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France, Saudi Arabia Chairing Palestinians Statehood Meeting; Luxembourg Prime Minister: Two-State Solution Is Only Way Forward; Donald Trump Says He Will Make "Amazing" Announcement On Autism; Donald Trump And Top Administration Officials Pay Tribute To Activist Charlie Kirk; Donald Trump: Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, And The Murdochs Will Be Involved In TikTok Deal. Netanyahu Vows "There Will Be No Palestinian State"; ICRC Chief Speaks To CNN About Humanitarian Situation In Gaza; Protests Over Gaza At United Kingdom's Largest Arms Fair. Historic Paris Waiters' Race Aims For Thrills, No Spills. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired September 22, 2025 - 10:00:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:00:31]
ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN Abu Dhabi. This is CONNECT THE WORLD with Becky Anderson.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: All right. Welcome to the second hour of the show from our Middle East programming headquarters. I'm Becky
Anderson in Abu Dhabi, where the time is just after 6:00 in the evening and all eyes are on the United Nations General Assembly as more world leaders
are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood in the coming hours.
French President Emmanuel Macron will co-chair a high level summit with Saudi Arabia focused on reviving a two-state solution. During that meeting,
France is expected to join the ranks of which include the U.K., Canada, Australia and Portugal in its formal recognition of Palestine.
Melissa Bell is back with us this hour in Paris. Melissa, let's start at home. And just how popular, if you will, is this decision by Emmanuel
Macron?
MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I mean, there has been this talk about how much these efforts to recognize Palestinian
statehood were about pandering to a domestic audience, Becky. And that is because what you've seen, and this is the case across Europe, is very
strong feeling that has been stirred up by the conflict in the Middle East, and more specifically, the way Israel has prosecuted its war in Gaza. And
that has really worsened over time.
There were from the very beginning, you'll remember big protests here in Europe with many Palestinian flags. This has been a support -- a cause that
has been supported by many across Europe over the course of the last nearly three years now.
What we've seen as especially over the last few months, is a sharp decline in European countries in the favorable views that people have of Israel.
There have been growing calls across many different European countries that more should be done to ban weapon sales, for instance, to Israel, to seek
to isolate it economically and diplomatically, to bring more pressure to bear, in order that Europe's voice should be heard, and not simply the
United States when it comes to what is happening in Gaza.
And I think you need to consider that this move is a part of that. There is today, on the very day that we see this recognition to take place when
Emmanuel Macron will speak later today in many different town halls across France, Becky, there have been Palestinian flags raised.
Now, that is significant, because here in France, you know that there is this strong sense of neutrality laicite, they call it. There should be no
display of religious or political affiliations, there is a public state space, and that applies, of course, to town halls.
Many mayors and town halls have decided to in breach of that, display these flags, and I think that speaks to the strong support that there is
politically here in France for this move by a president who is otherwise it should be (INAUDIBLE) fairly unpopular at the moment.
This is one issue on which I think many in Europe had been hoping that their leaders would go further. And certainly, this step being taken in New
York tonight by the French president will go a long way to speaking to many constituents at home who had been hoping for firmer action, whether or not
it will actually change things on the ground, of course, remains to be seen.
But certainly, that that has been spearheaded by France, that it is now happening, that it has can now gain the momentum that it has is likely to
prove domestically popular.
With this caveat, Becky, that the far right, the National rally has condemned the move. There are organizations here in France that represent
Jewish French people who feel very strongly that this is a dangerous move and take the line that Israel has, that the recognition of a Palestinian
state at this stage would be to reward the terrorism of Hamas.
But on the whole, a great deal of support for this move by France over the course of last few months, Becky.
ANDERSON: Good to have you, Melissa, thank you.
Well, last hour, I spoke to the prime minister of Luxembourg. His country is also expected to recognize Palestinian statehood later today. This is
what he told me from New York, where he is currently at the UNGA a little earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LUC FRIEDEN, LUXEMBOURG PRIME MINISTER: Right now, we are seeing that Prime Minister Netanyahu doesn't want a Palestinian state. Hamas doesn't want to
have a Democratic Palestinian state, and that's exactly why we thought now is the right moment to give the two-state solution a second chance.
