‘Recovery must move ahead’ in southern Lebanon, top aid official says

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Imran Riza made the appeal following a visit to Bint Jbeil and Tyre districts on Tuesday.

“What I saw in South Lebanon was both depressing and inspiring. The scale of destruction – to villages, health facilities, and water systems – is disturbing,” he said in a statement.

Fighting, ceasefire and escalation

The crisis stems from fighting that erupted between Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Israeli forces following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people.

Israel launched an incursion into southern Lebanon in late September 2024 and carried out airstrikes across the country that killed thousands and displaced nearly a million people. 

Last November, Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting. 

It called for Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants to withdraw from the south, while the Lebanese military would redeploy to the region to guarantee the peace alongside troops from UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, who monitor the Blue Line of separation between the two countries. 

Since then, ceasefire violations have occurred and violence has escalated, including recent Israeli strikes on areas of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, reportedly targeting Hezbollah.

‘No time to lose’

Mr. Riza described the people he met in the south as truly inspiring. 

“It’s clear they want to return home, rebuild, and restart their productive lives,” he said.

“Everyone continues to feel a palpable sense of insecurity. Many still lack basics like water and electricity. Too many are still displaced, their homes flattened.”

He said people spoke of their need for peace, safe movement, basic services, and support to rebuild.

“They also shared the trauma they and their children have endured, and the importance of addressing mental health in the wake of what they have lived through,” he added.

The Humanitarian Coordinator stressed the critical need for sustained funding to restore water, electricity, healthcare, and education, and to assist people eager to get on with their lives.

“There is no time to lose – recovery must move ahead,” he said.

Diplomats reinforce support for UN mission

Meanwhile, diplomats from dozens of countries showed their solidarity with UNIFIL’s work in south Lebanon in a visit to the mission’s headquarters in Naqoura on Tuesday.

The diplomatic visit included representatives of 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. 

Peacekeepers from 47 countries currently serve with UNIFIL, which was established in March 1978 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. 

Its mandate was most recently defined in Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), which called for a full cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel following their 34-day war on Lebanese territory that year. 

An encouraging sign

UNIFIL Head and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, welcomed the delegation and noted it would have been impossible to host the diplomats just a few months ago. 

“Your presence here is an encouraging indication of the increased stability in the south and the progress made since the understanding on a cessation of hostilities came into effect on 27 November 2024,” he said. 

“The support of UNIFIL’s troop-contributing countries – and the countries who contribute in other ways – is essential to restoring stability to south Lebanon and along the Blue Line. I thank them and their peacekeepers serving on the ground for their continued contributions.”

The delegation also visited two UNIFIL positions along the Blue Line, near Marwahin and in Labbouneh. 

Ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the mission’s important work. 

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Millions will die from funding cuts, says UN aid chief

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“Cutting funding for those in greatest need is not something to boast about…the impact of aid cuts is that millions die,” warned Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.

Speaking from an overcrowded hospital in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan where three or four patients have to share a bed, Mr. Fletcher warned that the financial crisis has already forced UN aid teams to close 400 primary health centres across the country so far.

His warning echoes dire announcements of drastic cost-cutting measures in response to chronic – and now acute – funding shortfalls, including an end to selected aid programmes by numerous UN relief agencies. These include the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and UNAIDS.

Life-or-death call

Back in Afghanistan, the reality of funding cuts continues to play out in its hospitals “where you can see doctors making the most horrific decisions about which lives to save and which lives not to save”, Mr. Fletcher said at Mirwais Regional Hospital.

The lack of investment in aid relief has also affected female Afghan health workers whose salaries are being cut by up to two-thirds, Mr. Fletcher continued. The plight of women in the country is well documented and has been condemned by the international community, having deteriorated following numerous prohibitive edicts issued by the de facto authorities who overran Kabul in 2021.

As part of his official visit to Afghanistan, Mr. Fletcher met de facto provincial governor Mullah Shirin Akhund to discuss the need to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. It comes after more than four decades of conflict that have left almost half the population – some 22.9 million people – needing humanitarian assistance to survive.

Women’s key role

In earlier talks during his official visit, Mr. Fletcher stressed that development was not possible without girls’ education and their full participation in the country’s economy.

Amid soaring malnutrition, a lack of basic services and dire economic forecasts, Afghanistan has few resources to cope with the arrival of a growing number of Afghan refugees sent back by neighbouring countries including Pakistan and Iran.

The scale of the pushbacks is enormous, with more than 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone, including 96,000 who were forcibly deported. On Tuesday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule.

While in Kandahar, Mr. Fletcher also visited a reception centre where the UN and humanitarian partners provide support, including health check-ups and cash. He said that the closure of hundreds of health facilities in the region had denied more than three million people access to primary care.

Plague of rats and insects provide latest challenge for war-shattered Gazans

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One displaced woman told UN News’s correspondent in Gaza: “In all camps, we suffer from biting insects, especially fleas,” adding that “our children suffer from severe pain due to itching and stinging.

“We tried to treat it in simple ways, but the right medicines are not available at the medical centre.”

While biting insects found in Gaza are not immediately life-threatening, the presence of rodents, including rats, can increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases which the health system in Gaza may be unable to treat.

Inadequate sanitation

The lack of adequate sanitation, including limited access to clean toilets, general overcrowding as people try to find places to live amongst the rubble of Gaza – and the challenges of removing rubbish from the streets – have amplified the threat posed by rats.

Teams from UNRWA, the UN agency which supports the people of Gaza, have initiated intensive clean-up operations as well as environmental and health awareness campaigns. The number of dermatology consultations in health facilities has also increased.

UNRWA workers are actively moving through tents for displaced people in Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza Strip spraying pesticides to counter the spread of insects, fleas and rodents.

Uncollected trash in Gaza is encouraging rats.

UNRWA teams have worked in approximately 50 displacement sites in the Mawasi area of ​​Khan Younis.

They have focused on locations where there is overcrowding, improper waste disposal, the presence of livestock and the lack of hygiene materials.

“Because of the intense heat and sleeping on the sand, we were exposed to biting insects, rodents, and mosquitoes,” said one resident as he watched an UNRWA environmental health officer spraying insecticides around temporary shelters.

