Overview

• The Council scheduled a Middle East briefing for Tuesday during Rosh Hashanah, and Israel’s formal request to reschedule was declined.
• In a letter to Council president Sangjin Kim, Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel will not attend because the session coincides with the Jewish New Year.
• Reporting attributes the timing to pressure from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with Algeria active, and notes South Korea set the date as the rotating Council president.
• Several governments announced recognition of a Palestinian state at the General Assembly on Sunday, including countries represented on the Security Council, which does not by itself confer U.N. membership.
• Hamas released new footage of hostage Alon Ohel and hailed the recognition moves, while hostage families warned such steps are complicating efforts to secure releases.