Palestinian State Recognition, Gaza Genocide continues, H1B Visa Fee

Palestine Recognized by Key Western Countries

In a seismic shift, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized the State of Palestine. This coordinated move, unprecedented among major Western partners, was announced at heightened security meetings before the ongoing UN General Assembly and arrives amid renewed violence and diplomatic maneuvering in the region. The recognition is seen as a response to growing pressure to address Palestinian rights and push for a two-state solution.

Trump’s Gaza War Plan Faces Muslim World Scrutiny

US President Donald Trump is meeting with leaders from several key Arab and Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan, at the United Nations General Assembly today. The main agenda is to discuss Trump's plan for ending Israel's war in Gaza and to propose a post-war governance solution for the region. Trump is calling for potential peacekeeping involvement from Arab and Muslim states to replace Israel’s military in Gaza, while these states urge an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a halt to any Israeli annexation efforts.

This high-level meeting comes against the backdrop of intensifying Israeli military operations in Gaza, mounting civilian casualties, and growing international momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state. Arab leaders are expected to pressure Trump to champion a genuine ceasefire and to abandon controversial Israeli annexation plans that could undermine recent normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states.

Intensification of Hostilities and Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza

Israeli strikes have escalated in Gaza City and Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands, triggering fresh condemnation from Arab and Muslim nations, and deepening concerns over war crimes and genocide.

Israeli attacks on Gaza have intensified again, resulting in 22 deaths since dawn, as reported by hospital sources. The attacks coincide with starvation-related deaths and increasingly dire humanitarian conditions. These developments come as regional leaders hope today’s UN meetings may create momentum for a lasting ceasefire and international humanitarian relief for the besieged Palestinian population.

International calls for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza are growing louder, with several countries recognizing Palestinian statehood at the ongoing UN General Assembly. The international community is also urging unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and accountability for ongoing civilian casualties.

Gaza Genocide

• IDF has stepped up its genocidal campaign to take full control of Gaza City, deploying several divisions and launching extensive air and ground assaults.

• Israeli forces have ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza City, signaling more intense operations in civilian areas.

• The United Nations and aid agencies warn that Gaza City’s last lifelines are collapsing, with famine confirmed in the area and thousands facing daily shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

• Over 450,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks, with the Israeli military calling for a mass evacuation southwards.

• Acute malnutrition is widespread, with UN figures reporting over 28,000 children under five affected in July and August alone.

• Aid delivery is severely hampered by ongoing violence, looting, and Israeli restrictions.

• The humanitarian situation and renewed offensive coincided with world leaders gathering in New York for the UN General Assembly. Recent days have seen multiple countries, including France, recognize Palestinian statehood, drawing sharp objections from Israel.

National News for you

• Republican Bill Proposed to Ban Sharia Law in the U.S.

• Congress remains deadlocked on a spending deal as a government shutdown looms; calls have intensified for bipartisan negotiations.

• US and Israel Boycott UN Summit on Palestine.

• Pakistan PM and Other Muslim Leaders Meet Trump at UNGA.

• Trump threatens Afghanistan over return to Bagram Air Base.

• Trump publicly pressures AG Bondi to prosecute rivals.

• U.S. Policy Shifts: Immigration, Visa Fees, and Aid Scrutiny.

• Trump launches $1M 'Gold Card' visa program for wealthy immigrants.

• Temporary Protected Status for Syrians ends; Syrians have 60 days before deportations start.

• Pentagon requires reporters to sign pledges restricting news coverage.

• States beginning Medicaid payment cuts ahead of projected federal funding reductions.

International News for you

• Wave of Countries Recognize Palestinian State.

• Macron rebukes US Ambassador Kushner over antisemitism criticism.

• Ukraine deploys combat robots to address manpower crisis.

• A cyberattack disrupted air travel in major European airports, drawing attention to international cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

• Afghanistan faces world's largest refugee influx in 2025; humanitarian agencies warn of crisis.

• Syrian President attends UNGA in New York for first time since 1967, plans to meet Trump, Erdogan.

• Israel to close Allenby border crossing to Palestinians indefinitely.

• Muslim leaders at UNGA voice for Kashmir, Palestine.

Business & Markets

• US stock indexes close at new records for third day; Nvidia rises on $100B OpenAI investment.

• Trump's $100K H-1B visa fee triggers market selloff.

• Tech sector reacts to H-1B visa fee increase.

• Seattle’s tech downturn forces former employees into entry-level roles.

• Argentina's stock market becomes the world's worst performer.

• Paper mills close at record pace as box demand plunges.

• Egyptian billionaire Sawiris plans $50B US infrastructure investment.

Science & Technology

• Groundbreaking AI and Halal Standards Put Islamic Values in Tech Spotlight.

• Studies find AI healthcare tools show bias against women, minorities.

• Nvidia spends over $900M to recruit Enfabrica CEO.

• AI models can deliberately deceive humans, new research reveals.

• Johns Hopkins creates microchips smaller than ever before, promising new efficiency for AI and technology.

• Light-powered AI chip could cut energy use 100-fold, revolutionizing next-gen AI tools.

Sports

• Detroit Lions defeat Baltimore Ravens 38-30 in NFL action.

• Six NFL teams remain undefeated after Week 3.

• Atlanta Braves overpower Washington Nationals 11-5 in Major League Baseball.

• Montreal Canadiens beat Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL pre-season.

• Eagles’ dramatic victory highlighted in Philly sports retrospective.

Health

• Trump to announce link between Tylenol and autism Monday.

• FDA to issue advisory on acetaminophen in pregnancy; experts emphasize there’s no proven link between Tylenol use and autism risk.

• Doctors urge flu vaccination this fall for protection as season approaches.

• Saudi Arabia’s health ministry launches new “Live Well” initiative to promote nutrition and mental wellness through technology and education programs.

Self Improvement

In the hustle of modern life, it is easy to be overwhelmed by worries and worldly distractions. One of Islam's timeless reminders is to nurture a heart that is connected to Allah, seeking tranquility through remembrance (dhikr) and prayer (salah). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized, "Whoever remembers Allah much, Allah will love him." Taking a few moments each day to reflect, make sincere dua, or simply say “SubhanAllah” and “Alhamdulillah” can shift the heart from anxiety to peace. Remember, true self-worth is not measured by material gain, but by the contentment found in fulfilling our duties to Allah and serving others with compassion.

At Informed Muslim, we intend to bring relevant information that we came across that we felt you, as a “well-informed” Muslim, may care to know about. Some of the opinions expressed here are with the intent to stay as neutral as possible, so you, as a reader, can get the unbiased information.

May Allah forgive us if we said anything wrong here, and Allah knows that’s not our intent. If you notice something incorrect, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Jazākum'Allāhu Khayran.

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