No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. &nbsp;

The NYT reported that the meeting took place Monday (Nov 11) at a secret location in New York and lasted more than an hour. According to the report, the two men discussed how to diffuse tensions between Washington and Tehran when the incoming Donald Trump administration takes over.

A report by the Associated Press earlier hinted that Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani had sought a meeting with Musk and their discussion hovered around Iran’s nuclear programme and Iranian proxies around West Asia. According to the report, the meeting didn’t culminate in concrete decisions by either side but set the stage for easing tensions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwisw967_-CJAxWQSmwGHQphDhgQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/delhi-to-san-francisco-aboard-a-starship-in-under-an-hour-musk-has-plans-reports-suggest-776460" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/delhi-to-san-francisco-aboard-a-starship-in-under-an-hour-musk-has-plans-reports-suggest-776460&amp;ved=2ahUKEwisw967_-CJAxWQSmwGHQphDhgQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Delhi to San Francisco aboard a Starship in under an hour? Musk has plans, reports suggest</a>

The Trump team had not confirmed the meeting.

These reports have led to speculations about Musk’s role in the incoming US government, the X owner has emerged as a key Trump ally. Musk has already been asked to lead the much-anticipated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, which aims to cut down the government budget by a whopping $2 trillion.

The news of Musk meeting the Iranian envoy came after it was reported that the Tesla boss joined Trump in a phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to media reports, Trump put the phone on speaker and then Zelensky thanked Musk for Starlink's support in the ongoing war with Russia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwisw967_-CJAxWQSmwGHQphDhgQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congress-and-constitution-experts-claim-musks-doge-plan-may-face-real-obstacles-776310" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/congress-and-constitution-experts-claim-musks-doge-plan-may-face-real-obstacles-776310&amp;ved=2ahUKEwisw967_-CJAxWQSmwGHQphDhgQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Congress and Constitution: Experts claim Musk’s DOGE plan may face real obstacles</a>

Trump’s picks for key foreign policy posts — including Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz for national security adviser—are expected to be tough on Iran. Earlier, the US intel community said Iran looked askance upon a second Trump administration and preferred Democrats in the White House. During the previous term, Trump unilaterally walked out of the Iranian nuclear deal and imposed crippling sanctions on the Shi’ite regime.

(With inputs from agencies)

No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials.

No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. The NYT reported that the meeting took place Monday (Nov 11) at a secret location in New York and lasted more than an hour. According to the report, the two men discussed how to diffuse tensions between Washington and Tehran when the incoming Donald Trump administration takes over. A report by the Associated Press earlier hinted that Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani had sought a meeting with Musk and their discussion hovered around Iran’s nuclear programme and Iranian proxies around West Asia. According to the report, the meeting didn’t culminate in concrete decisions by either side but set the stage for easing tensions. Also read: Delhi to San Francisco aboard a Starship in under an hour? Musk has plans, reports suggest The Trump team had not confirmed the meeting. These reports have led to speculations about Musk’s role in the incoming US government, the X owner has emerged as a key Trump ally. Musk has already been asked to lead the much-anticipated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), along with American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, which aims to cut down the government budget by a whopping $2 trillion. The news of Musk meeting the Iranian envoy came after it was reported that the Tesla boss joined Trump in a phone call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to media reports, Trump put the phone on speaker and then Zelensky thanked Musk for Starlink's support in the ongoing war with Russia. Also read: Congress and Constitution: Experts claim Musk’s DOGE plan may face real obstacles Trump’s picks for key foreign policy posts — including Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz for national security adviser—are expected to be tough on Iran. Earlier, the US intel community said Iran looked askance upon a second Trump administration and preferred Democrats in the White House. During the previous term, Trump unilaterally walked out of the Iranian nuclear deal and imposed crippling sanctions on the Shi’ite regime. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran ‘categorically’ rejects reports of meeting between UN envoy and Elon Musk

Aid agencies have time and again warned that famine is imminent in the Palestinian enclave. Last month the US gave Israel a deadline to boost aid in Gaza. While the US says Israel has passed the test on increasing aid supply, the UN says aid in Gaza is not enough for survival.

UN Says Aid in Gaza is Nowhere Close to Enough

President-elect Donald Trump said he has offered Republican Congresswoman&nbsp;Elise&nbsp; Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations, in comments to US media late Sunday.&nbsp;

"I am honoured to nominate Chairwoman&nbsp;Elise&nbsp;Stefanik&nbsp;to serve in my Cabinet as US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations.&nbsp;Elise&nbsp;is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to the New York Post.

Trump -- who never conceded his 2020 loss -- sealed a remarkable comeback to the presidency in the November 5 vote and will be inaugurated in January.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-tom-homan-as-border-czar-to-handle-deportation-of-illegal-aliens-775269">Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens'</a>

Stefanik&nbsp;confirmed her acceptance of the role in a statement to the newspaper, saying she was "truly honoured".

"During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate," she said.

The appointment of&nbsp;Stefanik&nbsp;was also reported by CNN which quoted two unnamed sources.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

President-elect Donald Trump said he has offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations, in comments to US media late Sunday.

President-elect Donald Trump said he has offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations, in comments to US media late Sunday. "I am honoured to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as US Ambassador to the United Nations. Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to the New York Post. Trump -- who never conceded his 2020 loss -- sealed a remarkable comeback to the presidency in the November 5 vote and will be inaugurated in January. Also Read: Donald Trump announces Tom Homan as 'border czar' to handle 'deportation of illegal aliens' Stefanik confirmed her acceptance of the role in a statement to the newspaper, saying she was "truly honoured". "During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate," she said. The appointment of Stefanik was also reported by CNN which quoted two unnamed sources. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump chooses Elise Stefanik as US ambassador to UN in his second term

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) kicks off on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together heads of state and government leaders to address the escalating climate crisis and explore solutions. Watch this report for more details!

UN's COP29 Climate Change Summit Begins in Azerbaijan

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians.

Israel launched a barrage of strikes after Lebanon's Hezbollah said it carried out a missile attack targeting a military base near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday.

The Wednesday attack came as Lebanon's health ministry said 40 people had been killed in Israeli strikes on the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold in the east.

Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when Israel broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues.

The territory's civil defence agency said 12 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in north Gaza on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-intensifies-strikes-on-lebanon-at-least-40-killed-774165">Also read:&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, at least 40 killed</a>

Hezbollah began low-intensity strikes on Israel last year in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war.

The raid in which the UN peacekeepers were wounded struck near an army checkpoint in south Lebanon's main city Sidon.

"The Israeli enemy targeted a car while it was passing through the Awali checkpoint," the army said in a statement.

Three civilians in the car were killed, the military said, and three soldiers at the checkpoint were wounded along with five members of the Malaysian contingent of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL.

"Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot," UNIFIL said in a statement, urging all sides to avoid endangering peacekeepers or civilians.

The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the reports.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Says Indirect Negotiations Possible

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Israel launched raids across the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with one hitting an area near the airport.

Taxi driver Abu Elie, who was at the airport when the strikes hit, told AFP "The entire car park shook".&nbsp;

"People were carrying their suitcases on their shoulders and running," he said.

Officials told AFP the raid had caused minor damage but the terminal building was safe and flights were running as normal.

<h2>'Warm and cordial'</h2>

In the lead-up to Tuesday's US presidential election, some in Lebanon had been hopeful that new leadership might bring them a reprieve.

But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech broadcast on Wednesday that the vote –&nbsp;won by Donald Trump –&nbsp;would have no bearing on the war.

He warned that Hezbollah had tens of thousands of trained militants ready to fight and that nowhere in Israel was "off-limits".

Israel's airports authority said Wednesday that operations at its main airport near commercial hub Tel Aviv were not affected after Hezbollah said it fired missiles at a military base nearby.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to keep fighting Hamas and Hezbollah until victory, spoke to Trump on Wednesday.

Netanyahu's office said the conversation was "warm and cordial" and he had congratulated Trump on his victory.

"The two also discussed the Iranian threat," his office said.

Shortly afterward, Israel's defence ministry said it had signed a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 25 "next generation" F-15 fighter jets, which would be financed by US military aid.

In Lebanon, the strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs were so intense many residents of the city were unable to sleep.

"Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut.

<h2>'Nothing left'&nbsp;</h2>

Since September 23, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad.

Iran, which arms and finances Hezbollah, also dismissed the impact of the US vote.

"It makes no difference to us who won the US election," President Masoud Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.

Iran and the United States have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed shah, but tensions soared during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021.

