United Nations

The UN General Assembly adopted the pandemic preparedness declaration on 12 October by 153 votes to three, with two abstentions. It had been blocked from consensus approval on 25 September after objections including those from the United States.

The UN human rights office added 61 companies to its database of businesses linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The database now contains 214 businesses based in 11 countries; Israel rejected the publication.

Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s military campaigns in Iran and Gaza in a UN speech in New York after dozens of delegates walked out. More than 100 people were arrested during protests. Mahmoud Abbas, speaking by video after visa denial, called the Gaza war genocidal and warned it threatened the Palestinian people’s existence.

Argentina has asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to halt the Sea Lion project while an arbitration case launched on 28 September proceeds. It also wants the UK to avoid new permits; London says the islanders must consent to sovereignty talks.

At the UN in New York, Pezeshkian called Iran a victim of terrorism, displayed images of Khamenei and schoolgirls killed in an alleged US strike, and rejected pressure while leaving the door open to diplomacy. Mediated talks showed no major breakthrough; a US official walked out and Israel boycotted the speech.

At the UN in New York, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the Golan Heights would remain Syrian, called for Israel to withdraw, and accused it of strikes, incursions and detentions. He cited progress on recovery, sanctions relief and the return of about 3.5 million displaced people and refugees.

Indirect US-Iran talks continued over reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Iran said it would remain closed until seven conditions were met, while Washington focused on nuclear talks. Iran’s rial passed 2.5 million per dollar amid the blockade.