The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are intensifying their efforts to gain control of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip. This military operation is ongoing despite widespread international concern regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. In response to Israel's actions, several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have recognized Palestinian statehood. This recognition comes as leaders prepare for meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated, "There will be no Palestinian state," emphasizing his government's stance amid the escalating conflict.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. The Hamas-run Ministry of Health has warned that the remaining hospitals in the area are just days away from shutting down due to critical fuel shortages. The ministry stated, "A few days could bring scenes of vital departments shutting down, exacerbating the health crisis and exposing the lives of patients and the wounded to certain death." They noted that the lack of fuel has rendered technical and engineering procedures for scheduling operating periods ineffective.

In military developments, the IDF has identified a soldier killed in northern Gaza. Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, 27, was reported to have "fallen in battle" while serving as a company commander in the 7th Armored Brigade.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly via video link on Monday. His attendance was affected by the revocation of his U.S. visa last month. In his speech, Abbas thanked France and Saudi Arabia for their support and called on Hamas to surrender their weapons. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump on a peace plan and condemned the violence that occurred on October 7, 2023. Abbas also reached out to the Israeli people, wishing them peace and a happy Rosh Hashanah.

He stated, "We call for a permanent ceasefire. We need to ensure humanitarian access through the United Nations and UNRWA. We need to guarantee the release of hostages, all hostages and prisoners with the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza."

During the assembly, the U.S. and Israeli delegations were notably absent, as they protested the proceedings. French President Emmanuel Macron, in his address, officially recognized Palestinian statehood, stating, "The time has come. This is why I declare that today France recognizes the state of Palestine." His remarks were met with applause from many delegates in attendance.