Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned that the risk of renewed fighting in the Gaza Strip is growing, as conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories remain fragile despite a ceasefire.

Speaking during an open debate at the UN Security Council on the Middle East and the Palestinian question on Thursday, UN official Ramiz Alakbarov warned that the situation remains deeply concerning. He said that, one year after the ceasefire, there had been little improvement in the lives of people in Gaza and that the risk of a return to war was greater than ever.

The warning underscores continuing concerns over the fragile security situation in Gaza, where residents continue to face uncertainty and humanitarian challenges. The UN Security Council discussion brought together dozens of speakers to address developments in the Middle East and the prospects for peace.

The United Nations has repeatedly stressed the need to protect civilians, improve humanitarian conditions and pursue a political process that can deliver lasting peace. The latest warning highlights the danger that continued instability could undermine efforts to prevent renewed hostilities.

The debate also addressed the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the need to end violence, displacement and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank as part of efforts to achieve a viable Palestinian state. The UN’s warning adds to international concern that, without sustained progress toward stability and a political settlement, Gaza could again face a dangerous escalation in violence.

Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON DC — The U.S. Department of State has announced eight Feed the Future Innovation Labs in partnership with American land-grant universities to advance agricultural research, address global threats to food production, and strengthen supply chains that benefit American farmers, businesses, and consumers.

According to a media note released Thursday, the initiative will support research into agricultural challenges that cross national borders, including crop pests, livestock diseases, and declining soil fertility. The department said the research will help protect American farms and food supplies from emerging threats while delivering direct benefits to U.S. taxpayers.

Research focused on animal health, cereal crops, and soil fertility is expected to help safeguard American agricultural producers. Additional work on coffee, cacao, and peanuts will strengthen supply chains for products consumed by Americans.

The initiative also aims to improve agricultural productivity in developing countries, potentially creating new markets for American businesses, farmers, trade organizations, and research institutions.

The State Department said investments in international agricultural research led by U.S. universities generate an estimated $8 in returns for every $1 invested. According to the department, these investments also help maintain American universities’ leadership in agricultural science and support the training of the next generation of researchers across the United States.

The eight Innovation Labs will operate through seven American universities. Auburn University will host the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fertilizer and Soil Health, while the University of Florida will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for High Value Crops — Safeguarding Agriculture, Food, and Economy, known as SAFE.

The University of Georgia will host the Feed the Future Food Innovation Lab for Peanut, while the University of Hawaii will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Coffee and Cacao.

Kansas State University will host two programs: the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Cereals and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Sustainable Intensification of Targeted Agricultural Systems, known as SITAS. Mississippi State University will host the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, and Washington State University will lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health.

The department said the initiative combines American university expertise with international agricultural research to address threats to food production, strengthen global agricultural supply chains, and expand economic opportunities for American farmers and businesses.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.  – The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuba’s state-owned Banco Internacional de Comercio, S.A. (BICSA), accusing the bank of providing financial services to an Iranian bank previously sanctioned by Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the action on Thursday. According to Rubio’s statement, the Cuban bank has provided services to Iran’s sanctioned Karafarin Bank since at least 2022. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Karafarin Bank in 2020 under Executive Order 13902.

Rubio said BICSA was designated under Section 2(a)(i)(A) of Executive Order 14404 for operating in, or having operated in, Cuba’s financial services sector. The decision was coordinated with a separate Treasury Department action targeting Iranian financial actors.

In his statement, Rubio accused communist-ruled Cuba of serving for years as a base for activities by Iran and other countries and groups considered hostile to U.S. interests. He described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.

“The Trump Administration will not tolerate a rogue state hosting hostile foreign military, intelligence and terror operations less than a hundred miles from the American homeland,” Rubio said. He added that the administration would continue taking aggressive action to identify and dismantle the Cuban government’s financial and security connections with Iran and other countries and groups it considers dangerous and hostile.

According to the State Department, Executive Order 14404 authorizes broad sanctions against individuals and entities that support the Cuban government’s security apparatus, are responsible for repression in Cuba, or pose threats to U.S. national security.

