UN Sounds Alarm as RSF Claims Control of Sudan’s El-Fasher

The United Nations has issued an urgent call for the protection and safe passage of civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group claimed to have seized control of the city, the last major army stronghold in Darfur. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned on Monday of a worsening catastrophe amid reports of civilian killings and mass displacement in the capital of North Darfur state. “With fighters pushing further into the city and escape routes cut off, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and terrified – shelled, starving, and without access to healthcare, food, or safety,” Fletcher said, describing el-Fasher as being “at breaking point.” He called for unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire “in El Fasher, in Darfur, and throughout Sudan.” Later in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “terrible escalation,” describing Sudan’s humanitarian situation as “unbearable.” Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Guterres urged foreign actors supplying arms to the warring factions to stop undermining peace efforts. The RSF has besieged el-Fasher for nearly 18 months in its campaign to take full control of Darfur. The fighting has trapped around 250,000 civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands more, with residents facing extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Observers say the fall of el-Fasher could mark a turning point in Sudan’s civil war, which has killed tens of thousands, displaced 12 million people, and left 30 million in need of aid — the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hiba Morgan, reporting from Khartoum, said RSF control of el-Fasher would consolidate the group’s dominance across Darfur and could pave the way for a potential “separation” of the region from Sudan. Despite RSF assurances of civilian protection, the group faces allegations of ethnic killings in el-Fasher. The Sudan Doctors Network reported “dozens” of civilian deaths, saying its field teams had documented atrocities despite limited access due to what it called a “complete security collapse.” Minni Minnawi, governor of Darfur and ally of Sudan’s army, called for international intervention and an “independent investigation into the violations and massacres” allegedly carried out by RSF forces. However, Sudan’s official news agency SUNA quoted Information Minister Khaled al-Aisir as rejecting RSF claims, dismissing them as “psychological warfare” and insisting the “rebellion has collapsed and been defeated in several locations.”

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ASITU Appeals To International Bodies Over Demolition Of Igbo-Owned Properties In Lagos

Igbo Town Unions Appeals To International Bodies Over Demolition Of Igbo-Owned Properties In Lagos

The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has taken its dispute over the demolition of Igbo-owned properties in Lagos State to the international arena, petitioning the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Speaking in Umuahia, Abia State, ASITU National President Chief Emeka Diwe condemned the repeated targeting of Igbo businesses, calling the actions “economic cleansing.” “Nigeria is slowly being consumed by ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” Diwe said, accusing government institutions of failing to uphold fairness and equality. Flanked by members of ASITU’s national executive council representing Igbo communities nationwide, Diwe explained that the international petition followed multiple unsuccessful attempts to engage Nigerian authorities. “We have not lost faith in our institutions, but repeated disregard for our complaints has forced us to seek intervention from regional and international bodies,” he said. Diwe dismissed Lagos State Government’s claim that the demolished structures were built on waterways, calling it a “misleading excuse” masking deeper biases. “These properties were legally acquired and approved by the relevant authorities. Their destruction sends a troubling message to investors: property rights in Nigeria are insecure, and ethnicity seems to determine how justice is applied,” he said. He warned that demolishing legitimate businesses threatens investment, job creation, economic growth, and Nigeria’s reputation as a country governed by law. ASITU also alleged that most demolition notices were served just days before enforcement, leaving owners little time to seek legal remedies, and that authorities ignored valid building permits submitted by traders. “Many of these buildings had permits issued by the same Lagos State Government that later tore them down. This is not law enforcement—it is a deliberate attack on livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice,” Diwe said. While urging affected individuals to remain calm and law-abiding, ASITU encouraged Igbo business owners to invest in the South-East to foster economic independence. “To our brothers and sisters in business, do not lose hope. Let us embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo—let wealth return home. Investing in our homeland creates jobs, security, and dignity for our people,” Diwe advised. He emphasized that the association’s demand is not for secession but for fairness, mutual respect, and equal treatment for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

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Iran Recalls Ambassadors to UK, France, and Germany as UN Sanctions Snap Back