A doctor from UNRWA’s Environmental Health team explains to mothers how to treat insect bites.

Educational Sessions

In a nearby tent, a group of women gathered around awareness-raising instructors from the agency’s Environmental Health Office for an educational session on how to guard against insects and rodents.

The meetings target women, girls and adolescents to familiarize them with how to face this health challenge.

Meanwhile, Gaza continues to struggle since the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel precipitated the shattering conflict.

No humanitarian aid or supplies have entered the Gaza Strip since 2 March 2025, due to Israel’s total blockade.

UNRWA says vital humanitarian supplies, including food, fuel, medical aid and vaccines for children, are almost exhausted.

The agency warned that pesticide stocks are expected to run out within days in southern Gaza, while they have already run out in the central areas and north of the Strip.

Ukraine: Ceasefire a critical first step on the road to durable peace

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Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo addressed ambassadors alongside UN deputy relief chief, Joyce Msuya, who updated on the dire humanitarian situation in the country amid ongoing Russian attacks.

Ms. DiCarlo said the meeting was taking place at a potential inflection point in the three-year war, as the past few weeks have seen intensified shuttle diplomacy towards a possible peace deal. 

‘Glimmer of hope’

“These initiatives offer a glimmer of hope for progress towards a ceasefire and an eventual peaceful settlement,” she said.

“At the same time, we continue to witness relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.”

Russian forces have carried out recent deadly strikes, such as the massive, combined missile and drone attack last week on several regions, including the capital Kyiv.  

Multiple residential buildings in the city were hit. At least 12 people were reported killed and more than 70 others injured, including children, making it the deadliest attack on the capital in nine months. 

This followed several other deadly strikes, including one in Sumy city on Palm Sunday that reportedly killed 35 people.  Another in Kryvyi Rih killed 18, including nine children – the deadliest single strike against children since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, verified that as of 24 April, 151 civilians have been killed, and 697, injured so far this month in Ukraine. 

Verification is ongoing, but numbers are expected to surpass the March figures, which were already 50 per cent higher than in February.

She also noted recent media reports quoting local Russian authorities that indicate civilian casualties in the Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod regions in Russia, including alleged Ukrainian strikes on 23 and 24 April that reportedly killed three people in the Belgorod region.

“We condemn all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur,” she said.

Diplomatic efforts encouraged

Ms. DiCarlo noted that the UN Secretary-General has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a durable ceasefire in Ukraine.

“In this regard, we are encouraged by the diplomatic efforts underway,” she said.

“We take note of yesterday’s announcement by the Russian Federation of a 72-hour truce planned for the period from 8 to 10 May.”

It follows a similar Russian announcement on 19 April of a 30-hour Easter truce, “and Ukrainian authorities reportedly agreed to mirror any such steps, reiterating their earlier support for a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States,” she said.

“Regrettably, hostilities continued during Holy Week, with both sides accusing each other of violations.”

She recalled that a month earlier, the Secretary-General welcomed separate announcements by the US, Russia and Ukraine regarding a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and the resumption of negotiations on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.

“Despite these commitments, however, attacks against energy infrastructure persisted,” she said. 

Political will valuable

Ms. DiCarlo said the continued exchange of prisoner of war by both sides – including the largest to date, when 500 people were swapped on 20 April – “shows that with political will, diplomacy can yield tangible results even in the most difficult circumstances.”

She concluded her remarks by pointing to the forthcoming 80th anniversary of the Second World War, which serves as a reminder “with even greater urgency” of the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in safeguarding peace and security.

“The Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine stands as an egregious challenge to these fundamental principles, jeopardizing stability in Europe and threatening the broader international order,” she said.

“What is needed now is a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire as a critical first step towards ending the violence and creating the conditions for a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace.”

Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

Millions in need

Ms. Msuya reported that the humanitarian situation in Ukraine has worsened despite ceasefire opportunities. Overall, nearly 13 million people need assistance.

“So far this year, not a single day has passed without civilians being killed or injured in attacks,” she said. 

The operating environment also remains highly dangerous for humanitarians. 

Aid workers under attack

“From 1 January to 23 April, there were 38 verified security incidents impacting humanitarian staff within 20 kilometers of the frontline. This has left three aid workers dead and 21 injured while delivering life-saving assistance,” she said.

Ms. Msuya reiterated earlier calls for the Council to take urgent, collective action on Ukraine in three areas.

She urged ambassadors to ensure the protection of civilians – including humanitarian and health workers – and critical infrastructure. 

Her second point stressed the need to increase financial support for humanitarian operations as underfunding is forcing critical programmes to scale down. 

Finally, she called for a just peace: “Every effort, whether aimed at a temporary pause or a lasting agreement, must prioritize the protection and needs of civilians.” 

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Two-State solution nearing point of no return, warns UN chief

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Addressing a Security Council debate on Tuesday, António Guterres said the Middle East stands at a critical crossroads.

“The promise of a two-State solution is at risk of vanishing altogether,” he said. “Political will to achieve that goal feels more distant than ever.”

He stressed that this erosion undermines the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security, while denying Palestinians their legitimate national aspirations.

Gaza crisis ‘beyond imagination’

Mr. Guterres expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis in Gaza, where nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been killed since the March ceasefire collapsed.

He condemned the ongoing blockade of aid – including food, fuel and medicine – which has pushed over two million people into a humanitarian emergency he called “beyond imagination.”

“I am alarmed by statements from Israeli officials suggesting aid is being used as leverage for military gain,” he said. “Aid is not a bargaining chip. It is non-negotiable.”

He renewed calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access. He also underscored the need to uphold international law, protect UN personnel and facilities, and ensure accountability for attacks on aid workers.

Tensions in the West Bank

Turning to the West Bank including East Jerusalem, the Secretary-General described a worsening situation marked by Palestinian displacement, home demolitions, restricted movement and expanding Israeli settlements that are reshaping the territory in violation of international law.

“Palestinians are being contained and coerced,” he said – contained in areas under growing military pressure and coerced out of others where settlements are expanding.

Settler violence continues to rise amid impunity, while Palestinian attacks on Israelis also persist in both Israel and the occupied West Bank.

