UNRWA chief underscores duty to protect civilians at all times — Global Issues

UNRWA chief underscores duty to protect civilians at all times — Global Issues

“Let me be clear: protecting civilians in times of conflict is not an aspiration or an ideal; it is an obligation and a commitment to our shared humanity,” UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. Relentless air strikes and bombardments, coupled with evacuation orders from Israel, have displaced…

‘The world must do more’ for Gaza, 5 UN agencies say — Global Issues

‘The world must do more’ for Gaza, 5 UN agencies say — Global Issues

“Gaza was a desperate humanitarian situation before the most recent hostilities. It is now catastrophic. The world must do more,” they said. The statement was issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World…

Banksy highlights cultural revival amid rubble strewn Kyiv suburb — Global Issues

Banksy highlights cultural revival amid rubble strewn Kyiv suburb — Global Issues

The artwork – a ballerina balancing precariously on the rubble – solidified the town’s reputation as a beacon of resilience. Despite Borodianka’s sudden fame, the efforts of its local artists musicians and librarians to revive their beloved hometown remain largely unknown outside Ukraine. Now, cultural activities, one supported by the…

UNICEF has ‘every hope’ for more Gaza convoys — Global Issues

UNICEF has ‘every hope’ for more Gaza convoys — Global Issues

The 20 trucks carried food, water and medical supplies – items that are desperately needed, along with fuel – as stocks in Gaza dwindle, amid fears of increased deaths due to disease outbreaks and lack of healthcare. While welcoming the development, agencies such as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have…

Diplomatic stakes ‘could not be higher’ warns senior UN official — Global Issues

Diplomatic stakes ‘could not be higher’ warns senior UN official — Global Issues

“Today the stakes for preventive diplomacy and dialogue could not be higher,” said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, in a meeting organized by the Brazilian presidency. Referring to the escalating situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, he warned that in the…

UN chief at Rafah crossing says aid convoy ‘the difference between life and death’ — Global Issues

UN chief at Rafah crossing says aid convoy ‘the difference between life and death’ — Global Issues

In a passionate speech standing just a few metres from the Egyptian side of the crossing, he pointed behind him and spoke of the two million trapped without sufficient supplies now for nearly two weeks. “We are witnessing a paradox: behind these walls we have two million people that are…

From Cairo, Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza — Global Issues

From Cairo, Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza — Global Issues

“For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in Cairo alongside Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Mr. Guterres is in the Middle…

UN chief urges ceasefire, region ‘on the precipice’ — Global Issues

UN chief urges ceasefire, region ‘on the precipice’ — Global Issues

Speaking in Beijing, Mr. Guterres said that a ceasefire would “provide sufficient time and space” to realize two essential appeals which he made earlier this week: to Hamas, for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held in Gaza, and to Israel, to immediately allow aid to enter the…

Israel-Gaza crisis; US vetoes Security Council resolution — Global Issues

Israel-Gaza crisis; US vetoes Security Council resolution — Global Issues

While 12 of the Council’s 15 members voted in favour of the Brazilian-led text, one (United States) voted against, and two (Russia, and the United Kingdom) abstained. A ‘no’ vote from any one of the five permanent members of the Council stops action on any measure put before it. The…