In Gaza, ravaged by 13 months of war since the deadliest attack in Israeli history, people were desperate for a solution.

"We were displaced, killed... there's nothing left for us, we want peace," said Mamduh al-Jadba.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Trump's victory could yet provide a "window" for peace because the US president-elect had a "wish to see the end of the Middle East's endless wars".

<h2>'Very happy'&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,469 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.

In Israel, recent surveys have shown that a majority of people were hoping to see Trump return to the White House.

"Now we just need him to give us weapons," said fruit vendor Yossi Mizrachi, 51, adding he believed Trump would be able to "bring an end to the war".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians.

Five UN peacekeepers were wounded in an Israeli air strike in south Lebanon on Thursday (Nov 7), the United Nations said, in a raid that also killed three civilians. Israel launched a barrage of strikes after Lebanon's Hezbollah said it carried out a missile attack targeting a military base near Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday. The Wednesday attack came as Lebanon's health ministry said 40 people had been killed in Israeli strikes on the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold in the east. Hezbollah and Israel have been at war since late September, when Israel broadened its focus from fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip to securing its northern border, even as the Gaza war continues. The territory's civil defence agency said 12 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced people in north Gaza on Thursday. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, at least 40 killed Hezbollah began low-intensity strikes on Israel last year in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which triggered the Gaza war. The raid in which the UN peacekeepers were wounded struck near an army checkpoint in south Lebanon's main city Sidon. "The Israeli enemy targeted a car while it was passing through the Awali checkpoint," the army said in a statement. Three civilians in the car were killed, the military said, and three soldiers at the checkpoint were wounded along with five members of the Malaysian contingent of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. "Five peacekeepers were lightly injured and treated by the Lebanese Red Cross on the spot," UNIFIL said in a statement, urging all sides to avoid endangering peacekeepers or civilians. The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the reports. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Says Indirect Negotiations Possible × Israel launched raids across the southern suburbs of Beirut overnight, with one hitting an area near the airport. Taxi driver Abu Elie, who was at the airport when the strikes hit, told AFP "The entire car park shook". "People were carrying their suitcases on their shoulders and running," he said. Officials told AFP the raid had caused minor damage but the terminal building was safe and flights were running as normal. 'Warm and cordial' In the lead-up to Tuesday's US presidential election, some in Lebanon had been hopeful that new leadership might bring them a reprieve. But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said in a speech broadcast on Wednesday that the vote – won by Donald Trump – would have no bearing on the war. He warned that Hezbollah had tens of thousands of trained militants ready to fight and that nowhere in Israel was "off-limits". Israel's airports authority said Wednesday that operations at its main airport near commercial hub Tel Aviv were not affected after Hezbollah said it fired missiles at a military base nearby. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to keep fighting Hamas and Hezbollah until victory, spoke to Trump on Wednesday. Netanyahu's office said the conversation was "warm and cordial" and he had congratulated Trump on his victory. "The two also discussed the Iranian threat," his office said. Shortly afterward, Israel's defence ministry said it had signed a $5.2 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 25 "next generation" F-15 fighter jets, which would be financed by US military aid. In Lebanon, the strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs were so intense many residents of the city were unable to sleep. "Death has become a matter of luck. We can either die or survive," said Ramzi Zaiter, a resident of south Beirut. 'Nothing left' Since September 23, more than 2,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Health Minister Firass Abiad. Iran, which arms and finances Hezbollah, also dismissed the impact of the US vote. "It makes no difference to us who won the US election," President Masoud Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. Iran and the United States have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed shah, but tensions soared during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. In Gaza, ravaged by 13 months of war since the deadliest attack in Israeli history, people were desperate for a solution. "We were displaced, killed... there's nothing left for us, we want peace," said Mamduh al-Jadba. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, on a visit to Jerusalem, said Trump's victory could yet provide a "window" for peace because the US president-elect had a "wish to see the end of the Middle East's endless wars". 'Very happy' Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 43,469 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. In Israel, recent surveys have shown that a majority of people were hoping to see Trump return to the White House. "Now we just need him to give us weapons," said fruit vendor Yossi Mizrachi, 51, adding he believed Trump would be able to "bring an end to the war". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN Peacekeepers injured in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon

As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground." 
&nbsp; 
Moving to the US, the country is all set for its presidential election next week. In her "closing argument" from The Ellipse, Kamala Harris slammed Donald Trump and said it's time to end "drama and conflict." She criticised the former president for saying the US has "enemies from within."&nbsp;

In a continuation of remarks by Democrats, Joe Biden called Trump's supporters "floating garbage." The US president is facing extreme criticism from his counterparts regarding his remarks.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:233,&quot;w&quot;:682,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2110}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americas-30-day-deadline-looms-us-presses-israel-to-address-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-or-risk-losing-aid-771846">America's 30-day deadline looms: US presses Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis or risk losing aid</a>

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The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern.&nbsp;As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground."

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:739,&quot;w&quot;:601,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2616}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-to-end-drama-kamala-harris-vows-in-her-closing-argument-771857">Harris vows to 'end drama' in 'closing argument' from Ellipse, site of US capitol riots</a>

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The Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris urged Americans to write the "next chapter" for their country and end the "drama and conflict" in her closing speech in Washington DC on Tuesday (Oct 29).&nbsp;While addressing thousands of people present at The Ellipse, the place where the US Capitol riots of January 6 started, Harris warned the voters against Trump's "lust for unchecked power."

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1228,&quot;w&quot;:533,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3105}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-trump-supporters-floating-garbage-faces-immediate-backlash-771872">Biden calls Trump supporters 'floating garbage,' faces immediate backlash</a>

<img alt="main img" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1260,&quot;w&quot;:640,&quot;h&quot;:353,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3137}" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/30/463286-new-wion-2024-10-30t090929185.png?imwidth=400" />

US President Joe Biden has come under fire for his retaliatory comments to the "floating island of garbage" remark made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally in New York City.&nbsp;During a campaign call, in what can be perceived as disparaging comments towards Trump supporters, Biden responding to the inflammatory remarks by Hinchcliffe said: "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters."

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1716,&quot;w&quot;:482,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3593}" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eus-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-vehicles-ignite-tensions-with-beijing-771866">EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles ignite tensions with Beijing</a>

<img alt="main img" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1749,&quot;w&quot;:640,&quot;h&quot;:353,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3626}" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/28/462974-china-cars.JPG?imwidth=400" />

The European Union's (EU) recent decision to impose tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has provoked a significant backlash from Beijing. This move follows an anti-subsidy investigation that determined Chinese state support unfairly undermines European automakers, as reported by AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Hamas Says, 'Open To Discuss Any Deal For Ceasefire'

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&nbsp;

As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground.

As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground." Moving to the US, the country is all set for its presidential election next week. In her "closing argument" from The Ellipse, Kamala Harris slammed Donald Trump and said it's time to end "drama and conflict." She criticised the former president for saying the US has "enemies from within." In a continuation of remarks by Democrats, Joe Biden called Trump's supporters "floating garbage." The US president is facing extreme criticism from his counterparts regarding his remarks. Click on the headlines to read more: America's 30-day deadline looms: US presses Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis or risk losing aid The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern. As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground." Harris vows to 'end drama' in 'closing argument' from Ellipse, site of US capitol riots The Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris urged Americans to write the "next chapter" for their country and end the "drama and conflict" in her closing speech in Washington DC on Tuesday (Oct 29). While addressing thousands of people present at The Ellipse, the place where the US Capitol riots of January 6 started, Harris warned the voters against Trump's "lust for unchecked power." Biden calls Trump supporters 'floating garbage,' faces immediate backlash US President Joe Biden has come under fire for his retaliatory comments to the "floating island of garbage" remark made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally in New York City. During a campaign call, in what can be perceived as disparaging comments towards Trump supporters, Biden responding to the inflammatory remarks by Hinchcliffe said: "The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters." EU's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles ignite tensions with Beijing The European Union's (EU) recent decision to impose tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has provoked a significant backlash from Beijing. This move follows an anti-subsidy investigation that determined Chinese state support unfairly undermines European automakers, as reported by AFP. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Hamas Says, 'Open To Discuss Any Deal For Ceasefire' ×

Morning brief: US urges Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis; Harris' closing argument speech, and more

Current climate policies will result in global warming of over 3 degrees celsius by the end of the century, according to a united nations report. The annual emissions gap report has found that the world faces as much as 3.1 degrees celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100, if governments do not take greater action on slashing planet-warming emissions.

