Washington will have to pay $619 million in debt since it halted funding in 2011 after Palestine was admitted as member state

Finance minister reportedly argues Washington's move is based on consent of previous Israeli government, 'does not reconcile in any way' with current leadership's policies

Foreign Ministry refuses to comment on White House move, reportedly meant to counter Chinese influence on cultural body that Israel accuses of bias

Washington expected to pay about $500m in back dues and run for a seat on UNESCO executive board in upcoming November vote, as it looks to counter China influence

Winners are Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who covered the death of woman in police custody, and Narges Mohammadi, one of the country's most prominent activists

Guterres stresses unfettered press is foundation of democracy, WSJ editor calls for Russia to free Evan Gershkovich; watchdog says 55 journalists, 4 media workers killed in 2022

International cultural body says it will provide assistance amid worries over structural integrity of Aleppo's old city and Diyarbakir fortress, as well as 3 other locations

Spirit made from plums is traditionally associated with Passover by many Ashkenazi Jews

As Russia criticizes move, Kyiv's culture ministry hails 'victory in the borshch war,' says country will also win in battlefield

UNESCO finds museums, monuments, religious buildings, libraries and other notable structures ruined; Ukraine's 7 World Heritage Sites remain untouched