Civilians and peacekeepers at risk, amid escalating Lebanon conflict
Intensified Israeli airstrikes on 23 September forced nearly 120,000 people to flee their homes within a week, according to UNHCR. As of 20 October, that number has spiked to 809,000 displaced within Lebanon. A further 425,000 – of whom around…
Gaza: Israeli strikes delay polio vaccine campaign in the north
The UN health agency said pauses in the bombardment are key. “Humanitarian pauses are essential for its success, allowing partners to deliver vaccination supplies to health facilities, families to safely access vaccination sites and mobile teams of health workers to…
UN renews call to protect civilians, as deadly Israeli strike hits close to key Beirut hospital
The strike, which hit the densely populated Jnah neighbourhood, also injured 60 people and reportedly damaged the Rafik Hariri University Hospital. At least three buildings located about 50 meters (54 yards) from the hospital are said to have been destroyed….
‘The smell of death is everywhere’ in northern Gaza, UNRWA chief says
UNRWA staff report that they cannot find food, water or medical care, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X. ‘Just waiting to die’ “The smell of death is everywhere as bodies are left lying on the roads or under the rubble. Missions…
Gaza: War has set Palestine’s development back nearly 70 years
“Without lifting economic restrictions, enabling recovery, and investing in development, the Palestinian economy may not be able to restore pre-war levels and advance forward by relying on humanitarian aid alone,” Gaza war: Expected socioeconomic impacts on the State of Palestine,…
Guterres ‘unequivocally condemns’ continued civilian deaths in Gaza
“Civilians must be respected and protected at all times” and the UN chief “remains deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation for civilians in northern Gaza, including mass displacement and the lack of essentials for survival,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson…
‘Hundreds displaced overnight’ as airstrikes destroy humanitarian facilities in Lebanon
“Late last night, hundreds of people were reportedly displaced in Beirut and across the country following Israeli displacement orders identifying a social finance network affiliated with Hezbollah,” said Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, briefing journalists in New York on Monday….
Israeli army ‘deliberately demolished’ watchtower, fence at UN peacekeeping site in southern Lebanon
A press statement issued by the Mission, formally known as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, said Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) “deliberately demolished” the watchtower and the fence surrounding the Marwahin site. “Yet again, we remind the IDF and all…
Italy warns G7 defense ministers of ‘incompatible’ world visions
NAPLES, ITALY — Defense ministers of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies kicked off their meeting on Saturday with host country Italy warning that the global security framework is growing increasingly precarious because of competing visions of the world. The…
Freedom of expression also under fire in Gaza war, rights expert says
“Rarely have we seen – and this is what bothers me – extensive patterns of unlawful, discriminatory and disproportionate restriction by States and private actors on freedom of expression,” said Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur mandated to promote and…