Iran Recalls Ambassadors to UK, France, and Germany as UN Sanctions Snap Back

By Kamal Yalwa: Published September 27, 2025 Tehran – Iran has recalled its ambassadors from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in response to the reimposition of United Nations sanctions, which come into effect on Sunday. State media reported Saturday that the Iranian envoys were summoned back to Tehran “for consultations,” following what the Iranian government described as “irresponsible” action by the three European nations—collectively known as the E3—to trigger the UN’s snapback mechanism. The E3 set the process in motion a month ago, accusing Tehran of non-compliance with nuclear obligations. The move follows a deadly 12-day conflict in June between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which left over 1,000 people dead, according to Iranian authorities. On Friday, efforts by Russia and China to delay the sanctions through a UN Security Council resolution failed, with only four countries backing their proposal. The snapback sanctions officially begin at 00:00 GMT on Sunday, reinstating global bans on cooperation with Iran’s nuclear, military, banking, and shipping sectors. The news triggered an immediate reaction in Iranian markets, with the rial plummeting to an all-time low—trading at over 1.1 million per US dollar on the open market in Tehran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed this week that inspections had resumed at some Iranian sites, but did not specify whether this included facilities damaged in the June airstrikes. In Moscow, Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami criticized the IAEA for not condemning the bombings of Iranian nuclear infrastructure by the U.S. and Israel. Despite diplomatic efforts at the recent UN General Assembly in New York, Western powers rejected Iranian proposals to delay the snapback, citing a lack of meaningful progress. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said there was no reason to negotiate further, accusing the U.S. and Israel of attempting to destabilize Iran’s government. “If the goal had been to resolve concerns on the nuclear programme, we could easily do that,” Pezeshkian said, reiterating that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff defended the sanctions, calling them “the right medicine,” but insisted Washington remains open to dialogue. However, global consensus remains fractured. Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky dismissed the sanctions as “null and void,” and China has continued to import Iranian oil despite pressure from Washington. The U.S. has since imposed new penalties on Chinese firms linked to Iranian energy imports. The renewed sanctions mark a full reinstatement of measures previously lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018 in favor of a “maximum pressure” campaign. At the UN on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged no delay in implementing the snapback and suggested Israel could again target Iranian nuclear facilities if necessary. Still, Iran’s leadership signaled restraint. Pezeshkian said Tehran would not quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, warning that adversaries were looking for “superficial pretexts to set the region ablaze.” Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) marked the first anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoushan in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. The IRGC vowed continued “smart resistance” against Israeli and American actions. In a related development, Iran’s judiciary announced that four individuals had been convicted for allegedly working with Israel’s Mossad and the outlawed MEK group. Two received death sentences; the other two were given life imprisonment. Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani, attended a memorial event in Lebanon on Saturday, declaring that “it is now clear Israel shows mercy to no country.” As sanctions take hold, Iran’s response—and how strictly the world enforces the measures—will shape the next chapter in the escalating standoff.

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sharply condemned Israel for a “treacherous attack” on Hamas leaders in Doha, accusing it of derailing ceasefire efforts and violating international norms during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The emir warned that the September 9 attack “undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza” and said it demonstrated that Israel has become a “rogue” state. The strike, which targeted Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital while they were meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, was described by Doha as “state terrorism.” Although top Hamas leaders survived, six people were killed in what was seen as an unprecedented escalation. The attack took place in a residential neighborhood near diplomatic missions and schools. Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza negotiations, said the bombing amounted to a political assassination. The emir said, “It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation,” adding that Israel simultaneously “negotiates with delegations” while plotting to assassinate members of negotiation teams. He accused Israel of attempting to render Gaza unlivable, “where no one can study or receive treatment.” Labeling Israel as a state “engaged in genocide,” Sheikh Tamim criticized it for branding all critics as either antisemitic or terrorists, a tactic he said “even Israel’s allies realise … and reject.” Drawing parallels to past global struggles, the emir likened the growing solidarity with Palestinians to the global movement against apartheid in the 20th century. His remarks came amid growing international backlash over the war in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023. Speaking earlier on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the war to stop “immediately,” while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said silence in the face of the war amounted to complicity in “barbarity.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II described the Gaza war as “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” urging world leaders to move beyond repeated condemnations and toward concrete action. “How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action?” he asked. France and Saudi Arabia jointly convened dozens of leaders earlier this week to revive talks on a two-state solution, while several European nations—including France, Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg—formally recognized Palestinian statehood. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke, defending international human rights standards and referencing a landmark UN Human Rights Council report that found Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The U.S. and Israel have both rejected the report. Guterres stated, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace, they are its bedrock.” He emphasized that respecting rights must go beyond rhetoric, calling for “justice over silence.” Sheikh Tamim concluded his speech by tying the September 9 attack to broader violations of the international order, warning that tolerating such behavior would erode global norms. “These rules are based on the maintenance of international peace and security and the respect for human dignity and state sovereignty,” he said. “If we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can.”

