Escalating Tensions in Middle East Amidst Global Divisions

Estonia has requested a consultation with other Nato members after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace on Friday morning, staying for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland. This is the fifth Russian violation of Estonian airspace this year. Nato members Italy, Finland, and Sweden scrambled jets to respond. Russia denied violating Estonian airspace, claiming the jets were on a scheduled flight in compliance with international regulations. The incident has escalated tensions, with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal calling for a united and strong Nato response. US President Donald Trump expressed concern, saying it "could be big trouble". Czech President Petr Pavel suggested Nato should respond by shooting down planes. The incident is part of a pattern of Russian behaviour, with recent drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace also reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that recognizing Palestinian statehood is necessary to combat Hamas, pushing back against criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Macron plans to formalize France's decision at the United Nations General Assembly, putting France at odds with the US, which opposes Palestinian statehood recognition. Macron argued that Hamas's objective is to destroy Israel and that recognizing a Palestinian state is a precondition to isolating Hamas and stopping the war. Several other US allies, including the UK and Canada, have also expressed plans to recognize a Palestinian state.

Arab states gathered in Doha to condemn Israel's recent attack on the Qatari capital, with leaders like Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticizing Israel's actions. However, the article notes that these same states have previously violated sovereignty, such as Iran launching ballistic missiles at Qatar three months prior. The article suggests that Arab states are pressuring Donald Trump to choose between them and Israel.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched an attack on Gaza city on September 15th, with two divisions moving towards the city's central neighbourhoods under the cover of air strikes and artillery fire. The IDF has surrounded the city on three sides, leaving open the western exits for civilians fleeing south. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated that 'Israel is at a decisive moment.' The article suggests that this push in the territory will deepen Israel's isolation.

The article discusses various issues in the Middle East and Africa, including Morocco's colonialism in Western Sahara, the disappearing state of Palestine, Israel's conflict with Gaza, and the crisis of missing fathers in South Africa. It also touches on the Ebola outbreak in Congo, the risks of a mega-dam in Ethiopia, and the geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

The article discusses the disparity between the international recognition of Palestinian statehood and the reality on the ground. While several countries are set to formally recognize Palestine as a state, the territory is фактически disappearing due to Israeli actions. Israel's military has devastated Gaza, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is withholding taxes that sustain the Palestinian administration. Smotrich's recent map shows Israel controlling most of the West Bank, leaving Palestinian cities as isolated islands. This contradicts the vision of a future Palestinian state.

The Palestinian Authority's foreign minister, Varsen Aghabekian, has welcomed the UK's impending recognition of Palestine as a state, calling it a 'courageous step'. She expressed anger towards the White House for its unwavering support for Israel and criticized Israel's withholding of tax revenue, which is pushing Palestinian civil society to the brink of collapse. Aghabekian emphasized that recognition of Palestine is not a reward for Hamas terrorism and that it is essential to align with international law and human rights. The minister also highlighted the financial struggles in the West Bank due to Israel's retention of tax revenue.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce the formal recognition of Palestine as a state. The decision comes after Israel failed to meet certain conditions set by the UK, including ending the situation in Gaza and agreeing to a ceasefire. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some nations and organizations welcoming it, while others, including Israel and the US, have expressed opposition. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a declaration of famine and ongoing Israeli military operations.

Japan has decided not to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly summit due to concerns that it could worsen the Middle East situation and harm its ties with the US. This decision puts Japan in a weak position as several US allies, including Britain, Australia, Canada, and France, are expected to support the resolution. Japan has long advocated for a two-state solution and condemned Hamas' attack on Israel. The country's foreign minister expressed concerns about Israel's military campaign in Gaza, stating it could aggravate the humanitarian crisis and undermine the two-state solution.