Update on Secretary-General’s visit to Middle East

The Secretary-General briefed the Security Council on his visit this week to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Israel and Egypt. Although he is visiting several countries in the region, the Secretary-General will not meet with any Iranian officials. He will urge Security Council Resolution 1860 to be respected. He will ask parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. “The International community must stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza,” he said.

UN humanitarian partners have worked with both governments to open some borders to allow for food and essential aid. Sixty percent of  civilians in Gaza are without electricity. The main electric wherehouse has been hit shutting off a majority of the supply. A total of 500,000 Palestinians still do not have access to running water. Eighty percent of water is still not safe for drinking consumption and sewage is flowing on the streets. Some emergency rooms in hospitals have also been hit by gunfire. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed deep concern for children in Gaza from its annual gathering in Geneva today.

John Ging of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) gave an update on the humanitarian condition from Gaza. “Tragically the horror continues here overnight. Nineteen children were killed last night. I hope this will motivate those who can help to end this conflict. Every hour that passes here, innocent women and children are dying and being injured in a brutal way.”

Over 5,000 more children sought refuge in UN schools since the fighting last night. Most of the internally displaced have no place to go. Staff are working round the clock to get the essential needs of civilians met.