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The joint statement issued by the Co-Chairs of the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.The statement, issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France as co-chairs of the conference, commended "States who gathered at the United Nations in New York on the 22nd of September 2025 at a historically critical moment for peace, security, and stability in the Middle East."It noted that the High-Level International Conference led to the adoption of the New York Declaration endorsed by the General Assembly with an outstanding majority of 142 votes, adding that this ambitious declaration reaffirms the unwavering international commitment to the Two-State solution and charts an irreversible pathway to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and all peoples of the region.The Statement also noted that the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate with the intensification of the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza City, and with civilians and hostages paying an unjustifiable price due to the ongoing war. The New York Declaration aims at providing a principled, yet realistic alternative to the cycle of violence and endless wars, it emphasized.It called on all countries to swiftly implement the New York declaration through tangible, concrete and irreversible measures. "We welcome the important commitments and measures already taken by UN Member States. We welcome the recognition of the State of Palestine by Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Denmark, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, alongside France, confirmed at the United Nations' General Assembly. We invite states which have not done so to join this movement," the statement said."Ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages remains our absolute priority. We call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, exchange of prisoners, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza," it stressed.The statement also explained that to secure the Day After for Palestinians and Israelis, both countries commit to supporting the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission upon invitation by the Palestinian Authority, to be mandated by the UN Security Council, in line with the New York Declaration. Meanwhile, they commit to scaling up their support to train and equip Palestinian police and security forces, building on existing programs, including USSC, EUPOLCOPPS and EUBAM Rafah.The statement stressed the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, adding that this Conference, and the recognition of Palestine, aims at the realization of a sovereign, democratic and economically viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Israel. It commended the historic commitments made by the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to reform the governance structure of the Palestinian Authority.It also welcomed the launching of the Emergency Coalition for Palestine to mobilize emergency budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority, calling on all States and international organizations to join this effort. "We reiterate our call for the immediate release by Israel of withheld Palestinian tax revenues," it added."We urge the Israeli leadership to seize this opportunity for peace, and to issue a clear public commitment to the Two-State solution, immediately end violence and incitement against Palestinians, halt all settlement, land grabs, and annexation activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and put an end to settlers' violence. As a first step, we urge Israel to rescind the E1 project, and publicly renounce any annexation project. We reiterate that any form of annexation is a redline for the international community that bears serious consequences and constitutes a direct risk to existing and future peace agreements," the statement said.It welcomed concrete measures taken by Member States to respond to unilateral measures against the Two-State solution and to violations of international law until Israel puts an end to actions that are endangering the Two-State solution, in full compliance with international law.Finally, it affirmed that ending the Israeli occupation and achieving just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, based on the relevant UN resolutions, is the only way to achieve full regional integration, as provided for in the Arab Peace initiative. It reiterated the call for all States to join this international momentum to ensure peace and security for all in the Middle East, mutual recognition and full regional integration.

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met separately with the Foreign Minister of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Mapy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Abroad of the Republic of Chad Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe Prof. dr. Amon Murwira, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US, Michael Kozak, EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Christophe Bigot, and Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions focused on cooperation relations, ways to support and enhance them, and issues of mutual interest.

The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric affirmed that the State of Qatar is a very important component of international cooperation for the United Nations, both in terms of diplomacy in its mediation efforts and in terms of humanitarian work. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dujarric stated that Qatar is one of the largest supporters of the UN agencies working in the humanitarian and relief field, stressing that "Qatar should be an example to other member states at a time when humanitarian donations have gone down. He noted that Qatar's signing of a multi-year funding mechanism with the United Nations is much appreciated, given the growing global humanitarian needs. He added that Qatar has played an extremely important role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, not only through funding but also by ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. "In that sense, Qatar has been very useful," he said. In this context, the UN spokesperson also said that they look forward to the State of Qatar hosting the World Summit for Social Development later in November, adding that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres will participate in the summit. Regarding the recent Israeli attack targeting the State of Qatar, Stephane Dujarric said, "it is obvious to all the esteem in which Qatar's role as a mediator is held because there was uniformity in condemnation, uniformity in expressing solidarity with Qatar," recalling that the UN Secretary-General was quick to condemn this violation of Qatar's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and that the Security Council also held a meeting and unanimously approved a press statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Qatar, noting that this a rare occurrence in this era. On the main issues to be discussed at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the spokesperson explained that this year is particularly significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the organization's establishment following World War II. He pointed out that the Secretary-General has put forward a reform agenda aimed at making the UN more effective, flexible, and responsive to the needs of peoples. He added that the Secretary-General's speech to the General Assembly will emphasize that this is a time for choice, and that member states must choose diplomacy, human rights, and climate justice, and choose for humanity to control technology rather than technology controlling humanity. He emphasized the need to reform the organization to empower member states to effectively pursue these priorities, anticipating that hundreds of bilateral meetings will take place between various delegations during the United Nations General Assembly sessions, representing a valuable opportunity for peace and advancing development goals. Regarding the New York Declaration, which was adopted with a majority of 120 votes in favor of establishing a Palestinian state, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General affirmed that the declaration shows that the world has not lost hope in the two-state solution, noting that the alternative to this solution is unsustainable and involves violations of international law. The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric concluded his interview with QNA by saying, "We were pleased to see this recommitment by a vast majority of member states. The Secretary-General will continue to work towards doing whatever he can to find a two-state solution."

