The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a France and Saudi-backed resolution demanding Hamas free all hostages, end its rule in Gaza, and hand over weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Already endorsed by the Arab League and 17 member states, the text calls for collective action to end the Gaza war and lays the groundwork for a sovereign Palestinian state. The move comes ahead of a September 22 summit where French President Emmanuel Macron plans to formally recognize Palestine, adding pressure on Israel to end the conflict. Below you can read about developments in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Israel, Syria, Iran and other parts of the Middle East on Friday, September 12. Skip next section UN backs resolution urging two-state solution for Israel and Palestine 09/12/2025September 12, 2025 UN backs resolution urging two-state solution for Israel and Palestine The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting a declaration that calls for "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, without the involvement of Hamas. The seven-page declaration stems from a July UN conference hosted by Saudi Arabia and France on the decades-long conflict. The United States and Israel boycotted the meeting. The resolution passed with 142 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions. https://p.dw.com/p/50PmU Copy link Skip next section US unveils biggest sanctions yet on Yemen's Houthis 09/12/2025September 12, 2025 US unveils biggest sanctions yet on Yemen's Houthis The United States has announced new sanctions against 32 individuals, entities and four vessels linked to Yemen's Houthi rebels, in what the Trump administration called its largest action against the Iran-aligned group. The US Treasury said the measures aim to disrupt the Houthis' fundraising, smuggling and attack operations. Targets include several China-based firms accused of moving military-grade components and other companies that arrange shipments of dual-use goods, along with petroleum smugglers and Houthi-linked shipping firms. https://p.dw.com/p/50OZk Copy link Skip next section Netherlands to boycott Eurovision if Israel competes 09/12/2025September 12, 2025 Netherlands to boycott Eurovision if Israel competes Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS says Netherlands will skip next year's Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates, citing the "ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza." The Netherlands joins a growing list of countries threatening to pull out of the 2026 contest in Vienna, including Ireland and Spain. https://p.dw.com/p/50OXl Copy link Skip next section UAE summons Israeli envoy over strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar 09/12/2025September 12, 2025 UAE summons Israeli envoy over strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar The United Arab Emirates has summoned Israel's ambassador after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, Israeli broadcaster KAN reported, signaling rising tension between the two countries despite close economic and defense ties. Relations were already strained over Israel’s past plans to annex parts of the West Bank, which Abu Dhabi had called a "red line." Israel’s attempt to kill Hamas political leaders drew international condemnation. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Qatar to expel Hamas officials or "bring them to justice, because if you don’t, we will." The UAE, the most prominent Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel in three decades, condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as "hostile."