[10:05:02]
We have always been friends of Israel, and we remain friends of Israel. We want an immediate release of the hostages, but at the same time, we need to
give the Palestinians hope for the future, and also make sure that the Israelis can live in peace. And the only way forward is to make sure that
now these two states solution gets, I would say, new energy, a second chance.
And as we see this hope vanishing, we agreed with a number of other European countries. You mentioned them, France, but I could add to Belgium,
Portugal, U.K., that if together, we give a new push to the Palestinian statehood under certain number of conditions, including elections in the --
in the West Bank and Gaza, we could see at the end of this process, like foreseen in the New York declaration, a peaceful Israel and a peaceful
Palestine next to each other.
ANDERSON: Understood, the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, there will be no Palestinian state. And he says, and I quote him here, "The
response to the latest attempt to force a terror state upon us in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the United States. Wait for
it," he said, and he seems to be suggesting he has the full backing from the Trump administration, who are key here.
Of course, they have been highly critical of those who have been unilaterally declaring a Palestinian state, particularly those European
countries that you've just named. What's your response? I mean, how do you respond to what I've just told you from the Israeli prime minister?
FRIEDEN: Listen, the world is in turmoil, and we are here in New York, and you mentioned at the beginning of your program to celebrate the 80th
anniversary of the United Nations, that is a word based on international law, on the rules based order, and therefore we believe that it's extremely
important that we reestablish international law.
And obviously, what's going on now in Gaza is a violation of international humanitarian law. We believe that people have a right to foresee their own
future, the right of auto determination of the people and all that is put in jeopardy here.
And if you see the broad support for the New York -- New York Declaration at the U.N. General Assembly last week, you see that it's a big momentum of
international community to make sure that, again, international law is somewhat reestablished.
And so, the recognition that we will do this afternoon on Palestinian status is not the end of a process. It's the beginning of a process.
And together, I think we can push as international community for these goals to be achieved. We need to do that in Ukraine. We need to do that in
Palestine and Israel. International law is not something that you can change from one day to another. It's a common set of rules we have agreed
upon eight years ago. It's challenged right now, and that is very worrying, and it's our duty as leaders, certainly as European leaders, to convey that
message, and we shall do so here in New York this afternoon.
ANDERSON: I just want to press you on the prime minister's sort of defiance, as it were, which manifests itself, of course, in pushing further
with plans to illegally occupy more territory in the West Bank.
You know, beyond the symbolism, which there will be many who applaud that, but beyond the symbolism, what sort of action would Luxembourg be prepared
to take?
For example, if you continue to see further territory being taken in the West Bank, you know, full annexation, which is threatened by the right-wing
members of Benjamin Netanyahu's government. I mean, what concrete action guarantees can Luxembourg and others provide at this point?
FRIEDEN: First of all, let me say again that we are not taking a decision against Israel. We are taking decisions against actions of Prime Minister
Netanyahu's government is which we disagree, because those actions are against a rules based international order.
What we can do is at the European level, to prepare for sanctions if there is no cease fire, if there is no return to the necessary humanitarian aid
that the people in Gaza deserve.
At the same time, we are pushing Hamas to release the hostages, and we will support the Palestinian Authority to build an Palestinian democratic state,
elections and everything that comes with a democracy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[10:10:05]
ANDERSON: Let me bring in Stephen Collinson, my colleague in Washington. First, you just heard my interview with the prime minister, what do you
make of his comments?
STEPHEN COLLINSON, POLITICS SENIOR REPORTER: I was very struck by him arguing that part of the rationale for this move was to reestablish
international law. This is an American administration that barely recognizes American law, in many cases, it has far less respect for
international law. We're seeing that play out right now off Venezuela, where the U.S. is using its military to take out what it says a drug boats,
but which that it is not given any information about.
So, while 80 years since the formation of the U.N., I think it's important to a lot of countries to try and underscore the founding principles of the
U.N., the country that was more instrumental in putting those principles together, more than any other, is the United States, and the United States
is the country right now that's doing most to call those principles into question, and I think we might see that reflected in the president's speech
tomorrow.
ANDERSON: It is going to be a busy week for Donald Trump sticking to this point. What sort of support do you expect to hear voiced by Donald Trump?
And Benjamin Netanyahu said -- you know, has threatened some sort of response to these declarations by these European countries, but says, wait
for it until I effectively get back from Washington.
COLLINSON: Yes, his trip is being interpreted here, I think, as an attempt to see how far he can go. There's a lot of talk about whether he will
formally annex all or part of the West Bank, whether he's trying to get U.S. acquiescence in that.
