Gaza Crisis: UN ramps up calls for humanitarian truce as Israeli bombardments cut communications, cripple healthcare

Gaza Crisis: UN ramps up calls for humanitarian truce as Israeli bombardments cut communications, cripple healthcare

Secretary-General António Guterres said on X, formerly Twitter: “I reiterate my appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, together with the unconditional release of hostages and the delivery of relief at a level corresponding to the dramatic needs of the people in Gaza, where a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes.” The UN…

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Explainer: Fighting for facts amid crisis in Israel and Gaza

Explainer: Fighting for facts amid crisis in Israel and Gaza

Harmful disinformation about the ongoing conflict in the wake of the 7 October attacks by Hamas against Israel continues to circulate online, with potentially dangerous consequences on the ground. While misinformation refers to the accidental spread of falsehoods, disinformation can be circulated intentionally by State or non-State actors, including during an armed conflict, to influence…

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Gaza crisis: General Assembly adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’, civilian protection

Gaza crisis: General Assembly adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’, civilian protection

The resolution breaks the deadlock at the UN over a response to the Israel-Palestine crisis which erupted on 7 October, where Member States on the Security Council have failed to reach agreement on four draft resolutions. Voting result The breakdown of the recorded vote, conducted shortly before 4 PM (New York time), included 120 members…

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Israel-Palestine: Security Council moves towards vote on new resolutions over Gaza crisis

Israel-Palestine: Security Council moves towards vote on new resolutions over Gaza crisis

Last Monday, a previous Russian-led draft resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” was voted down at the Council, and the following Wednesday, the United States vetoed a Brazilian-led text that urged “humanitarian pauses” to deliver aid to millions in the Gaza Strip. The new proposals, currently under negotiation, reportedly address the shortages of essential…

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Meth trafficking surges in and around Afghanistan

World News in Brief, Afghanistan rights abuses, Sudan crisis deepens, Australia votes no

The series of deadly earthquakes and possibility of massive involuntary returns, all add up to the need for urgent action to avoid further suffering and potential instability, said Richard Bennett.  “A grave picture has emerged, providing a glimpse of what may lie ahead for the human rights of many Afghans, particularly women and girls, and also…

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Israel-Palestine: Gaza buckles under fuel shortage, healthcare in crisis

Israel-Palestine: Gaza buckles under fuel shortage, healthcare in crisis

Doctors have been performing surgeries without anaesthesia or other basic surgical supplies, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said in an update, noting that fuel has become the “most vital commodity” in Gaza. Without it, “trucks can’t move and generators can’t produce electricity for hospitals, bakeries and water desalination plants,” said Tamara Alrifai, spokesperson for…

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Israel-Gaza crisis: Competing Security Council resolutions reveal diplomatic fault lines

Israel-Gaza crisis: Competing Security Council resolutions reveal diplomatic fault lines

The 15-member body that oversees peace and security issues, is expected to decide on a second draft resolution later on Tuesday, led by Brazil. While it does not officially represent the position of the Council until adopted, this proposal aims to mitigate ongoing humanitarian suffering on the ground, establish corridors for safe aid delivery, as…

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Middle East on ‘verge of the abyss’ UN warns, as Israel-Hamas conflict deepens Gaza crisis

Middle East on ‘verge of the abyss’ UN warns, as Israel-Hamas conflict deepens Gaza crisis

The UN chief’s appeal comes as clean water and other vital supplies are dwindling inside Gaza in the wake of Israel’s blockade.  UN and other humanitarian agencies have worked round the clock to preposition aid since the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out following the militant group’s 7 October attack on several locations…

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