‘Time for bold moves’: UN urges inclusive transition as Syria marks 14 years of conflict
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all parties to protect civilians in accordance with international law. “What began as a plea for reform was met with staggering brutality, leading to…
‘Is this just a long, beautiful dream?’: Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab on her country’s future
After 14 years of war, Syria has entered a new and uncertain chapter. The country is devastated – 90 per cent of Syrians live in poverty. Despite the challenges up to one million people living in camps and displacement sites…
UN: Iran using drones to enforce hijab law
A Friday report by the United Nations says Iran is using advanced technology, including drones, facial recognition and a citizen-reporting app to crack down on violations of its mandatory hijab laws. A key element of the effort is the government-backed…
No food deliveries to Gaza as border closures continue
There is also a shortage of fuel, which is affecting the movement of vehicles across Gaza and slowing down first responders, Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York. “The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian…
‘Brighter future hangs in the balance’ in Syria after 14 years of war
The announcement comes as Syria marks 14 years since peaceful protests were met with brutal repression, igniting a conflict that has displaced millions and left the country in ruins. While the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 initially…
Rights probe alleges sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces used as ‘method of war’
“Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination,” maintained Chris Sidoti from the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). ‘Increasingly…
Trump, Irish leader meet amid differences on trade, Gaza war
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump met Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Wednesday for wide-ranging talks that reflected differences over trade and the conflict in Gaza, although both leaders pledged to expand cooperation between the two countries. The annual…
Syria: Children among the dead amid reports of mass killings and looting
According to Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East, a six-month-old baby was among at least 13 children reported to have been killed. Clashes erupted on Friday between Syrian Caretaker Authority forces and soldiers loyal to the former…
Gaza power cut impacts safe water access for hundreds of thousands
The development follows Israel’s decision on Sunday to cut power to the Strip – in a bid to increase pressure on Hamas over hostage releases – disrupting vital desalination operations. Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF official in Gaza, reported that 600,000…
UN rights chief raises alarm over escalating violence in Syria
“We are receiving extremely disturbing reports of entire families, including women, children and hors de combat fighters, being killed,” said Volker Türk in a statement. “There are reports of summary executions on a sectarian basis by unidentified perpetrators, by members…