One thing which is quite interesting is that Donald Trump is behaving with great ruthlessness at home, but at the same time, he seems oddly passive
abroad.
During that press conference with the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week, he made it clear that not all of Israel's actions really accord
with what he sees as American interests.
But over and over again, he's unwilling to actually apply power to perhaps rein Israel in. And there's a big contradiction in the middle of U.S.
policy here, Trump says his main priority is to get the hostages back. Many people believe that the actions the Netanyahu government has taken in Gaza
recently make that very difficult to see happening.
At the same time, Trump seems to be planning to meet the leaders of Arab States this week in New York, perhaps to push his peace principles that
were disrupted by that Israeli raid on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
How all this fits together is very difficult to see, because he's engaging the Arab states, seemingly not reining in Israel in any way. There doesn't
seem to be any political basis for this to succeed.
So, it's a very ad hoc attempt, I think, by the Trump administration. It's very difficult to see what they're actually trying to achieve, let alone
whether they'll be able to achieve it.
ANDERSON: I mean, there's much talk that the U.S. under this Donald Trump administration is somewhat isolating itself and steering away from its
allies with its foreign policy position, you've just been speaking to that.
I think when we saw the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on a sort of defense pact last week, there was much talk that, you know, Saudi
and perhaps others in the region where I am might be looking beyond Washington for support, not necessarily turning their backs on Washington,
but looking beyond Washington, which was and has been a fear for some time by multiple sort of U.S. administrations who don't want to see other parts
of the world, sort of looking east rather than looking west, as it were.
As you sort of reflect on and it hasn't been a year yet. Of course, hasn't even been a year since the election. Never mind, you know, the beginning of
this year, when we got this new Trump administration.
As you reflect on where Trump stands with regard foreign policy and the U.S.'s position with its allies. Do you see a creeping isolation or not?
COLLINSON: Yes. Well, I think it's indisputable that the way that the United States has treated its allies in the last eight months or so has had
the effect of diminishing its power abroad when it's expressed through alliances or international organizations.
[10:15:14]
But I don't think that -- and I think it's true that the rest of the world sees it that way. I don't believe that the administration sees it that way,
or thinks that is in any way a negative. It believes that U.S. power is best expressed through bilateral constructs, where the greater power of the
United States prevails over weaker forces.
It's clear that Trump sees the world through a great power lens. He sees China potentially running the Pacific region. He doesn't really see any
problem with Russia having a more prominent role in the Eurasian region. And we're seeing with a lot of his policies, securing the border, using
U.S. military, not abroad, but to secure the American border and American cities.
He sees the western hemisphere as the American domain. It's not that he won't act in other areas of the world. We saw that with Iran, but he'll use
U.S. power selectively and limited -- in limited way and quickly and with overwhelming force and then withdraw.
So, the administration, and this in fact, was laid out by Trump in his first speech to the U.N., his first term, sees the world not through
international bodies, but through the individual application of sovereign power.
Ultimately, that potentially weakens the United States. And when you look at the future without Donald Trump, that has potentially squandered a lot
of American influence around the world.
But from the MAGA perspective, America is more powerful in the world, more respected. And I guess that's a sense of how differently people inside the
United States, especially in the heartland and the MAGA world, see the world than any other American president over the last 80 years.
ANDERSON: It's fascinating, isn't it? Stephen, it's always good to have you. Thank you very much indeed. As we say, it's an extremely busy week in
New York, and we will cover everything that is going on there at the U.N. and beyond on this show of course.
Egypt's president has pardoned prominent activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah and ordered his release. That's according to a report from state run media. His
family says that he has remained in prison despite completing his sentence last year.
Of course, the dual Egyptian British citizen has been arrested repeatedly since the height of the Egyptian uprising in 2011. And in 2021, he was
sentenced to an additional five years in jail for, "Spreading false news and assaulting a police officer," charges that a human rights organization
say were politically motivated.
Well, you're watching CONNECT THE WORLD with me Becky Anderson. Time here in Abu Dhabi, 17 minutes past 6:00. 17 minutes past 10:00 on the Eeastern
seaboard in the U.S. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised a, "Amazing" announcement about autism today. What he is expected to say is in a live
report, straight ahead, stay with us.
