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UN Security Council: Ceasefire in Gaza should be a step towards sustainable peace in the region

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

October 23, 2025 Peace and security

After two years of devastating war in Gaza, an opportunity has emerged to close a dark chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and chart a path to a more just and peaceful future. This was stated by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.

He said the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis will leave a mark on generations, and the situation for civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory remains dire.

A fragile truce

"The devastation in Gaza is beyond words," the rapporteur said. "Civilians, including children, women, and men, continue to suffer the consequences of war and deprivation." The UN representative also recalled that the bodies of dead Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, where their families are waiting "in agony" for the return of their loved ones' remains.

Alakbarov emphasized that the ceasefire gives hope, but the situation remains extremely volatile. "A return to conflict must be avoided at all costs. The remaining bodies of the deceased hostages must be returned without further delay. Humanitarian aid must be delivered to the Strip in full to meet the enormous needs of the residents where they are located," he noted, calling on all parties to strictly adhere to their obligations under the agreement.

Humanitarian principles

The Deputy Special Coordinator said that following the ceasefire's entry into force, the UN and its partners promptly increased humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

He said the UN is implementing a 60-day plan aimed at simplifying customs procedures, expanding delivery routes, ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian personnel, and restoring key services.

According to UN data, the volume of aid arriving in Gaza in the first week after the ceasefire increased by 46 percent, but according to Alakbarov, “this is still not enough" He called for opening more transitions to enter the enclave, ensure safe humanitarian corridors, a constant supply of fuel, and the ability of organizations to operate in accordance with humanitarian principles.

Restoring order

The UN representative also expressed concern about the ongoing violence in Gaza, which "undermines humanitarian efforts and threatens stability." He emphasized the need to restore public order as a key step in improving the humanitarian situation.

The speaker also noted that this the restoration process in the enclave The UN, he said, is ready to facilitate the coordination of these efforts with the Palestinian Authority, international partners, civil society, and the private sector, in accordance with the ceasefire commitments, the New York Declaration, and the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.

International law

Alakbarov also recalled that International Court of Justice October 22 issued an advisory opinion, which stated that Israel is obligated to fulfill its obligations under international law, ensure humanitarian access and cooperate with the UN.

Speaking about the situation in the West Bank, he noted that tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli security operations. "Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes, and the local economy must function," Alakbarov said. He also condemned settler violence against Palestinian farmers. during the olive harvest.

In addition, the Deputy Special Coordinator drew attention to the dire financial situation of the Palestinian Authority, which, according to him, is unable to receive approximately three billion dollars in tax revenues withheld by Israel.

Peace process

Concluding his speech, he emphasized that the peace process is at a "decisive but fragile stage." According to Alakbarov, President Trump's 20-point plan and the declaration signed at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit paved the way for ending the war. Furthermore, the upcoming Cairo Reconstruction Conference, co-hosted by Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and the UN, will be an important platform for advancing Gaza's reconstruction efforts.

"The international community has in recent weeks reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable end to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict," the rapporteur noted.

The UN, he said, will continue to support all efforts aimed at ending the occupation and realizing the solution of two states – Israel and Palestine, including Gaza – living side by side in peace and security within the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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UN sounds alarm over escalating violence during olive harvest season in West Bank

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

October 22, 2025 Peace and security

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has warned of an alarming increase in violence by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinian farmers as the olive harvest season begins in the West Bank.

In the first half of 2025, 757 attacks by Israeli settlers resulting in casualties or property damage were recorded. This is 13 percent more than in the same period last year.

“Just two weeks into the harvest, we have witnessed brutal attacks by armed settlers against Palestinian men, women, children and foreign activists expressing solidarity with them,” said Ajit Sungai, head of the OHCHR office in the occupied Palestinian territory, on Wednesday.

Crop loss, land destruction

According to OHCHR, during the 2023 harvest season, approximately 9,600 hectares of olive groves remained uncultivated, resulting in losses of over $10 million for Palestinian farmers. This trend continued into 2024.

