Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Ukraine & other topics - Daily Press Briefing

All right. Today, the Secretary General, as you know, arrived in South Africa where he is attending the G20 summit, which kicks off tomorrow. He had a press conference earlier today, which you may have seen on our UN Web TV. He said that his message to G20 leaders over the next two days is simple. Now is the time for leadership and vision.

We are living through tumultuous times, he said. We with conflicts, climate chaos, economic uncertainty, mounting debt, inequality and the collapse of global aid are all inflicting massive suffering around the world. Pointing out that the world's largest economies, the G20, can hold enormous influence to ease that suffering and ensure that economic growth is widely shared and set our world on a better, more peaceful course for the future, Mr. Guterres said over the next two days he will call on G20 members to use their leverage to lead the action. We need economic action, climate action and action for peace. His remarks have been shared with you.

We sent out the Q and A from the transcript a few moments ago. Tomorrow he will address three sessions, one on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, leaving no one behind. Another one on building a resilient world and the G20's potential contributions. And the last one will be a fair and just future for all critical minerals, decent work and artificial intelligence. I want to bring you an update on what we had mentioned about the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the horrific things that took place earlier this week.

And as we dig deeper and as we've sent people there, I can tell. You the information we've received is truly horrific. This is about the deadly violence that took place between the 13th and 19th November in several localities in the Lubero territory in North Kivu, according to information gathered on ground by our human rights colleagues in the peacekeeping mission, the attacks were carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces armed group, the adf. They took place in Bapre and Bashwaga and resulted in the killing of 89 civilians, including including at least 20 women and an as yet undetermined number of children. In Biombwe, which is about 60 kilometers west of Lubero, at least 17 civilians, among them women who were receiving care in a maternity ward, were killed inside the health care center that was operated by the Catholic Church.

During the attack, four wards housing patients were set on fire. Fire in other places, Mabiango, Tunarudi, Samblassa, Tucha and Butsili were also impacted by serious abuses, including abductions, looting of medical supplies, the burning of homes and destruction of property belonging to communities already facing severe humanitarian vulnerabilities. We of course, extend our condolences to the families and communities and we express our solid solidarity with all those affected. As you know, violence committed against civilians, including targeting of medical facilities, may constitute war crimes and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The mission remains fully committed and will continue to support the Congolese authorities in their efforts to protect civilians, prevent human rights violations and combat impunity.

The UN peacekeeping mission is working closely in coordination with government authorities. The armed forces of the DRC and regional partners engage in joint operations as well as local organizations. The peacekeeping mission urges the Congolese authorities to promptly initiate independent and credible investigations to identify the individual, perpetrators and accomplices of these horrific massacres and bring them to justice. We also reiterate our call on armed groups to lay down their weapons unconditionally. Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs says that the ongoing humanitarian scale up.

Which is, as you know, made possible. By this ceasefire, is still being held back by restrictions affecting visas and import approvals. Too few crossing points operating and limited facilitation of humanitarian movements inside Gaza, among other challenges. Between the 12th and 18th of November, we and our partners tried to coordinate more than 50 humanitarian movements with Israeli authorities. Most were to collect cargo from three crossings that were open.

Over a third were either denied or initially approved, but then impeded on the ground. During that same seven day period, we and our partners collected more than 10,600 metric tons of aid from the crossings. That's what the preliminary data that is. Shown on the 2720 dashboard. But even with the Zikim crossing now open, the amount of aid is still not higher than in previous weeks.

That's because we're only allowed to offload and collect cargo at Zikim and Kisufim crossings on an alternating schedule. Meanwhile, supplies from Karim Shalom, Karim Abusalam continue to be directed through the Philadelphia road corridor along the Al Rashid coastal road, which is congested and limits the. Size of the convoys we can put together. Saladin Road remains closed to humanitarian movements. Despite these challenges, our teams in Gaza are still doing everything they possibly can.

To support all the Gazans in need. Yesterday, we and our partners concluded the first round of the Catch up immunization campaign. That campaign began on November 9th. The World Health Organization, UNICEF and UNHWA. Say that over 13,700 children were vaccinated.