Climate to Warm by 3.1°c Without Greater Action: UN Report

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Macron further urged Israel to put an end to this unjustified targeting, the readout published by Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, stated.&nbsp;

The French president has been pushing for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to get to a diplomatic settlement, calling it "the only one likely to meet Israel’s security requirements.”

Meanwhile, in the Israeli readout, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying that he would only agree to an arrangement in which all Hezbollah forces are pushed out of a buffer zone on Israel's border.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-mustnt-forget-his-country-created-by-un-decision-says-french-president-macron-767818">Also read:&nbsp;‘Netanyahu must not forget his country was created by UN decision,’ says French president Macron</a>

Macron “also expressed his indignation after several peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli forces in Naqoura and urged Israel to put an end to this unjustifiable targeting.”

Meanwhile, Israel has been calling on the UNIFIL forces to leave combat areas for their own protection.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Netanyahu Tells Macron He Opposes 'Unilateral Ceasefire' In Lebanon

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Macron on Tuesday said that Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations.&nbsp;

Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts.

Moreover, France has repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Israel of "indiscriminate strikes" in Lebanon, and Gaza, and targeting the UN peacekeepers, according to the readout of a Tuesday phone call between Macron and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron further urged Israel to put an end to this unjustified targeting, the readout published by Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president, stated. The French president has been pushing for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to get to a diplomatic settlement, calling it "the only one likely to meet Israel’s security requirements.” Meanwhile, in the Israeli readout, Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying that he would only agree to an arrangement in which all Hezbollah forces are pushed out of a buffer zone on Israel's border. Also read: ‘Netanyahu must not forget his country was created by UN decision,’ says French president Macron Macron “also expressed his indignation after several peacekeepers were wounded by Israeli forces in Naqoura and urged Israel to put an end to this unjustifiable targeting.” Meanwhile, Israel has been calling on the UNIFIL forces to leave combat areas for their own protection. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Netanyahu Tells Macron He Opposes 'Unilateral Ceasefire' In Lebanon × Macron on Tuesday said that Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations. Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts. Moreover, France has repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

French President Macron accuses Israel of ‘unjustifiably targeting’ UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, Gaza attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the United Nations following its criticism of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The UN expressed concerns over the IDF’s recent military actions, accusing them of potential human rights violations. In response, Netanyahu denounced the UN for what he termed biased and unfair treatment of Israel, emphasizing the country's right to defend itself against terrorism and threats to its security. The exchange highlights the growing tensions between Israel and international bodies regarding the ongoing conflict.

Israeli PM Netanyahu Criticizes UN Amid Accusations Against IDF

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country.&nbsp;

Addressing the UN chief in a Hebrew message, Netanyahu said the UNIFIL soldiers were being used as human shields by the Hezbollah militants.&nbsp;

"It is time for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the areas of combat. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has repeatedly asked for this, and has been met with repeated refusals, all aimed at providing a human shield to Hezbollah terrorists,”&nbsp;said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

“Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” he added.&nbsp;

Netanyahu warned that the refusal by the UN to pull out its troops endangered them as well as the Israeli soldiers.&nbsp;

"The simple and obvious way to ensure this is just get them out of the danger zone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-anger-mounts-over-idf-firing-at-un-peacekeepers-766496">Watch |&nbsp;International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Third attack in a row</h2>

In the last few days, the UNIFIL has claimed that the IDF&nbsp;had struck a number of its posts, including the headquarters at&nbsp;Naqoura.&nbsp;

"Last night, a peacekeeper at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. He underwent surgery at our Naqoura hospital to remove the bullet and is currently stable. We do not yet know the origin of the fire," UNIFIL claimed on Saturday (Oct 12)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifth-un-peacekeeper-injured-in-two-days-as-israel-hezbollah-border-conflict-escalates-766918">Also read |&nbsp;Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates</a>

On Friday, the IDF took&nbsp;responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers serving with UNIFIL were wounded. According to the IDF, its troops, operating near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, perceived a threat and opened fire.

The Israeli military has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels.” A day earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt when they fell from an observation post after an Israeli tank fired in their direction.

Meanwhile, Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable".&nbsp;The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident.

Italy has more than 1,000 troops in the 10,000-strong UNIFIL force in south Lebanon that said Israeli tank fire on its headquarters wounded two members.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country. Addressing the UN chief in a Hebrew message, Netanyahu said the UNIFIL soldiers were being used as human shields by the Hezbollah militants. "It is time for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the areas of combat. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has repeatedly asked for this, and has been met with repeated refusals, all aimed at providing a human shield to Hezbollah terrorists,” said Netanyahu. “Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” he added. Netanyahu warned that the refusal by the UN to pull out its troops endangered them as well as the Israeli soldiers. "The simple and obvious way to ensure this is just get them out of the danger zone.” Watch | International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers × Third attack in a row In the last few days, the UNIFIL has claimed that the IDF had struck a number of its posts, including the headquarters at Naqoura. "Last night, a peacekeeper at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. He underwent surgery at our Naqoura hospital to remove the bullet and is currently stable. We do not yet know the origin of the fire," UNIFIL claimed on Saturday (Oct 12) Also read | Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates On Friday, the IDF took responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers serving with UNIFIL were wounded. According to the IDF, its troops, operating near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, perceived a threat and opened fire. The Israeli military has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels.” A day earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt when they fell from an observation post after an Israeli tank fired in their direction. Meanwhile, Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable". The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident. Italy has more than 1,000 troops in the 10,000-strong UNIFIL force in south Lebanon that said Israeli tank fire on its headquarters wounded two members. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw peacekeepers from south Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11)&nbsp;said that a bulldozer of the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position.&nbsp;

“Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF [bulldozer] hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position,” United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, "Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.”

<h2>US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces</h2>

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday urged Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts to shift from military operations to a diplomatic pathway.&nbsp;

“I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said.&nbsp;

However, the incident is not related to the one that happened yesterday, in which the UN peacekeeping forces said two peacekeepers were injured “after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-slams-israel-for-shooting-at-un-lebanon-peacekeepers-intolerable-766423">Also read:&nbsp;Italy slams Israel over ‘shooting’ at UN Lebanon peacekeepers, terms it ‘intolerable’</a>

The IDF said that an investigation into the incident is underway.&nbsp;

These incidents have put the peacekeeping forces “at very serious risk,” the UN body stressed. It further warned that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.”

<h2>UN peacekeeping force's headquarters affected by Israeli explosions&nbsp;</h2>

The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura has been affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours.

The explosions took place close to an observation tower and injured two soldiers, UNIFIL said in a statement.&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday, two Indonesian soldiers were wounded falling from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired towards it.

<h2>UK condemns Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL base&nbsp;</h2>

The British government condemned the alleged firing by Israeli forces on a United Nations peacekeeper base in Lebanon, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel War: US Allies In West Asia Warned By Tehran, 'Close Airspace For Israeli Attack'

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“We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers&nbsp;</h2>

Two Lebanese soldiers were killed and three others have been injured in an Israeli strike on an army post in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese army said.&nbsp;

However, Israel has not commented on this yet.&nbsp;

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned their deaths, saying, “This persistent Israeli crime against Lebanon did not spare today the brave soldiers who are carrying out their national duty in protecting the land and defending the people.”

<h2>At least 22 killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut</h2>

As tensions intensify in West Asia, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut on Thursday&nbsp;evening, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 117 were injured.&nbsp;

The Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Bachoura's two densely packed neighbourhoods, Nweiri and Basta.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11) said that a bulldozer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position.

