(UN News)* —The UN Secretary-General is alarmed by reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza, a spokesperson for António Guterres said on Monday .
“This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, responding to a journalist’s question during the regular media briefing in New York.
“What’s imperative now is an end to the violence, not more civilian deaths and destruction. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian State.”
()* — The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) warned on Friday [] that a worsening funding crisis is placing refugees – who cannot return home due to war or persecution – in increasing danger.
With humanitarian resources running dry, critical support for millions of forcibly displaced people is under threat.
UNHCR said that two-thirds of countries hosting refugees are already severely overstretched and urgently need support to continue providing education, healthcare and shelter.
UNITED NATIONS, New York, 2 May 2025 – “This week, I assisted 19 deliveries – two of which were life-threatening emergencies,” said Espérance, a midwife at Kyeshero General Hospital in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We’re working in difficult conditions, with the fear of not being able to save everyone. But we’re holding on.”
(UN News)* — Countries must do everything to ensure that free and independent news reporting can thrive, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on in a message to mark World Press Freedom Day.
“Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever,” said Volker Türk.
UN Photo/Fardosa Hussein | Journalists in Somalia attend a press conference. (file)
Furthermore, “the media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.”
Threats and deaths
Free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation but press freedom is under threat in every region of the world, he warned.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefs reporters on 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov. UN Photo/Evan Schneider
In a world plagued by conflict and division, World Press Freedom Day highlights a fundamental truth:
()* — “After losing my leg in the war, I returned to photojournalism not just for work, but because I have loved photography since childhood,” said Palestinian reporter Sami Shahada.
UN News | Palestinian journalist, Sami Shehada lost his leg in an attack in Gaza.
Mr. Shahada lost his leg due to a severe injury he suffered in Nuseirat in central Gaza in April 2024, but he picked up his camera and returned to document the tragic events that have been unfolding in Gaza.
He will not let his disability stop him from working. “It is impossible for me to leave photojournalism, even if I face all these obstacles,” he said.
(UN News)* — Two months into a devastating aid blockade of Gaza food has run out and people are fighting over water amid relentless bombing, the UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) on said.
Speaking from Gaza City OCHA spokesperson Olga Cherevko told journalists in Geneva that a friend of hers “saw people burning a few days ago from the explosions – and there was no water to save them.”
Statement from UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the situation for children in the Gaza Strip after two months of aid blockade
UNICEF/UNI501989/Al-Qattaa
NEW YORK, 2 May 2025 (UNICEF)* —“For two months, children in the Gaza Strip have faced relentless bombardments while being deprived of essential goods, services and lifesaving care.
With each passing day of the aid blockade, they face the growing risk of starvation, illness and death – nothing can justify this.
“Families are struggling to survive. They are trapped, unable to flee in search of safety. The land they used to farm has been destroyed.
(UN News)* — The UN’s top humanitarian official on Thursday [] issued a stark warning over the continuing blockade of aid into Gaza, calling on Israel to lift restrictions that have left civilians without food, medical care, and hope.
In a powerful statement, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian assistance as a “cruel collective punishment” of the Palestinian population.
(UN News)* — Lifesaving operations everywhere continue to be shut down by sweeping funding cutbacks which will result in millions of people dying, the UN’s top aid official said on Wednesday [].
“Cutting funding for those in greatest need is not something to boast about…the impact of aid cuts is that millions die,” warned Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher.
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 