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[10:20:33]
ANDERSON: U.S. President Donald Trump claims he thinks his administration has found a, "Answer to autism." He's set to make what he called an amazing
announcement from the Oval Office later today. Though he didn't offer specific details, Mr. Trump is expected to link the development of autism
in kids with Tylenol use during pregnancy along with vitamin deficiency.
Well, let's get the latest from CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell. Let's start with what you are learning, if you will.
MEG TIRRELL, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Becky, I mean, the backdrop to this is that back in April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged
to find the cause of autism by September. Now here we are in September, and we're getting this announcement.
And as you noted, what we're expecting to hear today is that the Trump administration is likely to say there is a link between use of Tylenol or
acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism. They may also warn against using Tylenol during pregnancy, except in cases perhaps of high fever, and
separately, may also suggest an approved drug called leucovorin as a potential treatment for kids with autism.
Now, this question about Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism has actually been studied for more than a decade, so this doesn't appear to be
necessarily based on any new research.
And we should note that worldwide, more than half of pregnant women report using Tylenol. It is one of the only pain relievers and fever reducers
thought to be safe during pregnancy, so it is very commonly used.
And we should also note that having a fever or pain during pregnancy can be dangerous in themselves if you don't treat them.
Now, there have been multiple studies on this, and the results have been pretty mixed. One recent one looked at 46 prior studies and said that they
found, on the balance, an association between use of Tylenol during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
But we should note that doctors have pointed out an association doesn't mean one thing causes the other. A pregnant woman could have fever or pain
for a specific reason, use tylenol to treat that and then have a child who was diagnosed with autism, was it the Tylenol? Was it the reason they took
the Tylenol? Was it something else entirely? Science hasn't come up with the definitive answer to that as of this point.
Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol has also said in a statement that, "Independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does
not cause autism." So, Becky, we're standing by for what this announcement is, but a lot of folks a little bit worried it might go too far.
ANDERSON: Yes, more on that as we get it. We appreciate it, Meg, thank you.
Well, tens of thousands of mourners gathered inside a stadium in Arizona, in the states on Sunday to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, including President
Donald Trump. The conservative activist who was assassinated earlier this month was repeatedly described at the event as a martyr whose political
movement would live on.
During one emotional moment at the service, Kirk's wife Erika delivered a speech in which she said she had forgiven her husband's alleged killer.
Have a listen
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ERIKA KIRK, CHARLIE KIRK'S WIDOW: On the cross, our Savior said, Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do. That man, that young man, I
forgive him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, CNN's Betsy Klein is at the White House today. You were inside the stadium on Sunday, can you just explain the atmosphere --
describe the atmosphere, if you will. There were tens of thousands of people there saying goodbye to someone which perhaps the rest of the world
didn't know as much about until his assassination just a couple of weeks ago, Betsy.
BETSY KLEIN, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: That's right, it was very solemn. It was very emotional, and at times there was a lot of anger. But
officials from the highest levels of the Trump administration converging in Arizona to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
And there were intertwining themes of both faith and politics. We saw officials multiple times describe this as not a funeral but a religious
revival. There were pyrotechnics, there was music, and there was that message of radical forgiveness from Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow,
really very powerful moment. The entire audience, at times completely silent as she spoke.
[10:25:13]
And vice president J.D. Vance and secretaries Rubio and Hegseth both talking about Charlie Kirk's faith as a foundation for his political
movement.
But this event also got very political at times, laying bare, really, the very deep political divisions in this country in the aftermath of Kirk's
assassination. We heard from a combative Stephen Miller who went after unnamed enemies, Donald Trump Jr. invoking the names of Hillary Clinton, as
well as Kamala Harris, as he went after the media. Also President Trump himself taking aim at the radical left, the president intertwining details
from Charlie Kirk's personal story and their relationship very close one as he also, at times, sounded like he was at a political rally. He talked
about tariffs, a crime crackdown in Chicago, as well as autism.
But I want you to listen to listen to these remarks from President Trump on the one area where he disagreed with Charlie Kirk.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with
Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry Erika, but now Erika can talk to me and the whole group, and
maybe they can convince me that that's not right, but I can't stand my opponent.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KLEIN: One thing that was abundantly clear during this event was the influence that Charlie Kirk had on this White House. He was instrumental in
helping the president to select some top aides and fill out his cabinet during the presidential transition. We heard that from Vice President J.D.
