Overview

• France says roughly ten countries will announce recognition at a France–Saudi meeting on Monday on the UN General Assembly sidelines, with reported participants including Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, San Marino and the United Kingdom.
• Portugal confirmed it will act on Sunday, and British media report Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce UK recognition the same day, ahead of the UN meetings.
• Israeli forces expanded ground and air operations in Gaza City with building demolitions, and Gaza health authorities reported at least 34 people killed in the latest strikes.
• Local civil defense and the Israeli military estimate 450,000 to 480,000 people have fled Gaza City this month, while many remain trapped with acute shortages despite orders to move toward Al Mawasi.
• Hamas’s armed wing released new images of captives and warned the assault puts them at risk, as President Emmanuel Macron tightened measures against antisemitism and recent UN actions, including a two‑state declaration and an inquiry alleging genocide, intensified diplomatic pressure.