Israeli forces continued their offensive across the Gaza Strip, carrying out strikes on 170 separate targets in the past 24 hours. Footage showed tanks in southwestern Gaza City, where heavy bombardments have triggered a mass exodus of residents.
Citing security sources, several Israeli media outlets reported on Wednesday that about 700,000 residents have already fled Gaza City, which previously had an estimated population of around 1 million.
The Israeli military said in a statement that its strikes hit “terrorists, military structures, weapons storage facilities and terror infrastructure sites.” Health authorities in Gaza reported at least 24 people killed over the past day.
According to the military, troops also killed militants and dismantled Hamas infrastructure, including positions used to ambush soldiers.
The army reported the death of Staff Sergeant Chalachew Shimon Demalash, 21, from Beersheba, who was killed by sniper fire in northern Gaza.
In a separate incident, Hamas attempted to shoot down an Israeli combat helicopter with a projectile, which failed to hit its target. The military said no injuries or damage were reported.
Before his departure, Netanyahu said his UN address would “condemn those leaders who, instead of denouncing (Hamas), want to give them a state in the heart of the Land of Israel. That will not happen.”
He added that he would meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, their fourth meeting since Trump’s reelection, to discuss the Gaza war and regional opportunities, which he claimed have been created by Israel’s recent military attacks across the Middle East.
The Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians since October 2023, according to the Gaza health authorities.
As part of the Hotel’s ongoing dedication to social impact and educational empowerment, the team visited GS Rutunga School to donate essential school supplies to 100 students on September 19, 2025 , helping them begin their academic journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Each student received a comprehensive package including a set of twelve notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, a mathematical instrument set and school bag.
This initiative reflects Marriott International’s belief that investing in education is investing in a brighter future.
The smiles and excitement on the students’ faces also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of even the simplest acts of kindness.
This outreach is part of Marriott’s broader Spirit to Serve philosophy, which encourages associates to engage in volunteerism and community service by stepping beyond the workplace.
This victory follows another milestone earlier this month, when BK teams triumphed at the Interbank Tournament by winning in swimming, basketball, and volleyball, underscoring the bank’s growing culture of sports excellence.
Rwanda has set ambitious goals in sports, seeing it not only as a source of entertainment but also as a driver of development. With programs that encourage mass participation and investment in infrastructure, the government is working toward a vision where athletics contribute directly to social cohesion and economic growth.
Bank of Kigali continuously embeds sports into its culture, and it has positioned itself not only as a financial leader, but as an advocate for employee well-being and community development.
Inside BK, sports serve as a catalyst for resilience, teamwork, and collaboration. Outside its walls, the bank’s investments in various sports initiatives such as executive golf tournaments, basketball competitions and others reflect a belief that sports are platforms where talent, and opportunity converge.
The 2025 Corporate League also celebrated individual achievements, with BK’s own Shyaka Olivier earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Speaking after the championship, Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, said:
“I am deeply proud of our Bank of Kigali family. Winning both the Corporate League and the Interbank Tournament shows that when we come together with passion and purpose, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Sport at BK is not just about trophies, it is about wellness and teamwork.
As BK prepares to represent Rwanda in the East Africa Corporate League, it sees its mission aligned with the country’s broader sports agenda: using athletics as a tool to nurture talent, promote inclusion, and strengthen national pride.
For Bank of Kigali, these victories in the pool, on the court, and on the field, do more than make the institution proud, they also contribute to Rwanda’s vision of a healthier nation, stronger sports culture, and the sector’s development.
Amb. Nduhungirehe said President Tshisekedi should not dare accuse others of genocide when the Congolese army and allied armed groups are killing Congolese Tutsis.
It has been nearly four years since renewed war broke out in eastern DRC, triggered by systematic attacks on Congolese Tutsis, especially in North and South Kivu provinces.
While addressing the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2025, President Tshisekedi told world leaders that they should acknowledge the existence of genocide taking place in the eastern part of his country.
He did not specify which community or group is being targeted, but insisted that what is happening in the east “is not a normal war but a silent genocide.”
Reacting to his request , Minister Nduhungirehe took to X to slash Tshisekedi for accusing others of crimes being committed by his own forces.
“He has armed, supported, and financed the FDLR Rwandan genocidaires, and even integrated them into his own national army, the FARDC, alongside the Nyatura and other ethnic-based militias. He created an armed militia called ‘Wazalendo’ to which he provided money, weapons, and ammunition,” he noted.
Amb. Nduhungirehe reminded the public that Tshisekedi turned a blind eye when this militia, together with the FDLR and Nyatura, set fire to more than 300 homes belonging to Congolese Tutsis in October 2023, in the village of Nturo, Masisi territory, North Kivu province.