The United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, on Friday (Oct 11) said that a bulldozer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) knocked over barriers at UN position 1-31 near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, and the IDF tanks moved into the proximity of the UN position. “Today, several T-walls at our UN position 1-31, near the Blue Line in Labbouneh, fell when an IDF [bulldozer] hit the perimeter and IDF tanks moved in the proximity of the UN position,” United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement. It added, "Our peacekeepers remained at the location, and a UNIFIL Quick Reaction Force was dispatched to assist and reinforce the position.” US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday urged Israel to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinate efforts to shift from military operations to a diplomatic pathway. “I urged ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and coordinating efforts to pivot from military operations to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. I made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies. Minister Gallant and I reiterated our commitment to preventing any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region. We also discussed urgent steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” he said. However, the incident is not related to the one that happened yesterday, in which the UN peacekeeping forces said two peacekeepers were injured “after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower.” Also read: Italy slams Israel over ‘shooting’ at UN Lebanon peacekeepers, terms it ‘intolerable’ The IDF said that an investigation into the incident is underway. These incidents have put the peacekeeping forces “at very serious risk,” the UN body stressed. It further warned that “any deliberate attack on peacekeepers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 1701.” UN peacekeeping force's headquarters affected by Israeli explosions The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon said that its headquarters in the town of Naqoura has been affected by explosions for the second time in 48 hours. The explosions took place close to an observation tower and injured two soldiers, UNIFIL said in a statement. Earlier on Thursday, two Indonesian soldiers were wounded falling from an observation tower after an Israeli tank fired towards it. UK condemns Israeli forces firing on UNIFIL base The British government condemned the alleged firing by Israeli forces on a United Nations peacekeeper base in Lebanon, and urged all parties in the conflict to "comply with international law". Watch | Iran-Israel War: US Allies In West Asia Warned By Tehran, 'Close Airspace For Israeli Attack' × “We were appalled to hear those reports and it is vital that peacekeepers and civilians are protected,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokeswoman said. Israeli strike kills two Lebanese soldiers Two Lebanese soldiers were killed and three others have been injured in an Israeli strike on an army post in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese army said. However, Israel has not commented on this yet. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned their deaths, saying, “This persistent Israeli crime against Lebanon did not spare today the brave soldiers who are carrying out their national duty in protecting the land and defending the people.” At least 22 killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut As tensions intensify in West Asia, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on central Beirut on Thursday evening, Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday, adding that 117 were injured. The Israeli strikes hit residential buildings in Bachoura's two densely packed neighbourhoods, Nweiri and Basta. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

US urges Israel to ensure safety of UNIFIL forces as UN accuses IDF of firing on its peacekeepers in Lebanon

Ratan Tata was laid to rest in Mumbai on Thursday (Oct 10) with state honors and thousands turned up to pay tribute. A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where people gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday.&nbsp;

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Thursday (Oct 10) accused Israel of a 'crime against humanity of extermination', adding that "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza." This comes after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 people in a Gaza school.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

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A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on Thursday, where people had gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday at the Breach Candy Hospital. Due to the growing crowd, the Mumbai Police had to conduct a lathi charge to manage the situation.

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An Israeli airstrike killed at least 28 people&nbsp;and injured&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;in a school sheltering displaced families in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday (Oct 10), the Palestinian Red Crescent said.&nbsp;The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry issued a statement, saying, "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza."

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Rapper Dr Dre is in trouble as a former psychiatrist has slapped a $10 million lawsuit against him, accusing him of sending a “barrage of threats” including “homophobic rhetoric."

Ratan Tata was laid to rest in Mumbai on Thursday (Oct 10) with state honors and thousands turned up to pay tribute. A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where people gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday.

Ratan Tata was laid to rest in Mumbai on Thursday (Oct 10) with state honors and thousands turned up to pay tribute. A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where people gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Thursday (Oct 10) accused Israel of a 'crime against humanity of extermination', adding that "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza." This comes after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 people in a Gaza school. Click on the headlines to read more Ratan Tata laid to rest with state honours in Mumbai; thousands turn up to pay tribute A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on Thursday, where people had gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday at the Breach Candy Hospital. Due to the growing crowd, the Mumbai Police had to conduct a lathi charge to manage the situation. UN probe accuses Israel of 'crime against humanity of extermination' after 28 killed in Gaza school An Israeli airstrike killed at least 28 people and injured dozens in a school sheltering displaced families in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday (Oct 10), the Palestinian Red Crescent said. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry issued a statement, saying, "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza." India: 200 kg cocaine worth $238 million seized in Delhi, days after $667 million drug bust Delhi Police on Thursday (Oct 10) seized 200 kilogrammes of cocaine worth Rs 2,000 crore ($238 million), days after a record-breaking $667 million drug bust. Delhi Police’s Special Cell recovered drugs from the Ramesh Nagar area in West Delhi. Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 awarded to South Korean author Han Kang The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 has been awarded to South Korean author Han Kang, “for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life”. Her works include The Vegetarian, The White Book, Human Acts and Greek Lessons. PM Modi addresses ASEAN-India Summit: ‘21st century is the century of India and ASEAN countries’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 10) spoke at the ASEAN-India Summit held in Vientiane, Laos, where he stressed how India's Act East policy has strengthened its longstanding ties with ASEAN nations. He also highlighted the importance of India-ASEAN collaboration, especially amid current global challenges. IS-linked 5 Arab Israelis arrested for plotting car-bombing in Tel Aviv mall Five Arab Israeli citizens linked to the banned terror outfit IS have been arrested for allegedly plotting a car bombing, according to the Israeli police and Shin Bet security service. The five residents hailed from Taybeh in central Israel and had formed a terror cell affiliated with the IS. J&K: Omar Abdullah elected as National Conference legislature party leader In a fresh twist in Jammu and Kashmir politics, four Independent MLAs have extended support to the National Conference for the formation of government. With this development, the National Conference has hit the magic number of 46 on its own. The National Conference can now stake claim for forming government without the support of Congress or any other party. PM Modi holds key talks with counterparts from Japan, New Zealand on sidelines of ASEAN-India summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his first bilateral meeting with Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, on Thursday (10 Oct), on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos. Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma likely to miss Perth Test; Abhimanyu Easwaran in contention India could be handed major concern ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy against Australia, as some reports suggest that captain Rohit Sharma could be out of the Perth Test. According to a media report, Rohit could be out due to a personal reason for the opening Test match in Perth which starts on November 22. India will play Australia in a five-match Test series against the Aussies and have won the last two series Down Under. Dr Dre in trouble: Former psychiatrist hits him with $10 million harassment suit Rapper Dr Dre is in trouble as a former psychiatrist has slapped a $10 million lawsuit against him, accusing him of sending a “barrage of threats” including “homophobic rhetoric."

Top 10 world news: Ratan Tata laid to rest in Mumbai; UN accuses Israel of crime of 'extermination', & more

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 28 people&nbsp;and injured&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;in a school sheltering displaced families in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday (Oct 10), the Palestinian Red Crescent said.&nbsp;

More than 50 other people were injured in the strike at Rufaida al-Aslamia school, which the medical organisation said was close to its headquarters in the town of Deir al-Balah.

The Israeli military said the "precise" strike targeted Hamas fighters operating inside a "command-and-control centre” at the school.

It added that the military had taken steps to lessen harm to civilians and accused Hamas of systematically abusing civilian infrastructure, an allegation the group has previously denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-carries-out-new-strikes-in-gaza-45-killed-in-last-24-hours-765961">Also read:&nbsp;At least 45 killed in last 24 hours as Israel carries out new strikes in Gaza</a>

Meanwhile, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry also mentioned the death toll, saying 28 have been killed and calling it a “new massacre” by the Israeli military.

Since the war began almost a year ago, many schools have been turned into shelters for the 1.9 million Palestinians who have fled their homes.&nbsp;

<h2>UN commission accuses Israel of 'destroying Gaza's healthcare system'</h2>

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry issued a statement, saying, "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza."

The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Strikes Kill 12 Palestinians In Gaza

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The report further highlighted the abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israel and of hostages in Gaza, accusing both Israel and Palestinian armed groups of "torture" and sexual and gender-based violence.

However, Israel has accused the commission of &nbsp;"systematic anti-Israeli discrimination" and has rejected the findings of its June report, which also accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity, including "extermination" in Gaza.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 28 people and injured dozens in a school sheltering displaced families in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday (Oct 10), the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

An Israeli airstrike killed at least 28 people and injured dozens in a school sheltering displaced families in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday (Oct 10), the Palestinian Red Crescent said. More than 50 other people were injured in the strike at Rufaida al-Aslamia school, which the medical organisation said was close to its headquarters in the town of Deir al-Balah. The Israeli military said the "precise" strike targeted Hamas fighters operating inside a "command-and-control centre” at the school. It added that the military had taken steps to lessen harm to civilians and accused Hamas of systematically abusing civilian infrastructure, an allegation the group has previously denied. Also read: At least 45 killed in last 24 hours as Israel carries out new strikes in Gaza Meanwhile, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry also mentioned the death toll, saying 28 have been killed and calling it a “new massacre” by the Israeli military. Since the war began almost a year ago, many schools have been turned into shelters for the 1.9 million Palestinians who have fled their homes. UN commission accuses Israel of 'destroying Gaza's healthcare system' The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry issued a statement, saying, "Israel has perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system as part of a broader assault on Gaza." The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Strikes Kill 12 Palestinians In Gaza × The report further highlighted the abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israel and of hostages in Gaza, accusing both Israel and Palestinian armed groups of "torture" and sexual and gender-based violence. However, Israel has accused the commission of "systematic anti-Israeli discrimination" and has rejected the findings of its June report, which also accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity, including "extermination" in Gaza. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

UN probe accuses Israel of 'crime against humanity of extermination' after 28 killed in Gaza school

Saudi Arabia was thwarted Wednesday in its bid to join the UN's human rights council, which is charged with protecting freedoms globally, after coming sixth in a vote of UN members for one of five regional seats.

