UN Secretary-General’s Appeal for Peace
Following reports of alleged Israeli strikes inside Iran near a nuclear power station, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a new appeal to all parties to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East. He condemned any act of retaliation and urged the international community to work together to prevent further developments that could have devastating consequences for the entire region.
Concerns from International Organizations
UN atomic energy agency chief Rafael Grossi also urged extreme restraint from all sides after more than six and a half months of war in Gaza. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no damage to Iran’s nuclear sites and emphasized the importance of protecting nuclear facilities in military conflicts.
Call for De-escalation
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, called on all parties to take steps to de-escalate the situation rapidly. They urged third States with influence to prevent further deterioration in the already precarious situation.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Aid teams in Gaza highlighted the dangers faced by Palestinian civilians, especially pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, due to wanton destruction of vital medical equipment. The UNFPA reported an increase in complicated births, attributed to malnutrition, dehydration, and fear among the population.
Impact on Healthcare Facilities
UN Representative Dominic Allen described the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza. Hospitals are struggling to provide essential care, with equipment purposefully destroyed, affecting the safety of pregnant women and newborns.
Rebuilding Efforts
Efforts are underway to restore functionality to hospitals like Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which requires repairs to damaged infrastructure. The UNFPA mission, in partnership with other UN agencies, aims to support hospitals in Gaza and address the urgent healthcare needs of the population.
Fear and Uncertainty
The UNFPA mission highlighted the palpable fear among Gazans, with concerns about ongoing conflict and the safety of over 1.2 million people in the region. Despite challenges, efforts are being made to provide essential healthcare services and support to those in need.