"Direct land destruction is intensifying," Sungai emphasized. "Settlers are burning plantations, cutting down olive trees with chainsaws, and destroying homes and agricultural infrastructure."

According to the UN, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since October 2023. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes due to attacks, restrictions on movement, and house demolitions.

The economic foundation of rural communities

"The olive tree here is more than just a tree," Sungai noted. "It represents the livelihood and traditions of our ancestors, resilience and economics, and a historical thread connecting Palestinians to the land."

According to him, approximately 100,000 Palestinian families depend on the olive harvest for their livelihoods. Thus, these plantations represent "the economic foundation of rural communities."

Ajit Sungai warned that the surge in settler violence comes "against the backdrop of Israel's accelerated territorial acquisition," with officials openly declaring their intention to annex the entire West Bank.

He recalled that Israel is "legally obligated to end the occupation and reverse the annexation" and called on UN member states to exert maximum pressure to protect civilians and bring to justice those responsible for "decades of violations."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Top Stories | Wednesday: International Court, Ukraine, Security Council, Debt Forum

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

October 22, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel's obligations as an occupying power, a powerful wave of attacks across Ukraine, a Security Council meeting on Syria, and the Seville forum on debt issues.

The International Court of Justice on Israel's obligations

International Court of Justice The Court issued an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations as an occupying power with respect to the presence and activities of the UN and other international organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It affirmed that Israel is obligated to comply with international humanitarian law, including providing the population with food, water, shelter, fuel, medical care, and other essential means of survival. The Court also ruled that Israel must "accept and facilitate by all possible means humanitarian operations," including the activities of UN agencies.

A powerful wave of attacks across Ukraine

On Wednesday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a new wave of powerful overnight attacks across the country, killing and wounding civilians, including children. The strikes primarily targeted the capital, Kyiv. In Kharkiv, residential buildings, a school, and a kindergarten were damaged. Civilian infrastructure, including energy and port facilities, was damaged in several other regions. The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy confirmed that the attacks affected energy infrastructure nationwide, causing power outages. Water supply disruptions were also reported.

Security Council meeting on Syria

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Najat Roshdi, Deputy Special Envoy to Syria, emphasized the need for urgent steps to ensure an inclusive transformation in the country, particularly with regard to the political participation of women and members of ethnic and religious minorities. Despite President Ahmed al-Shara's promises to form an "inclusive transitional government," women are underrepresented in government: of the 119 elected members of the Transitional People's Assembly, only six are women. Their representation in other government bodies also remains minimal.

Seville Debt Forum

In Geneva, where the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD-16) is currently taking place, the Seville Debt Forum has launched. It aims, with UN support, to help developing countries overcome the burden of their sovereign debt. Currently, more than three billion people worldwide live in countries that spend more on debt than on healthcare or education. The forum, led by Spain, will become a new hub for dialogue, bringing together all stakeholders—creditors, borrowers, international financial institutions, and academia—to find innovative solutions. The UN, represented by UNCTAD and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, will provide expert support.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China's development is creating new opportunities and reliable guarantees for advancing global women's issues, according to Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Zhang Hanhui.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 23 /Xinhua/ — China's development is creating new opportunities and reliable guarantees for advancing global women's issues. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in an article titled "For Beautiful Ladies," published Wednesday in Rossiyskaya Gazeta. In the article, the diplomat summarized the results of the Global Women's Summit, which took place in Beijing on October 13-14.

"China, through its own development, is creating new opportunities and reliable guarantees for advancing global women's issues, actively generating a powerful impetus for its qualitative development," the article notes.

Zhang Hanhui recalled that the Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing in 1995, under the motto "Through Action: Achieving Equality, Development, and Peace." The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting women's rights, were adopted. "Under the spirit of the Beijing Conference, the world has made significant progress in advancing gender equality and women's comprehensive development over the ensuing decades," the ambassador emphasized, adding that, as host of that conference, China has consistently fulfilled its promises for 30 years, demonstrated responsibility, and continuously promoted the comprehensive development of women's affairs.