Vance, who said they wouldn't be here right now without Charlie Kirk and a nod to the ground game and organization that his Turning Point group
provided propelling President Trump to victory back in November, Becky.
ANDERSON: Thank you. Well, President Trump says a group of American investors is being formed to potentially take over TikTok operations in the
U.S. so that the app can avoid a nationwide ban.
CNN's Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter with more now on who may be joining the team.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: Several of President Trump's billionaire supporters are involved in his plan for a takeover of TikTok's
U.S. assets, and that's raising fresh questions about whether the app and its powerful algorithm could be harnessed for partisan political gain.
The ongoing U.S. talks with China over a TikTok deal have involved the creation of an American investor consortium, and it's increasingly clear
that this setup will benefit Trump friendly media moguls and Trump friendly tech executives.
Latest example came on Sunday when Trump said in an interview on Fox News that the father and son who control Fox News, Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch,
are in the mix to be a part of the consortium. Now, here's exactly what Trump said.
TRUMP: You know, they're very well-known people, and Larry Ellison is one of them. He's involved. He's great guy. Michael Dell is involved.
I hate to tell you, but a man named Lachlan is involved. You know who Lachlan is, that's a very unusual name. Lachlan Murdoch.
PETER DOOCY, FOX NEWS CHANNEL CORRESPONDENT: Mr. Murdoch.
TRUMP: I believe and you call him, and Rupert is probably going to be in the group.
STELTER: So, Trump, seemingly breaking the news about Fox's owners, right there on Fox.
Although, he made it sound like Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch might be involved individually as investors on their own. I'm actually told by a
person familiar with the matter that it is Fox Corporation as a media company that it is in talks for a small stake in that TikTok U.S.
consortium.
Now, if this plan does go forward, it could be a big boost for Fox Corporation, which has been making many digital media investments in order
to offset declining areas of business, like broadcast T.V.
Meantime, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said over the weekend that this new U.S. Tiktok entity will have seven board members, six
of whom will be American, as required by the law that Congress passed last year.
Trump has been repeatedly delaying the enforcement of that law, even though some legal scholars say he's on shaky legal ground. In fact, this has been
described by some constitutional law experts as an illegal action to keep extending the deadline repeatedly.
TikTok has been caught up in this broader discussion between the U.S. and China, and that is the bottom line here. It is China that has the final say
about what happens with TikTok, and we have not heard anything definitive from Beijing.
Analysts have told CNN that Chinese leaders are most likely using the TikTok app and its popularity in the U.S. as leverage to extract
concessions that would be far more consequential to Beijing. Those concessions could include the U.S. easing export controls on semiconductors
and possibly relaxing the current tariffs on China.
Brian Stelter, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[10:30;03]
ANDERSON: Well, still to come, the U.N. convenes an emergency meeting after what Estonia calls a brazen Russian incursion into its airspace. More on
that is after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back. You're watching connect the world with me, Becky Anderson. Here are your headlines this hour.
The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting this hour that was requested by Estonia, after Russian fighter jets entered its
airspace on Friday. The Estonian foreign minister says that Russia's actions undermine principles vital to the security of all U.N. member
states.
President Trump says he will make a major announcement on autism. He said, "I think we found an answer to autism."
The president is expected to link its development in children with the use of pain reliever, Tylenol during pregnancy, along with vitamin deficiency.
And Donald Trump is among the top conservative leaders in the U.S., vowing to keep Charlie Kirk's political movement alive. The president, along with
tens of thousands of Kirk supporters, attended the Turning Point USA activists memorial service on Sunday, to pay their respects to the slain
leader.
What a key topic at the U.N. this week, at the General Assembly, there is a growing number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. Israel's
prime minister reacting with defiance and anger.
CNN's Jerusalem bureau chief, Oren Liebermann has more.
OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: So, first, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in whatever he does, will have the support, likely of
his own government, with the far-right ministers. They are calling for an outright and complete annexation of the entire occupied West Bank.
They have made that very clear that their goal is to kill the possibility of a Palestinian state, and potentially to destroy the Palestinian
Authority by cutting off its money and undermining it in whatever way is possible.
