Israel
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not run in Germany's 2027 presidential election, focusing instead on her current duties. In an interview, she also discussed the situation in Gaza and Israel's actions.
Great Britain, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized the state of Palestine. The prime ministers of these countries made relevant statements, emphasizing the desire for peace and conflict resolution through the creation of two states.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce the official recognition of Palestine as a state on Sunday. This comes after Israel rejected his statement, and Benjamin Netanyahu accused Starmer of justifying Hamas terrorism.
French President Emmanuel Macron instructed the Minister of Justice to improve the response to antisemitism and its new forms. This happened on the eve of Paris's announced recognition of Palestine.
The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against Harvard University, imposing new restrictions on federal student aid funds. The U.S. Department of Education has placed Harvard under enhanced monitoring for funds and is demanding the opening of a $36 million letter of credit.
As of the morning of September 20, over 23,000 pilgrims, including 3,500 children, have arrived in Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The interdepartmental headquarters operates around the clock, and the inspected shelters can accommodate only 13,500 people.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has asked Congress to approve the sale of nearly $6 billion worth of weapons to Israel. The proposal includes 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters and 3,250 infantry fighting vehicles.
The band Massive Attack removed their tracks from Spotify, protesting Daniel Ek's investment in Helsing, a company developing military AI technologies. This happened simultaneously with joining the 'No Music for Genocide' campaign.
Israeli police officers arrived in Uman to assist their Ukrainian counterparts in maintaining law and order during the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Ten Israeli law enforcement officers will patrol alongside Ukrainian police in the area of the Hasidic pilgrimage.
The United States of America vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The US explained its position by stating that the resolution did not condemn Hamas harshly enough.
The Supreme Court finally denied Ihor Kolomoisky the return of Ukrainian citizenship. He was deemed to have lost his Ukrainian citizenship due to acquiring citizenship of other states - Israel and Cyprus.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif signed a mutual defense agreement. The document stipulates that aggression against one country will be considered aggression against both.
The European Commission is proposing to the EU Council sanctions against radical Israeli settlers and ministers, as well as the suspension of trade concessions for Israel. This decision is a reaction to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a call for an immediate ceasefire.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine records the arrival of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims from September 22 to 24 to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Uman. Border guards ensure controlled and safe border crossing for organized groups, of which about 7 thousand have already arrived.
Former goalkeeper of Kyiv "Dynamo" and Donetsk "Shakhtar" Artur Rudko was detained while attempting to illegally cross the border. According to unofficial information, he is currently undergoing basic military training in one of the training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In early October, MEPs will once again vote on a motion of no confidence in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Two requests came from right-wing and left-wing factions, criticizing her policies.
Spain has joined the countries threatening to boycott Eurovision-2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. This is the first country from the "Big Five" to put forward such a condition, which could influence the organizers' decision.
US President Donald Trump may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump hopes to negotiate a peace deal involving the Kremlin leader.
Eurovision organizers have suggested that Israel withdraw from the 2026 contest in Austria or perform under a neutral flag. This is due to boycott threats from several countries over the war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the country's readiness to strike Hamas leaders, including abroad, and took responsibility for the strike on Qatar. The US, represented by Senator Marco Rubio, emphasizes the need to eliminate Hamas to free hostages and rebuild Gaza.
Increased military spending by NATO countries could lead to an additional 1320 million tons of planet-warming emissions. This is equivalent to Brazil's annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Hamas leaders in Qatar are obstructing a ceasefire. Their elimination would remove the main obstacle to the release of hostages and the end of the war in Gaza.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution supporting the decision to create a Palestinian state, calling on Israel to recognize its right to statehood. 142 countries voted "for", 10 "against", 12 abstained, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed it.
Great Britain, Germany and France condemned Israel's strikes on the Qatari capital Doha on September 9, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a risk of escalation. Diplomats also called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and condemned Hamas's crimes.
Dozens of police officers, paramedics, and volunteers from Ukraine and Israel will ensure the safety of pilgrims in Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Hasidim are urged to consider military threats and comply with the laws of Ukraine.
Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ stated that the country might withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates. The decision is linked to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deaths of civilians.
Brent and WTI oil prices fell amid rising crude oil and gasoline inventories in the US, which exacerbates the risks of oversupply. Weak demand and a slowing US economy are putting pressure on oil markets, despite geopolitical risks.
The presidents of France and the USA discussed the invasion of Russian drones into Poland and Israeli strikes in Qatar. The parties emphasized the importance of close cooperation for peace and security.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the EU's intentions to suspend bilateral support, calling it "unacceptable. " He stated that such a signal strengthens Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East.
Ursula von der Leyen proposes to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This decision is related to the IDF's actions in the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian crisis.