“He remained silent when Wazalendo lynched, burned alive, and even cannibalized several of his own FARDC officers, for the simple “crime” of being born Tutsi. He said nothing when videos circulated showing children armed by this same militia, with Wazalendo adults asking those children if they were ready ‘to kill the Banyarwanda’ ” he said.
“He uttered no word when Wazalendo leaders gave the Banyamulenge and other Congolese Tutsis ten days to leave DRC territory and “return home to Rwanda,” added Amb. Nduhungirehe.
Meanwhile, despite ongoing peace talks between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group in Qatar, FARDC has continued to launch heavy attacks — including air strikes, drones, and other heavy weapons — on areas controlled by M23.
For example, on September 19, 2025, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka reported that FARDC launched airstrikes using Sukhoi-25 jets and CH-4 drones on highly populated areas such as Bibwe, Chysto, Hembe, and Nyange, killing many civilians.
Amb. Nduhungirehe questioned how President Tshisekedi could ignore such atrocities and still accuse others of genocide before the United Nations.
“And after all that, he dares to stand on the prestigious platform of the United Nations in New York to accuse others of genocide? A simple mirror would have sufficed!” he concluded.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), NCA officers arrested a man in his 40s in West Sussex Tuesday evening on suspicion of “Computer Misuse Act offences.”
“He has been released on conditional bail,” an announcement added while providing no more details.
“Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing,” said Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit.
The cyberattack targeted Collins Aerospace, the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems. Airports in air hubs such as London, Brussels and Berlin reported delays and cancellations of flights after the attack over the weekend, which forced them to use manual check-in and boarding.
“Let us be clear: humanity’s fate cannot be left to an algorithm. Humans must always retain authority over life-and-death decisions,” he told an open debate of the Security Council on AI and international peace and security.
The Security Council and UN member states must ensure that military use of AI remains in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter. Human control and judgment must be preserved in every use of force, he said.
AI is no longer a distant horizon. It is here, transforming daily life, the information space, and the global economy at breathtaking speed. The question is not whether AI will influence international peace and security, but how the world will shape that influence, said Guterres.
Without guardrails, AI can be weaponized. AI-enabled cyberattacks can disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure in minutes. The ability to fabricate and manipulate audio and video threatens information integrity, fuels polarization, and can trigger diplomatic crises. And the massive energy and water demands of large-scale models, coupled with competition over critical minerals, are creating new drivers of tension, he warned.
Guterres said coherent global regulatory frameworks for AI must be in place.
Governments, platforms, media and civil society must cooperate to detect and deter AI-generated deception — from disinformation campaigns to deepfakes targeting peace processes, humanitarian access and elections, he said.
“We need transparency in the entire AI life cycle: rapid and verified attribution of information sources and their dissemination, and systemic safeguards to prevent AI systems from spreading disinformation and igniting violence,” he said.
There is also a need to close the AI capacity gap, said Guterres. “Technology can accelerate sustainable development, foster stability and peace. We must create space for all nations to shape our AI future.”
From nuclear arms control to aviation safety, the international community has risen to the challenge of technologies that could destabilize societies, by agreeing to rules, by building institutions, and by insisting on human dignity, he said. “The window is closing to shape AI — for peace, for justice, for humanity. We must act without delay.”
According to an RDF statement released on Wednesday, Sergeant Sadiki Emmanuel, a military driver, accidentally strayed across the Gasenyi–Nemba border and was apprehended by Burundian police. He is currently being held at Kirundo Police Station in Busoni commune, Butanyera Province.
The RDF described the event as an “unfortunate common border incident” and assured the public that diplomatic channels will be used to facilitate the soldier’s return.
“RDF regrets this unfortunate common border incident and will undertake necessary diplomatic actions with the Government of Burundi to bring the soldier back home,” the statement read.
Speaking in a televised address less than two hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s scheduled announcement of final results for the election, Chakwera thanked all Malawians for their support over the past five years.
In the last update on the official presidential results Monday, Mutharika had over two million votes against Chakwera’s over 700,000 votes.
“It’s well clear that my main rival, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party, had already secured an insurmountable lead and is the presumptive winner of the presidential election,” said Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party.
“For this reason, a moment ago I called Professor Mutharika directly to congratulate him on his historic victory and to wish him well in his upcoming tenure as the seventh President of the Republic of Malawi,” he said.
He thanked his supporters, saying he would “forever be grateful for your trust in me and for your support of my candidacy,” and urged all Malawians to support Mutharika’s drive for national prosperity.