The department said the action also advances the objectives of Executive Order 14380, titled “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba,” and National Security Presidential Memorandum 5. Those measures seek to improve human rights, strengthen the rule of law, encourage free markets and private enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba.

Under the sanctions framework outlined by the State Department, all property and interests in property belonging to the designated entity that are located in the United States or are in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked. Such assets must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Entities owned individually or collectively at least 50% by one or more blocked persons are also subject to blocking restrictions.

Unless authorized or exempt, U.S. citizens, businesses and other persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are prohibited from conducting transactions involving the property or interests of designated or otherwise blocked persons. The restrictions also prohibit providing or receiving funds, goods or services to, from, or for the benefit of blocked persons, unless an applicable authorization or exemption permits the transaction.

The State Department warned that foreign individuals and entities could also face sanctions risks if they conduct transactions with persons designated under Executive Order 14404. Foreign parties operating in Cuba’s energy, defense and related materials, metals and mining, financial services, or security sectors may also face sanctions exposure under the order.

Foreign financial institutions and other non-U.S. persons were urged to exercise caution when dealing with sanctioned parties. The department warned that returning assets to a sanctioned party or transferring them to another jurisdiction for the target’s potential use could expose non-U.S. persons to significant sanctions risks.

Additionally, the Cuban Assets Control Regulations restrict persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction from dealing in property in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest, unless the transaction is authorized or exempt.

The State Department said the purpose of sanctions is not simply to punish, but to encourage positive changes in behavior. Individuals and entities seeking removal from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) may submit petitions through OFAC’s Reconsiderations Portal. Applicants may also consult the State Department’s Delisting Guidance for information about the process.

Miami, Florida: Inter Miami secured a place in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, moving up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings. German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul scored for Miami, while Lionel Messi played a key role in the victory as the defending MLS Cup champions continued their push for another title.

Berterame opened the scoring after connecting with a pass from Luis Suárez and beating New York City FC goalkeeper Matthew Freese. The goal ended the forward’s lengthy scoring drought, marking his first goal since finding the net against the Philadelphia Union on May 24.

De Paul doubled Miami’s advantage before halftime with an excellent finish following a combination with Messi just outside the penalty area. The Argentine midfielder’s goal gave Miami a comfortable lead that it maintained until the final whistle.

Messi has scored 23 goals this season and remains at the top of the MLS Golden Boot race. He has also recorded 14 assists, placing him among the league’s leading playmakers. The victory lifted Inter Miami to 52 points from 29 matches, putting the club second in the Eastern Conference. Nashville SC leads the league in points.

New York City FC had an opportunity to get back into the match late in the second half when the visitors earned a penalty. However, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced an impressive save to deny the attempt and preserve his team’s clean sheet. After the match, Miami head coach Cristian “Kily” González said qualifying for the playoffs had been one of the club’s primary objectives at the start of the season.

“We achieved that goal,” González said. “However, as a team, we still need to improve.”

Miami’s victory followed a commanding 4-0 win over D.C. United on Saturday, when Messi and Suárez scored two goals each. The win over NYCFC marked Miami’s second league victory under González, who took charge on September 16. Reflecting on the team’s progress, González emphasized the importance of having players who trust the coaching staff’s plans and tactical approach.

“When you have players who are willing to believe in the plan you want to implement, everything becomes easier,” he said.

“We are identifying the mistakes we have made and continue to make, and trying to correct them in training. The players’ mentality has made it much easier to communicate our plans and tactics clearly.”

The coach also praised the support Messi receives from his teammates, saying the club protects and supports the Argentine superstar.

“This club looks after him and protects him. His teammates always show him love and support. They give everything they have to help him,” González said.

“Messi inspires us to become better every day and challenges us to improve ourselves.”

Inter Miami returned to the MLS playoffs after winning the 2025 MLS Cup. The club defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at home in Fort Lauderdale to claim the championship last year. Although Miami failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2023, Messi’s first season with the club, the team has reached the knockout stage in each of the following three seasons.