Ethiopia and Qatar were among the 18 countries elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for three-year terms, despite campaign groups previously alleging rights violations in both countries.

"This vote to deny Saudi Arabia a seat on the UN Human Rights Council matters. For far too long, (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman's regime has acted as if it has complete impunity to commit grave human rights abuses, safe in the knowledge that its international partners would look the other way," said campaign group Reprieve.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-defence-minister-vows-retaliatory-strike-against-iran-will-be-lethal-precise-and-surprising-watch-766151">Israeli defence minister vows retaliatory strike against Iran will be 'lethal, precise and surprising'. Watch!</a>

International Service for Human Rights program director Tess McEvoy said that "when given a real choice, states voted down the less deserving candidate, refusing to hand powerful actors who violate basic rights an enhanced ability to bend key human rights processes in their favour."

The five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific region went to Cyprus, the Marshall Islands, Qatar, Korea and Thailand.

There were only five candidates for the five vacant seats for the African region, meaning that Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia and Kenya will all take up positions on the council next year.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Saudi Arabia was thwarted Wednesday in its bid to join the UN's human rights council, which is charged with protecting freedoms globally, after coming sixth in a vote of UN members for one of five regional seats.

Saudi Arabia was thwarted Wednesday in its bid to join the UN's human rights council, which is charged with protecting freedoms globally, after coming sixth in a vote of UN members for one of five regional seats. Ethiopia and Qatar were among the 18 countries elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for three-year terms, despite campaign groups previously alleging rights violations in both countries. "This vote to deny Saudi Arabia a seat on the UN Human Rights Council matters. For far too long, (Crown Prince) Mohammed bin Salman's regime has acted as if it has complete impunity to commit grave human rights abuses, safe in the knowledge that its international partners would look the other way," said campaign group Reprieve. Also read: Israeli defence minister vows retaliatory strike against Iran will be 'lethal, precise and surprising'. Watch! International Service for Human Rights program director Tess McEvoy said that "when given a real choice, states voted down the less deserving candidate, refusing to hand powerful actors who violate basic rights an enhanced ability to bend key human rights processes in their favour." The five vacant seats in the Asia-Pacific region went to Cyprus, the Marshall Islands, Qatar, Korea and Thailand. There were only five candidates for the five vacant seats for the African region, meaning that Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia and Kenya will all take up positions on the council next year. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Saudi Arabia fails in its bid to join UN human rights council

Saudi Arabia was thwarted Wednesday in its bid to join the UN's human rights council, which is charged with protecting freedoms globally, after coming sixth in a vote of UN members for one of five regional seats. Watch in for more details!

Saudi Arabia Narrowly Fails To Win A Seat On UN Human Rights Council

The United Nations has reported that Telegram is being used as a platform for facilitating crime in Southeast Asia, where criminal networks are thriving. The messaging app's encryption and anonymity features have made it a popular tool for various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. The UN emphasizes the need for enhanced monitoring and regulation to combat these growing threats and protect vulnerable populations in the region.

UN: Telegram Fueling Crime In Southeast Asia As Criminal Networks Flourish

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has slammed the United Nations (UN) for being a bystander when it comes to international affairs while stating that the international organisation was behaving like an "old company, not entirely keeping up with the market but still occupying the space".

Jaishankar was speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi where he made the scathing remarks.&nbsp;

"At the end of the day, however sub-optimal it is in functioning, it is still the only multilateral game in town but when it doesn't step up on key issues, countries figure out their own ways of doing it," Jaishankar said

"Let's take the last 5-10 years, probably the biggest thing which happened in our lives was COVID. Think about what did the UN do on COVID. I think the answer is not very much," he added.&nbsp;

Referring to the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East and the UN's inability to stop them, Jaishankar stated, "Where is the UN on them, essentially a bystander?"

"Increasingly there is a non-UN space," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-eam-s-jaishankar-says-era-of-uninterrupted-dialogue-with-pakistan-is-over-754666" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Indian EAM S Jaishankar says 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over</a>

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<h2>India seeks&nbsp;permanent membership&nbsp;</h2>

India has been seeking permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for several years now, but to no avail.

Despite the US, UK, France and Bhutan among other countries voicing support for India's bid to become a permanent member last week during the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, not much has been done to address the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dinner-with-kim-jong-un-or-george-soros-indian-eam-jaishankars-witty-reply-wins-internet-764963">Also read | Dinner with Kim Jong Un or George Soros? Indian EAM Jaishankar's witty reply wins internet</a>

India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, with the most recent being the 2021-22 term. In May earlier this year, Jaishankar said New Delhi was exerting pressure to get a permanent seat in the UNSC

“Regarding UNSC's permanent membership, our aim is to get it as soon as possible. But, this target won’t be achieved that soon. Because the permanent members still enjoy a lot of clout. Whether it’s the Ukraine or Gaza, they have dealings amongst themselves on issues that affect the whole world. So, they won’t want it (number of permanent members) to become six, seven or eight," said Jaishankar at the time.&nbsp;

"So, if we have to come, we will have to make everyone aware, putting pressure and persuading them, only then will we achieve our target,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has slammed the United Nations (UN) for being a bystander when it comes to international affairs while stating that the international organisation was behaving like an "old company, not entirely keeping up with the market but still occupying the space".

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has slammed the United Nations (UN) for being a bystander when it comes to international affairs while stating that the international organisation was behaving like an "old company, not entirely keeping up with the market but still occupying the space". Jaishankar was speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi where he made the scathing remarks. "At the end of the day, however sub-optimal it is in functioning, it is still the only multilateral game in town but when it doesn't step up on key issues, countries figure out their own ways of doing it," Jaishankar said "Let's take the last 5-10 years, probably the biggest thing which happened in our lives was COVID. Think about what did the UN do on COVID. I think the answer is not very much," he added. Referring to the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East and the UN's inability to stop them, Jaishankar stated, "Where is the UN on them, essentially a bystander?" "Increasingly there is a non-UN space," he added. Watch | Indian EAM S Jaishankar says 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over India seeks permanent membership India has been seeking permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for several years now, but to no avail. Despite the US, UK, France and Bhutan among other countries voicing support for India's bid to become a permanent member last week during the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, not much has been done to address the issue. Also read | Dinner with Kim Jong Un or George Soros? Indian EAM Jaishankar's witty reply wins internet India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, with the most recent being the 2021-22 term. In May earlier this year, Jaishankar said New Delhi was exerting pressure to get a permanent seat in the UNSC “Regarding UNSC's permanent membership, our aim is to get it as soon as possible. But, this target won’t be achieved that soon. Because the permanent members still enjoy a lot of clout. Whether it’s the Ukraine or Gaza, they have dealings amongst themselves on issues that affect the whole world. So, they won’t want it (number of permanent members) to become six, seven or eight," said Jaishankar at the time. "So, if we have to come, we will have to make everyone aware, putting pressure and persuading them, only then will we achieve our target,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

S Jaishankar tears into 'sub-optimal' UN, calls it a 'bystander' for not stepping up on key issues

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations urges world leaders to back his proposed “Pact for the Future,” which aims to establish a new system of global governance capable of addressing future crises.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Says 'UNSC Should Be Made Reflective of Today's World'

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a “Pact for the Future” to bring the world’s increasingly divided nations together to tackle 21st-century challenges. The pact was adopted at the opening of the two-day “Summit of the Future” called by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

United Nations Endorses a 'Pact of the Future'

Global leaders are calling for urgent access to climate finance as they grapple with the escalating impacts of climate change. UN Chief António Guterres has issued a stark warning, stating that the "world is heading off the rails" if immediate action isn't taken.

Nations Call For Climate Finance: 'World Is Heading Off The Rails,' UN Chief | WION Climate Tracker

Thousands of civilians in Myanmar have been “killed at the hands of the military,” the United Nations said on Tuesday, including hundreds who have died from torture and neglect in the junta’s prisons.

UN documents 5350 'extra-judicial' killings by Myanmar Junta

The World Health Organization has issued a critical warning on the deadly intersection of climate change and snake bites. Each year, up to 2.7 million people are bitten by venomous snakes. The result? Up to 1,38,000 deaths annually.

