in Gaza intensified. Macron made the release of hostages held by Hamas a precondition for opening a French embassy to the Palestinian state, while Israel warned of repercussions. The United States opposed the move, with Germany also refusing to recognize a Palestinian state.
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Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip, publicly executed three men, accusing them of collaborating with Israel, a move captured on video and widely disseminated. This occurred concurrently with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood. The Australian government defended its recognition, emphasizing the need to end the cycle of violence and advocating for a two-state solution. However, this decision drew criticism from the opposition and Jewish community leaders, who argued that it could embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts, especially given the absence of any clear plan to exclude Hamas from the future state.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the U.K.’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state, joining Canada and Australia in a move opposed by the U.S. and Israel. This decision, intended to revive the two-state solution and foster peace, explicitly excludes Hamas from any future governance. Though largely symbolic, it marks a significant shift, given the U.K.’s historical role in the region and its previous stance that recognition would be contingent upon a peace plan. While over 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state, critics argue that the move rewards Hamas and is an empty gesture due to internal divisions within Palestinian territories.
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Canada, along with Britain and Australia, officially recognized the State of Palestine, shifting from its previous stance of requiring a negotiated peace agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the eroding viability of a two-state solution due to Israeli actions, including settlement expansion and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as justification for this recognition. This move, which will be followed by France, aims to support a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel, despite conditions set to prevent Hamas from having any role in government and requiring democratic reforms. However, the decision has received criticism from the United States and some hostage families, who fear it will embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts.
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The UK is poised to officially recognize Palestine as a state, a move expected to be announced imminently, following the failure of Israel to meet conditions set by the Prime Minister. This decision, which will align the UK with 147 other UN member states, has drawn strong criticism from Israel, as well as family members of hostages held by Hamas, and some UK politicians. While the Muslim Council of Britain has welcomed the move, the UK is also looking at further sanctions on Hamas, in addition to demanding the release of hostages, an immediate ceasefire, and Hamas’ commitment to non-governance and disarmament.
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Israel has initiated a major ground offensive on Gaza City, following intense airstrikes and prompting a mass exodus of Palestinians southward. According to reports, a significant number of residents have already been displaced, joining hundreds of thousands who had previously fled. Amidst this, the UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. The operation has garnered considerable international criticism, with many world leaders condemning the actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker