Israel-Gaza crisis dominates close of Human Rights Council session — Global Issues

Israel-Gaza crisis dominates close of Human Rights Council session — Global Issues

Some 22 countries and one non-governmental organization (NGO) took the floor, turning the meeting into a mini urgent debate on the crisis sparked by Hamas attacks against Israel and the capture of more than 100 Israelis who are being held hostage by militants inside the Gaza Strip. The surprise incursion…

Rising death and displacement, including among UN staff — Global Issues

Rising death and displacement, including among UN staff — Global Issues

OCHA cited Israeli media, which reported that as of Monday evening, more than 1,000 Israelis, including foreign nationals, were killed and at least 2,806 people were injured, according to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 830 Palestinians have been killed and 4,250 injured….

UN urges parties to spare civilian lives — Global Issues

UN urges parties to spare civilian lives — Global Issues

The High Commissioner said that he was “deeply shocked and appalled by allegations of summary executions of civilians, and, in some instances, horrifying mass killings by members of Palestinian armed groups”. “It is horrific and deeply distressing to see images of those captured by Palestinian armed groups being ill-treated, as…

UN envoy highlights promising initiatives in Iraq — Global Issues

UN envoy highlights promising initiatives in Iraq — Global Issues

Presenting the Mission’s latest report, UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert updated ambassadors on key developments since her last briefing in May. She highlighted initiatives carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, including the recently adopted federal budget, the launch of long-awaited reforms in the banking and…

UN engages parties as Security Council meets — Global Issues

UN engages parties as Security Council meets — Global Issues

As the 15-member Council prepared to meet, UN agencies were reporting that hundreds of people have been killed and thousands injured following the early Saturday morning rocket fire into Israel by Palestinian militants. The ensuing Israeli response to the Hamas attacks included airstrikes in Gaza, where the UN agency operating…

UN officials strongly condemn deadly attacks in Israel — Global Issues

UN officials strongly condemn deadly attacks in Israel — Global Issues

“I vehemently condemn this morning’s multi-front assault against Israeli towns and cities near the Gaza Strip and barrage of rockets reaching across central Israel by Hamas militants,” said Tor Wennesland, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Reports of hostages “These events have resulted in horrific scenes…

Israeli settlements ‘systematically erode’ viability of Palestinian State — Global Issues

Israeli settlements ‘systematically erode’ viability of Palestinian State — Global Issues

During the last three months, more than 10,000 housing units were advanced, Tor Wennesland told ambassadors at the UN Security Council in New York. “Settlements further entrench the occupation, fuel violence, impede Palestinian access to their land and resources, and systematically erode the viability of a Palestinian State as part…

Rights experts call for stronger torture prevention measures — Global Issues

Rights experts call for stronger torture prevention measures — Global Issues

The members of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) issued the appeal after concluding their first visit to the State of Palestine, conducted from 10 to 21 September. Daniel Fink, who headed the delegation, said they received full cooperation from the Palestinian Authority to visit locations in the…

Saudi Foreign Minister outlines plans for better, greener Middle East — Global Issues

Saudi Foreign Minister outlines plans for better, greener Middle East — Global Issues

Describing the national vision for 2030, Faisal bin Farhan Al Furhan Al-Saud said it centred on promoting development for future generations and empowering women and young people by developing their creativity. Human rights are of utmost importance, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia has adopted laws to protect its citizens…