Climate Change A Culprit In Rising Snakebites, U.N. Warns Against It

The polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan have suffered a big setback. The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (Sept 16) that the Taliban suspended polio vaccination campaigns in the country.

The polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan have suffered a big setback. The United Nations (UN) said on Monday (Sept 16) that the Taliban suspended polio vaccination campaigns in the country. Polio is one of the world's most infectious viruses and any unvaccinated group of children where the virus is spreading could undo years of progress. Afghanistan is one of two countries in which the spread of polio has never stopped. The other country is Pakistan. A report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday said that it was likely that the Taliban's decision (to suspend polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan) would have major repercussions for other countries in the region and beyond. No reason given for suspending vaccination campaigns The Taliban gave no reason for suspending vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, the Associated Press report said. The news of the suspension was relayed to UN agencies right before the September immunisation campaign was due to start. Also read | Taliban reject UN's criticism of vice and virtue laws, urge 'acknowledgement of Islamic values' The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 18 polio cases in Afghanistan this year, all but two in the south of the country. That’s up from six cases in 2023. A shift in location of administering vaccines Speaking to the news agency, a top WHO official said that the agency was aware of discussions to move away house-to-house vaccinations and instead have immunisations in places like mosques. “The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is aware of the recent policy discussions on shifting from house-to-house polio vaccination campaigns to site-to-site vaccination in parts of Afghanistan,” Dr Hamid Jafari from the WHO said. “Partners are in the process of discussing and understanding the scope and impact of any change in current policy,” Dr Jafari added. House-to-house vaccination strategy used for first time in 5 years During a campaign in June, Afghanistan used a house-to-house vaccination strategy for the first time in five years, a tactic that helped to reach the majority of children targeted, the WHO said. However, in the southern Kandahar province, the base of Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada used site-to-site or mosque-to-mosque vaccination campaigns, which are less effective than going to people’s homes. Kandahar continues to have a large pool of susceptible children because it is not carrying out house-to-house vaccinations, the WHO said. In August, the agency warned that any setback in Afghanistan posed a risk to the programme in Pakistan due to high population movement. (With inputs from agencies)

Big setback for polio eradication in Afghanistan: Taliban suspend virus vaccination campaigns, says UN

The Palestinian economy is experiencing a severe downturn, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. Production in Gaza has plummeted to one-sixth of its previous level following Israel's military response to the October 7 attacks.

Israel-Hamas War: 'Palestinian economy in free-fall', UN urges action

According to UK advocacy group global witness, Colombia who is the host nation for this year's united nations COP16 biodiversity conference, was the deadliest country for environmentalists and land rights defenders in 2023.

Colombia: Deadliest nation for environmentalists

Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs Lin Chia-lung has called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations (UN) system to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific, according to an op-ed published in South Korea's Chosun Ilbo.&nbsp;

In the op-ed, Taiwan's minister Lin underscored China's intentional distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by linking it with its "One China" principle.&nbsp;

China has been suppressing Taiwan's right to participate in the UN and its affiliated organizations, he added.&nbsp;

“The UN should reclaim the proper interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 to maintain international peace and security as stipulated in the UN Charter and find ways to combat China’s aggressive ambitions," Lin said.&nbsp;

Know more about Resolution 2758

Earlier in 1971, Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th UN General Assembly, to address the issue of China's representation at the international body. However, it led to Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), losing its seat at the UN to China.&nbsp;

Since then, Taiwan has been excluded from participating in the international organization and its affiliates.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-scrambles-jets-naval-ships-after-detecting-massive-chinese-military-activity-755795">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan scrambles jets, naval ships after detecting massive Chinese military activity</a>

The foreign minister called out the international community for emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at multilateral forums.&nbsp;

However, they have not taken concrete measures to respond to China's aggression or include Taiwan in the United Nations.&nbsp;

79th UNGA to be held from Sept 10

The 79th UN General Assembly is scheduled to be held from September 10 to 30. Taiwan will appeal to its diplomatic allies to urge UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to correct the organisation's wrong interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 in a joint letter.&nbsp;

Further, Lin noted that Taiwan produces over 90 per cent of the world's advanced semiconductors and plays a major role in the supply chain for global manufacturing.&nbsp;

He continued that the Taiwan Strait has become a major international waterway, through which half of the world's maritime trade passes. However, China continues to threaten Taiwan, he added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Pacific Island forum split between support to China and Taiwan

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Calling Taiwan a responsible and trustworthy partner, Lin said, "Accepting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system would be the UN’s best option to mitigate potential regional crises, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and promote global prosperity."&nbsp;

He further pledged that the island nation will continue to cooperate with like-minded nations to maintain the resilient global supply in the semiconductor industry, adding, that Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system is vital “for a safer and better world."

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs Lin Chia-lung has called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations (UN) system to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific, according to an op-ed published in South Korea's Chosun Ilbo.

Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs Lin Chia-lung has called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations (UN) system to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific, according to an op-ed published in South Korea's Chosun Ilbo. In the op-ed, Taiwan's minister Lin underscored China's intentional distortion of UN Resolution 2758 by linking it with its "One China" principle. China has been suppressing Taiwan's right to participate in the UN and its affiliated organizations, he added. “The UN should reclaim the proper interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 to maintain international peace and security as stipulated in the UN Charter and find ways to combat China’s aggressive ambitions," Lin said. Know more about Resolution 2758 Earlier in 1971, Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th UN General Assembly, to address the issue of China's representation at the international body. However, it led to Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), losing its seat at the UN to China. Since then, Taiwan has been excluded from participating in the international organization and its affiliates. Also read: Taiwan scrambles jets, naval ships after detecting massive Chinese military activity The foreign minister called out the international community for emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at multilateral forums. However, they have not taken concrete measures to respond to China's aggression or include Taiwan in the United Nations. 79th UNGA to be held from Sept 10 The 79th UN General Assembly is scheduled to be held from September 10 to 30. Taiwan will appeal to its diplomatic allies to urge UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to correct the organisation's wrong interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 in a joint letter. Further, Lin noted that Taiwan produces over 90 per cent of the world's advanced semiconductors and plays a major role in the supply chain for global manufacturing. He continued that the Taiwan Strait has become a major international waterway, through which half of the world's maritime trade passes. However, China continues to threaten Taiwan, he added. Watch | Pacific Island forum split between support to China and Taiwan × Calling Taiwan a responsible and trustworthy partner, Lin said, "Accepting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system would be the UN’s best option to mitigate potential regional crises, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and promote global prosperity." He further pledged that the island nation will continue to cooperate with like-minded nations to maintain the resilient global supply in the semiconductor industry, adding, that Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system is vital “for a safer and better world." (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign minister calls on UN to include Taiwan in global body to ensure peace in Indo-Pacific

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio&nbsp;Guterres&nbsp;voiced a global climate "SOS" at a Pacific islands summit on Tuesday (Aug 27), unveiling research that shows the region's seas rising much more swiftly than global averages.&nbsp;

"I am in Tonga to issue a global SOS, Save Our Seas, on rising sea levels. A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril" he said.

Sparsely populated and with few heavy industries, the Pacific islands collectively pump out less than 0.02 per cent of global emissions every year.&nbsp;

But this vast arc of volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls also inhabits a tropical corridor that is rapidly threatened by encroaching oceans.&nbsp;

The World Meteorological Organisation has been monitoring tide gauges installed on the Pacific's famed beaches since the early 1990s.&nbsp;

A new report released by the top UN climate monitoring body showed seas had risen by around 15 centimetres in some parts of the Pacific in the last 30 years.&nbsp;

The global average was 9.4 centimetres, according to the report.&nbsp;

"It is increasingly evident that we are fast running out of time to turn the tide," said the forecasting agency's top official Celeste Saulo.

