The UN welcomed the International Court of Justice's ruling on humanitarian assistance in the Palestinian territories.

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October 23, 2025 International law

UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which reaffirms a number of Israel's fundamental obligations under international law.

The Court emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to provide the population of the Palestinian territory with basic necessities. In cases where the population is experiencing food shortages, as was the case in the Gaza Strip, Israel is obligated to accept and facilitate appropriate aid programs, including those of the United Nations.

The Court confirmed that, under international humanitarian law, Israel is obliged to protect relief personnel, to respect the prohibition of forced displacement and deportation of civilians and the prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare, and to respect the right of persons in detention to be visited by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The International Court also noted the role of the UN, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in providing humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip and supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and reaffirmed Israel's obligation as a Member State to cooperate with the UN and UNRWA.

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The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to provide humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories.

"The Secretary-General urges Israel to comply with its obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in accordance with the [Court's] advisory opinion," said a statement issued by his spokesman on behalf of the UN chief.

The UN chief emphasized that all parties must abide by their obligations under international law. He will transmit the advisory opinion to the General Assembly, which requested the document. This UN body will decide on further action on this matter. The Court's opinion will be crucial in improving the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, the Secretary-General noted in his statement.

"Israel and all other States must abide by the law, as the Court's ruling makes clear, and act swiftly to significantly improve the appalling human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

"Other parties to the conflict must also comply with their obligations under international law. This begins with saving lives, not putting them at serious risk," he added.

The United Nations will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the population of the occupied Palestinian territory, stressed Antonio GuterresThe Secretary-General reiterated his call for a credible political path to ending the occupation and leading to a two-State solution.

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VTB Bank in Kazakhstan has been subject to EU sanctions.

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

Astana, October 23 (Xinhua) – VTB Bank in Kazakhstan has been added to the European Union's sanctions list. This was reported on Thursday by the Kazinform news agency, citing a relevant EU document.

According to the document, the restrictive measures will come into force on December 2, 2025. The sanctions include a ban on the bank's access to financial services and operations within the EU jurisdiction.

As Kazinform notes, VTB in Kazakhstan has previously encountered difficulties related to restrictions on the bank's head office in Russia.

The restrictive measures are part of the 19th EU sanctions package against Russia, approved Thursday in Brussels. According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, the new package targets Russian banks and the so-called shadow fleet, and also includes additional restrictions on oil exports and sales.

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Kazakhstan and Belarus agreed to further expand economic cooperation

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

Astana, October 23 (Xinhua) — The 19th meeting of the Kazakh-Belarusian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Astana, Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday, citing the Kazakh government press service.

The meeting was co-chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Nikolai Snopkov. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for developing trade and economic ties, as well as issues of industrial cooperation, transport, agriculture, finance, science, education, culture, and tourism.

R. Sklyar noted that relations between Kazakhstan and Belarus are developing dynamically across all areas. He stated that regular high-level meetings and the implementation of joint initiatives strengthen mutual understanding and create favorable conditions for further deepening the partnership.

The Belarusian side emphasized that the Program of Actions for the Development of Trade and Economic Cooperation for 2025-2029, signed in 2024, was an important step in strengthening practical cooperation between the two countries.

Following the meeting, the parties signed the minutes of the 19th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. An agreement was reached to hold the next, 20th meeting of the commission in 2026 in Minsk.

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

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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.

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

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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."

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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–

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

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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.

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