In North Waziristan, tribesmen persist with a sit-in protest, seeking justice for a deadly drone strike, demanding accountability, and mourning the loss of lives in their region.The demonstration, now entering its third day, reflects growing frustration among residents over the lack of transparency and justice following the attack, which locals claim targeted civilians. Tribal leaders have called for an independent investigation and urged international attention to the escalating tensions in the area.
Meanwhile, at the United Nations General Assembly, Saudi Arabia made a compelling case for recognizing Palestinian statehood as a critical step toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. Speaking at a Friday session, Manal Radwan, a senior official from the Saudi Foreign Ministry, emphasized that acknowledging Palestine’s sovereignty is not merely a symbolic act but a “strategic necessity” for regional stability.
Radwan, who will co-chair an upcoming peace conference alongside France, highlighted the urgent need for a two-state solution to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “A just resolution for Palestine is the foundation of a new regional framework built on mutual respect and coexistence,” she told UN delegates. “It is the only path to dismantle the influence of non-state actors and replace despair with hope rooted in rights and dignity.”
The remarks come amid growing international alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s intensified military operations have led to significant civilian suffering. Radwan described the situation as a “crisis of historic proportions” and called for an immediate end to the violence. The Saudi-led initiative, supported by a coalition of nations, aims to reinvigorate the stalled peace process through next month’s high-level conference.
As global attention shifts to the Middle East, the parallel struggles in North Waziristan and Palestine underscore the broader challenges of achieving peace and justice in conflict zones. The upcoming conference is seen as a pivotal moment to push for transformative change, with Saudi Arabia pledging to work with international partners to deliver a sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue.