The real question, though, is what, what is Netanyahu likely to do? And here, he hasn't really publicly stated what his intent is. He could annex
all of the occupied West Bank. He could annex parts of it. Israeli officials have tried to put forward the argument that annexing just the
Jordan Valley has a majority of Israeli support behind it, and therefore, somehow that would be more acceptable, even if it wouldn't be at all to the
international community.
He could also try to, for example, close the French consulate in Jerusalem as an additional measure against France, whom Israel sees as leading this
recognition of Palestinian statehood.
So, it's really up to Netanyahu, but also up to U.S. President Donald Trump. And this is where Netanyahu said just yesterday that his response
will come only after he meets Trump next week, and that's because Trump is the key player here.
[10:35:10]
He will set the limits on what Israel is allowed to do, on what he gives Netanyahu the green light to do, and then, he will also be the one who --
was effectively gives it a thumb, a thumbs up, and says, yes, you can do this. Even as Israel grows increasingly isolated on the international
stage, the European Union, for example, considering the possibility of sanctions, it is U.S. backing that Netanyahu is relying upon here. And as
long as he has that, he feels like he can make whatever decision he'll come to about how to respond to these countries recognizing a state of
Palestine.
ANDERSON: Oren Liebermann, there.
Well, dozens of people have been reported killed as the Israeli military presses on with operations in Gaza City. Over the past 24 hours, 75 more
bodies and more than 300 injured people arrived at hospitals in the enclave, according to the Palestinian health ministry there.
The IDF, says numerous terrorists who were preparing to carry out attacks have been killed, but did not give an exact number.
Earlier, I spoke with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. I asked her whether she thought a cease fire at this point was
at all possible.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIRJANA SPOLJARIC EGGER, PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS: I don't see a cease fire coming right now, and this is what concerns
me. Because this is, for me, the signal that we will continue seeing the suffering and the death that we are already seeing on the ground. And we
cannot wait for months. As I said, this political solution has been in the making for many, many decades.
Up to a certain degree, the international community has consistently failed in bringing the solution together. In the meantime, we see a deterioration
of the humanitarian situation at levels that surpass any more, any legal, any humane standard.
Let me put it differently. Humanity is failing in Gaza, and the whole world is watching.
ANDERSON: The ICRC remains a key player in facilitating the movement and hostages of detainees inside of Gaza, and in a statement, the ICRC has
said, "We reiterate our call that until the hostages are released, the ICRC must be granted access to all the hostages, access you say that has been
withheld so far.
Now, your organization has been heavily criticized by Israel and others for not passing on life saving medicines to hostages and not visiting hostages
held in Gaza. You've called that out as myth or disinformation. Can you just explain what the situation is?
SPOLJARIC EGGER: Criticizing the ICRC for not accessing hostages is a distraction. It's senseless. And honestly, it's wasting valuable time when
we know exactly what the parties need to agree on, and we are telling them what they need to agree on. Because we know how it works.
And if they agree on these steps, we can access the hostages. It is not rocket science. It's not atomic physics. It's very practical steps.
If there is will on both sides to do this, we can bring relief, we can save lives. The law is important, but the law is always only as strong as the
political will that state leaders, the parties to conflict attached to the law. They have to want to do it. And if they don't want to do it, if they
prefer to pursue total war, and if they prefer to say the total victory is possible, then lives are naturally being sacrificed, and we are left
without the possibility to bring the help and protection that we were designed and created for.
ANDERSON: You've also, as an organization being criticized for not visiting Palestinian detainees. Can you just be clear about the ICRC position on
that issue?
SPOLJARIC EGGER: Look the law, the rules of war are clear in this situation. Israel has clear obligations as an occupying power to grant
access for humanitarian assistance when it's necessary, to give us access to detainees.
Similarly, Hamas is under a clear obligation to give us access to the hostages and to protect the dignity and the existence of its people.
We operate in this space. We operate in this space of the parties agreeing that this law matters and agreeing that they will conduct hostilities in a
way, civilians are not put under unnecessary harm, not put under harm that can be avoided.
[10:40:10]
And again, both sides have obligations, but Israel is a state party to the Geneva Conventions. It's a legal framework that was created after the
Second World War, based on the experience of the Second World War, and we know what that was.
Every state in the world is a party to the Geneva Conventions because they contain humane principles and rules that are thousands of years old, that
go across all religions, all people, all societies, everybody understands that it is necessary to protect children from unnecessary suffering.