The campaign also included screening for malnutrition in children. Out of the more than 6,800 children screened, over 500 were found to be acutely malnourished. And they were referred to the nearest nutrition facility for follow up. Preparations are already underway for round two. And three of the vaccination campaign to.

Make sure that boys and girls receive. All of the doses they need for full protection. Turning to the west bank, our humanitarian colleagues warn that the level of violence there remains deeply concerning, with casualties, property damage, displacement, loss of livelihoods and a strong sense of insecurity for Palestinian civilians. This week, the number of Palestinian children killed in 2025 reached 50. That includes two girls, the youngest just.

2 years old, and overall, more than. 200 Palestinians have now been killed by Israeli forces since the start of the year there. In just one week, between the 11th and the 17th of November, OCHA documented 29 attacks by settlers that led to 11 injuries and damaged 10 homes, two mosques and nearly two dozen vehicles and a wide range of agricultural assets, including livestock, seasonal crops and roughly 1,000 trees and saplings. To address people's needs, we and our partners are providing multipurpose cash to families displaced or otherwise affected. So far this year, over 10,000 households have received this support.

And just last week, with winter around the corner, a Dr. Ramis Al Akbarov, our humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian territory, allocated $100,000 in the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund so that displaced families in the northern northern west bank can buy warm clothing through e vouchers. We continue to call for the protection of civilians, which includes enforcing the law against anyone who carries out attacks and for lethal force to be used by security forces only in strict accordance with internationally recognized law enforcement standards. Warlike tactics must not be tolerated as the new normal. Moving north to the situation along the Blue Line in southern Lebanon, we continue to note with concern incidents in the past few days impacting the security of our blue helicopter helmets. UNIFIL reports that yesterday Israeli Defense Forces personnel pointed a laser at peacekeepers earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, small arms fire was discharged from positions where IDF personnel had been observed targeting peacekeepers on patrol near Kfar Shuba in Sector East. We reiterate that the parties must ensure the safety and security of all peacekeeping personnel and all peacekeepers everywhere at all times. We urge the parties to use the established liaison and coordination mechanisms of UNIFIL to avoid misunderstandings and potential incidents. This week, UNIFIL also located several unguarded weapons caches in their area of operations, which they referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces for disposal. Turning to Ukraine, we're told that a warehouse of the World Food Program was damaged during a drone attack in the city of Dnipro on Wednesday this week, thankfully no one was injured, but at least 10,000 boxes of food intended for civilians near the front lines were destroyed.

Our partners report that drone strikes affecting humanitarian organization have nearly tripled between January and October this year compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, attacks continue across the country. Strikes at Japaricha and Odesa between yesterday and today day. Authorities report five dead and more than a dozen injured, among them two children. Hostilities in Kherson, Donetsk, Dnipro and Kharkiv also caused several civilian casualties as well as damage to energy infrastructure in the city of Ternopil.

Rescue operations continue after the deadly strikes on 19th November. Latest report from the authorities that they're telling us indicates that 30 civilians died died in those attacks, including six children. Humanitarian organizations are mobilized and providing emergency. Support to those who need it. And finally, OCHA reports today UN humanitarian convoy delivered a charging station, solar lamps, dry food packets and hygiene supplies to a frontline community in Kherson where critical services are heavily impacted by the authority by the hostilities.

And just for the record, you will have seen that yesterday Kayoko Goto, the officer in charge for Europe, Central Asia and America divisions of the Department of Political affairs briefed the Security Council on Ukraine, saying that Ukrainian civilians have continued to bear the brunt of the Russian Federation's escalating aerial campaign.

She also briefing withsornu, the director of OCHA's crisis response division. She told the council that some 3.7. Million people are displaced in Ukraine and nearly 6 million are refugees. Those remarks were shared with you staying in the region. Rosemary DeCarlo, the Under Secretary General for Peace Building and Political affairs is in Moldova.

She kicked off her visit to that country today. In the capital Chisinau, she met with pro Prime Minister Alexei Mutanu to discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing the country, as well as how the United nations can further support Moldova. After meeting with women and young peacebuilders, Ms. DeCarlo said she was inspired by their dedication and underscored the critical role. Of women in political decision making, reaffirming our commitment to support their work. She also had separate meetings with the.

