A Pakistani minister, Dar, is scheduled to visit New York to participate in an open debate at the United Nations Security Council and will also hold bilateral meetings with counterparts and UN officials.
The head envoy of the UN Peace Council for Gaza warned the UN Security Council that the current division of the enclave risks becoming permanent, potentially leaving more people in dire conditions.
A United Nations official has warned that the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is impeding the shipment of fertilizers, potentially leading to tens of millions facing hunger. The official urged for the strait to be kept open to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
A former UN official predicted that the economic gap between the US and China is likely to widen, but suggested that the situation with Iran could potentially draw the two superpowers closer. The statement offers a complex view on global economic and political dynamics.
Izumi Nakamitsu, a UN official, has urged for concessions at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review meeting. Her call comes amidst growing sentiment, particularly in Europe, that possessing nuclear weapons is essential for national security.
UN officials informed the Security Council that hostilities in Ukraine have significantly escalated over the past month, leading to more civilian casualties and new strikes on critical infrastructure. Greece has called for a complete ceasefire.
A United Nations official has expressed strong concern, stating that Sudan has been 'abandoned' by the international community following three years of ongoing conflict.
A top UN humanitarian official in Sudan has warned that the country's war has fallen into a destructive cycle of violence and suffering as the conflict marks its third anniversary. The official highlighted increasing atrocities and a dire humanitarian situation.
A senior UN official has stated that 70% of Sudan's population now lives in poverty due to the ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people.
Denise Brown, the UN official for Sudan, expressed outrage over the country's 'abandoned crisis' and the vicious cycle of violence and displacement, just days before the third anniversary of the civil war.
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.
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.
A top UN official has highlighted Türkiye's military strength and achievements in peacekeeping missions, suggesting a larger role for the country in global peace operations.
Donald Trump has reportedly instructed his aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. He also issued a stern warning to Iran, stating they 'better get smart soon' and that the 'no more Mr. nice guy' approach is over.
President Trump ordered the US Navy to "shoot and kill" any Iranian boats that harass US vessels or lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This directive escalates tensions between the two nations amid stalled peace talks and concerns over the strait's security.
A top UN official has condemned the lack of global urgency and "unacceptable" efforts to end Sudan's catastrophic war, which is now entering its fourth year and worsening the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, holds a unique position responsible for alerting the planet to potential asteroid threats. Her role involves coordinating international efforts to monitor and respond to objects in outer space.
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
Francesca Albanese, a UN official, has won a round in court against the US government, which she claims sanctioned her for speaking out against Israel, with the government now appealing the judge's ruling.
A senior United Nations official stated that Syria has made limited progress toward political integration and accountability, but cautioned about ongoing military tensions and economic challenges.
A UN official has warned that the conflict in the Middle East, specifically the Iran war, poses a significant threat to the upcoming planting season and global food security, exacerbating existing fertiliser shortages and rising costs.
The Chernobyl disaster is recognized as a pivotal mega-crisis that fundamentally transformed global approaches to disaster response and preparedness. UN officials and European perspectives emphasize its lasting lessons for preventing and managing future catastrophes.
UN Undersecretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix called for calm in the Cyprus buffer zone following a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, noting efforts by UNFICYP.
A United Nations official has expressed deep concern, stating that Sudan has been 'abandoned' by the international community after three years of ongoing conflict.
United Nations officials have described the conflict in Sudan as an "abandoned crisis" as it enters its fourth year, characterized by widespread famine and massacres.
A UN official has reported that approximately seven out of ten Sudanese citizens are now living in poverty due to the ongoing war between the regular army and paramilitary forces, a figure double the pre-war level.
Former UN officials and policymakers are urging stronger measures to protect vulnerable African economies from global crises by boosting intra-African trade.
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.