Chakwera also hailed the MEC for what he described as a commendable job in presiding over the general elections.
The smartphones were distributed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following a training session on the “Byikorere” campaign (do it yourself), which aims to improve access to e-government services. This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Rwanda Education Assistance Project (REAP) and Rwamagana District.
Of the smartphones, 150 were distributed to five individuals from each village, including village leaders, community health workers, and selected committee members, while six smartphones were allocated to cell advisory council leaders.
This distribution is expected to enable these leaders to assist residents in accessing Irembo services directly, eliminating the need for lengthy travel to find Irembo agents.
Theoneste Sindambiwe, leader of Nyantoki Village in the Budahanda Cell of Musha Sector, expressed his gratitude for the donation, noting the previous challenges faced by his community. Residents had to either walk for two hours or pay for a motorcycle ride to reach the Irembo agent at the sector office.
“I will now go to my people and help them access services like paying for Mutuelle de Sante, Ejo Heza, and more,” Sindambiwe said. “It was a struggle to reach Irembo services, as we had to pay Frw 3,000 for a round trip, which was very inconvenient.”
Jean Paul Gahamanyi, a community health worker from Rutoma Village, also shared his experience: “I used to need certain services from Irembo, which was exhausting because getting to the agent involved a Frw 1,000 transport cost. Now, I can access many of these services on my own. The money I used to spend on transport will now go towards other needs, and I will be able to assist my fellow citizens as well.”
Emmanuel Muhawenimana, a resident of Rwabiyange Village in the Budahanda Cell, echoed similar sentiments. “There were many services we struggled to pay for due to our remote location. Now, I am excited about using the smartphone to access these services. It will help us save the money we used to spend traveling to find Irembo agents. Additionally, we will be able to get services more quickly.”
Darius Habamenshi, the Country Director of REAP, explained that during a visit by Members of Parliament to Musha Sector last year, community members raised concerns about the challenges they faced in accessing digital government services. This feedback led to the initiative to provide smartphones, aiming to simplify the process for residents in accessing these essential services.
Jeanne Umutoni, the Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of social welfare, highlighted that providing smartphones would significantly contribute to the development of the community. She encouraged recipients to assist others in accessing government services.
“This will increase productivity, as people will be able to request services without traveling to the Cell or Sector offices,” Umutoni explained. “They can request these services from their homes or fields, improving their livelihoods and preventing people from missing out on important services due to the burden of travel.”
Umutoni also emphasized the district is working with various partners to expand the program, and ensure that more citizens in other sectors benefit from smartphones and the “Byikorere” campaign.
During the visit, both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the two nations. A key highlight was a landmark land allocation deal, expected to provide businesses from both countries greater access to regional markets.
Rwanda and Egypt share a strong bilateral relationship, with embassies established in each other’s capitals. This development builds upon numerous cooperation agreements in various sectors, including technology, industrial development, trade, agriculture, education, youth, healthcare, and military collaboration.
The partnership between the two nations has been long-standing. In 2017, President El-Sisi visited Rwanda to further strengthen their bilateral relations. Both countries are also active members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Egypt opened its embassy in Kigali in 1976, and Rwanda re-established its embassy in Cairo in March 2015, signaling the importance of their diplomatic ties.
This longstanding relationship was further strengthened by President Kagame’s recent visit to Cairo, a city rich in culture, history, and landmarks.
Here are the top 15 attractions to know about this extraordinary city visited by President Kagame.
{{1. The Pyramids of Giza}}
One of Cairo’s most iconic and unmissable attractions is the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient wonders, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, continue to awe visitors with their scale and grandeur.
The Pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated engineering and culture of ancient Egypt, making them one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.
Visitors can explore the inside of the pyramids, learn about the pharaohs’ burial practices, and take camel rides for a more immersive experience.
{{2. The Egyptian Museum: A gateway to ancient Egypt}}
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is an essential stop for anyone looking to delve into Egypt’s remarkable history.
With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum holds one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities. The highlight of the museum is the treasure of Tutankhamun, including his famous golden death mask.
The museum provides invaluable insights into Egypt’s ancient civilization, offering visitors a chance to learn about mummification, religious rituals, and the everyday life of the pharaohs.
{{3. Coptic Cairo: Egypt’s Christian Heritage}}
Coptic Cairo is an area in Cairo that reflects the deep Christian history of Egypt. It is home to several significant churches, including the famous Hanging Church, which dates back to the 3rd century.
The Coptic Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that trace the history of Christianity in Egypt, from the early Christian period to modern times.