Secretary-General Guterres briefs the Security Council.

A pivotal moment for peace

With the region in turmoil, Mr. Guterres urged countries to move beyond statements and outline specific steps to revive the two-State solution.

“This is not a time for box-ticking,” he said. “The clock is ticking – and time is running out.”

He called on the international community to prevent a future of endless occupation and violence through sustained and serious action.

Leaders must deliver

The Secretary-General highlighted the upcoming high-level conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia as a key chance to reenergise international support.

“I urge Member States to go beyond declarations and consider concrete steps to save the two-State solution – before it disappears altogether,” he said.

“At this hinge point in history, leaders must show courage, act with resolve, and deliver peace for Palestinians, Israelis, the region, and the world.”

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World News in Brief: Guterres on India-Pakistan tensions, eastern DR Congo update, weather boost for locusts in Africa

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UN Secretary-General Guterres has spoken to leaders on both sides on India-Pakistan tensions.

“This morning, he spoke separately by telephone with Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and he also spoke earlier in the day with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of India,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.

During the calls the UN chief reiterated his strong condemnation of the 22 April terrorist attack, noting “the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means.”

He expressed major concern over “rising tensions between India and Pakistan and he also underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences,” added Mr. Dujarric.

The Secretary-General also offered to help mediate in support of any de-escalation efforts.

Escalating violence displaces thousands in eastern DR Congo

Ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is uprooting families, crippling essential services, and placing civilians at growing risk, the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) warned on Tuesday.

Fresh fighting in South Kivu province has forced communities to flee and left at least 10 civilians dead in Walungu territory alone, according to local authorities. “The violence is disrupting both economic life and the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid,” said OCHA.

Multiple rape cases

In nearby Kalehe, Minova hospital has reported multiple cases of rape and physical assault in recent days amid worsening insecurity. Meanwhile, clashes in Fizi territory last week led to health centres being looted and schools burned, threatening already fragile public services.

OCHA urged all combatants to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. “Humanitarian access must be safe and unhindered,” the agency stressed.

The surge in displacement comes as eastern DRC remains gripped by fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces, particularly in North Kivu. Since January, the violence has displaced hundreds of thousands.

In Walikale territory, civilians are trapped in a dangerous cycle of displacement and return, OCHA said, calling for strengthened protection and support for affected communities.

Locust swarms can devastate crops and pastures in many parts of Africa and elsewhere.

Favourable weather fuels desert locust surge in North Africa

Unusually high levels of desert locust infestations have been reported during the current breeding season, raising alarms across affected regions, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Tuesday.

“Desert locusts remain among the most devastating migratory pests on the planet,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, emphasising the threat they pose to food security and livelihoods.

A single swarm of locusts can cover anywhere from one to several hundred square kilometres and may contain up to 80 million adult locusts. In just 1 km², they can eat as much food in a day as 35,000 people.

Feeding on crops and pastureland, they pose a threat to crops grown for both people and livestock, risking starvation in communities that depend on agriculture for survival.

Clement weather for pests

According to the FAO, favourable weather conditions have created suitable breeding grounds for the flying pests. Winds and rainfall patterns have facilitated the movement of desert locusts from the Sahel to North Africa.

The FAO recommends conducting intensive ground surveys across key areas where locust breeding is likely to occur.

The area spanning from south of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, through the Sahara in Algeria, and extending to southern Tunisia and western Libya is particularly at risk.

“Surveys and control operations are particularly urgent in locations where winter and early spring rains have created suitable breeding conditions,” said Cyril Piou, the FAO’s Locust Monitoring and Forecasting Officer.

Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing a wider crisis, the UN food agency underscores.

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Stuck in the middle? Indebted nations plot path to growth amid global trade upheaval

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The High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (MICs), held on 28 and 29 April, was attended by senior representatives from 24 MICs, many of which are highly indebted, leaving them little room for spending on developing their economies.

Since 2000, only 27 countries transitioned from middle income to high-income status, and many have experienced reversals back to middle-income level: 11 nations switched back and forth at least once before reaching their current high-income status.

“The transition of middle-income countries to high-income status while meeting sustainable development ambitions calls for the bolstering of financing for development,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) at the opening of the event. “This calls for domestic policy reforms aimed at expanding fiscal space, maintaining debt sustainability and channeling resources towards productive investments.”

The Makati Declaration on Middle-Income Countries calls for the UN to support MICs in accessing development financing, including via innovative financing mechanisms, and to provide support in a number of areas, ranging from programs and initiatives to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis to digital transformation and making countries more resilient to global shocks (see full list of measures below).

Delegates at the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries (April 2025)

“We recognize that middle-income countries experience frequent growth slowdowns, and if left unaddressed, this loss of economic dynamism can cause countries to get stuck in what is referred to as the “middle-income trap,” the Declaration states. “We stress that middle-income countries continue to face specific challenges related to, inter alia, high levels of inequalities, low growth, persistent poverty, unemployment, loss of biodiversity, the adverse effects of disaster risks and climate change, reliance on primary commodity exports, high levels of external debt and the volatility of exchange rates and capital flows, and digital divide.”

MICs will strengthen cooperation among themselves and offer increasing resources under technical cooperation between countries in the global South, which could become particularly important given the recent reduction in development support from traditional donors of the global North.

“We are re-moulding traditional development partnerships as more MICs, including the Philippines, increase resources for South-South and technical cooperation,” said Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines at the event. “This is a trend that, if scaled up, could potentially result in game-changing dividends for the global development system.”

The Like-Minded Group of MICs are “as champions of multilateralism,” he added. “Carving a steady path for all middle-income countries behooves us to support strongly an international rules-based order underpinned by equity and justice.”

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Hundreds of thousands of Afghans forced back into danger, says UNHCR

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According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), over 250,000 Afghans returned in April alone – among them, 96,000 who were forcibly deported. The agency voiced particular alarm over the fate of women and girls, who face increasing repression under Taliban rule.

The large-scale returns are putting even greater pressure on already stretched humanitarian resources and worsening the plight of millions struggling to survive.

“They face increasing restrictions in terms of access to employment, education and freedom of movement,” said agency spokesperson Babar Baloch.

