Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: September 13, 2025
UN General Assembly to vote on a Hamas-free Palestinian state
The UN General Assembly scheduled a vote on a “New York Declaration” backing a Palestinian state under a government excluding Hamas, calling for hostage releases and a larger role for the Palestinian Authority.
Insight
The initiative reflects rising international appetite for a two-state pathway conditioned on governance changes in Gaza, increasing diplomatic pressure on Hamas and complicating Israel’s political calculus.
EU moves to freeze some funding to Israel over war in Gaza
The European Commission moved to freeze parts of EU funding to Israel and backed sanctions on violent settlers and hardline ministers amid the Gaza war, though resistance among member states persists.
Insight
It marks a notable hardening of EU posture toward Israel, but internal divisions could blunt the scope and durability of any financial or trade measures.
Qatar PM to meet top US officials on Friday after Israeli attack in Doha
Qatar’s prime minister will meet senior U.S. officials following Israel’s strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, with talks expected to focus on the attack and ceasefire diplomacy.
Insight
The episode strains Qatar’s mediator role and underscores how military actions can ripple into U.S.-Gulf relations at a sensitive juncture for Gaza negotiations.
Israel Strains Hard-Won Ties in Gulf — WSJ
Reporting highlights that Israel’s strike in Doha has intensified Gulf unease, jeopardizing normalization gains and prompting reassessments of ties with Israel and the U.S.
Insight
Regional backlash suggests the limits of the Abraham Accords when actions are perceived as violating sovereignty, raising the risk of a cooler phase in Gulf-Israel engagement.
UN General Assembly to vote on a Hamas-free Palestinian state
The UN General Assembly planned a vote on a resolution supporting Palestinian statehood under a government without Hamas, urging disarmament and PA-led governance in Gaza.
Insight
Even as outcomes hinge on member-state politics, the move adds momentum to international efforts to reshape Gaza’s postwar governance and isolate Hamas diplomatically.
EU moves to freeze some funding to Israel over war in Gaza
The European Commission plans to suspend or freeze billions in EU funding to Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Civil society and institutional support will continue, while sanctions may target extremist settlers and Israeli ministers. Partial suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement is also under discussion.
Insight
This is a major escalation of EU pressure on Israel, reflecting public and political concern over Gaza. It highlights internal EU divisions, balancing humanitarian values with strategic ties, and could reshape EU-Israel relations.
Qatar PM to meet top US officials on Friday after Israeli attack in Doha
Qatar’s PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani will meet senior US officials after an Israeli strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. Talks are expected to cover the attack and its impact on Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Insight
The meeting underscores how the Doha strike strains Qatar’s mediator role and draws the US deeper into the crisis. It raises diplomatic stakes for Israel and may influence ceasefire talks.