According to the Chinese diplomat, China's achievements in improving the status of women in areas such as healthcare, poverty alleviation, science, and education are among the most significant in the world. The article notes that the maternal mortality rate in China has decreased by nearly 80 percent compared to 1995; the average life expectancy of women in China has exceeded 80 years; approximately 690 million Chinese women have simultaneously achieved moderate prosperity; women now make up more than half of university students, and the share of women in the total employed population exceeds 40 percent.

"In the new era, women in China are more confident and energetic than ever before, engaging in the large-scale process of China's modernization, participating in the entire process of state and social governance, realizing their potential, and making significant contributions to China's high-quality development," Zhang Hanhui stated.

The Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation emphasized that China consistently adheres to the principles of multilateralism and guides and promotes multilateral and regional cooperation agendas for women's development. China has long maintained extensive cooperation with the UN and its relevant bodies in the field of women. Since 2012, approximately 30 events dedicated to women's issues have been held within international forums such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, firmly entrenching women's issues on the broader global governance agenda.

"China continuously pools its efforts, using practical measures to empower women in developing countries and improve their living conditions and development. China is implementing women's empowerment projects in more than 20 countries, with a total investment of over $40 million. China has also conducted over 100 specialized training programs for women and children in the Global South," the diplomat noted.

Zhang Hanhui called Russia a constant companion of China's in advancing women's causes. "For many years, China and Russia have been advancing together and working side by side in bilateral and multilateral forums to advance women's causes," he explained, adding that the Global Women's Summit in Beijing created new opportunities and gave new impetus to Chinese-Russian cooperation in promoting and developing women's causes.

“As we stand at a new historical starting point, China stands ready to work with all parties, including Russia, to deepen mutual understanding and consolidate efforts, uphold and carry forward the spirit of the World Conference on Women held in Beijing, expand and strengthen the achievements of the Global Women’s Summit, accelerate the process of women’s comprehensive development, open a new chapter in their comprehensive progress, and make even more powerful contributions from women to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,” Zhang Hanhui concluded. –0–

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China remains committed to green development and environmental protection in its cooperation with Africa, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, October 23 (Xinhua) — The Chinese government always requires Chinese enterprises operating overseas to strictly comply with laws and regulations and will continue to instruct them to implement green development principles, ensuring that environmental protection is a core principle throughout China-Africa cooperation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Thursday.

Guo Jiakun made the statement in response to discrediting comments by the American think tank Atlantic Council regarding cooperation between China and West Africa.

The Atlantic Council has published three reports accusing China of causing serious environmental degradation in West Africa through its mining, forestry, and fishing activities.

According to the official representative, the Chinese side carries out cooperation with Africa by adhering to the concepts of sincerity, pragmatism, friendliness and honesty, as well as the correct view of fairness and benefit.

“This helps stimulate economic growth and sustainable development in Africa and is welcomed by African governments and people,” Guo Jiakun stated.

He added that Africa's growing enthusiasm for cooperation with China is the best proof of mutual benefit and win-win for both sides.

According to Guo Jiakun, some American think tanks mix up concepts in their reports, make generalizations based on incomplete data, and even cite unverified information, deliberately denigrating and attacking normal cooperation between China and West African countries.

Such actions are undoubtedly motivated by hidden motives and deserve condemnation, the Chinese diplomat added.

"We call on individual US officials to stop their vicious practice of inciting and vilifying other countries from behind their backs. Instead, they should consider how to do something tangible for the people of Africa," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Kazakhstan remains the world's leading exporter of sunflower oil to Central Asian countries.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Astana, October 23 (Xinhua) – Kazakhstan remains the largest supplier of sunflower oil and other oil and fat products to Central Asian markets, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the ministry, in the 2024-2025 season, vegetable oil and high-protein feed exports from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan reached $349 million, an 82 percent increase from the previous year. Kazakhstan is also the main exporter of oil and fat products to Tajikistan. The share of Kazakh oil in the Uzbek market increased to 65 percent, and in the Tajik market to 74 percent.

