Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City killed 22 people, including nine children, on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said. The attack hit the Souq Firas area, where families were sheltering. Videos showed bodies of children being pulled from rubble. Gaza’s civil defence called it a “horrific massacre.” Israel claimed it targeted Hamas militants but said it tried to limit civilian harm. Hospitals reported 51 deaths across Gaza the same day. The Red Crescent warned Al-Quds Hospital’s oxygen supply had stopped after Israeli fire. UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, saying Gaza’s suffering had reached “a scale of death and destruction beyond humanity.” (PC: Reuters)

A provocative bronze statue titled Best Friends Forever was installed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2025, depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and late financier Jeffrey Epstein holding hands in a dance-like pose. Accompanied by a plaque celebrating their “long-lasting bond,” the artwork is credited to the anonymous group, The Secret Handshake Project, and will remain on display until Sunday under a National Park Service permit. The installation follows previous anti-Trump artworks in D.C. White House spokespersons dismissed it as a waste of money, while Trump denies any wrongdoing and is pursuing legal action against media reports linking him to Epstein.    

French President Emmanuel Macron declared that former U.S. President Donald Trump must push to end the Gaza war if he seeks a Nobel Peace Prize. Macron stressed that only Washington, given its military and political leverage over Israel, can decisively influence the conflict. He emphasized France does not provide the same level of military aid to Israel, making U.S. intervention vital. Trump, meanwhile, used his UN General Assembly speech to highlight his peace achievements but dismissed Palestinian statehood, underscoring a sharp divide between his approach and international expectations for peace in the Middle East.  

A self-styled “African tribe” called the Kingdom of Kubala has refused to leave woodland in the Scottish Borders despite a second eviction notice. The group, led by Ghanaian Kofi Offeh, 36, and Zimbabwean Jean Gasho, 43, set up camp near Jedburgh earlier this year. They describe themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, joined by Texan “handmaiden” Kaura Taylor. After being evicted from private land, they moved a few metres onto council property. On Monday, they remained by a campfire, singing songs. Scottish Borders Council has started legal action, saying no one is above the law, and removal will continue. (PC: BBC)

As of September 2025, the State of Palestine has been recognized by 157 of the 193 United Nations member states, accounting for approximately 81% of the international community. This significant diplomatic milestone reflects a surge in global support for Palestinian statehood, particularly following Israel's intensified military actions in Gaza. Notably, several Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and Monaco, have formally acknowledged Palestine's sovereignty in recent months. This collective recognition enhances Palestine's international standing, enabling it to establish embassies, engage in trade agreements, and pursue legal actions at international forums. However, despite this widespread recognition, the ongoing conflict and occupation continue to pose significant challenges to the realization of a viable Palestinian state.   

US President Donald Trump admitted his personal friendship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin did not help in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Trump said, “I thought that would be the easiest one because of my relationship with Putin. But unfortunately, that relationship didn’t mean anything.” Earlier, Trump welcomed Putin with red carpets and even shared his limousine during a summit in Alaska. But despite the show, Putin gained more from the optics. Now, Trump calls Russia a “paper tiger” and praises Ukraine’s fight, signaling a major shift in his stance. (PC: India Today)

In a recent address to the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump falsely claimed that London sought to implement sharia law under its mayor, Sadiq Khan. Trump described Khan as a "terrible" mayor and suggested that London had "changed" under his leadership. These remarks have been widely condemned by UK Labour MPs, who have urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take action against Trump's "bigoted" statements. A spokesperson for Khan dismissed Trump's comments, emphasizing London's safety and its appeal to American citizens.   

At the United Nations headquarters in New York, an escalator unexpectedly stopped mid-ascent just as Donald Trump and Melania Trump stepped on it. The couple then climbed the stationary escalator on foot. The White House called for a probe, implying potential sabotage. UN officials countered it was a triggered safety mechanism activated by someone ahead. Trump later quipped about “a bad teleprompter” too — both incidents fueling speculation amid tense US-UN dynamics.   

US President Donald Trump claimed at the UN that London wants to "go to sharia law" under Mayor Sadiq Khan. Trump also criticised UN support for asylum seekers. A spokesperson for Khan called the comments “bigoted” and said London is safe and welcoming. Khan has faced repeated attacks from Trump since 2015, but has said he is indifferent and focuses on city issues. Experts note Trump’s claim is false. Sharia councils in the UK only handle religious and financial matters and cannot make legally binding decisions. UK courts remain the only legal authority for binding rulings. (PC: BBC)

In Mastung district’s Dasht area, a powerful explosion detonated beneath the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express, derailing five to six bogies, with at least one overturning. The attack, likely via an improvised explosive device planted on the track, struck while the train was en route from Peshawar. Dozens of passengers—among them women and children—sustained injuries. Rescue and security teams responded quickly, evacuating the wounded to nearby hospitals and initiating repair efforts. The incident marks a continuation of militant assaults on Pakistan’s rail infrastructure, especially in volatile Balochistan. (PC: ANI)