Her Excellency Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stressed that the Committee succeeded in building extensive partnerships with various United Nations bodies and mechanisms, which enhances its roles in protecting human rights, strengthens its international presence, and contributes to building more just and peaceful societies.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the commencement of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency said that over the past years, the NHRC has been keen to interlink its national, regional, and international relations to reach partnerships that assist in achieving its goals in protecting and promoting human rights.She added that the Committee has expanded its partnerships with various United Nations bodies and mechanisms, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Development Programme, and other UN bodies. It also maintains significant cooperation with the United Nations House in Doha, which has given the committee international weight and led to its assumption of high global positions in the field of human rights, she said.Her Excellency affirmed that these partnerships contribute positively to the rapid communication of human rights-related messages to the relevant authorities, ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld. She also noted that they enhance the participation of national institutions in various international human rights concerns.Her Excellency emphasized that these partnerships contribute to building more sustainable, just, and peaceful societies, facilitate the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and best practices, unify efforts to address common challenges, raise public awareness about human rights, and establish effective mechanisms to combat violations.HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that the human rights journey in the State of Qatar is progressing steadily in line with the global human rights movement, with Qatar having ratified so far nine international treaties, including seven core human rights conventions, in addition to two optional protocols, alongside other international and regional treaties.In this context, she pointed out that all of Qatar's international commitments are consistent with the values, customs, and its civilizational and religious identity. At the same time, she pointed out that the state interacts positively with treaty bodies and Human Rights Council mechanisms, including engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures. Under the open invitation system declared by Qatar, several special rapporteurs and independent experts in this field were hosted.The NHRC in Qatar has maintained an "A" accreditation status among national institutions worldwide continuously from 2010 until 2025 (for three consecutive times), and it will undergo its fourth re-accreditation next year.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed enhancing the strategic partnership between the GCC and Egypt and expanding cooperation across multiple fields to serve shared interests, during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.Discussions also covered the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the serious violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people. Both sides stressed the importance of concerted efforts to achieve a ceasefire, facilitate urgent humanitarian aid delivery, and end the crisis in order to safeguard regional and international security and stability.

The State of Qatar has signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, which has been endorsed by more than 100 countries, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York.The declaration was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.The declaration aims to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law and to provide greater protection for humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones worldwide.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Doha on Sunday, heading to the United States of America to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will be held at the organization's headquarters in New York.His Highness the Amir will deliver a speech at the opening session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 23.His Highness is accompanied by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and an official delegation.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution on the participation of the State of Palestine in the high-level meetings of the Assembly next week. The resolution authorizes the State of Palestine to submit a pre-recorded statement to its President, which will be broadcast in the Assembly Hall during the general debate, after introduction by its representative present in the Hall.The resolution, which was adopted with 145 votes in favor, 5 against, and 6 abstentions, also authorizes the State of Palestine to deliver statements via videoconference or to deliver a pre-recorded statement at the sessions of the High-Level Conference on the Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution.Palestine is also permitted to submit pre-recorded statements by its President or another high-level representative at any high-level meeting, United Nations conference, or international meetings held under the auspices of the General Assembly, or as appropriate if representatives of the State of Palestine are prevented from participating in United Nations meetings.The resolution clarified that these measures are only in effect during the 80th session of the General Assembly, stressing the need to enable representatives of the State of Palestine to participate in person at relevant meetings at the United Nations in New York.The resolution expressed concern over instances in which representatives are prevented from participating in General Assembly meetings and regretted the decision of the US to deny visas to representatives of the State of Palestine and to revoke visas granted to them prior to the 80th session of the General Assembly, thus preventing them from participating in person at UN meetings.It called for an immediate reversal of this decision. In late August, the US announced that it had denied entry visas to senior Palestinian Authority officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, and had revoked existing visas, preventing them from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The United Nations warned that the situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour and renewed its call for immediate protection for civilians. It emphasized that issuing displacement orders does not absolve the parties to the conflict of their responsibilities to protect civilians, especially in light of the ongoing attacks launched by the occupying power, Israel, on Gaza. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza was damaged after being hit by multiple airstrikes two days ago, forcing half of the patients and their caregivers to flee under the bombardment in search of safety. Meanwhile, UN humanitarian partners confirmed that since the ceasefire collapsed in March, 80 medical facilities and primary healthcare centers providing health services to patients have been damaged, with 65 of them out of service. In a related development, the Palestinian Telecommunications Company reported that Wednesday night, there was a complete internet outage throughout Gaza and the north, preventing residents and humanitarian workers from accessing vital information. UN humanitarian partners have established three support points in areas hosting internally displaced persons in southern Gaza to assist unaccompanied children, orphans, and the wounded. They reported that the heavy shelling of Gaza is exacerbating the suffering of the people, especially children.

