The latest steps come amid allegations that the agency for Palestinian refugees is tainted by corruption. One of the NGO's approached by the office of the UN secretary general is the Center for Near East Policy Research – headed by journalist David Bedein – which has long-been been a vocal critic of UNRWA.

Nevet works with more than 151 schools in Israel to provide 1.3 million healthy sandwiches a year for children in need. Marking World Sandwich Day is a great opportunity to support efforts to ensure no child goes hungry, NGO says.

Tehran-based Iranian airline has been repeatedly accused by the West of transporting military equipment and personnel to Middle East war zones. Association of Iranian Airlines blasts decision.

City council passes motion warning that anti-democratic and extremist views and even violence were "increasingly becoming apparent" in the city. The motion calls for federal support to tackle the crisis. Dresden is home to the anti-Islam and xenophobic group PEGIDA and the far-right Alternative for Germany party received more than 17% of the vote in city council elections this year.

Islamic State affiliate in the Sinai Peninsula swears loyalty to Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Quraishi, as Egyptian forces' counterterrorism efforts in the region continue.