Diplomacy

Staff revolt against UN80 reform plan exposes deep internal rift, with overwhelming majority rejecting leadership’s approach and warning of growing disconnect between the UN's top brass and frontline workers.

Officials in Jerusalem are attaching considerable significance to the meeting with the German foreign minister, in hopes of dissuading his country from joining the diplomatic blitz against Israel.

During a French-Saudi summit held at the United Nations, additional countries - including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal and San Marino - expressed willingness to support recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Starmer faces fresh calls from Labour ranks to take the step amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza and after France indicated it would do so within months.

The decision not to renew visa of Jonathan Whittall comes after OCHA repeatedly issued distorted reports about Gaza operations, with the official publicly accusing Israel of deliberately pursuing "death sentence" for Palestinians.

The discussions, which lasted 90 minutes, covered Iran and Gaza and focused on the "the efforts to release our hostages," with the PM saying Israel "not relenting, even for a moment."

Diplomatic official appeared to suggest another meeting could materialize if breakthrough reached regarding Syria or Hamas. On the objective to neutralize Hamas’ military capabilities, the official described its practical application would be where, “There is no Hamas. It has laid down its weapons. People have surrendered."

They reached consensus on these fundamental principles in general terms: Gaza hostilities to conclude within two weeks, Abraham Accords expansion to include Syria and Saudi Arabia, a two-state solution with limited Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.

Sources tell Asharq Al-Awsat that Ramallah must enact reforms and Gaza must disarm. Western official says "no recognition without this path.”