UN Press Briefing: Palestine, Sudan, DRC, and Global Security

Secretary-General's Travels and African Development

• 🌍 The Secretary-General addressed the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, emphasizing multilateralism and Africa's potential.
• 🤝 He met with Japan's Prime Minister and the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, focusing on strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and SDGs.
• 🗓️ His schedule included bilateral meetings and a press encounter, highlighting cooperation for decent jobs and progress towards Agenda 2063.

Dire Situation in Occupied Palestinian Territory

• 💔 The situation is increasingly dire, with daily killings, injuries, and displacement, alongside deepening starvation and malnutrition.
• 📈 Malnutrition rates in Gaza have tripled since the ceasefire collapse, with over 28.5% of children in Gaza City now considered malnourished.
• 📦 Despite impediments, the UN and partners are delivering critical food, nutrition, and medical supplies, though quantities are less than in April.
• 🏠 Humanitarian aid must not facilitate mass displacement; shelter needs for 1.4 million people are immense, with significant challenges in bringing in supplies.

Alarming Reports from Sudan

• ⚠️ OCHA is alarmed by attacks on healthcare in Darfur amidst a cholera outbreak, with MSF suspending activities due to a grenade attack.
• 🏥 Conflict parties are reminded of their obligation to protect healthcare under international humanitarian law.
• 💉 Oral vaccination campaigns for cholera are expanding, with UNICEF delivering millions of doses, and WFP reaching previously inaccessible areas with food assistance.

Developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• 🕊️ The UN mission in DRC reported gunfire near its base and is deploying patrols to secure areas hosting internally displaced people.
• 🤝 A delegation met with community representatives to honor victims of a massacre, and a mobile operating base supported demobilization efforts.

Threats from Terrorism and Security Council Briefing

• 🚨 Security Council members were briefed on volatile threats posed by ISIS, which continues to adapt and retain operational capacity.
• 🤖 The use of AI by ISIS for recruitment and propaganda necessitates innovative, technology-compliant responses grounded in human rights.

UN Stance on Settlements and ICC Sanctions

• ⚖️ The UN condemns Israel's decision to expand settlements, viewing it as illegal under international law and detrimental to a two-state solution.
• 🗣️ The UN continues to advocate publicly and privately for a halt to settlement activity and respects the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• 🇺🇸 Concerns are raised regarding US sanctions on ICC officials, which impede the court's functioning and undermine judicial independence.

Humanitarian Corridors and UN Position

• 🚢 The Cyprus Humanitarian Maritime Corridor resumed operations, expediting aid delivery to Gaza with Israeli customs clearance in Cyprus.
• 📊 A recent US poll indicates majority support for UN member states recognizing Palestine; the UN reiterates its consistent position on settlements and the two-state solution.
• 🏘️ Regarding potential casino construction near the UN, the organization hopes the neighborhood's character and seriousness will be preserved.