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LIVE: Israel kills 42 in Gaza, UNSC condemns Doha attack

Israel Kills 42 in Gaza as UN Security Council Condemns Doha Strike

By Kamal Yalwa Published: 12 September 2025 At least 42 Palestinians were killed on Friday as Israeli airstrikes pounded multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, including densely populated refugee camps, according to local medical sources. Fourteen of the victims were reportedly from the same family. The deadly escalation came just hours after Israel launched a targeted strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, the capital of Qatar—an attack that has drawn sharp international condemnation. UN Security Council Holds Emergency Session In an emergency session held early Friday, members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike in Doha, describing it as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for state sovereignty. Diplomats from several member states expressed alarm that the strike took place on Qatari soil—one of the region’s key mediators in previous ceasefire negotiations—and warned of the potential for broader regional destabilization. The Qatari government has not yet confirmed casualties from the Doha strike, but officials labeled the attack a “flagrant breach” of its sovereignty. Hamas Vows to Keep Fighting In response to both the Doha and Gaza attacks, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to armed resistance, saying that Israel’s military actions would not alter its core demands. These include: A Hamas spokesperson said the group would not be “intimidated or coerced into surrender,” and that the movement is preparing for “prolonged confrontation.” Rising Civilian Toll Friday’s strikes targeted residential areas, including al-Shati refugee camp, where several homes were destroyed. Rescue workers and civilians continued searching for survivors under the rubble well into the morning. Hospitals in Gaza, already strained by months of conflict, are struggling to treat the influx of casualties. International Response While the United States has not issued a direct condemnation of the Doha strike, U.S. Ambassador to the UN said Washington is seeking “clarification” from Israeli officials. Several European and Arab nations have urged restraint and called for renewed diplomatic efforts. This latest round of violence adds to the growing death toll in Gaza, where thousands have been killed since the conflict reignited in late 2024. The humanitarian crisis in the enclave has reached catastrophic levels, with over 80% of the population displaced and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

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World Reacts as UN-Backed Body Declares Famine in Gaza

World Reacts as UN-Backed Body Declares Famine in Gaza

A United Nations-backed global hunger monitor has officially declared that Gaza City and surrounding areas are experiencing famine — a historic first for the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system outside of Africa. The crisis, described as “man-made” and “preventable,” has drawn swift condemnation and urgent calls for action from world leaders, humanitarian organizations, and civil society. According to the IPC, 514,000 Palestinians — nearly a quarter of Gaza’s population — are facing famine-level conditions. That number is expected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September, with famine projected to spread to Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis. The IPC’s Phase 5 classification — the most severe — follows 22 months of war, during which Israeli military operations, blockade of aid, and destruction of infrastructure have exacerbated a humanitarian catastrophe. UN and Humanitarian Leaders: “This is a Failure of Humanity” UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the crisis as a “moral indictment” of the global community: “Famine is not only about food; it is the deliberate collapse of the systems needed for human survival… People are starving. Children are dying. And those with the duty to act are failing.” Guterres reaffirmed Israel’s obligations as an occupying power to allow unhindered humanitarian access. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said “months of warnings have fallen on deaf ears,” while UN aid chief Tom Fletcher accused Israeli officials of “openly promoting” starvation as a weapon of war. Israel: ‘An Outright Lie’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the IPC report as “an outright lie,” denying a starvation policy and citing over 2 million tons of aid allowed into Gaza since the war began. The Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) took over aid distribution in May, but has faced criticism after Gaza’s Health Ministry reported more than 2,000 aid-seekers killed, allegedly by Israeli forces. Hamas and Palestinian Authorities: Famine Confirms a War Crime Hamas responded by demanding an immediate end to hostilities and the lifting of the Israeli blockade, accusing Israel of using starvation as a “tool of war.” Gaza’s Government Media Office said the IPC’s famine confirmation “proves war crimes,” adding that Israel’s own aid entry figures “incriminate, not exonerate” the state. The Palestinian Authority echoed these concerns, saying the report closed “the door to speculation” and demanded urgent international action. Arab and Muslim States: Urgent Call for Accountability United Kingdom: “A Moral Outrage” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the famine “wholly preventable” and “a moral outrage,” directly blaming Israel’s refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza. NGOs and Aid Agencies: Famine Was ‘Deliberate, Predictable, and Preventable’ Conclusion: No More Excuses The IPC’s declaration marks a pivotal moment in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International agencies, rights groups, and nations are united in demanding immediate action to halt the famine and open humanitarian corridors. With over 500,000 lives at immediate risk, the cost of inaction grows by the hour.