“We keep telling the governments of Iran and Pakistan that returns to Afghanistan must be voluntary, safe and dignified,” he continued.

Aside from women and girls, forcibly returned human rights activists and journalists as well as ethnic or religious minority groups are among those who face the biggest dangers back in Afghanistan.

Massive needs

These risks are further compounded by rising needs, where half the population relies on humanitarian assistance. Since 2023, more than 3.5 million people have returned to the country.

Such high numbers of returnees only increase the risk of further internal displacement and attempts to reach Europe, Mr. Baloch noted.

UNHCR is seeking $75 billion to assist returnees and help stabilize the region. Afghans represented the largest group of irregular arrivals from Asia Pacific to Europe in 2024, at more than four in 10.

Additional funds will allow UNHCR in Afghanistan to provide returnees with urgent assistance including access to services, livelihoods, reintegration services, travel and financial assistance – “with emphasis on reaching women and girls,” Mr. Baloch explained.

The agency also plans to address immediate protection needs and enhance reception capacity.

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Myanmar quake: Ongoing aftershocks spread fear

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Aid agencies warned on Tuesday that more than 6.3 million people remain in urgent need of support in the worst-affected central areas around Mandalay.

“People [are] forced to sleep outside, safe water is scarce, health services are disrupted,” said UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in an appeal for more support from the international community.

The latest aftershock struck late on Sunday night and measured 4.4 on the Richter scale, said UN partner the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“This is provoking widespread fear within a population already traumatised and also fear within the responders themselves,” said Nadia Khoury, IFRC Head of Delegation in Myanmar, speaking from Yangon.

Millions impacted

While the attention of the international community has faded, dispossessed families still need help rebuilding their lives, said OCHA’s Christina Powell.

“The emergency for most is far from over – it is another crisis on top of the challenges already facing the people of Myanmar,” said Ms. Powell. “People told me they are too afraid to go back into their homes, worried they could collapse at any moment with the ongoing aftershocks.”

In badly affected areas including Mandalay and Bago in the south of the country, some communities already suffered unprecedented floods last September. The earthquakes brought another wave of devastation.

Assessments indicate that the quakes damaged or destroyed 55,000 homes in the Central Asian nation, where civil war has raged since a military coup in February 2021.

In Mandalay, OCHA reported that locals have continued to deliver food and household items to people still living on the roadside or in community shelters. But needs are widespread and include shelter, food, personal hygiene kits and even toilets, said OCHA’s Tin Aung Thein.

“These people are already vulnerable depending solely on their daily wages. For their recovery, international support is greatly needed.”

Over the last month, IFRC has provided life-sustaining support – including safe drinking water, healthcare, tarpaulins for tents and items for women and children – to more than 110,000 people.

The aid organization has also delivered 250 metric tons of aid and helped distribute over 220,000 litres of safe drinking water to Myanmar every day. Its $121 million appeal is only 15 per cent funded.  

Right to live in dignity

Ms. Powell of OCHA urged the international community to step up and support the population’s right to “live in safety and dignity”.

“Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate even further,” Ms. Powell insisted. 

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Security Council meets on Gaza crisis as starvation threat grows

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The Security Council will meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot presiding. The UN Secretary-General is expected to brief ambassadors as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with reports from the UN Palestine refugee relief agency (UNRWA) this morning that children are “going to bed starving” amid the two-month Israeli aid blockade and continuing bombardment. App users can follow coverage here.

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Children in Gaza ‘going to bed starving’ amid blockade

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“The siege on Gaza is the silent killer of children, of older people,” said Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA.

“Families – whole families, seven or eight people – are resorting to sharing one can of beans or peas,” she told journalists in Geneva. “Imagine not having anything to feed your children. Children in Gaza are going to bed starving.”

Today, thousands of trucks carrying relief supplies continue to be denied entry to Gaza. “We have just over 5,000 trucks in several parts of the region with lifesaving supplies that are ready to come in,”Ms. Touma continued.

“This decision is crippling the humanitarian efforts…and threatening the lives and survival of civilians in Gaza, who are also going through heavy bombardment day in, day out.”

Rafah levelled

Destruction to the southern city of Rafah has left it “obliterated”, UNRWA said. Formerly the largest entry point for aid into the enclave via Egypt, aerial videos purportedly of Rafah show buildings levelled as far as the eye can see.

“Rafah is nothing like the city it used to be…In every direction there is only destruction,” the UN agency said.

Forced displacement orders have been in place for 97 per cent of the city, uprooting around 150,000 people.

Almost 12 months ago, the Israeli military moved in displacing 1.4 million people, leaving homes, health facilities and shelters damaged or destroyed.

Starting from scratch

Across Gaza, more than 90 per cent of the population have been displaced “not once, not twice, some people have been displaced 12 times or 13 times…so they have to start from scratch.”

Before the war erupted in October 2023, Gazans relied on 500 trucks a day to deliver the food and other basic goods that they needed. But no humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered since 2 March.

This is by far the longest ban on aid moving into the Strip since the start of the war in October 2023, following deadly Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel that killed some 1,250 people and left more than 250 taken hostage.

The blockade has emptied warehouses of food, medical supplies, shelter materials and safe water – fuelling a black market “where prices have increased from 10 to 20, sometimes 40 times…You cannot give anything to your children and you’re seeing your children starving”, Ms. Touma said.

According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) food prices rose 1,400 per cent increase in recent weeks compared to the ceasefire period from 19 January to 18 March 2025.

Last Friday, the UN agency delivered its last remaining stocks to community kitchens that provide hot meals of lentil soup and rice. The kitchens are expected to fully run out of food within days while another 16 closed over the weekend. In addition, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries have now closed.

“We’re likely to see more community kitchens closing down for the simple reason that they need supplies,” Ms. Touma explained.

Daily challenges for Gazans include finding food and fuel to cook, because of a lack of cooking gas. “Families are resorting to burning plastic to cook their meals,” UNRWA’s Ms. Touma said. 

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UN launches network to support victims and survivors of terrorism

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The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) on Monday.

The network is a key outcome from the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022. It brings together victims and survivors of terrorism, victims’ associations and civil society organizations from across the globe.

The goal is to provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders.

Solidarity, advocacy and assistance

Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, expressed solidarity with all victims regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, and paid tribute to their courage and resilience.

“In the face of unimaginable personal tragedy, many have chosen to raise their voices, becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and tolerance,” he said, while also calling for greater support.

“In many cases, the needs of victims and survivors are urgent and underfunded. International and national assistance remains critical,” he stressed.

Understanding victims’ needs

The development of VoTAN received financial support from Spain and its launch marks an important step which will allow victims to connect and support each other, said the country’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno.

“Synergies between civil society and governments are essential to understanding the needs of victims, so we trust that other Member States, especially those belonging to the Group of Friends, will also support the Global Network,” he added. 

The Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, chaired by Spain and Iraq, was established nearly six years ago to uphold the need to protect victims’ rights. 

Co-chair Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq, reaffirmed the Group’s solidarity with all those affected. 

“They all have our utmost respect and commitment to continue doing everything necessary to make them feel recognised, cared for and protected,” he said.

Transforming pain into purpose

The event concluded with statements from five victims of terrorism and victims’ associations. 

Grace Acan from Uganda highlighted “the critical importance of collaboration, resilience and partnership” in her remarks. 

“Through partnerships, we can amplify our voices, advocate for justice and ensure that the needs of victims are met with compassion and urgency,” she said.

“Together, we can transform our pain into purpose, creating a safer, more inclusive world for all.” 

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World News in Brief: Sudan aid challenges, Myanmar quake update, UN support for victims of sexual abuse

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“The UN is gravely concerned about the plight of civilians fleeing Zamzam camp, as well as the dire situation in and around El Fasher, which is in North Darfur,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

Famine conditions have already been identified in several displacement camps, including Zamzam. However, vital relief efforts have been suspended due to severe insecurity and ongoing violence.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and driven over 12.6 million from their homes, including over 3.8 million as refugees into neighbouring countries.

‘Alarming reports’

“We continue to receive alarming reports of serious protection issues, such as arbitrary arrests, harassment and intimidation at checkpoints controlled by the RSF,” Mr. Dujarric said.

According to local sources, further intensification of attacks was reported in and around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. Fighting earlier this month had displaced tens of thousands of people from the region.

“We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected,” the UN Spokesperson said, reiterating his call on warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure production of civilians.

Elsewhere in the country, authorities in Northern State reported the arrival of thousands of people from Zamzam camp and Al Malha town in North Darfur, and from Omdurman, near the capital Khartoum.

Mr. Dujarric said that most of those displaced are seeking safety in poorly constructed shelters, while others are being hosted by family or friends. They are relying on just one meal a day and in dire need of food, in dire need of sanitation, water, nutrition, shelter, and every other possible support.

Myanmar: Millions remain in need one month after earthquakes

One month after devastating earthquakes struck Myanmar, more than six million people urgently need aid – with many still too afraid to return to their damaged homes – the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has said.

At least 55,000 dwellings were destroyed or severely damaged in the worst affected regions, forcing families to live in makeshift shelters exposed to harsh weather and rising protection risks.

Ongoing aftershocks have deepened fears among communities, leaving many unwilling to risk re-entering their homes, OCHA said.

The humanitarian response has so far reached over 600,000 people with clean water, sanitation and hygiene support. In addition, nearly 500,000 people were provided food assistance and more than 115,000 with emergency shelter and critical supplies, said Mr. Dujarric.

“This is a critical moment for the response. Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further,” he added, urging support from donors.

UN trust fund supports over 4,300 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse

The UN Spokesperson also reported on Monday that more than 4,300 victims and community members affected by sexual exploitation and abuse linked to UN personnel received vital support last year through a special Trust Fund.

The fund helps close critical gaps in assistance for victims – including psychological, medical and legal services.

It also supports income-generating activities for survivors and children fathered by UN peacekeepers.

The fund is raising awareness on the risks of misconduct among up to 89,000 community members in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Guatemala and South Sudan.

Since its creation in 2016, the trust fund has mobilized more than $5 million through voluntary contributions from 25 Member States as well as payments withheld following substantiated allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.

“We continue to appeal to Member States for additional funding for this important work,” said Mr. Dujarric.

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Gazans face hunger crisis as aid blockade nears two months

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Both the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, and the World Food Programme (WFP) report that food stocks are now exhausted, even as supplies of lifesaving assistance pile up at border crossings waiting to be brought in.

Humanitarians continue to warn that hunger is spreading and deepening in the enclave, amid the blockage, access constraints, ongoing Israeli military operations and a rise in looting.

Scarcity, sharing and shame

UNRWA shared the testimony of a woman called Um Muhammad who is staying at a shelter in Gaza City and prepares food for 11 family members daily. Although she still has some flour, most families nearby have already run out.

“When I knead and bake, I feel very ashamed of myself, so I distribute some bread to the children who come asking for a piece of bread,” she said.

“We eat one meal a day, dividing bread among each person daily. We eat canned goods, lentils, and rice. When this stock runs out, I don’t know what we will do because what is available in the market is scarce.”

Longest blockade

Gaza has a population of more than two million people who mostly depend on aid, but no humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered since 2 March when Israel imposed a full blockade on the territory.  

This is by far the longest ban on aid moving into the Strip since the start of the war in October 2023, following the deadly Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel.

The situation has led to shortages – not just of food, but other items including medicine, shelter supplies and safe water.  WFP recently noted a 1,400 per cent increase in food prices when compared to the ceasefire period, which lasted from 19 January to 18 March of this year.

Malnutrition and looting

On Friday, the UN agency delivered its last remaining stocks to hot meals kitchens, which have been a lifeline in recent weeks. The kitchens are expected to fully run out of food within days, and another 16 closed over the weekend.  Furthermore, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries are now shuttered.

There has been an increase in reports of looting incidents, the UN humanitarian affairs office OCHA said on Monday. Over the weekend, armed individuals reportedly ransacked a truck in Deir Al-Balah and a warehouse in Gaza City.

Meanwhile, the latest famine review analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) got underway this week.

Humanitarian partners warn that the nutrition situation across Gaza is worsening. Since January, about 10,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children have been identified, including 1,600 cases of severe acute malnutrition. 

Although treatment supplies remain available in the south, accessing them continues to be extremely challenging due to operational and security restrictions.

Healthcare also affected

OCHA stressed that the depletion of critical stocks in Gaza goes far beyond food. For example, trauma-related medical supplies are running out at a time when the number of people injured in mass casualty incidents continues to increase. 

Gaza also lacks surgical supplies, including gowns, drapes and gloves.  The World Health Organization (WHO) informed that their warehouse has run out of therapeutic milk, intravenous antibiotics and painkillers, as well as spare parts for ambulances and oxygen stations. 

Partners working in health add that an increasing number of critical staff are being denied access to Gaza, with a rise in the denial of entry for emergency medical teams, particularly highly specialized professionals – including orthopedic and plastic surgeons – and a recent restriction of movement across the enclave.  

Aid awaiting entry

As the aid ban continues, humanitarians are doing everything possible to reach people with whatever supplies remain available.

They also have stocks of food and other lifesaving items ready and waiting to enter the Gaza Strip as soon as border crossings re-open.

This includes nearly 3,000 UNRWA trucks of aid, while WFP has more than 116,000 metric tonnes of food assistance – enough to feed one million people for up to four months. 

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UN warns of $4 trillion shortfall threatening global development goals

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Speaking at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General António Guterres, General Assembly President Philémon Yang and Economic and Social Council President Bob Rae stressed the need for more resources and a global financial overhaul.

Without an effective response, they stressed, the world risks falling even further behind on ending poverty, fighting climate change, and building new sustainable economies.

They were addressing the ECOSOC annual forum on financing for development, which follows last week’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings where global growth, trade tensions and the rising debt burden in developing countries were front and centre.

Everyone loses in a trade war

“This year’s ECOSOC Forum comes at a pivotal time,” Mr. Guterres told delegates, warning that global cooperation itself is under threat.

He pointed to rising trade tensions as a major risk, noting that while fair trade is a clear example of the benefits of international collaboration, the surge in trade barriers poses a “clear and present danger” to the global economy – as seen in recent downgrades to global growth forecasts by the IMF, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and UN economists.

“In a trade war, everybody loses – especially the most vulnerable countries and people, who are hit the hardest,” he said.

We must shift into overdrive

Mr. Guterres highlighted how many donors are pulling back from aid commitments while soaring borrowing costs drain public investments, putting the SDGs “dramatically off track.”

“With just five years to reach the SDGs, we need to shift into overdrive,” he stressed, urging countries to deliver bold outcomes at the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville.

“Against this turbulent background, we cannot let our financing for development ambitions get swept away.”

Secretary-General António Guterres (right) addresses the ECOSOC 2025 Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up. At his left is Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly.

Crushing debt burdens

ECOSOC President Bob Rae echoed these concerns, emphasising that over three billion people live in countries where governments spend more on interest payments than on health or education.

“We desperately need a more affordable debt architecture – it’s that simple,” he said, calling for urgent reforms that would allow countries a fair chance to repay what they owe while investing in their futures.

He also sounded the alarm over rising trade barriers – citing recent moves by major economies, like the United States, to impose new tariffs.

“Trade is not a four-letter word,” Mr. Rae said, “it is a positive way for countries to exchange goods and services and emerge from poverty.”

He urged countries not to see trade as a zero-sum game – where there are only winners and losers – and embrace fair, open trading systems as a path to shared prosperity.

Calls for reform

General Assembly President Philémon Yang underscored the consequences of rising debts and shrinking fiscal space.

In more than 50 developing countries, governments now spend over 10 percent of their revenues on debt servicing – and in 17 of them, over 20 percent – a clear warning sign of default, according to UN economists.

“Our inability to reform the international financial architecture is severely restricting capital access,” Mr. Yang warned, stressing that closing the financing gap – now estimated at over $4 trillion annually – is critical to achieving the SDGs.

“Time is of the essence. Let us use this ECOSOC Forum to bridge divides, build trust, and lay the foundation for success.”

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are all interconnected, for instance progress on SDG 2 to end hunger is closely tied to advances in health and education.

Looking ahead to Seville

As negotiations continue towards an agreed outcome in Seville, Secretary-General Guterres highlighted three priority areas – tackling unsustainable debt, strengthening multilateral development banks and unlocking new streams of sustainable finance.

He called for mobilizing more domestic resources, innovative financing solutions, better controls on illicit financial flows and stronger partnerships with the private sector.

ECOSOC President Rae added that the conversation must move beyond declarations to concrete, measurable action.

“We need innovation, creativity and partnerships that deliver lasting and transformative impact,” he said.

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development – to be held from 30 June to 3 July in Seville, Spain – represents a critical opportunity to rebuild the global financial system to unleash the investments urgently needed to achieve the SDGs.

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‘Season of war,’ as norms of humanitarian law ‘cast aside’ UN refugee chief

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Speaking in the UN Security Council, Filippo Grandi said in conflicts across the world in places like Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti, “violence has become the currency of our age.”

Forcibly displaced people are among the first victims of war. Worldwide, some 123 million people have had to flee due to conflict.

Since the beginning of the war in Sudan, one-third of Sudan’s population has been displaced by indiscriminate violence, disease, starvation, flooding, droughts and sexual violence, “a situation that frankly defies description,” said Mr. Grandi.

In Ukraine, 10 million people have been displaced by the war, experiencing what he described as “terrible toll.” Seven million of them are now refugees, living outside the country.

“Stagnation has defined the response in Myanmar,” said the UN refugee chief. As a result, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been living in camps entirely dependent on humanitarian aid for the past eight years.

Security and self-reliance

Refugees and displaced people will not return to their communities “unless they are confident that the terms of peace are durable, for them and for their country,” he added.

Promoting security and self-reliance is essential to ending humanitarian crises.

However, a return to peace requires compromise and commitment; peace cannot be made passively, said Mr. Grandi.

Reminding the 15 Members of the Security Council that preventing and stopping wars is their primary responsibility, he noted that it was one that “this body has chronically failed to live up to.”

Seizing opportunities

To achieve durable peace, the UN must be ready both to seize unexpected opportunities, and to take calculated risks, High Commissioner Grandi said adding that “there is now an opportunity to break this dangerous inertia.”

As over one million people have already returned to Syria since December 8, with many more expected to follow, the refugee chief urged the Security Council to ease sanctions to support early recovery efforts and spur investment.

“To minimise the risk that the returning Syrians are taking, I am asking you to take some risks yourselves,” he said.

Retrenchment away from aid

Despite the positive signs coming out of Syria, as well as Burundi and the Central African Republic, Mr. Grandi told the Council that “we see a retrenchment away from aid, away from multilateralism, even away from life-saving assistance,” adding that “we hear of prioritizing national interests, of boosting defense spending — all valid concerns of course, and legitimate state pursuits. But these are not incompatible with aid, quite the contrary.”

One way or another, forced displacement has concerned every member of the Security Council, Mr. Grandi pointed out.

“You have been the refugee. You have welcomed those who sought refuge,” he said reminding its members of their collective responsibility “to end war, to bring peace.”

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One in four female genital mutilation cases now carried out by health workers

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While the health sector worldwide plays a key role in stopping the abusive practice of FGM and supporting survivors, in several regions, evidence suggests otherwise.

As of 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women were subjected to FGM at the hands of health workers – that’s around one in four cases.

“Health workers must be agents for change rather than perpetrators of this harmful practice,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, WHO’s Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research.

She insisted that cutting is a “severe violation of girls’ rights” which critically endangers their health.

Evidence has shown that FGM causes harm, regardless of who performs it – but  it can be more dangerous when performed by health workers, as a “medicalised” procedure can result in more severe wounds, WHO warned in a statement on Monday.  

As part of ongoing efforts to halt the practice altogether, the UN agency issued new guidelines urging greater action from doctors, governments, and local communities.

FGM in retreat

Cutting – which encompasses any procedure that removes or injures parts of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons – also requires high-quality medical care for those suffering its effects, WHO says.

Since 1990, the likelihood of a girl undergoing genital mutilation has dropped threefold, but 30 countries still practise it, putting four million girls each year at risk.

FGM can lead to short and long-term health issues, from mental health conditions to obstetric risks and sometimes the need for surgical repairs.

The newly published guidelines from WHO also suggest ways to improve care for survivors at different stages in their lives.

‘Opinion leaders’

Putting an end to the practice is within the realm of the possible – and some countries are heading in that direction, the UN health agency said.

“Research shows that health workers can be influential opinion leaders in changing attitudes on FGM, and play a crucial role in its prevention,” said Christina Pallitto, a senior author of the study at Scientist at WHO and the Human Reproduction Programme (HRP).

“Engaging doctors, nurses and midwives should be a key element in FGM prevention and response, as countries seek to end the practice and protect the health of women and girls,” she said.

Unrelenting efforts to stop FGM have led countries including Burkina Faso to reduce rates among 15 to 19-year-olds by 50 per cent in the past three decades.

Likewise, prevalence fell by 35 per cent in Sierra Leone and 30 per cent in Ethiopia – thanks to action and political will to enforce bans and accelerate prevention.

WHO in 2022 published a prevention training package for primary care health workers, to highlight the risks of the practice and equip them to engage sensitively with communities, while factoring in local culture and perspectives.

“Because of this training, I am now able to raise women’s awareness [of FGM] and persuade them about the… disadvantages,” said one health worker during the launch. 

Israel’s restrictions on UN agencies in Gaza in spotlight at world court

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The ICJ, which sits in The Hague and is the UN’s top court, is expected to hear from 40 States and four international organizations in proceedings slated to last all week.

Representing Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Legal Counsel Elinor Hammarskjöld reiterated his many calls for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach all people in need and for all hostages to be freed.

A total of 13 UN entities are present in Gaza, Ms. Hammarskjöld noted, adding that 295 UN personnel have died in Gaza since the war began on 7 October 2023, following Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel.

Legal opinion

The UN legal counsel insisted on the special protections and immunities of UN agencies and personnel which it needs to implement its mandated activities all over the world, including in the OPT.

These protections also apply during armed conflict, Ms. Hammarskjöld said, before highlighting Israel’s obligations as the occupying power under international law.

“The overarching obligation [is] to administer the territory for the benefit of the local population and “to agree to and facilitate relief schemes”, she said “In the specific context of the current situation in the OPT, these obligations entail allowing and facilitating all relevant UN entities to carry out those activities for the benefit of the local population.”

The purpose of the hearings at the ICJ all this week is to establish what’s known as an “advisory opinion” on Israel’s obligations as the occupying power in Gaza and the wider OPT, in accordance with the UN Charter.

It follows a vote at the UN General Assembly in December where Member States voted 137 to 12 to seek the view of the ICJ’s 15 judges, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment and dramatic aid shortages across Gaza.

Although the ICJ judges’ advisory opinion is not binding – as opposed to the legal disputes between countries on which it rules (so-called “contentious cases”) – it provides clarity on legal questions.

Once the court has issued its opinion, the General Assembly would be open to pick up the matter again and decide on further action.

UNRWA shut out

Welcoming the hearings, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini, insisted that aid agencies were working “to address overwhelming needs”.

The UNRWA Commissioner-General explained that the Israeli Parliament’s widely condemned “no-contact” policy banning any coordination with UNRWA official have obstructed the delivery of essential relief services and aid.

The move is particularly significant because UNRWA is the largest aid agency in Gaza, where it has provided health, education and other vital public services for decades.

But since these restrictions came into effect at the end of January, UNRWA international staff have not received visas to enter Israel, Mr. Lazzarini said.

Inside Gaza, meanwhile, ordinary Gazans continue to face desperate food shortages linked to the 2 March decision by Israel to seal the enclave’s borders.

“Today people are not surviving in Gaza, those that aren’t being killed with bombs and bullets are slowly dying,” said Jonathan Whittall, local Head of Office for the UN aid coordination wing, OCHA. He insisted that humanitarian agencies are unable to meet soaring needs following Israel’s decision to cut all commercial and relief supplies.

“People here are being suffocated,” he maintained. “What we see around us is endless suffering under a total and complete blockade. A total closure that’s now lasted for almost two months while airstrikes, ground operations are intensifying and displacement orders that are pushing people out of their homes are increasing.”

