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As of early September 2025, Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has divested from Caterpillar and five major Israeli banks over ethical concerns tied to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The fund cited violations of international humanitarian law linked to Caterpillar's bulldozers and the banks' financing of Israeli settlements. It is ending contracts with external Israeli asset managers and intensifying ethical reviews, while rejecting full divestment from all Israeli companies.
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The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) passed a resolution accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, sparking controversy. Critics question the process, membership transparency, and legal basis, while supporters cite widespread reports of Israeli actions. The debate highlights tensions over legal definitions and political bias in international law.
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As of September 17, 2025, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have signed a defence communique but postponed the formal signing of a landmark mutual defence treaty. The treaty, elevating their security ties to the level Australia holds with the US and New Zealand, awaits cabinet approvals in both countries. The pact integrates defence forces, allows military service across borders, and offers PNG nationals a pathway to Australian citizenship, amid efforts to counter China's growing Pacific influence.
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Volker Turk, UN human rights chief, condemned Israel for mass killing and destruction in Gaza, citing war crimes and possible genocide. Israel rejects these accusations, citing self-defense after Hamas attacks. The conflict has caused extensive civilian suffering and international condemnation, with ongoing calls for accountability.
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Ireland's broadcaster RTE announced it will not participate in Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to compete, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The EBU is consulting members on managing geopolitical tensions, with a final decision pending. Ireland's stance reflects broader international criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
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Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Netherlands, threaten to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the ongoing Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union is consulting members on managing participation amid geopolitical tensions, with Israel's involvement uncertain until December's decision.
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Australia's environment minister has approved a 40-year extension of the North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia, despite Indigenous and environmental opposition. Conditions include emissions reductions and heritage protections, but critics warn the expansion risks damaging UNESCO-listed Aboriginal rock art and worsening climate impacts, drawing international legal and regional criticism.
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On September 16, 2025, a UN commission led by Navi Pillay released a 72-page report concluding that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza since October 2023. The report cites killings, aid blockages, forced displacement, and destruction of a fertility clinic as evidence, naming Israeli leaders including Netanyahu as responsible. Israel rejects the findings as false and politically motivated.
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Multiple sources report that Israel's actions in Gaza are increasingly characterized as genocide, with UN findings, Israeli officials' remarks, and rising civilian casualties fueling this debate. The US and international community face mounting pressure to respond, with some countries recognizing Palestinian statehood amid ongoing violence.
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Mali accused Algeria of supporting terrorism after a Malian drone was shot down over the Sahara, with Mali filing a case at the ICJ. Algeria denies the claim, asserting the drone crossed into its airspace. Diplomatic tensions and regional instability continue to rise.
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Russia's bid to regain a seat on the ICAO Council failed after a vote short of support. Moscow argued sanctions violate aviation rules and sought relief, but Western countries condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and the MH17 incident. Russia has appealed the ICAO decision to the ICJ.
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The UN human rights office updated its database, listing 158 firms operating within Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Most are Israeli, with others from the US, Europe, and China. The list highlights corporate complicity in settlement expansion amid ongoing conflict and human rights concerns in the West Bank and Gaza.
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On September 29, 2025, the UK Labour Party conference voted to back a non-binding motion recognizing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and called for suspending arms trade with Israel. This contrasts with the party leadership's stance that genocide determinations should be left to international courts. The motion was supported by trade unions and sparked internal party tensions.
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Gaza faces severe food shortages amid limited aid access, with only half of the targeted supplies entering since a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Somalia, Sudan, and Haiti are experiencing escalating humanitarian crises driven by aid cuts, conflict, and climate shocks, threatening millions with famine and displacement.
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French authorities are investigating an alleged plot to target Vladimir Osechkin, founder of Gulagu.net, with four men detained. Osechkin, a Russian exile in France, has faced repeated threats linked to his work exposing abuses in Russian prisons. The investigation highlights concerns over Russian hybrid warfare targeting Europe.
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On October 22, 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating Israel must facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, including allowing UNRWA operations. The court found Israel's claims that UNRWA was infiltrated by Hamas unsubstantiated. Israel rejected the ruling as politically motivated. The decision follows a fragile US-brokered ceasefire and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, Gaza's humanitarian situation remains dire. Food supplies are insufficient, and thousands of patients await evacuation amid ongoing restrictions and aid blockades. The UN warns of severe malnutrition and medical shortages, with political tensions complicating aid efforts.
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A Dutch court dismissed a lawsuit by NGOs seeking a ban on arms exports to Israel, citing government discretion and existing measures. The court acknowledged the risk of genocide in Gaza but ruled the Dutch government already does enough to discourage exports, emphasizing the importance of foreign policy decisions.
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Settler violence in the West Bank has intensified, with recent attacks including torching homes, mosques, and vehicles. Israeli officials condemn the violence, but settlement expansion continues amid international criticism and ongoing tensions linked to Gaza war and potential annexation.
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The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion on October 22, 2025, affirming Israel's legal obligations under international law to facilitate humanitarian aid in occupied Palestinian territories. The ruling condemns obstruction of UN agencies and highlights the responsibilities of third states, with political implications for ongoing conflicts.
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Israeli authorities have seized over 1,000 dunams of Palestinian land in the Jordan Valley for a security road, while settler violence has intensified across the West Bank, including arson, vandalism, and clashes with Palestinians. The escalation follows recent land confiscations and increased Israeli military and settler activity.
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As of December 4, 2025, Gaza remains devastated after two years of war with Israel, with over 70,000 Palestinians killed and much of the territory reduced to rubble. A fragile ceasefire has allowed rare moments of hope, such as a mass wedding of 54 couples. International efforts focus on stabilizing Gaza, but challenges persist over foreign control, Hamas's resilience, and the humanitarian crisis.