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Famine declared in Gaza City - and projected to expand to two other areas in the next month

Famine Declared in Gaza City, Set to Expand to Two More Regions Within Weeks

A famine has been officially declared in Gaza City and surrounding areas, with the crisis projected to worsen in the coming weeks, expanding to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, according to a new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). More than half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing “catastrophic conditions,” characterised by starvation, destitution, and an increasing number of deaths. The IPC report marks the first formal famine declaration outside of Africa and the fifth since the organisation’s inception in 2004. Previous famines declared by the IPC include Somalia (2011), and Sudan (2017, 2020, and 2024). “After 22 months of relentless conflict, over 500,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions,” the report said. An additional one million people are experiencing severe food insecurity. Projected Expansion of Famine The IPC warned that nearly a third of Gaza’s population — approximately 641,000 people — are expected to face catastrophic conditions within a month. Acute malnutrition is expected to worsen rapidly, with at least 132,000 children projected to suffer from severe malnutrition over the next year — more than double earlier estimates from May 2024. Due to limited access and data from northern Gaza, the IPC was unable to make a precise classification for that region, but noted conditions there may be even worse. What Constitutes a Famine? Under IPC guidelines, famine is declared when an area meets the following criteria: International Outcry and Accusations The famine declaration has triggered global condemnation and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called the crisis a “man-made disaster” and accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. “It is a war crime to use starvation as a method of warfare, and the resulting deaths may also amount to the war crime of wilful killing,” he stated. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the alarm, calling the situation “a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself.” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the findings as “utterly horrifying and wholly preventable,” urging Israel to allow unhindered delivery of aid and calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza City — which he described as the “epicentre of the famine.” UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher made a direct appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Enough. Ceasefire. Open the crossings — north and south. All of them.” Israel Rejects Famine Claims The Israeli government has categorically denied the famine designation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the IPC report as “an outright lie,” insisting that Israel has no policy of starvation. “Since the beginning of the war, Israel has enabled the entry of over two million tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza — more than one ton per person,” he said. Israel’s foreign ministry claimed food prices in Gaza had dropped due to a “massive influx of aid” and blamed Hamas for obstructing deliveries. COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid coordination, also rejected the IPC’s conclusions, stating that over 100,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the conflict began. Death Toll from Malnutrition Rising Despite Israeli denials, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 251 deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including 108 children. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported nearly 13,000 new admissions for acute malnutrition in children in July alone. Israel has challenged these figures, accusing Hamas of inflating the numbers and attributing many of the deaths to pre-existing health conditions.

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Israel Strikes UN Clinic in Gaza, 23 Killed Since Dawn

By Kamal Yalwa: Gaza | August 6, 2025 Israeli forces have killed at least 23 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip since dawn, including in a strike on a United Nations clinic sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City, according to reports from the ground. The attack comes amid escalating military operations, with aid agencies warning of a worsening hunger crisis and over 50 Palestinians reportedly killed in recent strikes on Gaza aid distribution sites. At the UN Security Council, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan for the full occupation of Gaza “deeply alarming”. European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera condemned the move as an “unacceptable provocation.

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