United Nations agencies and Oxfam voiced grave concerns on Wednesday about food running out in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing famine, after Israel closed the only operational crossing there last week.Israel began its long-expected ground assault on Gaza City in the north on Tuesday and is stepping up efforts to empty the city of civilians by opening an additional route southwards.Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city and many are reluctant to follow Israel's orders to move because of dangers along the route, dire conditions, a lack of food to the south, and fear of permanent displacement."There are grave concerns over fuel and food stock depletion in a matter of days as there are now no direct aid entry points into northern Gaza and resupply from south to north is increasingly challenging due to mounting road congestion and insecurity," the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said in a statement.The Zikim Crossing was shut on September 12 and no aid groups have been able to import supplies since, it said.Bushra Khalidi, Policy Lead at Oxfam, said that the move could be "another strategy to corral the population to move down south".Israel's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its reasons for the closure. Late on Tuesday it said that humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter northern Gaza, without giving details.Israel controls all access to Gaza and says it allows enough food aid into the enclave, where it has been at war with Palestinian fighters Hamas for nearly two years. It accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the fighters deny."There is an urgent need for an active border point into the north to be opened for essential life-saving humanitarian supplies," said Abeer Etefa, a World Food Programme spokesperson, which had used the crossing before its closure.A global hunger monitor said last month that Gaza City and surrounding areas were officially suffering from famine and that it was likely to spread.

Luxembourg announced its intention to join the countries that will recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next week. Arriving at an EU meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel confirmed earlier remarks made by Prime Minister Luc Frieden, who had told members of the Grand Duchy's Foreign Affairs Committee in a closed meeting that his government was committed to a two-state solution. Frieden said his government was convinced that the two-state formula offered the only path to lasting peace in the region. He acknowledged that such peace would not be achieved overnight but described recognition of Palestine as a step demonstrating that the solution remained possible. He added that for this reason Luxembourg intended to join the states recognizing Palestine at next week's conference on the two-state solution. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Luxembourg's plan, calling it a courageous position consistent with international law and UN resolutions and part of broader efforts to advance calm and peace on the basis of two states. Several other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada, have recently announced similar intentions to recognize Palestine during the General Assembly session, following a proposal drafted by France and Saudi Arabia. Last Friday, the UN General Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt the New York Declaration, which lays out concrete, time-bound, and irreversible steps toward implementing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of the next session scheduled for Sep. 22. Out of the UN's 193 member states, at least 149 already recognize the Palestinian state declared by the Palestinian leadership in exile in 1988.

United Nations investigators on Tuesday accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza in a bid to "destroy the Palestinians", accusing Israel's prime minister and other top officials of incitement.The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI), which does not speak on behalf of the world body, found that "genocide is occurring in Gaza", commission chief Navi Pillay told AFP."The responsibility lies with the State of Israel."The bombshell report marks the first time a UN-mandated investigative body has concluded the country is committing genocide.Israel has since the start of the war in Gaza faced genocide accusations from NGOs and independent UN experts.The UN itself has not labelled the situation in Gaza a genocide, but Pillay said she believed the facts presented by the commission should prompt "high-level leaders at the United Nations also to call this what it is, the genocide".After the report was published, UN rights chief Volker Turk said it was up to the courts to determine whether genocide was taking place, but warned: "We see the evidence mounting."Israel "categorically" rejected Tuesday's report, with the foreign ministry describing it as "distorted and false" and calling "for the immediate abolition of this Commission of Inquiry".The commission published its latest report nearly two years after the war erupted in Gaza following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack inside Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.Israel's retaliatory campaign has displaced virtually the entire Gaza population and has killed nearly 65,000 people, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.The report came as Israel on Tuesday launched a ground assault on Gaza City, where the UN has declared a full-blown famine.The COI concluded that Israeli authorities and forces had since October 2023 committed "four of the five genocidal acts" listed in the 1948 Genocide Convention.These are "killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group, deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group".The investigators said explicit statements by Israeli civilian and military authorities and their patterns of military action "indicated that the genocidal acts were committed with intent to destroy... Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as a group".They concluded that Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant have "incited the commission of genocide and that Israeli authorities have failed to take action against them to punish this incitement"."The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons," stated Pillay, 83, a South African former judge who once headed the international tribunal for Rwanda and also served as UN human rights chief.Commissioner Chris Sidoti meanwhile stressed that the people of Israel too "have been betrayed by their government", whose "genocidal war... has made (their) peace and security... almost impossible for the foreseeable future"."Their trauma and their suffering has been ruthlessly manipulated by Netanyahu and his cronies," he told journalists.The commission is not a legal body but its reports wield diplomatic pressure and serve to gather evidence for later use by courts.Pillay said the commission was cooperating with the International Criminal Court's prosecutor, and had "shared thousands of pieces of information with them".The ICC has already issued international arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.And the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year ordered Israel "to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide" in Gaza.The investigators stressed that it could take years for the court to definitively rule on whether a genocide is taking place -- but Pillay insisted member states must "act now"."The absence of action to stop it amounts to complicity."