UN Daily Press Briefing: Gaza, Iran, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Global Affairs (16 January 2026)

Secretary-General's Travels and Multilateralism

• 🇬🇧 The Secretary-General arrived in London to attend the 80th anniversary of the first General Assembly meeting, meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the war in Ukraine, Sudan, and UN reform.
• 🏙️ Discussions with London Mayor Sadiq Khan focused on the role of cities in addressing climate change.
• 🌍 The Secretary-General is set to deliver a keynote address emphasizing the need for the international system to reflect current realities, including Security Council updates and reform of the international financial architecture.
• ✊ He will highlight the importance of fearless civil society movements in upholding multilateralism.

Marine Biodiversity and International Law

• 🌊 The BBNJ Agreement (Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) is set to enter into force, establishing the first legal framework for conserving marine biodiversity in international waters.
• 🤝 This treaty is hailed as a historic achievement for international cooperation and the UN, with the Secretary-General urging all states to join.

Gaza and UNRWA Concerns

• 🇵🇸 An announcement regarding Phase Two of a 20-point plan for Gaza, including a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration, is considered an important step towards alleviating civilian suffering and supporting reconstruction.
• ⚖️ All initiatives must align with relevant United Nations resolutions and international law.
• 🏥 The UN strongly condemns the unlawful entry into and temporary closure of the UNRWA Jerusalem Health Centre and the potential cessation of utility services to UNRWA facilities in occupied East Jerusalem.
• 🇮🇱 The Secretary-General urges Israel to restore UNRWA premises and ensure the maintenance of essential utilities.
• 📚 Efforts continue to support those affected by winter storms in Gaza, with over 200 tents distributed and a call for lifting restrictions on education supplies.

Regional Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises

• 💥 UNIFIL reported small arms fire from an Israeli Defense Forces tank that hit a UNIFIL position in Kafar Shouba, fortunately without injuries.
• 🇮🇷 The Security Council was briefed on protests in Iran, with concerns raised about excessive force and calls for independent investigations.
• ✈️ Public statements suggesting possible military strikes on Iran add volatility, and the Secretary-General urges diplomacy and dialogue to address concerns.
• 🇸🇾 Coordinated support for returning Syrians and those hosted in the region is being strengthened, with improved conditions inside Syria deemed essential for voluntary returns.
• 🇸🇩 Urgent humanitarian assistance and protection are needed for those fleeing Sudan, with a call for greater support for refugees in Chad.
• 🇺🇦 Hostilities in Ukraine have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to energy facilities and infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and extended winter holidays for schools.
• 🇻🇪 Humanitarian partners continue to deliver aid in Venezuela, including food, healthcare, and psychosocial support, with one in four people needing assistance.

UN Funding and International Cooperation

• 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein's full payment to the regular budget brings the number of member states on the honor roll to 15.
• ❓ Questions from the press covered aid efforts in Ukraine, updates on returnees from Aleppo, and the UN's position on respecting the UN Charter, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
• 📈 The humanitarian operation in Gaza has averted famine, but blockages persist for certain items like shelter and education materials.