29 stories found
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is slated to leave the country next year, prompting discussions about the implications for regional stability. UN officials often refer to UNIFIL as the 'eyes and ears' of the international community.
A United Nations official has stated that Syria has the potential to transform into an 'exporter of stability' within the Middle East region.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy reinstating gender testing and effectively preventing transgender women from competing in women's Olympic events by limiting participation to 'biological females' ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
President Donald Trump has reiterated his 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to 'obliterate' its power plants and energy infrastructure. Tehran has warned it will respond with attacks on U.S. and Israeli energy targets if its facilities are targeted and stated the strait is open to all except "enemy" ships.
Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged LPG carriers and other Indian vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz, following diplomatic discussions and confirming a rare exception to the blockade.
Senior UN officials have warned that the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel could plunge Lebanon into a new cycle of violence, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 100 casualties from recent attacks.
A United Nations official stated that no country in the world has achieved full legal equality between women and men, ahead of International Women's Day.
Francesca Albanese, an Italian lawyer, has denounced 'toxic' attacks against her, following calls from Germany, France, Italy, and others for her to step down over her criticism of Israel, which she claims was taken out of context.
Nevena Jovanović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, met with Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the sidelines of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva to discuss current issues.
“We serve humanity. We are delivering justice for the most vulnerable victims around the world, for millions and millions of women and children who have no voice," one judge told the Guardian.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for negotiations with Israel to prevent a devastating conflict in southern Lebanon, warning against a scenario similar to the destruction seen in Gaza.
Aarti Holla-Maini, from the UN's Office for Outer Space Affairs, is responsible for alerting the world about potential asteroid impacts. She has trained extensively for such an event, including a close call over a year ago.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially declared South Korea as the 'most hostile state,' vowing to reject and ignore it with the clearest words and actions, and threatening a harsh response to any attack.
A UN climate official stated that the disruption to energy markets caused by the Iran war serves as a critical lesson on the risks of relying on fossil fuels, urging governments to accelerate their transition to cleaner energy sources.
A 15-year-old girl was killed and her parents severely injured in a Russian attack on a village near Chernihiv, Ukraine, which also damaged two residential buildings.
Canada's national statistics agency, Statistics Canada, has begun officially tracking 'shrinkflation' as a factor in consumer price index calculations, noting that six product categories are most frequently affected.
A UN official met with Montenegro's Minister of Human and Minority Rights to discuss the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine, including civilian casualties and displacement, and the need for humanitarian aid.
Rabat – Washington has been hosting, from February 23-24, a new round of talks, with the US pushing to advance the UN-led political process toward a mutually acceptable solution based on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. The meeting includes representatives from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Polisario as well as US and UN officials to […] The post US Intensifies Backing of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in New Western Sahara Talks appeared first on Morocco World News.
JERUSALEM: Israel on Wednesday imposed restrictions on Palestinian worshippers from the occupied West Bank attending weekly Friday prayers at the Al Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem and capped the worshippers number at 10,000 during the holy month of Ramazan which began on Wednesday. The Israeli authorities also imposed age restrictions on West Bank Palestinians, permitting entry only to men aged 55 and older, women aged 50 and older, and children up to age 12 to attend the Friday prayers. “Ten thousand Palestinian worshippers will be permitted to enter the Temple Mount for Friday prayers throughout the month of Ramadan, subject to obtaining a dedicated daily permit in advance,” COGAT, the Israeli agency in charge of civilian matters in the Palestinian territories, said in a statement. “Entry for men will be permitted from age 55, for women from age 50, and for children up to age 12 when accompanied by a first-degree relative.” COGAT said, adding that restrictions apply only to Palestinians travelling from the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Imam of Al Aqsa arrested by Israeli police; Hamas condemns arrest, restrictions on worshippers’ access to holy mosque “It is emphasised that all permits are conditional upon prior security approval by the relevant security authorities,” COGAT said. “In addition, residents travelling to prayers at the Temple Mount will be required to undergo digital documentation at the crossings upon their return to the areas of Judea and Samaria at the conclusion of the prayer day,” it said, using the Biblical term for the West Bank. During Ramazan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians traditionally attend prayers at Al Aqsa, Islam’s third holiest site, located in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967 and later annexed in a move that is not internationally recognised. Since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, the attendance of worshippers has declined due to tough Israeli restrictions. Israel arrests Al Aqsa Mosque Imam Israeli police on Monday arrested the Imam of Al Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, from inside the mosque’s courtyards in occupied Jerusalem. The Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing local sources, reported that Israeli forces detained Sheikh al-Abbasi inside the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque without giving any reason. It said the arrest “comes amid escalating Israeli measures against the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, including restrictions on imams, preachers and worshippers stationed there, limitations on the entry of worshippers, and intensifying incursions carried out by settlers under heavy protection from Israeli police”. On Tuesday, Hamas condemned the arrest of al-Abbasi in a statement, saying he had been “served with an order banning him from the mosque”. The movement said the measure “constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of Al Aqsa and an unacceptable assault on its imams”. Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026
The Israeli army announced that one of its soldiers was killed 'in battle' in southern Lebanon, an area where Israel and the pro-Iranian Shiite organization have been clashing for over a month.
A United Nations official has warned the Security Council about the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing ongoing violence in the region.
Francesca Albanese, a UN official, accused the United Nations of lacking 'courage' and 'integrity,' calling it 'shameful' that the organization partners with groups linked to genocide, comparing its situation to the Titanic.
Mika Tapio, a high-ranking UN official who grew up in Rovaniemi, has had a distinguished career serving the United Nations worldwide and also possesses an impressive football background.
Malala Yousafzai has spoken out on the education crisis in Gaza after talks with Palestinian UN officials, vowing continued support for girls’ learning and recovery efforts.
A UN official stated that no country in the world has achieved full legal equality for women, and progress in areas like protection from violence and family law equality is at risk.
A UN official has urged the Taliban to withdraw a decree signed by Hibatullah Akhundzada last month, which defines several crimes and punishments, raising concerns about human rights.
A high-ranking UN commissioner has urged international engagement to counter the power wielded by autocrats and technology billionaires.