ANDERSON: You and I last talked in Davos. You know, nine months is a long time in global politics these days, and we met just before Donald Trump
took over as president for the second time.
What is the relationship between the ICRC and the Trump administration?
SPOLJARIC EGGER: We have seen many U.S. administrations. We continue to work with every U.S. administration. Sometimes it's easier, sometimes it's
more difficult. Sometimes we need to invest time to re-establish channels of communications, and this is happening at the moment. It's happening
adequately.
We, of course, would like to progress faster as we -- want to progress faster with so many countries around the world, but it is working. We
continue to operate, and we continue to receive support from the U.S. administration, and this is very important for us.
ANDERSON: Sufficient support -- I must press you on that. Sufficient support?
SPOLJARIC EGGER: It is good support, but we do not receive sufficient support at the moment globally, because you see what's happening on the
ground.
If people were engaging in a dialog with us, more forcefully and with the necessary political follow up that is required, then we would see less
suffering on the ground.
ANDERSON: You have launched a global push to get governments to recommit to the rules of war. But after Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine, and
I -- the list goes on. And given the widespread violations of international humanitarian law in these conflict areas around the world. Are these rules
still meaningful?
SPOLJARIC EGGER: Every day we negotiate safe passage for civilians. We bring back fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine so that they can be
buried in dignity by their families. Parties to conflict, cooperate with us. We work with Israel. And bringing back the hostages in 148 cases, this
is compliance with the law. And you see what happens when the law is respected. It brings relief to the people. It brings satisfaction to the
people and to state leaders. They have to do more of this. It is possible because the law is clear. It just needs to be applied.
Now, what we see today is a hollowing out of the law. It's not the violation of the law that is the primary problem. It's the dismissiveness
with which these fundamental rules are being treated today.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That is the chief of the ICRC speaking to me from New York a little earlier today.
Well, the Palestinian mission in London held a flag raising ceremony today, Monday. It comes a day after the U.K. formally recognized the State of
Palestine.
Mission chief, Husam Zomlot called the move long overdue, saying it acknowledges Palestine as a land with the people, and marks a step towards
righting historic wrongs.
Well, Syria's president will attend the U.N. General Assembly this week, the first such Syrian leader to do so in nearly six decades.
Ahmad al-Sharaa led the main Islamist militant group that overthrew Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad last December, of course, and has now rebranded
himself as a pragmatic leader intent on rebuilding Syria.
His appearance at the United Nations comes after a landmark moment in Syria-U.S. relations, with Syria's foreign minister, raising his country's
flag over Syria's embassy in Washington on Friday, for the first time in more than a decade.
You are watching CONNECT THE WORLD with me, Becky Anderson.
Still ahead, protesters block London's biggest arms fair, as the Gaza war sparks outrage. That and more coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:47:01]
ANDERSON: Well, tensions ran high outside the U.K.'s largest arms fair, protesters clashing with police and targeting anyone trying to get inside
CNN's Nic Robertson has the full story on how the war in Gaza is reverberating throughout the defense industry.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR (voice over): Outside the U.K.'s largest arms fair, a gauntlet of abuse. Protesters angered by
Palestinian deaths in Israel's war in Gaza. Targeting anyone who tries to go in, even journalists.
ROBERTSON: This is what it takes at the moment to get inside London's biggest arms fair, the cordon off police, protecting the people trying to
get inside.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Across the U.K., pro-Palestinian protests have been getting bigger and louder, triggering a political reaction.
ROBERTSON: The British government has banned Israeli government officials from this event, citing concerns about their further military escalation
inside of Gaza. Israeli officials have responded, saying that this is a deliberate, regrettable decision that's discriminatory.
ROBERTSON (voice over): But inside, Israel defense industry manufacturers are welcome to trade. Many have come. One of the biggest, Elbit is facing
additional political heat.
BRIAN LEISHMAN, BRITISH MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT: We also look at the F-35 program. They have a huge hand in that as well. And of course, the F-35
fighter program has wrecked devastation and death right across Gaza.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Leishman, a UK lawmaker, is tabling a motion against the bid from Elbit, for a 15-year, $2 billion training contract
with the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense.
LEISHMAN: This contract wouldn't change Elbit, at the heart of U.K. defense infrastructure.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Elbit U.K. sites have been attacked by protesters. So too, one of their entities in Germany.