Foreign Minister Mihaly Popshoi, during which they exchanged views on shared priorities, including regional peace and security developments and the continued cooperation between the United nations and Moldova. And just to flag from to Nigeria and the heartbreaking situation where we've witnessed yet another abduction of pupils in Niger State. In that country just days after the abduction of school children in Kebbi, we. Join our colleagues at UNICEF and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator's Office Mohammed Malik FAL in expressing our deep sympathy to the families and communities affected, every effort. Must now focus on ensuring the children's safe and immediate return.

We understand that these repeated attacks highlighting. The urgent need to fully implement Safe School Declaration which outlines concrete steps to safeguard civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access to students during conflict. Schools must be a safe place to learn and staying in West Africa. Leonardo Santos Shimau, our Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, just concluded a two day visit to Bamako in Mali. During his visit and meetings with transitional authorities, he reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Mali and the countries in the region in their efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability.

He also expressed solidarity with the populations directly impacted by violence, displacement and insecurity. The special representative stressed the need for a collective and coordinated response to transnational threats. In this regard, he called for enhanced stop dialogues between the States of the Sahel and their partners to consolidate efforts for lasting stabilization. Recalling the need to address the root causes of instability, Mr. Shimau also urged the international community to step up its support and address the needs of vulnerable population to promote a sustainable development strategy. Moving across the continent to South Sudan I can tell you that we're deeply concerned by rising violence in Upper Nile States.

Our peacekeeping mission there has been reporting escalating intercommunal violence, cattle raids and reported aerial bombardments in Wulong and Baliet counties. Local authorities said these incidents have caused multiple casualties, including impacting women and children and displaced around 12,000 people. In response, the mission deployed a patrol to Baliet this week where peacekeepers engaged with local officials and provided emergency medical assistance. Our peacekeeping mission there continues to support authorities and communities in efforts to restore calm and has also intensified its protective presence in the state capital Malakal. We continue on all parties to do whatever they can to avoid further escalations.

Moving across the ocean to Jamaica Turning to the Caribbean, our humanitarian colleagues say that three weeks after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, we are partners continuing to support the government led efforts in that country. With more than 90 organizations now engaged, response operations have stepped up as access improves. Emergency medical teams mobile clinics have now been deployed, allowing critical services to resume despite damaged infrastructure. Public health teams are also scaling up water quality testing and environmental health inspections. UNAIDS is working with the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization.

And on the food front, more than 45,000 food kits have been distributed so far to support 140,000 people. WFP is also working with the Government to prepare a transition to cash based assistance. Meanwhile, 100 emergency shelters remain open. Flooding is persisting which is delaying the reopening of schools and further damaging agricultural agricultural roads and infrastructure. The floods also increasing risk to public health due to the risk of waterborne diseases.

No money, but I do have a quiz for you. Who killed the radio star?

Who killed the radio star? What exactly. Thank

God we have one

of our two camera people paying attention. Video killed the radio star. So today we are celebrating World Television Day.

There you go. TV keeps evolving. It remains a powerful way to connect. Here at the un we thank our colleagues at UN Web tv, UN Video, the AV Library and Unified for keeping audiences engaged and you journalists informed. And we salute our two camera people today.

Edie Lederer.

Does the Secretary General have any comment on the peace plan by President Trump to end the war in Ukraine? I mean I kind of mentioned

that yesterday, but I would refer you to what the Secretary General General said less. Than an hour ago in Johannesburg in that regard.

Had not gotten.

That's okay.

That's all right. Now then, I have one other question. Does the Secretary General have any comment on pro Israeli armed groups in Gaza that are now fighting Hamas?

Look, I think the last thing the. Civilians in Gaza need are more clashes is more fighting.

What we need is to consolidate the ceasefire, which means that everybody who has access to weapons should cease firing so we can deliver humanitarian aid and we can start the very long and slow process of rebuilding lives.

Ibtisam Azam.

Thank you.

I don't know if you saw an article that was published by the French newspaper Le Monde which included about the ICC judge, the French ICC judge, Nicolas Guillaume. I hope I'm not.

That's okay. Yes.

So in that article, so the American government put him on sanctions.

