UN Security Council Briefing: Gaza Ceasefire, West Bank Violence, Sudan Attacks, and DRC Crisis

Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Crisis

• 🕊️ The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, with continued attacks and strikes, despite UN efforts to support it and meet the population's needs.
• ⚖️ Israel and Hamas are urged to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint, and adhere to international law and UN resolutions to enable recovery and reconstruction.
• 💧 While hunger has improved due to aid, key protein sources, clean water, medical care, and shelter remain severely lacking, with humanitarian access restricted by logistical and security obstacles.
• ⚠️ Settler violence in the West Bank has intensified, often with the presence or support of Israeli security forces, particularly during the olive harvest.
• ⛈️ Heavy rains in Gaza have compounded dire conditions, causing severe flooding of over 40 emergency shelters and damaging approximately 700 tents, affecting thousands of people.
• 🚚 Humanitarian movements inside Gaza face challenges, with some missions facilitated and others impeded, though critical supplies like food, fuel, and winter clothing were collected.
• 💧 Repairs to a water pipeline in Khan Younis were completed after access was granted by Israeli authorities.

Lebanon Border and Sudan Attacks

• 💣 UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon discovered anti-tank mines, activators, fuses, and a mortar projectile, which were referred to the Lebanese armed forces.
• ✈️ Continued IDF military activities, including air violations and direct fire across the Blue Line, are reported, along with aggressive behavior towards peacekeepers.
• 🇸🇩 In Sudan, three drone attacks on a UNISFA logistics base killed six peacekeepers and injured nine, with calls for accountability as such attacks may constitute war crimes.

Great Lakes Region and DRC Humanitarian Situation

• 🌍 The Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region has engaged with officials to address the rapid deterioration of the situation in Nuvira and its regional implications, urging restraint and adherence to Security Council resolution 2773.
• 🤝 Calls have been made for the DRC, Rwanda, and the M23 to uphold commitments from peace talks, with the Special Envoy beginning a regional tour to deescalate the situation.
• 😥 In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, humanitarian activities remain suspended in several cities due to clashes, causing panic and displacement of approximately 110,000 people, with many sheltering in public spaces without aid.
• 🇧🇮 Burundi has seen over 78,000 people cross from South Kivu since December 5th, with new arrivals straining refugee camps and hosting sites.
• 🏥 Health challenges are emerging in Burundi, including dozens of cholera cases and two cases of emphasis reported at a displacement site, with efforts underway to contain outbreaks.