Dubai, September 24: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly, with his visit coming amid continuing diplomatic efforts over the Gaza conflict and growing discussions about the territory’s reconstruction.
Netanyahu’s office said he is scheduled to meet several world leaders during his brief visit but does not have meetings planned with US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio or Arab leaders.
According to his office, Netanyahu is expected to meet the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama and Ethiopia, as well as the vice president of Colombia and the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia and Papua New Guinea.
His office said the Israeli prime minister was on a tight schedule and would return to Israel before the start of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, which begins at sundown on Friday.
Gaza Reconstruction Funding Falls Far Short of Requirement
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica said only around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) has so far been raised towards the estimated 71 billion euros ($80.8 billion) required to rebuild Gaza.
The estimate was prepared by the United Nations, World Bank and European Union. Suica called for greater international efforts and a unified recovery plan involving Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the US-backed Board of Peace and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
The Gaza Board, meeting in New York on Wednesday, proposed a six-month, $2.45 billion plan aimed at beginning reconstruction and establishing governance arrangements in the territory.
5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Türkiye-Syria Border Region
Meanwhile, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye and parts of neighbouring Syria on Thursday, prompting residents to leave buildings in panic.
Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency said the earthquake was centred in Şanlıurfa province, near the Syrian border. There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.
The region was among those affected by the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023, which killed more than 53,000 people in Türkiye and caused widespread destruction across southern and southeastern provinces. Thousands more died in neighbouring Syria.
