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The Cradle is an online news magazine covering West Asian geopolitics from within.
❗️Gaza Ministry of Health:
– “In the past 24 hours, 59 martyrs and 386 new injuries have arrived at Gaza hospitals."
– “The total number of martyrs and injuries since 18 March 2025 until today stands at 12,413 martyrs and 53,271 injuries."
– “In the past 24 hours, 0 martyrs and 112 injured aid-seekers arrived at hospitals, bringing the total number of aid-seeking victims who have reached hospitals to 2,497 martyrs and more than 18,294 injuries."
– “Three deaths were recorded due to famine and malnutrition, including one child, raising the total to 428, among them 146 children. Since the IPC famine declaration in Gaza, 150 famine-related deaths have been recorded, including 31 children."
❗️An Israeli airstrike near the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City this afternoon killed at least one Palestinian and wounded several others.
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‼️ Families returning to Gaza City amid overcrowding and false ‘safe zones’ claims
Despite the heavy airstrikes and massacres, a number of Palestinian families are returning to Gaza City due to overcrowding of displaced people in the south, where Israel claims there are safe “humanitarian zones” — even as all of Gaza remains under attack.
(Quds News Network)
⭕️ Pakistan and Iran aim for $10bn trade, seek to ease banking and customs barriers
Pakistan and Iran have launched a fresh effort to boost bilateral trade from $3bn to $10bn, with both sides pledging to resolve long-standing hurdles in customs, tariffs, and banking.
At the Pakistan–Iran Business Forum in Tehran on 16 September, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan urged greater Iranian investment in Pakistan’s energy, agriculture, minerals, and manufacturing sectors, while stressing the need to operationalize border markets and special economic zones.
Iranian officials voiced strong interest in joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and engineered goods, saying the two countries are steadily moving toward their trade target.
The push follows 12 agreements signed during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan, underscoring renewed momentum to deepen economic ties despite tensions along their shared border.
⭕️ Ship owner tied to 2020 Beirut port explosion arrested in Bulgaria
A Bulgarian court confirmed the arrest of a ship owner wanted in connection with the 2020 Beirut port blast that resulted in the killing of 218 and the injury of over 7000 people, and devastated the capital city of Lebanon with over $15 billion in damages.
“He is placed in detention for a maximum duration of 40 days by a court decision on September 7, confirmed on appeal,” a Sofia city court spokeswoman told AFP.
❗️UN INQUIRY CONCLUDES: ISRAEL COMMITTING GENOCIDE IN GAZA
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The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
After two years of investigation into events since 7 October 2023, the Commission said Israeli forces carried out four of the five genocidal acts defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention: mass killing, causing serious harm, deliberately inflicting life-destroying conditions, and imposing measures to prevent births.
These actions, combined with explicit statements by Israeli leaders, demonstrate clear intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group.
The report said Israel’s political and military leadership — including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant — have incited and overseen genocidal acts while failing to prevent or punish them. It documented systematic starvation, destruction of healthcare and education, targeting of children and cultural sites, widespread sexual violence, and disregard for International Court of Justice orders, concluding that Israel has persisted in a “genocidal campaign” for nearly two years.
The Commission urged Israel to immediately end its actions, lift the siege, and allow full humanitarian access. It also called on all states to halt arms transfers to Israel, prosecute those complicit in genocide, and take legal measures against corporations or individuals assisting it.
Chair Navi Pillay stressed that international inaction amounts to complicity: “Every day of inaction costs lives and erodes the credibility of the international community.”
❗️Israeli occupation forces launched intense raids on Gaza City and its suburbs, demolishing new residential blocks in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood west of the city.
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❗️Qassam Brigades announces that its fighters cooperated with the Quds Brigades in the attack on the Israeli Nimr military vehicle in Tulkarem, occupied West Bank.
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US approves $14.2m for Lebanon to 'degrade Hezbollah'
The Lebanese government adopted a decision to disarm the resistance in August following months of heavy pressure from Washington
❗️According to the Lebanese Presidency, President Joseph Aoun, during his reception of the French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, said:
– "Any French or US pressure on Israel to stop hostilities will help complete the security plan put forward by the army and welcomed by the Cabinet."
– "The cohesion and solidarity among the Lebanese people are steadfast, indisputable, and not to be feared, and no one is working to create any fissure in Lebanon’s unified stance on critical issues."
The French envoy emphasized the continuation of French support for Lebanon in "all fields," particularly efforts to convene two international conferences to support the army, the economy, and reconstruction.