The area also includes the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the ancient Babylon Fortress, marking the historical and cultural crossroads where different religious traditions intersect.
{{4. Islamic Cairo}}
Islamic Cairo is a district filled with some of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. The area is home to historic mosques, madrassas, and palaces.
Key highlights include the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque, one of the largest in the city, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, which is one of the oldest in Cairo.
The Citadel of Saladin, which includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offers panoramic views of the city and a peek into Cairo’s Islamic history. Islamic Cairo is a living museum, where visitors can walk through streets lined with ancient buildings and immerse themselves in the city’s Islamic heritage.
{{5. Khan El Khalili Bazaar: A shopper’s paradise}}
For those looking to experience the authentic flavors and sounds of Cairo, Khan El Khalili Bazaar is the place to go.
This vibrant market, which has been a trading hub since the 14th century, is filled with colorful stalls offering everything from handcrafted jewelry, spices, and textiles to copperware, perfumes, and souvenirs.
The bustling market is a sensory overload, with its maze of alleyways and lively merchants. Don’t forget to bargain; it’s part of the fun in this traditional Egyptian souk.
{{6. Al-Azhar Park}}
Al-Azhar Park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Cairo, providing visitors with beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of the Cairo skyline.
Located near Islamic Cairo, the park is a perfect place to relax while taking in the breathtaking view of the Cairo Citadel and the surrounding historic mosques. The park is an oasis of calm in the heart of Cairo, offering a unique combination of nature, history, and tranquility.
{{7. Tahrir Square }}
Tahrir Square is not just a central location in Cairo—it has been the site of many pivotal moments in Egypt’s modern political history.
Most notably, it was the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak.
Today, the square is a key symbol of the country’s political struggles and successes. Surrounding the square are important landmarks, including the Egyptian Museum, and it remains a central hub for both political movements and everyday life in Cairo.
{{8. The Cairo Opera House}}
Cairo is home to one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the Middle East—The Cairo Opera House.
A key part of the city’s thriving arts scene, the opera house hosts performances ranging from classical music and ballet to contemporary dance and opera. It’s a cultural institution in the city, drawing in artists from around the world.
{{9. The Citadel of Saladin: A historic fortress}}
The Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most important historical sites. Built by the famous Islamic ruler Saladin in the 12th century, the Citadel was the seat of the Egyptian government for almost 700 years.
Visitors can explore its many mosques, including the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which offers stunning views of the city. The Citadel also houses the National Military Museum and the Police Museum, both of which offer fascinating insights into Egypt’s military history.
{{10. The Nile River}}
The Nile River has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years, and it continues to play a central role in the life of Cairo.
Tourists can take a relaxing boat ride or even a traditional felucca ride on the river to see the city from a different perspective.
Many luxury hotels and restaurants along the Nile offer dining experiences with beautiful views of the river and the city skyline.
{{11. The Nile Corniche}}
The Nile Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade that runs along the Nile River in Cairo. The Corniche is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering stunning views of the river and the city’s historic buildings.
Visitors can take in the sights of Cairo’s skyline, cross over bridges, or simply sit at one of the many cafes that line the river. It’s an ideal spot to experience the dynamic energy of Cairo’s urban life while enjoying the tranquility of the river.
{{12. The City of the Dead}}
One of Cairo’s more unusual attractions is the City of the Dead, a vast necropolis located in the eastern part of the city. This sprawling cemetery houses tombs that date back to the Mamluk period and even earlier.
The City of the Dead is home to some of Cairo’s poorest residents, who live among the tombs, making it a fascinating and thought-provoking site for visitors. While it may be an unconventional tourist attraction, it offers a unique window into Cairo’s past and present.
{{13. Zamalek: Cairo’s Greenest District}}
Zamalek is an upscale district in Cairo known for its lush greenery, colonial-era architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Located on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is a quiet residential area that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the rest of Cairo.
The district is home to embassies, art galleries, and cultural venues, including the Cairo Opera House. It’s a great area for walking, dining, and enjoying Cairo’s more laid-back side.
{{14. The Museum of Islamic Art}}
The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo offers a fascinating collection of Islamic artifacts spanning over 1,400 years.
The museum’s exhibits include rare manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork from various periods in Islamic history.
Visitors can explore the rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Islamic world, with artifacts from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
{{15. Cairo Tower}}
Standing tall at 187 meters, the Cairo Tower offers the best panoramic view of the city. Located on Gezira Island, it provides a breathtaking view of Cairo’s skyline, the Nile River, and iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza in the distance.
Visitors can enjoy a meal or drink at the revolving restaurant on the tower’s top floor, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset or gaze at the sprawling cityscape.