For Messi, the current year has brought significant highs and lows. After leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, he announced his retirement from international football a month later. He now has another opportunity to pursue silverware at club level with Inter Miami.

Miami’s latest victory strengthens its position in the Eastern Conference as the team prepares for the postseason. New York City FC will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday, while Inter Miami will travel to face Atlanta United on the same day.

LONDON — Oil prices fell on Thursday as the United States considered easing restrictions on certain oil tankers linked to Russia, raising hopes of lower shipping costs and improved flexibility in global fuel supplies. Brent crude futures fell $2.28, or 2.2%, to $103.78 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined $1.34, or 1.4%, to $93.75 a barrel, according to Reuters market data reported at 0729 GMT.

The decline followed reports that the U.S. administration was considering relaxing sanctions on some vessels associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” These vessels are used to transport oil and petroleum products outside conventional shipping arrangements and are often linked to efforts to evade international restrictions.

A U.S. official said the proposed measures could help reduce freight costs and provide greater flexibility for transporting diesel and other petroleum products. The discussions come days after President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel in an effort to ease pressure on global fuel prices.

However, geopolitical tensions continued to pose risks to energy supplies. Attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and escalating conflict involving Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes. Two commercial vessels reportedly sank near the strategic waterway after being struck by projectiles, according to maritime officials cited in reports.

Meanwhile, Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including a strike on an oil refinery in the Ryazan region, adding another layer of uncertainty to global energy markets. U.S. crude inventories also fell by 11.1 million barrels in the week ending October 9, according to preliminary data from the American Petroleum Institute. Official inventory figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration were awaited.

The oil market remains caught between expectations of increased supply flexibility and fears of further disruptions caused by geopolitical conflict. Any decision by Washington to ease tanker restrictions could influence shipping costs and fuel availability, although the overall impact will depend on the scope and implementation of the measures.

DUBAI — Gulf stock markets declined on Thursday as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened further attacks on Saudi Arabia, intensifying concerns about regional security, energy infrastructure and disruptions to shipping. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index fell 0.6%, marking its sixth consecutive weekly decline, while shares of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco also dropped 0.6%, according to Reuters.

The latest threats followed an attack that damaged Saudi Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran. The strike reportedly sparked a fire across several floors of an office building within the complex, raising concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s critical energy infrastructure.

The market downturn extended across the Gulf. Qatar’s benchmark index fell 1.2%, reaching its lowest level in more than six years. Dubai’s index declined 0.7%, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark fell 0.4%. Oil prices also moved lower despite the escalating regional tensions. Brent crude futures dropped $2.28, or 2.2%, to $103.78 a barrel.

Investors remained concerned about maritime security after reports that two ships had sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by projectiles. The strategic waterway is a vital route for global oil shipments.

The International Monetary Fund has warned that a prolonged conflict and disruptions to energy supplies or shipping could have serious consequences for economies across the Middle East and Central Asia.

The latest market movements highlight the growing economic risks posed by the conflict, particularly for countries dependent on energy exports and regional trade. Further attacks on energy facilities or commercial shipping could deepen market volatility and increase uncertainty across global energy markets.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a quarterly open debate on Thursday on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, amid continuing regional tensions and concerns over the future of peace efforts.

The meeting is expected to focus on developments affecting Palestinians, the broader Middle East situation and international efforts to advance peace. The debate comes shortly after the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

Ramiz Alakbarov, the Acting Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Resident Coordinator, is expected to brief the Council, according to Security Council meeting previews. The debate also comes approximately one year after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-brokered framework to end the Gaza conflict in October 2025. The UN Security Council subsequently endorsed the framework through Resolution 2803 in November 2025.

Council members are expected to discuss the implementation of peace efforts, the situation affecting Palestinians and the prospects for a lasting political settlement. The meeting is taking place under Greece’s presidency of the Security Council for October. The outcome of Thursday’s debate, including any new commitments or formal Council action, had not been confirmed in the available information at the time of writing.