According to Kazinform, a new collaboration resulted from the signing of a memorandum on Thursday between the National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan and the Uzbek company Fayz Oil Imports. According to the document, the Uzbek side plans to purchase $60 million worth of oil and fat products from Kazakh processing plants within a year.

As noted by the Kazakhstani association, Kazakhstan is capable of fully supplying Central Asia with sunflower oil if necessary. The country also fully meets its neighbors' needs for sunflower meal and cake—key components of livestock and poultry feed.

By the end of 2024, Kazakhstan entered the top ten largest global exporters of sunflower oil, taking eighth place. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Power outage schedules have been introduced in half of Ukraine's regions.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Kyiv, October 23 (Xinhua) — Due to Russia's previous massive strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, hourly power outages are being implemented in half of Ukraine's regions on Thursday. Ukrenergo, the operator of the Ukrainian energy system, reported this on Telegram.

The company noted that these measures will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Kyiv time. At the same time, power capacity for industry and businesses will be limited in these regions.

According to the Ukrainian side, on Wednesday night, Russia launched 28 missiles, including 15 ballistic missiles, and 405 drones at ten Ukrainian regions. It was reported that 349 aerial targets, including 16 missiles, were successfully suppressed. Direct hits from 12 missiles and 55 attack drones were recorded at 26 locations.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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October 24 has been declared a day of mourning in Russia's Chelyabinsk region following an explosion at a plant in Kopeysk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 23 (Xinhua) – October 24 has been declared a day of mourning in Russia's Chelyabinsk region following an explosion at a plant in Kopeysk that killed 10 people. The region's governor, Alexei Teksler, announced this on Thursday.

Flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the region. Cultural institutions and television and radio broadcasters are advised to cancel entertainment events.

An explosion at a plant in Kopeysk occurred on Thursday night. Ten people have been confirmed dead, and five more have been hospitalized in serious condition. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site. According to preliminary information, the incident was caused by a safety violation at the plant.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry called new US sanctions against Russia counterproductive.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 23 (Xinhua) — The Russian Foreign Ministry considers the US Treasury Department's decision to impose unilateral restrictive measures against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil to be counterproductive. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a briefing on Thursday.

According to her, the Russian Foreign Ministry considers this decision entirely counterproductive, including in terms of signaling a consensus in the Ukrainian conflict. At the same time, the imposition of new sanctions will not pose any particular problems for Russia. "Our country has developed a strong immunity to Western restrictions and will continue to develop confidently," Zakharova noted.

On Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced additional sanctions against Russia due to "Russia's lack of serious commitment to the peace process to end the war in Ukraine." The restrictions affected Rosneft and Lukoil and their subsidiaries.

Furthermore, US President Donald Trump announced that he had canceled his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. The leaders had agreed to the meeting during a telephone conversation on October 16. –0–

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The remains of another 1,000 victims have been returned to Ukraine.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Kyiv, October 23 (Xinhua) — On Thursday, the bodies of another 1,000 people killed in the armed conflict with Russia were returned to Ukraine as part of repatriation efforts. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (CHPW) of Ukraine announced the return on Telegram.

According to the Russian side, the transferred remains belong to Ukrainian military personnel.

The identification of the bodies will be carried out by law enforcement agencies in conjunction with expert institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

As Shamsail Saraliev, a State Duma deputy and representative of the parliamentary coordination group on military operations, reported on Thursday, Russia and Ukraine exchanged the bodies of fallen servicemen. The Ukrainian side received 1,000 bodies from Russia, while Russia received 31.

Russia and Ukraine have already carried out several exchanges of bodies of fallen service members. Agreements on exchanges, including for prisoners and the seriously wounded, were reached during talks in Istanbul, Turkey, in early summer.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.