UN Press Briefing: Iran-Israel Ceasefire, Gaza Conflict, Ukraine War, Sudan Crisis & More

Middle East Tensions and Ceasefires

• 🕊️ The UN Secretary-General welcomed the US-announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, urging full respect and hoping it extends to other regional conflicts.
• 🚨 Deep alarm was expressed regarding the escalation in the Middle East, specifically condemning Iran's attack on Qatar, a nation active in peace efforts.
• 📜 All Member States are urged to uphold obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

• 💔 Amidst ongoing hostilities, Palestinians continue to be killed and injured, with reports of people being targeted near aid distribution sites.
• 💧 The mission to access fuel in Rafah was successful, providing temporary relief, but sustained fuel delivery is critical for water production and distribution to over 2 million people.
• ⚠️ UNICEF warns that children may begin to die of thirst if the blockade on fuel entering Gaza does not end, and Israeli authorities must allow sufficient fuel quantities.
• 🧠 Caregivers report mounting psychological stress in children due to deteriorating conditions, including lack of food, with the WHO declaring a mental health emergency in Gaza.
• 🏠 Israeli army issued another displacement order in Jabalia, affecting at least 30,000 people, and most of Gaza remains under displacement orders with no shelter supplies allowed.
• 🚫 Humanitarian movements, including trucking of fuel and water, have been denied, and shelter materials have been banned for over 16 weeks.

Security Council Briefings and International Agreements

• 🇱🇾 Special Representative for Libya briefed the Security Council on UNSMIL's efforts to preserve a fragile truce, de-escalate tensions, and protect civilians, warning of potential renewed clashes.
• ⚛️ Security Council members will meet for an open briefing on the Secretary-General's report concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• 🇨🇭 A new intergovernmental science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution has been established in Uruguay, complementing existing panels on climate change and biodiversity.

Global Conflicts and Humanitarian Aid

• 🕊️ Major General Yodato Abanyara assumed command of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, with the mission focused on containing escalation and creating conditions for a durable political solution.
• 🇺🇦 In Ukraine, 27 civilians were killed and over 230 injured in the past 48 hours, with attacks intensifying in several regions, damaging schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
• 🏥 In Sudan, a deadly attack on Al-Muslad hospital in West Kordofan killed over 40 civilians, including health workers, at a time when most health facilities are barely operational.
• 💉 Despite challenges, cholera cases in Sudan have sharply declined, with vaccination campaigns underway, but flexible funding is urgently needed to sustain the response.
• 🤝 In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a five-day dialogue is facilitating discussions among leaders of armed groups, provincial authorities, and community representatives to support a peace process.
• 🇹🇩 $8 million has been allocated from the OCHA regional pooled fund to support humanitarian response in Chad, assisting refugees, returnees, and displaced populations.

Refugees and Diplomacy

• 🌍 UNHCR estimates 2.5 million refugees worldwide will need resettlement next year, with Afghans, Syrians, South Sudanese, Rohingya, and Congolese being the largest populations needing resettlement.
• 💻 The UN Secretary-General addressed the Internet Governance Forum, emphasizing the need to bridge the digital divide, expand internet access, counter online hate speech, and foster diversity and trust in digital spaces.
• 👩‍💼 Today marks the International Day of Women Diplomats, celebrating women shaping a fairer, more peaceful world.