Spirit of resilience braces desertification winds in Saudi Arabia
The deserts of Saudi Arabia are amongst the largest in the world and controlling the natural migration of sand has always been a challenge not just to farmers, who want to increase agricultural productivity, but also to communities that want…
Last hospital in northern Gaza out of service following raid
The raid, reportedly by Israeli forces, saw some areas of the hospital burnt and severely damaged, including the laboratory, surgical unit and medical store. The director of the hospital, Dr. Abu Safiya, is thought to have been detained during the…
Gaza: ‘Hunger is everywhere’, babies die from the cold, airstrike on unarmed journalists condemned
In Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes are sheltering in tents, the temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming days. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, reported in a statement…
‘I saw the blood on the tarmac’: top UN official in Yemen recounts aftermath of Israel airstrike on civilian airport
On 26 December, Israeli forces struck Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports and power stations. Tedros was at the airport when it was hit, along with Mr. Harneis and other members of a UN party negotiating the release of several…
Health needs in Syria worsen amid winter conditions
It also cited rising cases of respiratory illnesses, compounded by inadequate heating, overcrowded camps and damaged infrastructure. “There is continuous significant rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), since the beginning of winter with subsequent rise…
Gaza: Ongoing civilian casualties amid aid challenges
The relentless fighting in the Gaza Strip, which began last October, continues to cause widespread destruction and drive displacement, according to a note issued by the UN Spokesperson’s Office. “The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stresses once…
UN chief condemns escalation in Yemen as airstrikes hit Sana’a Airport, key infrastructure
The strikes targeted Sana’a International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations, injuring also a member of the UN Humanitarian Air Crew at the airport. A high-level UN delegation, led by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was…
In Gaza, a Christmas without a tree
In the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, Tony Al-Masri, known as Uncle Tony, sits with his wife, Amal Aboud, and neighbour, Hossam Al-Khalili in front of their small tent. They sip coffee and reminisce about the Christmas celebrations they…
Iran cyberspace council votes to lift ban on WhatsApp
TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran’s top council responsible for safeguarding the internet voted Tuesday to lift a ban on the popular messaging application WhatsApp, which has been subject to restrictions for over two years, state media reported. “The ban on WhatsApp…
UN News Champion: ‘Are you keeping up with the death?’ The grinding toll of war in Gaza
“My team — my friends — are the reason I stand where I am today. This will, inevitably, evolve into a homage to them, but also to the Gaza I was so fortunate to know. Those who have known Gaza…