He also held "encouraging contacts" in Saudi Arabia regarding support for Lebanon and stated that the recent measures taken by Lebanon help increase foreign assistance.
❗️Iraq exported 33,000 bpd of fuel oil to UAE in September
Iraq exported 33,000 barrels per day of fuel oil to the UAE in September, with shipments entering through Fujairah port as part of a surge in refined product inflows.
Fujairah imports rose to over 1 million bpd, up from 669,000 in August, with Kuwait the top supplier, followed by Russia, Iraq, Georgia, and Saudi Arabia.
(Shafaq News)
⭕️ Tasnim News: Tsurkov released in exchange for two captives, one of them Lebanese
A Tasnim reporter in Baghdad reported that Israeli spy Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was released two days ago, was released in exchange for two captives.
A knowledgeable source who wished to remain anonymous said that one of these resistance captives is Imad Amhaz, a Lebanese who was abducted last year by Israel at the height of Israel's war on Lebanon.
Israeli commandos, claiming that Amhaz was a senior Hezbollah commander, raided his home in Batroun in northern Lebanon and kidnapped him.
Qatar to ‘re-evaluate security ties’ with Washington after Israeli attack: Report
After Trump assured Doha that such an attack would not be repeated, Israeli officials said publicly that Tel Aviv would hit Qatar again
❗️Qatar's National News Agency announces that Doha will host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on Sunday and Monday to discuss its breach of sovereignty by Israel's attack on the Hamas delegation.
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⭕️ US approves $14m package to push Hezbollah disarmament in Lebanon
Washington has approved a $14.2 million security package for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to begin dismantling Hezbollah’s weapons caches and military infrastructure, warning Beirut that military aid could be cut if disarmament stalls.
The Pentagon said the funds aim to “empower the LAF in degrading Hezbollah,” aligning with the US priority of countering Iran-backed groups.
Lebanon’s cabinet last week confirmed the army would start implementing disarmament plans drawn up under US pressure and after Israeli air strikes. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam earlier said more than 500 Hezbollah positions in the south had already been dismantled.
The US has urged Lebanon to seize a “historic” chance to assert a monopoly over arms, citing Hezbollah’s losses after 13 months of fighting with Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel continues near-daily strikes on southern Lebanon, killing over 300 since November, and is conditioning its own withdrawal on Hezbollah’s disarmament.
(The National)
⭕️ Iran rejects recognition of Israel and 'Two-State Solution' in response to Doha Summit statement
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 15 September outlining its reservations over the final communiqué of the Arab–Islamic summit in Doha. Tehran reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle, condemned Israel’s “brutal crimes,” and stressed that its commitment to the cause “will not diminish under any circumstances.”
The ministry rejected references to peace initiatives like the New York Declaration and the Arab Peace Initiative, dismissing the two-state solution as incapable of resolving the Palestinian question. Instead, it called for a single democratic state established through a referendum of all Palestinians, and emphasized that Iran’s agreement to the communiqué does not imply recognition of Israel.
Iran also defended the Palestinians’ right to use “all necessary means” to achieve self-determination, supported national unity efforts, and criticized the United States as sustaining Israeli military actions, declaring Washington unfit to act as an impartial mediator.
Tehran asked for its reservations to be formally noted in the summit’s final record.
❗️Israeli airstrikes targeted two residential buildings in the Al-Nasr district of Gaza City.
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VIDEO | Animated map of the Israeli occupation forces’ control of Gaza according to the Israeli military, as circulated.
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⭕️ Spain summons Israeli envoy after Sanchez labeled 'antisemite'
Spain’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires, Dana Erlich, on 16 September after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez an “antisemite” and a “liar.” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected what he called “unacceptable words and positions.”
For context, Sanchez had urged Israel’s suspension from international sports competitions, comparing it to Russia’s exclusion after invading Ukraine, and accused Tel Aviv of “barbarity” in Gaza.
Saar responded by branding Sanchez and his government “antisemites and enemies of the truth.”
(RTVE)
⭕️ Amid barbaric bombing, Israel begins ground invasion of Gaza City
Israeli occupation forces have begun a large-scale ground invasion into Gaza City under the banner of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots 2”.
According to official military statements, units from the 98th and 162nd divisions expanded their operations overnight, pushing beyond the already devastated, Israel-controlled areas into new districts of the city under the cover of heavy bombardment.
The army said the 36th division will soon join, adding tens of thousands more troops to the assault.