Elbit, told CNN, they don't have a comment about protesters or contracts, but their stand at London's arms fair was busy. Although, they asked us not
to show their staff out of concern for their safety. Other Israeli sales teams did let us film.
ROBERTSON: This is where the Israeli government pavilion would have been. Now, none of these Israeli defense contractors here wants to speak to us on
camera. But privately, they tell us business is booming, part of the reason they say, customers like the way that the Israelis have protected their
people and want to buy in to some of that battle tested hardware.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Israel doesn't publish all of its arms sale's figures, but publicly available data shows record high sales.
ODED YARON, ARMS INDUSTRIES & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER AT HAARETZ: For this industry, this is the -- on the one hand, the ultimate sales pitch.
[10:50:05]
Battle tested, battle proven.
On the other hand, as the war in Gaza drags on, it becomes more and more of a problem.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Missile interceptors like the Arrow system used this summer to defend against Iranian strikes are very popular. So too,
Israel's reactive armor on battle tanks and fighting vehicles seen by our team in use inside Gaza, as well as cutting edge F-35 fighter jet
developments.
And it's not just the weapons that keep ties strong with Israel. Defense and security interests are often deeply intertwined. The UK, in particular,
shares intelligence and technical expertise.
MATTHEW SAVILL, DIRECTOR OF MILITARY SCIENCES, RUSI: It would be difficult to completely disconnect the two. And indeed, whilst you have this
significant political disagreement over what's happening at the moment, there will be many in both security systems who would want to avoid too
much impact to the direct relationship.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Spain's tolerance was shattered earlier this month, finally annulling hundreds of millions of dollars'-worth of contracts. It
had promised to cut months ago, just moments after Israel's strike against Hamas in Qatar.
Even so, Haaretz's Yaron, says Israel is skilled at dodging embargoes.
YARON: 99 percent of the bank that they can save through it, somehow, it might cost them more. There may be more backlash, there may be more
problems, but countries need their arms.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Israel's arms industry and the money it needs to fund its own wars is safer now, but change could be in the air.
Nic Robertson, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Serving food and drinks in a busy restaurant will keep anybody on their toes. And in Paris on Sunday, dozens of waiters and waitresses donned
their aprons and carried coffee and croissants, not to serve customers, though, but in a bid for wait staff glory.
Saskya Vandoorne goes inside the city's historic waiter's race.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
EWA FONTAINE, WAITRESS, LE MESTURET: This is a really challenge for me.
SASKYA VANDOORNE, CNN PARIS BUREAU CHIEF (voice over): This is Eva Fontaine, and she's not training for a marathon or the Olympics, but for
one of Paris's most iconic traditions, the 100-year-old waiters' race.
Born in the 1920s It was created to celebrate the heritage of French cafes and to showcase the skill and dexterity of those who keep them running.
FONTAINE: Don't run. Stay calm. Stay focused. And try to, yes, balance all your tray.
VANDOORNE (voice over): Fontaine came in fourth place last year. This summer, she's been training hard. Set on winning a place on the podium.
FONTAINE: I didn't watch my back enough. And so, I was overtaken by another runner at the last moment.
VANDOORNE (voice over): It's race day. The waiters are picking up their bibs, and the goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible.
[10:55:05]
VANDOORNE: Without spilling, running or carrying the tray in both hands.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's go!
VANDOORNE: Off to a great start. Her tray is steady. She hasn't spilled anything. She's got four kilometers of Parisian pavement ahead of her. How
are you feeling?
FONTAINE: I feel well still. Not tired. We are approaching to the banks of the Seine, which is my favorite part.
VANDOORNE: Slowly to the finish line. Eva is neck and neck with another waitress. This could cost her a place on the podium.
VANDOORNE (voice over): Now, we are into the final stretch. You can feel the tension. The crowd is cheering. Competitors closing in.
Ewa Fontaine pushes forward, every step counts. And across the finish line. What a performance. Ewa Fontaine takes fourth place, just shy of the
podium, but a fantastic effort.
FONTAINE: Of course, I will be back next year too. Yes, it's a pleasure.
VANDOORNE: Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, Paris.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: I'm glad we got a laugh out of her in the end. She took it very seriously, didn't she? Thank you, Saskya, and thank you all for joining us
for CONNECT THE WORLD. Stay with CNN now, of course, "ONE WORLD" follows this.
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