He was one of the judges who issued arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant. And in that article he goes, they describe the daily hellish situations that he has to go through, including not being able to maintain Google account, Amazon, Apple, not being able to use any credit cards, especially the American credit cards. Basically his whole life is upside down and there seemed to be no really protection for him even as a French citizen. And do you have any comments on that? Not the only one, but there's also.

It'S sadly he's not the only person linked to the International Criminal Court who's been placed under unilateral sanctions. As you know, the ICC is separate from the secretariat. That being said, we believe that the International Criminal Court is a very important element of the International justice system. It was set up by member states. We don't believe that its members should be targeted by unilateral sanctions, which I think as the article says and as we know have a deep impact on.

People and their

families.

Which message do

you believe this actually sends for people who work on human rights? For people who doing actually their job? I mean let's be honest, it sends. A pretty chilling message.

I have another question. The Israeli government backed Israeli government backed bill to prohibit provision of electricity or water to facilities owned by or operate on behalf of UNRWA passed the first reading in the Knesset yesterday. Any comment on that?

Look, we're not going

to comment on. Bills that are, that are in the process of various parliaments.

We do believe in the inviability of UN premises. And that includes includes those premises being able to have access to water. Deji, a couple questions.

First on west bank. The Israeli civil administration seems to announce an intention to get a large part of Sebastia, an archaeological site in the West Bank.

Do you consider that a legal move?

I think we've seen the press reports of intention. I think we have been very clear in our opposition to the seizing of land in this matter.

Okay. Another issue.

We know there's tension between us and Venezuela and currently I think both presidents, President Maduro as well as President President Trump, it seems they are willing to talk to each other. Does the UN encourage such talks? Even if probably the talk, the purpose of the talk is to oust President Maduro.

Look, we don't know

what the purpose of the talks are, but obviously dialogue between two countries where there is a heightened tension, which is the case is to be welcome. We obviously continue to follow I think with grave concern the developments in the southern Caribbean, the increasingly confrontational rhetoric and the heightened risk of regional unease.

We call on all stakeholders to create opportunities for dialogue and engage in efforts to find a peace, peaceful way forward. Madam.

Do you have any news about your colleagues? UN colleagues detained by Houthis?

No. No positive news

to report. Okay.

Related to Congo. I have another question. You said that the situation is escalating. Does the United nations have. Has any recommendation to the Security Council to.

So for which situation? I didn't.

The Congo. In the Congo.

I mean, it's the.

It's not. I think what I outlined was a horrific, horrific situation that is all too often happening away from the eyes of journalists, away from the eyes of the intern of the international community. That's why we want to bring it to the forefront. We want people to pay. It is important that the regional powers cooperate.

It is important that the armed groups lay down their arms and that those who are responsible for these crimes that are beyond words be brought to justice. Okay, any questions online? All right. Yes, Linda.

Yes, I have a question.

Oh, yes, Stefano, please.

Thank you.

Okay. Stefan. Thank you. On the 2021 killings of the Italian Ambassador Atanasio in Congo, new material given to Italian prosecutors suggests the ambush happened near a mining site reportedly run by a Russian company, possibly linked to the attack. Since the convoy was under WFP control, will the UN review its findings in light of this new lead?

Will it fully cooperate with Italian authorities if asked?

I had not seen that report. I can tell you that we have and we will continue to operate cooperate with the Italian authorities within the. Within the established framework. Linda Fasullo.

Thank you, staff. It's in regard to the SG and the Sudan. He said that he's calling on the G20 members to use their influence and voice to end the conflicts that are causing so much death and destruction around the world. And of course he says we need peace in Sudan. I was wondering if there has been any contact perhaps between the Americans and the un.

I know Tom Fletcher has been in. Regular contact with Mr. Boulos, one of Mr. Trump's envoy. And I also understand Mr. Lamar is in touch with all the relevant parties. Let's just keep going until Monday.

What's happened to the post of Middle east envoy?

You mean the special coordinator?

Yes.

It is still under recruitment.

For how long?

How long has it been under recruitment?

I think you know that it will stop being under recruitment when we announce a. A person for that post. And I, in my exuberant marking of World Television Day, I forgot the people who make all of this happen, which is our colleagues at untv. And I want to thank them and wish them a happy World Television Day.

And on that note, I wish you a happy weekend.