The Israeli military openly declared its intention to advance deeper into Gaza City in the coming days and weeks with the goal of encircling the city entirely.
Reports from The Times of Israel noted that while thousands of resistance fighters are present in Gaza City, nearly 600,000 civilians remain.
For those who refused to evacuate, because they had nowhere to go, lacked the means to move, or simply did not want to abandon their homes, Israel’s ground invasion now raises grave fears of mass killings and the further destruction of what remains of the city as part of its ongoing ethnic cleansing campaign.
⭕️ Dutch government flies 84 Syrian refugees back to Syria
Dutch government-funded flight carried 84 Syrian refugees from Rotterdam back to Syria.
Most had temporary residency permits or pending asylum applications but signed documents withdrawing their claims before departure. Each adult received $3300 and each child around $2000 to help resettle.
Authorities said over 700 Syrians have returned this year, following the December 2024 fall of the Assad government and new rules assessing Syrian asylum claims individually rather than automatically.
(Dutch News)
❗️Israeli occupation forces scattered leaflets ordering Gaza City residents to flee south, warning that the city and all of northern Gaza were unsafe,
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❗️Statement from Hezbollah’s Media Relations Office regarding the Syrian Interior Ministry’s announcement:
"Hezbollah’s Media Relations categorically denies the accusations made by the Syrian Interior Ministry regarding the affiliation of individuals arrested in western rural Damascus to Hezbollah. The office reaffirms, as previously stated, that Hezbollah has no presence and carries out no activities on Syrian territory, and that it remains deeply committed to Syria’s stability and the security of its people."
❗️Iran FM Abbas Araghchi on new mechanism agreed with IAEA following new agreement:
– The document’s validity depends on no hostile action being taken against the Islamic Republic.
– If the “snapback mechanism” is activated, the document will also be nullified.
– IAEA inspectors have not yet been granted inspection.
‼️ An Israeli soldier was seriously injured and a military vehicle was damaged after an explosive device detonated in Tulkarem, occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli Army Radio.
Quds Brigades - Tulkarem announces that its fighters successfully detonated a pre-planted explosive device of the Shujaa 1 type at 1:20 PM today, targeting a Nimr military vehicle near the Tisna'uz checkpoint, taking it out of service and causing confirmed injuries. A helicopter was observed landing for evacuation.
❗️Gaza Ministry of Health:
– "In the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip recorded 7 deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including one child, bringing the total number of deaths from malnutrition to 411, including 142 children."
– "Since the IPC declaration of famine in Gaza, 133 deaths have been recorded, including 27 children."
BREAKING | Israeli warplanes and drones launch multiple strikes in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, casualties reported.
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❗️Starmer, Herzog in 'tough' Downing Street discussion over Gaza
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli President Isaac Herzog had a “tough” discussion at Downing Street.
He described his discussion with Starmer as “a meeting between allies, but a tough meeting.”
He continued: “Things were said that were tough and strong, and clearly we can argue, because when allies meet they can argue. We are both democracies, we both understand the threat from the jihadists.”
Herzog rejected Britain’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state, stating: “We believe that a unilateral resolution regarding a Palestinian state will be adverse and negatively affect any future process, because it will be dangerous."
“It won’t help one Palestinian, one hostage, and can be adversely interpreted by Hamas.”
(The Guardian)
❗️Protesters confront Israeli President Isaac Herzog in London, chanting:
"Stop the killing! Stop the genocide!"
⭕️ Amnesty condemns Israel’s Gaza City displacement order as ‘unlawful and inhumane’
Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s 9 September mass displacement order for all residents of Gaza City, calling it “cruel, unlawful, and further [compounding] the genocidal conditions of life that Israel is inflicting on Palestinians.”
Heba Morayef, Amnesty’s regional director, said: “Gaza City … is now facing complete obliteration. It is evident that Israel is determined in pursuing its goal to physically destroy Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Testimonies collected by Amnesty highlight the ordeal:
A healthcare worker treating malnourished children said: “It’s like having to choose between two deaths: death by bombardment or the slow death of displacement … I have already been displaced on 15 occasions.”
An elderly woman with disabilities explained: “Where do we go? … Every day is like the war is starting all over again, only far worse, but we are totally depleted.”
A grandmother caring for her orphaned granddaughter added: “We don’t have the means to go to the south, and we are tired of being forced to relive this ordeal all over again.”
Amnesty warned that states and companies supplying Israel with weapons or support “risk complicity in genocide.”