UNITED NATIONS — Leaders of different countries will meet at the United Nation's headquarters in New York starting Sunday for the organization's annual signature gathering against an explosive backdrop of raging wars, growing political doctrines and diplomatic stalemate.

The war in Gaza, soaring Middle East tensions, famine conditions in Sudan's civil war, and the grinding conflict in Ukraine are among the issues on the agenda of the presidents and prime ministers attending the General Assembly's high-level week — the UN's showpiece event.