UN Noon Briefing: Nobel Peace Prize, Gaza Ceasefire, Lebanon/Israel Conflict, and Ukraine War

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded

• 💡 The Secretary-General congratulates Maria Corina Machado on receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing her as a champion of democracy and unity in Venezuela.
• 🔑 The Nobel Committee's statement highlighted that the tools of democracy are the tools of peace, serving as a tribute to those safeguarding civil and political rights globally.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

• 🕊️ The announcement of a ceasefire has brought renewed hope for relief in Gaza, with thousands resuming movement north.
• 🏠 Many returning to Gaza City found their homes further damaged, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure rehabilitation.
• 🤝 The UN and partners are prepared to scale up humanitarian response but require the opening of additional crossings, safe movement for aid workers, and unrestricted entry of goods.
• 💰 Generous funding from Member States is critical for scaling up humanitarian efforts.
• 🚑 Humanitarian teams were active yesterday, deploying an ambulance, preparing areas for winter, and collecting critical supplies from the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Lebanon/Israel Border Tensions

• ⚠️ UNIFIL reports continued Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) military presence and activities, including heavy machine gunfire and the use of green lasers directed at UNIFIL personnel.
• 🎯 An Israeli soldier was reported to have aimed his rifle at UN personnel near Marwahin.
• 💥 UNIFIL discovered the remains of an unauthorized ammunition depot in Sector East, which was reported to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• 🤝 UNIFIL continues to support the capacity-building of the Lebanese Armed Forces through joint exercises.

Conflict and Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

• 🇷🇺 The Secretary-General condemns the Russian Federation's drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure, which resulted in civilian casualties and widespread power/water disruptions.
• ⚖️ Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law and must cease immediately.
• ☮️ The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just and sustainable peace.
• 🆘 Humanitarian partners are providing shelter, hygiene kits, food, and psychosocial support in various regions, while evacuations from frontline areas continue.

Deputy Secretary-General's Travel and International Days

• ✈️ The Deputy Secretary-General is traveling to South Africa, Beijing for the global leaders meeting on women (Beijing +30), and Brasilia for a prep meeting for COP 30.
• 🌍 Today is World Mental Health Day, with the theme 'Mental health and humanitarian emergencies,' emphasizing the need for integrated mental health support in crisis responses.
• 👧 Tomorrow is International Day of the Girl Child, highlighting progress made and remaining inequalities for girls worldwide.
• 🐦 Tomorrow also marks World Migratory Bird Day, emphasizing the importance of creating bird-friendly cities.