UN Daily Press Briefing: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Somalia, Ukraine, and More

Occupied Palestinian Territory Updates

• 🌍 The UN welcomes the reopening of the Rafah crossing, emphasizing the need for voluntary and safe passage for civilians and sufficient humanitarian supplies.
• 🏥 WHO supported medical evacuations from Gaza via Rafah and the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, noting the last Rafah evacuation was in May 2024.
• 🤝 UN entities and NGO partners established a reception area at Nassar hospital in Khan Younis, staffed with psychologists and protection specialists, providing support to returning individuals.
• ⚠️ The UN expressed concern over civilian killings and Israeli airstrikes, condemning all such violence.

Humanitarian Situation in Syria

• 🚚 Convoys delivering critical assistance, including food, health supplies, and fuel, continue to reach northeast Syria, with two dozen trucks arriving in Ain Al Arab/Kobani.
• 🏘️ Over 170,000 people have been displaced across northeast Syria since January 25th, with women and children facing heightened risks.
• 💔 Nearly three-quarters of displaced families are living with host communities, straining resources, while many remain displaced due to explosive ordnance, damaged infrastructure, and harsh winter conditions.
• 🕊️ The UN welcomed an agreement between the Syrian government and Syrian Democratic Forces, urging peaceful integration, protection of rights, and the safe return of the displaced.

Global Humanitarian Concerns

• 🏜️ In Somalia, severe drought has displaced nearly half a million people since September 2025, seeking water, pasture, and food, impacting education with 45,000 students dropping out.
• 🇨🇩 Tropical Cyclone Fitia in Madagascar caused flooding, resulting in at least seven deaths and displacing over 20,000 people, with significant damage to homes and classrooms.
• ❄️ Attacks in Ukraine over the weekend killed and injured civilians, causing electricity and heating disruptions amidst freezing temperatures, including drone strikes on a bus and damage to health facilities.

UN Operations and Funding

• 🇺🇳 The UN faces severe funding constraints, particularly in Somalia, requiring $852 million to support 2.4 million people.
• 📉 UNRWA is experiencing extreme financial difficulties, leading to reduced working hours and salaries as a measure to avoid complete layoffs.
• 🤝 The UN supports efforts to diffuse tensions through dialogue and is grateful for any support, including fundraising events like the Sudan Humanitarian Conference.
• ✉️ The Secretary-General has clearly communicated the critical financial risks to the UN, urging member states to fulfill their obligations and adapt financial regulations.

Other Briefings and Announcements

• 🗓️ Ambassador James Kariuki of the UK will brief on the Security Council's program of work for February.
• 🇱🇧 UNIFIL is testing a substance dropped by Israeli forces near the Blue Line for toxicity and reiterates calls for compliance with Resolution 1701.
• 🇨🇦 Two new UN Resident Coordinators have been appointed: Leela Peters Yay Yaya for Nepal and Christine Veand for Iran.
• 🏞️ World Wetlands Day highlights the vital role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, climate, and livelihoods.