UN Daily Press Briefing: Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, Sudan, and International Law (January 9, 2026)

Ukraine Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

• ⚡ Russian attacks continue to target Ukraine's critical civilian infrastructure, causing casualties and widespread disruption to essential services like electricity and heating during sub-zero temperatures.
• 🏥 The World Health Organization reports nine attacks on healthcare facilities in Ukraine since the start of the year, with a health worker killed and others injured in Kyiv.
• 🆘 Humanitarian organizations are providing emergency assistance to affected populations in challenging conditions, with temperatures dropping significantly.

Syria: Hostilities and Humanitarian Access

• ⚠️ The UN expresses grave alarm over hostilities in Aleppo, emphasizing the dangers of escalation and the impact on civilians.
• ⚖️ All parties are reminded of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging restraint and avoidance of further escalation.
• 🤝 A call is made for parties to return to negotiations for the full implementation of the March 10th agreement.
• 🚚 Heightened insecurity in Aleppo has disrupted key roads, limiting humanitarian access and the delivery of aid.

Occupied Palestinian Territory: Gaza and West Bank

• 💰 In Gaza, humanitarian partners reached over 5,000 families with emergency cash assistance between Monday and Wednesday.
• 🏘️ In the West Bank, at least 20 Palestinian families have been displaced from a community in Jericho due to settler attacks and intimidation, including cutting off utilities.
• 🔥 Israeli settlers reportedly attempted to set fire to properties, including vehicles, schools, and a nursery, in the northern West Bank, causing injuries and property damage.
• 📈 OCHA documented over 1,800 settler attacks against Palestinians in 2025, the highest daily average since recording began in 2006.

Sudan: Escalating Humanitarian Catastrophe

• 💔 Today marks 1,000 days since the war began in Sudan, with civilians bearing the brunt of devastating consequences.
• 🆘 Nearly 34 million people, two-thirds of the population, require humanitarian assistance, making Sudan the world's largest humanitarian and displacement crisis.
• 📉 Famine has been confirmed in several areas, with at least 20 other areas at risk of food insecurity, affecting over 21 million people.
• 🏥 The health system is near collapse, with fewer than half of health facilities functional, and cholera reported in all 18 states.
• ⚠️ Nearly 12 million people, mostly women and girls, are at risk of gender-based violence.
• 🕊️ Despite challenges, humanitarian partners reached nearly 19 million people last year, with local and women-led organizations often being the primary responders.

South Sudan and International Law

• ⚖️ A human rights brief for South Sudan highlights a troubling security situation and civilian protection environment, with 295 incidents of conflict-related violence documented between July and September.
• 🇺🇸 The UN has not been officially notified by the US regarding its withdrawal from 31 organizations.
• 🗣️ In response to President Trump's comments on international law, the UN reiterates its message to all member states to respect the international law they created.
• 🌍 The UN aims to coordinate peace efforts for Sudan, with a meeting planned for the following week to ensure unified action.
• ❓ The UN is awaiting clarification on the implications of US withdrawals from various organizations and is continuing its work.