News headlines for “Middle East”
UN rights office raises alarm over escalating violence in occupied West Bank
- UN News
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday expressed grave concerns over escalating violence in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank, condemning the use of “unlawful lethal force” by Israeli security forces.
Living Conditions in Syria Deteriorate During Transitional Period
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 23 (IPS) - Thirteen years of extended conflict, economic downturns, and multiple earthquakes, has left Syria in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. Hostilities remain abundant across all of Syria’s governorates, with each facing widespread civilian displacements and damage to critical infrastructures. Following the change of government in December of 2024, Syrian refugees have begun returning from neighbouring countries. However, this return has been marred with insecurity due to the sheer scale of unexploded ordnance, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
UN scales up humanitarian response in Gaza as ceasefire offers respite
- UN News
The ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza is providing a critical window of relief for Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, as UN agencies ramp up the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance.
‘We must be there for them now’ says UN relief chief, highlighting plight of Gaza’s children
- UN News
In a rare moment of cautious optimism, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza on Thursday, emphasizing the plight of children who have borne the brunt of the conflict.
UN to strengthen cooperation with League of Arab States
- UN News
The United Nations and the League of Arab States are deepening their collaboration to tackle critical peace and security challenges in the Middle East and beyond, a senior UN political affairs official told the Security Council on Thursday.
Middle East crisis: Live updates for 23 January; ‘we can save more lives’ if Gaza ceasefire holds, says UN relief chief
- UN News
The Security Council met on Thursday afternoon in New York to discuss the life-threatening dangers faced by Palestinian children – thousands of whom have been killed during the war in Gaza. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said a whole generation had been traumatised but the ceasefire has "significantly improved" humanitarian aid operations. Join us for live coverage as well as updates from our colleagues on the ground throughout the region. App users can follow here.
In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition
- UN News
The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Wednesday emphasised the strong international consensus that is emerging in support of the country’s political transition since the fall of the Assad regime last month.
Lebanon: Food insecurity deepens following conflict, new report reveals
- UN News
Nearly a third of Lebanon’s population is facing acute food insecurity following the escalation of hostilities in late 2024, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released on Wednesday.
Release of ship’s crew, ‘a step in the right direction’: UN Yemen envoy
- UN News
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday welcomed the release of the crew of a commercial ship held by Houthi rebels for more than a year.
The First Phase of Israel-Palestine Ceasefire Begins
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 21 (IPS) - On January 15, 2025, the long-awaited ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas was approved, bringing the first bout of relief for the people of the Gaza Strip after 15 months of conflict. This has allowed for the exchange of prisoners and hostages between the two nations as well as a greater flow of humanitarian aid to be directed to Gaza. Although this only accounts for the first phase out of the three phase plan, it is uncertain if Israel will continue to uphold the negotiations of a truce after the first phase is completed.