Bahrain's Crown Prince calls for UN reform; global leaders address escalating conflicts, humanitarian crises.
Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa called for UN reform to reflect current geopolitical realities during his address to the UN General Assembly, emphasizing a holistic, consensus-driven approach, especially within the Security Council, to recommit to peace amid rising global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Speaking of global conflicts,
Pope Francis on September 25 condemned the Israeli bombings in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah and causing hundreds of deaths, urging international intervention and expressing solidarity with the increasingly suffering Lebanese people.
In response, the head of Israel's northern command, Major General Ori Gordin, announced a new aggressive phase in Israel's campaign against Hezbollah, aiming to diminish the group's firepower and leadership while preparing for potential maneuvers, though not clarifying if this included a ground incursion.
Meanwhile, in Britain, Labour Party members opposed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to cut winter heating payments for retirees at their Liverpool conference, presenting a significant challenge to his leadership despite the government's efforts to offset these cuts with increased pensions and other measures.
Responding to the escalating conflict in Lebanon, Greece will urge the EU to provide medical aid to injured Lebanese citizens, as announced by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing Israeli airstrikes that have led to significant casualties and displacement.
Further complicating the situation, on September 25, Israel returned the bodies of 88 Palestinians killed in Gaza, but health officials in Khan Younis refused to receive them without details on their identities and circumstances of death, as the ongoing intense conflict has prompted the need for dignified burials for the victims amid continuous Israeli strikes.