Watch:&nbsp;World sees first 12 months above 1.5°c warming level

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Some sites, particularly in Kiribati and Cook Islands, measured a rise that matched or was just under the global average.&nbsp;

But other sites, such as the capital cities of Samoa and Fiji, were rising almost three times higher.&nbsp;

In the low-lying Pacific nation Tuvalu, land is already so scarce that throngs of children use the tarmac at the international airport as their own makeshift playground.&nbsp;

Scientists have warned that, even under some moderate scenarios, Tuvalu could be almost entirely wiped off the map within the next 30 years.&nbsp;

"It's disaster after disaster, and we are losing the capacity to rebuild, to withstand another cyclone or another flood," Tuvalu Climate Minister Maina Talia told AFP on the summit's sidelines.&nbsp;

"For low-lying island states, it's a matter of survival for us."&nbsp;

The plight of Pacific islands has been easily overlooked in the past, given their relative isolation and lack of economic might.&nbsp;

But the region is increasingly seen by scientists as a climate canary in the coal mine, hinting at the troubles possibly facing other parts of the planet.&nbsp;

"This new report confirms what Pacific leaders have been saying for years," Australian climate researcher Wes Morgan told AFP.&nbsp;

"Climate change is their top security threat. Pacific nations are in a fight for survival, and cutting climate pollution is key to their future."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-tectonic-plate-tearing-apart-under-pacific-ocean-from-japan-to-new-zealand-688973">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand</a>

Surrounded by millions of square miles of tropical ocean, the South Pacific is uniquely threatened by sea-level rise.&nbsp;

The vast majority of people live within five kilometres of the coast, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

Rising seas are swallowing up scarce land and tainting vital food and water sources.

Warmer waters are also fuelling more intense natural disasters, while ocean acidification slowly kills the reefs that nourish key marine food chains.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced a global climate "SOS" at a Pacific islands summit on Tuesday (Aug 27), unveiling research that shows the region's seas rising much more swiftly than global averages.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced a global climate "SOS" at a Pacific islands summit on Tuesday (Aug 27), unveiling research that shows the region's seas rising much more swiftly than global averages. "I am in Tonga to issue a global SOS, Save Our Seas, on rising sea levels. A worldwide catastrophe is putting this Pacific paradise in peril" he said. Sparsely populated and with few heavy industries, the Pacific islands collectively pump out less than 0.02 per cent of global emissions every year. But this vast arc of volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls also inhabits a tropical corridor that is rapidly threatened by encroaching oceans. The World Meteorological Organisation has been monitoring tide gauges installed on the Pacific's famed beaches since the early 1990s. A new report released by the top UN climate monitoring body showed seas had risen by around 15 centimetres in some parts of the Pacific in the last 30 years. The global average was 9.4 centimetres, according to the report. "It is increasingly evident that we are fast running out of time to turn the tide," said the forecasting agency's top official Celeste Saulo. Watch: World sees first 12 months above 1.5°c warming level Some sites, particularly in Kiribati and Cook Islands, measured a rise that matched or was just under the global average. But other sites, such as the capital cities of Samoa and Fiji, were rising almost three times higher. In the low-lying Pacific nation Tuvalu, land is already so scarce that throngs of children use the tarmac at the international airport as their own makeshift playground. Scientists have warned that, even under some moderate scenarios, Tuvalu could be almost entirely wiped off the map within the next 30 years. "It's disaster after disaster, and we are losing the capacity to rebuild, to withstand another cyclone or another flood," Tuvalu Climate Minister Maina Talia told AFP on the summit's sidelines. "For low-lying island states, it's a matter of survival for us." The plight of Pacific islands has been easily overlooked in the past, given their relative isolation and lack of economic might. But the region is increasingly seen by scientists as a climate canary in the coal mine, hinting at the troubles possibly facing other parts of the planet. "This new report confirms what Pacific leaders have been saying for years," Australian climate researcher Wes Morgan told AFP. "Climate change is their top security threat. Pacific nations are in a fight for survival, and cutting climate pollution is key to their future." Also read | Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand Surrounded by millions of square miles of tropical ocean, the South Pacific is uniquely threatened by sea-level rise. The vast majority of people live within five kilometres of the coast, according to the United Nations. Rising seas are swallowing up scarce land and tainting vital food and water sources. Warmer waters are also fuelling more intense natural disasters, while ocean acidification slowly kills the reefs that nourish key marine food chains. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Save Our Seas': UN issues SOS over fast-rising Pacific Ocean

United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.

United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official. The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years. "We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza." The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago. "Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind. The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended. "We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel." Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges. "We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life." Watch | Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack × Food aid halved The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. "The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday. The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid "total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...' The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads. Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday. "Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN halts aid operations in Gaza Strip after Israeli evacuation orders

A team of UN experts will visit Bangladesh next week to investigate the killings of the protesters ahead of and after&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the prime minister last week, it was announced on Thursday.

This will be the first time the UN is sending a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971 to investigate widespread human rights abuses in the country, according to a UN official, said a post on X by Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh.

Muhammad Yunus took oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, days after Sheikh Hasina's government collapsed and she fled to India on August 5 amid violent protests over quota reforms for government jobs.

"The United Nations is sending a UN fact-finding team next week to probe atrocities committed during the Student Revolution in July and early this month. UN human rights chief Volker Turk announced the move when he called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus late Wednesday," the Chief Adviser of Government of Bangladesh said in a post on X, the handle for which is run by Muhammad Yunus' office.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQgMr5pPeHAxVBRmcHHTYDLvAQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-claims-of-involvement-in-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasinas-resignation-749962" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-claims-of-involvement-in-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasinas-resignation-749962&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQgMr5pPeHAxVBRmcHHTYDLvAQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">US rejects claims of involvement in Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation</a>

Bangladesh descended into chaos last week after Sheikh Hasina's departure while the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum on August 5. Before that, the anti-government protests had killed more than 500 people since mid-July.

Meanwhile, Volker Turk assured his support and said an inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure the transition succeeds.

Volker Turk in a post late on Wednesday night said, "Promising phone call with @ChiefAdviserGoB Muhammad Yunus. I assured him of @UNHumanRights Office's solidarity with the people of #Bangladesh &amp; our support to the interim govt at this pivotal time. An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds."

Earlier on Wednesday, after his phone call with Turk, Yunus had posted: "The UN human rights chief, @volker_turk has made a phone call to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday." "A team of UN experts would soon visit the country to investigate [the killings]," Volker Turk told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today during a phone conversation.

Muhammad Yunus said in a connecting post on X: The UN rights chief said a UN-led investigation will be launched very soon to probe the killing of the protesters during the Student Revolution.

Human rights will be the cornerstone of his administration and the protection of every citizen is the top most priority of the government, Muhammad Yunus, who has sought UN cooperation to uphold human rights, said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiQgMr5pPeHAxVBRmcHHTYDLvAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2024-live-pm-modi-hoists-the-tiranga-at-red-fort-750244" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2024-live-pm-modi-hoists-the-tiranga-at-red-fort-750244&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQgMr5pPeHAxVBRmcHHTYDLvAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Independence Day 2024: PM Modi expresses concern over Bangladesh unrest, urges safety for Hindus, minorities</a>

"The Chief Adviser thanked him and his long-time friend Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, for supporting the Bangladesh students' revolution and championing their rights during unprecedented and devastating killings of student protestors," Muhammad Yunus said in a series of posts.

Meanwhile, a complaint was filed on Wednesday with the investigation agency of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and eight others, accusing them of committing genocide and crimes against humanity during the mass movement of the students against her government.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A team of UN experts will visit Bangladesh next week to investigate the killings of the protesters ahead of and after Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the prime minister last week, it was announced on Thursday.

A team of UN experts will visit Bangladesh next week to investigate the killings of the protesters ahead of and after Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the prime minister last week, it was announced on Thursday. This will be the first time the UN is sending a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971 to investigate widespread human rights abuses in the country, according to a UN official, said a post on X by Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus took oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, days after Sheikh Hasina's government collapsed and she fled to India on August 5 amid violent protests over quota reforms for government jobs. "The United Nations is sending a UN fact-finding team next week to probe atrocities committed during the Student Revolution in July and early this month. UN human rights chief Volker Turk announced the move when he called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus late Wednesday," the Chief Adviser of Government of Bangladesh said in a post on X, the handle for which is run by Muhammad Yunus' office. Also read: US rejects claims of involvement in Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation Bangladesh descended into chaos last week after Sheikh Hasina's departure while the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum on August 5. Before that, the anti-government protests had killed more than 500 people since mid-July. Meanwhile, Volker Turk assured his support and said an inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure the transition succeeds. Volker Turk in a post late on Wednesday night said, "Promising phone call with @ChiefAdviserGoB Muhammad Yunus. I assured him of @UNHumanRights Office's solidarity with the people of #Bangladesh & our support to the interim govt at this pivotal time. An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds." Earlier on Wednesday, after his phone call with Turk, Yunus had posted: "The UN human rights chief, @volker_turk has made a phone call to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday." "A team of UN experts would soon visit the country to investigate [the killings]," Volker Turk told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today during a phone conversation. Muhammad Yunus said in a connecting post on X: The UN rights chief said a UN-led investigation will be launched very soon to probe the killing of the protesters during the Student Revolution. Human rights will be the cornerstone of his administration and the protection of every citizen is the top most priority of the government, Muhammad Yunus, who has sought UN cooperation to uphold human rights, said. Also read: Independence Day 2024: PM Modi expresses concern over Bangladesh unrest, urges safety for Hindus, minorities "The Chief Adviser thanked him and his long-time friend Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, for supporting the Bangladesh students' revolution and championing their rights during unprecedented and devastating killings of student protestors," Muhammad Yunus said in a series of posts. Meanwhile, a complaint was filed on Wednesday with the investigation agency of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and eight others, accusing them of committing genocide and crimes against humanity during the mass movement of the students against her government. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN to send fact-finding team to probe killings amid protests in crisis-hit Bangladesh, first since 1971

A United Nations report has criticised Canada for not adequately protecting the rights of migrant workers, highlighting that its "Temporary Foreign Worker Program" is a "breeding ground" for contemporary forms of slavery. The report states that the program "institutionalised power imbalances that benefit employers and hinder workers from asserting their rights."

