live UN General Assembly enters day 3 of high-level debate in New York
The 81st UN General Assembly returns for its third day in New York on Thursday, with world leaders delivering high-level speeches and holding diplo...
International pop singer Madonna appealed on Instagram for Pope Leo XIV to visit Gaza and “bring light to the children before it’s too late,” calling him “the only one of us who cannot be denied entry” and urged action to prevent child starvation.
Posting on social media for her son Rocco’s 25th birthday, Madonna said she wasn't assigning blame or taking sides, but felt compelled “as a mother” to act to protect innocent children and those suffering, including mothers of hostages.

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, (UNICEF) estimates that more than 18,000 children have been killed in Gaza in the past 22 months, and about 28 children are dying per day, roughly the size of a full classroom.
However, Israel rejects claims of a famine, saying it has distributed sufficient aid, accusing Hamas of misusing it.
Madonna is the latest high-profile figure to speak out on the war in Gaza and humanitarian crisis. Earlier, members of U2, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., released statements condemning both Hamas’s 7 October attack and the Israeli government's response. Bono specifically called out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as “immoral.” The Edge warned of potential ethnic cleansing, and the band pledged a donation to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
In recent weeks, the Pope renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip and urged the international community to respect humanitarian laws and protect civilians.
As the Ukraine war is highlighted by some leaders during the United Nations' 81st General Assembly meeting in New York, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Thursday with ballistic missiles, killing two people and injuring six, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York on Wednesday, as Washington pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine and Kyiv and Moscow continue to strike energy infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump is addressing the UN General Assembly as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session. Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and diplomacy set to dominate the event.
U.S. President Donald Trump said his team held a three-hour meeting with an Iranian delegation in New York that he described as “very good” and “productive”, with another round of talks scheduled soon.
The 81st UN General Assembly continues in New York on Wednesday, with another day of high-level speeches and diplomatic meetings. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global security and international cooperation remain at the centre of discussions.
In a workshop in Margilan, in eastern Uzbekistan's Fergana Region, silk threads are still being transformed into brightly coloured atlas and adras fabrics using techniques passed down through generations.
An online petition is calling for singer Pink to be removed from her UNICEF role following criticism of Macklemore over his pro-Palestinian remarks during Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour.
Ed Sheeran has broken his silence over Macklemore’s removal from his U.S. tour following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks, saying the decision was made by promoters and venues rather than him.
Here’s your AnewZ Daily Brief for the 15th of September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the world of culture.
The Carolina Herrera fashion house celebrated its 45th anniversary with a vibrant runway show at New York's Fashion Week on Monday, presenting its spring 2027 collection against a backdrop of sunshine-coloured tulips.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment