World News in Brief: Food insecurity in Lebanon, Libya migrants freed, UNHCR tackles multiple emergencies – despite cuts

According to the latest UN-backed IPC Food Security Phase Classification report, around 874,000 people are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity between November 2025 and March 2026.  Certain districts and areas have been more severely affected, particularly parts of Baalbek and El Hermel, Akkar, Baabda, Zahle, Saida, Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, El Nabatieh, Tyre, […]

World News in Brief: Pakistan floods, countries lag on climate reporting, concern over attack on peacekeepers in south Lebanon, cuts hit human rights investigations

World News in Brief: Pakistan floods, countries lag on climate reporting, concern over attack on peacekeepers in south Lebanon, cuts hit human rights investigations

In a statement released by his Spokesperson, the UN chief noted that the disaster driven by severe monsoon conditions had been exacerbated by climate change, impacting around 1.5 million people. Hundreds of thousands of people need humanitarian aid while more than 3,000 homes, over 400 schools and some 40 health facilities have suffered some level […]

UN peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon faces scrutiny ahead of Security Council vote

UN peacekeeping mandate in Lebanon faces scrutiny ahead of Security Council vote

As members of the UN Security Council negotiate the renewal of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ahead of a 31 August deadline, the mission’s future role and capacity are under intense debate. UNIFIL has long been a stabilising presence in southern Lebanon, working alongside the Lebanese armed forces, mediating between parties, and supporting […]

Peacekeepers find weapons trove in southern Lebanon, as drought threatens millions

Peacekeepers find weapons trove in southern Lebanon, as drought threatens millions

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) discovered rocket launchers, rocket shells, mortar rounds, bomb fuses and a tunnel containing munitions in separate incidents in Sectors East and West, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York. All finds were referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces […]

World News in Brief: violence spurs displacement in Syria, Israeli forces cross the Blue Line in Lebanon, mall fire kills dozens in Iraq

World News in Brief: violence spurs displacement in Syria, Israeli forces cross the Blue Line in Lebanon, mall fire kills dozens in Iraq

As of Thursday, nearly 2,000 families have been displaced from violence-affected areas in Sweida governate and are currently sheltering in a dozen collective sites. Many are unable to return home due to damage, looting or destruction of their homes. The health systems in Sweida and neighbouring Dar’a governorate remain under critical strain, operating without power […]

Lacroix upholds role of UN peacekeeping in Lebanon and Syria

Lacroix upholds role of UN peacekeeping in Lebanon and Syria

Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed journalists on his recent visit to the two countries ahead of Security Council meetings on the extension of the mandates of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan. He said UNIFIL “has been working very hard” in the wake of the cessation […]

Top marks for Lebanon schools project helping marginalised kids

Top marks for Lebanon schools project helping marginalised kids

According to UNICEF, there are an estimated 300,000 children with disabilities in Lebanon today, although data is limited. To help them access learning opportunities, the UN agency and Lebanese authorities launched a pilot project in 2018 to create inclusive schools in 30 public institutions across all governorates. Today, that number has grown to 117 inclusive […]

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

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

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 […]

Tension Grips As Iran Missiles Pound Israel, Iron Dome Shelters Targets

Tension Grips As Iran Missiles Pound Israel, Iron Dome Shelters Targets

Iran, as warned earlier, fired missiles at Israel at 10 PM (IST) in response Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon to target Hezbollah and days after the militant outfit’s commander Hassan Nasrallah and a top official from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard were killed in airstrikes on Beirut. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said at 10.08 pm […]