UN chief calls for AI curbs and end to wars in his last assembly address

United States President Donald Trump has announced that his Board of Peace has secured an agreement aimed at the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, along with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. Trump described the agreement as a historic breakthrough and said it would be carried out in stages, with Israeli troops leaving Gaza as disarmament progresses. The Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump in September last year as part of his plan to end the war in Gaza. He later expanded the initiative, saying it would also work to address conflicts in other parts of the world. The board is intended to coordinate peace efforts and oversee reconstruction projects, a role that has traditionally been led by the United Nations. According to its charter, countries joining the board normally serve three year terms. However, nations that contribute one billion dollars toward its activities are eligible for permanent membership. Trump serves as chairman of the initiative and has broad executive authority, including the power to veto decisions and remove members under certain conditions. The White House named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and presidential adviser Jared Kushner as members of the board’s founding executive team. More than two dozen countries have joined the initiative. Alongside the United States, members include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar, all of which have played important roles in recent Middle East diplomacy. Other participating countries include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Outside the region, Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam have also joined. Several major countries and international partners have declined to participate. Britain, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the European Union have all decided not to join the initiative. Brazil, Mexico, India and South Africa have also remained outside the board, while China and Russia have chosen not to participate. The Vatican has argued that responsibility for handling international conflicts should remain with the United Nations. Canada also lost its invitation after a diplomatic disagreement between Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this year. The Board of Peace received international recognition after the United Nations Security Council approved a United States drafted resolution acknowledging its temporary role in Gaza. Under the resolution, the board will coordinate funding for reconstruction and oversee a temporary international stabilisation force in Gaza through 2027. It must also report its progress to the Security Council every six months. China and Russia abstained from the vote, saying the resolution did not clearly define the United Nations’ role in Gaza’s future administration. Despite official backing, the initiative has attracted widespread criticism from human rights organisations and political observers. Critics argue that the board resembles a colonial style governing structure because it is designed to supervise Gaza without including Palestinian representatives. They have also questioned the inclusion of Tony Blair because of his role in the Iraq war and criticised the participation of countries with poor human rights records. The decision to include Israel on a body responsible for overseeing Gaza has generated additional controversy. Opponents argue that Israel’s ongoing military campaign has left much of Gaza destroyed and displaced its population. Israel maintains that its military actions were carried out in self defence following the Hamas attack in 2023 that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken. Since its launch, the Board of Peace has focused mainly on plans for rebuilding Gaza. Trump said member countries have already pledged around seven billion dollars toward reconstruction, although experts estimate that restoring the territory after more than two years of conflict could cost as much as 70 billion dollars. The board has also reportedly held discussions with international companies on future infrastructure and supply chain projects as planning for Gaza’s recovery continues.

Thousands of people marched through the Italian city of Bologna after the death of a Moroccan born man who died while being restrained by police, prompting a criminal investigation and violent clashes that left dozens of officers injured. The protests were held in memory of Abderrahim Fakir, whose death on Sunday has sparked widespread public anger and renewed debate over police conduct in Italy. Demonstrators gathered to demand justice before a smaller group broke away from the main rally and clashed with riot police late into the night. Authorities said 64 police officers were injured during the unrest as protesters threw objects, confronted security forces and set two vehicles on fire. Police eventually brought the situation under control. The incident that led to the demonstrations began after officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in Bologna’s Pilastro neighbourhood. According to police, Fakir was seen kicking garage doors before officers attempted to calm him. They later used pepper spray during the confrontation. A video widely shared by Italian media shows two police officers holding Fakir face down on the ground while another man restrains his legs. Emergency medical workers are also visible nearby. In the footage, Fakir can be heard asking the officers to stop before he gradually stops moving. After he became unresponsive, officers handcuffed him and attempted to wake him before medical staff intervened. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation involving the police officers and emergency workers who were present at the scene. The inquiry will examine whether the restraint methods or medical response contributed to Fakir’s death. Several witnesses told local media that although Fakir appeared distressed, he was unarmed and did not pose a threat to anyone nearby. His sister, Khadija Fakir, called for a full investigation and said the family wanted answers about how he died while in police custody. Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore also expressed shock after watching the video and organised Monday’s public demonstration in support of Fakir’s family. During the rally, Fakir’s niece addressed the crowd, describing her uncle as a caring and respected member of the community. She said he deserved compassion, dignity and help rather than the outcome that followed. Although the main demonstration remained peaceful, officials said a small number of protesters later turned violent. Mayor Lepore condemned the unrest while drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and those who resorted to violence. The police union defended the officers’ actions and argued that the available video showed they had acted appropriately under difficult circumstances. Union representatives said the officers immediately handed over body camera footage to investigators and insisted the use of force was justified because officers faced resistance during the incident. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a thorough investigation into Fakir’s death while strongly condemning the violence that followed. She said determining the truth about the incident was essential but stressed that attacks on law enforcement could not be justified. Fakir’s death has drawn comparisons with previous high profile cases involving deaths in police custody in Italy. Opposition politicians have criticised the government’s strong support for police, while human rights advocates say the investigation must establish whether officers followed proper procedures during the arrest. The case has intensified public discussion over policing practices and accountability across the country.