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. The TFWP is just one of several immigration programs available to foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada. In 2018, there were 84,004 permit holders under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program while by 2022, this figure had risen to 135,818.

The report is by Prof. Tomoya Obokata, who is the UN's Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery. The critical report said that "Canada risks failing to live up to its reputation as a global champion of human rights if it does not act more decisively to reform laws and policies that enable the exploitation of vulnerable workers" and "fail to provide adequate remedy and rehabilitation to victims of exploitation and abuse."

The report urged Canadian authorities to tackle the root causes of contemporary forms of slavery, including poverty, inequality and discrimination, amplified by the legacy of "colonialism and racism, and the housing crisis, in particular the critical shortage of social and transitional housing."

The UN Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata visited Canada from 23rd August to 6th September 2023, and the report has been made public recently. The rapporteur has visited Ottawa, Moncton, Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver and the purpose of his visit was to assess the efforts of the Canadian government to prevent and address contemporary forms of slavery.

The report said that during his visit the Special Rapporteur observed that "Canada must do more to address the systematic, intersecting forms of discrimination" that Indigenous Peoples, women and gender-diverse individuals, migrants, and persons with disabilities continue to face.

The report recommended the Canadian government&nbsp;must address the situation of migrant workers by ensuring all migrant workers have a clear pathway to permanent residency and addressing barriers to healthcare for migrant workers, including lack of transport and medical interpretation. It also recommends the creation&nbsp;of a single point of contact for migrant workers to report all types of abuse, including labour, housing and healthcare issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United Nations report has criticised Canada for not adequately protecting the rights of migrant workers, highlighting that its "Temporary Foreign Worker Program" is a "breeding ground" for contemporary forms of slavery.

A United Nations report has criticised Canada for not adequately protecting the rights of migrant workers, highlighting that its "Temporary Foreign Worker Program" is a "breeding ground" for contemporary forms of slavery. The report states that the program "institutionalised power imbalances that benefit employers and hinder workers from asserting their rights." The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. The TFWP is just one of several immigration programs available to foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada. In 2018, there were 84,004 permit holders under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program while by 2022, this figure had risen to 135,818. The report is by Prof. Tomoya Obokata, who is the UN's Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery. The critical report said that "Canada risks failing to live up to its reputation as a global champion of human rights if it does not act more decisively to reform laws and policies that enable the exploitation of vulnerable workers" and "fail to provide adequate remedy and rehabilitation to victims of exploitation and abuse." The report urged Canadian authorities to tackle the root causes of contemporary forms of slavery, including poverty, inequality and discrimination, amplified by the legacy of "colonialism and racism, and the housing crisis, in particular the critical shortage of social and transitional housing." The UN Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata visited Canada from 23rd August to 6th September 2023, and the report has been made public recently. The rapporteur has visited Ottawa, Moncton, Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver and the purpose of his visit was to assess the efforts of the Canadian government to prevent and address contemporary forms of slavery. The report said that during his visit the Special Rapporteur observed that "Canada must do more to address the systematic, intersecting forms of discrimination" that Indigenous Peoples, women and gender-diverse individuals, migrants, and persons with disabilities continue to face. The report recommended the Canadian government must address the situation of migrant workers by ensuring all migrant workers have a clear pathway to permanent residency and addressing barriers to healthcare for migrant workers, including lack of transport and medical interpretation. It also recommends the creation of a single point of contact for migrant workers to report all types of abuse, including labour, housing and healthcare issues. (With inputs from agencies)

UN report slams Canada’s human rights record, says Ottawa fails to protect vulnerable workers

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is mulling approaching the United Nations (UN) about holding onto the 2024 T20 World Cup hosting rights following the unrest in the country. Asif Mahmud - the youth and sports adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, said the board will speak with the UN about the participating countries that have restricted their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh.

On Saturday (Aug&nbsp;10), the ICC informed the participating cricket boards about monitoring the situation in the country, including considering moving the tournament elsewhere.&nbsp;

As things stand, the governments of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (England and Scotland) and India have discouraged their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-rohit-might-play-in-duleep-trophy-as-india-gear-up-for-bangladesh-tests-bcci-to-include-iyer-ishan-749313">Virat, Rohit might play in Duleep Trophy as India gear up for Bangladesh Tests; BCCI to include Iyer, Ishan</a>

"There are travel restrictions for some countries, and so we will speak with the United Nations," Mahmud said. "There are some issues regarding security and infrastructure, and we will talk in this regard with Professor Yunus [chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government]. He is a sports lover, and hope that he can resolve the matter."

Meanwhile, the uncertainty hovering over hosting the T20 World Cup began when the country’s cricket board was going through a crisis. BCB’s president, Nazmul Hassan, and the former sports minister have gone missing since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, while several directors, who have direct or indirect political connections, are also out of reach.

<h2>Interim body to run BCB?</h2>

Meanwhile, given the situation, Mahmud said he had asked the BCB directors to act quickly and resolve this issue within the ICC’s legal framework.&nbsp;

"The BCB president is missing. Of course, for a federation to function, all of its organs need to work. The president holds an important responsibility, and he is absent. The BCB is an autonomous federation, and we cannot give them any decision.

"We have suggested to the BCB directors to look at how to resolve the issue within the ICC's legal framework. They will report to us later on whether to appoint someone for an interim period. We will continue the process in this regard.

"We want to make the required changes, but at the same time, we need to follow a process. We don't want to change the person; rather, we want to change the system so that whoever comes in by following that system, corruption cannot come in, and we want to take steps so that we can make a permanent solution,” Mahmud added.

The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is mulling approaching the United Nations (UN) about holding onto the 2024 T20 World Cup hosting rights following the unrest in the country.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is mulling approaching the United Nations (UN) about holding onto the 2024 T20 World Cup hosting rights following the unrest in the country. Asif Mahmud - the youth and sports adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, said the board will speak with the UN about the participating countries that have restricted their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh. On Saturday (Aug 10), the ICC informed the participating cricket boards about monitoring the situation in the country, including considering moving the tournament elsewhere. As things stand, the governments of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (England and Scotland) and India have discouraged their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh. ALSO READ: Virat, Rohit might play in Duleep Trophy as India gear up for Bangladesh Tests; BCCI to include Iyer, Ishan "There are travel restrictions for some countries, and so we will speak with the United Nations," Mahmud said. "There are some issues regarding security and infrastructure, and we will talk in this regard with Professor Yunus [chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government]. He is a sports lover, and hope that he can resolve the matter." Meanwhile, the uncertainty hovering over hosting the T20 World Cup began when the country’s cricket board was going through a crisis. BCB’s president, Nazmul Hassan, and the former sports minister have gone missing since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, while several directors, who have direct or indirect political connections, are also out of reach. Interim body to run BCB? Meanwhile, given the situation, Mahmud said he had asked the BCB directors to act quickly and resolve this issue within the ICC’s legal framework. "The BCB president is missing. Of course, for a federation to function, all of its organs need to work. The president holds an important responsibility, and he is absent. The BCB is an autonomous federation, and we cannot give them any decision. "We have suggested to the BCB directors to look at how to resolve the issue within the ICC's legal framework. They will report to us later on whether to appoint someone for an interim period. We will continue the process in this regard. "We want to make the required changes, but at the same time, we need to follow a process. We don't want to change the person; rather, we want to change the system so that whoever comes in by following that system, corruption cannot come in, and we want to take steps so that we can make a permanent solution,” Mahmud added. The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Cricket Board seeks UN support about keeping Women’s T20 World Cup hosting rights

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