DHAKA — A court in Dhaka has ordered the detention of two people, including Al Nur Mohammad Ayash, president of the State Dialogue Forum, in a case filed over an attempt to erase a mural of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore outside the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The other accused is Marzia Khandaker Rimi.

Police produced the two accused before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Tuesday after completing their remand. The investigating officer sought to keep them in custody until the investigation is completed, while their lawyers filed bail petitions.

After hearing both sides, Metropolitan Magistrate Riyad Hasan rejected their bail applications and ordered that they be sent to jail. On October 11, an additional chief metropolitan magistrate in Dhaka, Joshita Islam, had granted three days of remand for Ayash and two days for Rimi.

The incident took place on October 10, when a group of young people allegedly attempted to erase Tagore’s mural on a wall outside the Shilpakala Academy. A confrontation reportedly broke out between the group and police after officers intervened to stop them.

A woman was seen applying black ink to the mural, according to the account of the incident. A police officer intervened to prevent her from doing so. Following the incident, Shahbagh Police Station Sub-Inspector Ziaul Haque filed a case alleging criminal conspiracy, the promotion of enmity between different groups, and hurting religious sentiments. The court’s decision to deny bail means the two accused will remain in jail while the investigation proceeds.

DHAKA – Bangladesh today staged a walkout during the Israeli president’s address at the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Bangladesh delegation, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, walked out of the conference hall as the Israeli president began delivering his speech at the summit, said a foreign ministry’s press release here.

Representatives of several other countries also joined the walkout, boycotting the Israeli president’s address, according to information received from Baku. The delegations left the conference hall in protest during the Israeli president’s speech.

The seventh CICA summit is being held in the Azerbaijani capital, bringing together leaders and senior representatives of participating countries to discuss regional cooperation, security and confidence-building measures across Asia.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned of continuing security challenges along the Israel-Lebanon border as the future of its peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon remains uncertain ahead of the expiration of its current mandate at the end of 2026.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, has highlighted the importance of maintaining stability and ensuring that arrangements are in place to prevent renewed hostilities as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches the end of its mandate.

Established in 1978, UNIFIL monitors the situation along the Blue Line, the UN-designated boundary separating Lebanon from Israel. The mission also supports efforts to reduce tensions, facilitate humanitarian access and help maintain stability in southern Lebanon.

The future of the peacekeeping operation has become a significant concern amid continuing tensions in the region and questions about how security monitoring will be maintained after the mission’s mandate expires.

The Israel-Lebanon border has experienced repeated periods of violence, including exchanges of fire and military operations that have threatened civilians and damaged infrastructure. UN peacekeepers play an important role in monitoring developments, reporting violations and maintaining communication between the parties to reduce the risk of escalation.

The possible withdrawal or restructuring of the mission raises questions about how these responsibilities would be handled in the future. Any transition would require careful coordination to avoid creating a security vacuum along the sensitive border.

The United Nations has emphasized the importance of respecting the Blue Line and implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to help end that year’s Israel-Hezbollah conflict and establish arrangements for lasting security in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon continues to confront significant political, economic and security pressures. Instability along its southern border has contributed to displacement, damaged communities and complicated efforts to restore normal life in affected areas. Civilians remain particularly vulnerable to renewed fighting, while damage to homes, roads and essential services can make recovery difficult.

International diplomatic efforts have focused on preventing further escalation and strengthening the Lebanese state’s authority in the south. The role of UNIFIL remains part of wider discussions about implementing existing security arrangements and supporting long-term stability.

The future of UNIFIL will depend on decisions by the UN Security Council and consultations with relevant parties. Any changes to the mission will require consideration of the security environment, the needs of local communities and the arrangements necessary to preserve stability. The United Nations continues to stress that a lasting solution requires full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, respect for the Blue Line and sustained diplomatic engagement.

As discussions over the mission’s future continue, international attention remains focused on whether effective security arrangements can be maintained and the risk of renewed conflict reduced. The decisions taken in the coming months could have significant implications for peacekeeping, civilian protection and stability along the Israel-Lebanon border.