Witness statements

The following Gaza testimonies have been provided by UNRWA:

Mona, a grandmother living in an UNRWA shelter in Gaza City:

“We only eat one meal a day, I go to sleep thinking about what we will eat tomorrow and how we will provide…I have enough flour for several days. I try to preserve it by making small loaves so that it lasts for a few more days. When children get hungry, I give them my loaf. I no longer take medicine, even if it is available, because treatment requires good food, and that is not available now.”

Wafaa, whose oldest child is seven and whose youngest is three, speaking from an UNRWA school in Gaza City:

“I have two cans of beans, some cans of peas, two cans of chickpeas, some duqqa (a spice mix), and a few kilos of flour that will only last for four days…The flour is mouldy and smells bad, but I can’t complain. When will this nightmare end?”

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Gaza: UN official warns of ‘assault on dignity’ as blockade cripples humanitarian response

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Speaking to journalists in Gaza City, Jonathan Whittall, OCHA‘s local Head of Office, painted a dire picture of life under what he called a “total and complete blockade” now approaching its third month.

“The coming days in Gaza are going to be critical. Today people are not surviving in Gaza, those that aren’t being killed with bombs and bullets are slowly dying,” he said.

Whittall stressed that humanitarian agencies are unable to meet the soaring needs of civilians due to the collapse of supply lines. Hospitals are overwhelmed, but medicines and equipment are running out. People are going hungry, but food warehouses are empty and bakeries are closing. Clean water is desperately needed, but water wells are inaccessible.

He noted that solid waste is piling up in the streets with no equipment to remove it, and that rescue efforts after airstrikes are impossible without fuel and machinery. Displaced families are forced to live in rubble without shelter materials, and fishermen are being shot at sea, while humanitarian organisations lack the resources to assist them. “Nowhere in Gaza today is safe”, he said.

He added that children need to learn, but schools have been destroyed or are inaccessible, and that education supplies are not available. Prices of the remaining goods in Gaza continue to rise, but there is no cash available. There is no cooking gas or fuel, forcing families to burn trash to generate some energy.

“This is not only about humanitarian needs, but it’s about dignity. There is an assault on people’s dignity in Gaza today,” he warned.

“We also know that humanitarian workers, first responders, you as journalists, should be protected, like all civilians, but we’re being killed in a war that appears to be fought without any limits,” he added.

Whittall emphasised that the situation in Gaza does not even resemble a war. “People in Gaza are telling me that they feel like it’s the deliberate dismantling of Palestinian life in plain sight, for all to see, documented every day by you as journalists,” he said.

He described the devastation witnessed daily — including children’s bodies thrown by explosions, families burnt alive, and colleagues killed — as part of what he termed “everyday atrocities.”

“As humanitarians we can see that aid is being weaponised through its denial,” he warned. “There’s no justification for the denial of humanitarian assistance. And humanitarian aid should never be weaponised.”

Despite the catastrophic conditions, he stressed that humanitarian organisations are continuing to operate where possible, but “we have less and less and less supplies and less and less capacity to be able to meet the growing and growing needs that are intensifying across Gaza.”

“Lives depend on the blockade being lifted, on aid being allowed to enter into Gaza, on the ceasefire being reinstated,” he said, calling for real accountability rather than waiting for history to judge the international community’s response.

Hunger and malnutrition surging

In a separate statement, OCHA warned of a “severe decline” in food availability across Gaza, as malnutrition rates escalate rapidly, particularly among children.

A UN partner organisation recently screened around 1,300 children in northern Gaza and identified over 80 cases of acute malnutrition, representing more than double the rate recorded in previous weeks.

“Nutrition partners report a critical shortage of supplies due to the obstruction of aid entry and challenges in transporting essential materials within Gaza,” OCHA said. Access to key facilities, including UNICEF’s main warehouse in Rafah, remains heavily restricted.

Journalists who visited the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) main warehouses this week found them largely empty of food supplies, including flour.

Call for accountability and action

“Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” UNRWA said in a separate statement, stressing that international law prohibits indiscriminate attacks, the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure.

The agency reiterated its call for a renewed ceasefire, the dignified release of all hostages, and the immediate, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into Gaza.

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Sudan situation ‘absolutely devastating’ as UN ramps up food aid

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Speaking in Port Sudan after a visit to Khartoum, Samantha Chattaraj, Emergency Coordinator for the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan, said that “vast parts of the city are destroyed. Levels of hunger and desperation are extremely high,” but she added “people remain hopeful.”

Sudan is currently the only country in the world where famine has been officially confirmed.

Half of its population is facing extreme hunger, and nearly five million children and breastfeeding mothers are severely malnourished.

Ms. Chattaraj said that in March, WFP was able to reach four million people across Sudan, the highest number since the conflict broke out over two years ago.

“This marked an important step in getting food to people who have been cut off from aid for a long time,” she added.

However, she added that “the need is far greater. With 27 areas either in famine or at high risk, the recent progress still covers only a small part of what’s required to stop the crisis.”

Destruction and hunger

In Darfur, in the west of Sudan, nearly 450,00 people who were already facing famine and horrific levels of violence have been forced to flee from El Fasher and Zamzam camps in the last few weeks, amidst an increase in fighting.

“Reports from the ground are shocking,” said Mrs Chattaraj, explaining that WFP is currently mobilising assistance to reach populations wherever they have fled to – across various parts of Darfur and Northern State.

Planning for returnees

Many people are expected to return to Khartoum in the coming months and WFP is working to strengthen its presence in the city and ensure it can deliver food regularly to those coming back.

Together with local authorities, the UN aims to provide emergency food aid to one million people in the greater Khartoum area next month.

Racing against the rain

Ahead of the rainy season set to begin in June, which will leave many routes across Darfur impracticable, WFP only has a few weeks to pre-stock food close to populations in need, Ms. Chattaraj said.

In preparation WFP is setting up mobile warehouses across Darfur to safely store food supplies and keep operations running even during the rains.

Meanwhile, around 100,000 people remain trapped in the besieged city of El Fasher.

WFP is urgently calling for more funding and safe access to areas in need so it can continue its work in what is now the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

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