Acute hunger hits nearly 282 million people as famine looms in Gaza
The number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has increased every year since 2019.
Israel
Israel, a key U.S. ally and a major player in the Middle East, is a member of the U.N. and has a highly advanced technology sector. The country's foreign policy is currently defined by the ongoing war in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny and led to a severe humanitarian crisis. While seeking to defeat Hamas, Israel is also navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, including heightened tensions with Iran and its allies, and maintaining a key security relationship with the U.S.
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Report finds Israel did not provide evidence of UNRWA staff militancy
The group of organizations that reviewed the U.N. agency recommends several ways of strengthening its neutrality.
Wealthy nations to provide $11B for World Bank-led global solutions
The wars in Europe and the Middle East, climate change, and soaring national debts hung over the annual talks.
U.S. vetoes resolution seeking full U.N. membership for Palestine
The humanitarian nightmare and attacks on civilians in Gaza dominated the U.N. Security Council's quarterly open debate.
Trillions needed for anti-poverty goals to deal with climate, debt, war
A new U.N. report shows how prioritizing debt over services like health care and education plagues the developing world.
Human Rights Council demands nations halt arms transfers to Israel
The U.N. body also demands Israel be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Some humanitarian work suspended in Gaza after deadly Israeli airstrike
At least 200 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza — more than 95% Palestinians – since the outbreak of war.
Russia forces disbandment of U.N. panel monitoring N. Korea sanctions
A Swiss-led U.N. Security Council committee will find it harder to deal with 'suspicions' of sanctions violations.
ICJ says 'famine is setting in' as it orders Israel to free up aid in Gaza
The ruling orders Israel to allow aid trucks loaded with food and supplies to enter Gaza unhindered 'without delay.'
Disease, hunger, violence threaten millions of refugees in Africa
WHO warns disease and hunger are at alarming levels in the Congo, where almost 10 million people are on the move.
U.N. Security Council for first time agrees to demand cease-fire in Gaza
On a 14-0 vote with the U.S. abstaining, the council urged a cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Biden signs U.S. spending bill with halt on UNRWA funds through 2025
The spending bill also has other 'key pro-Israel provisions' aimed at the U.N. and other international organizations.
U.N. Security Council blocked again on a proposal urging Gaza cease-fire
After the U.S. vetoed the first three proposals, China and Russia stopped the council's fourth try at a Gaza resolution.
U.N. Syrian appeal set at more than $4B for humanitarian crisis
Some 16.7 million people need humanitarian aid in Syria, up from 15.3 million a year ago, as its devastating war drags on.
U.N. weather agency has ‘red alert’ warning as Earth grows ever hotter
WMO reports 2023 smashed climate records at previously unimaginable levels, bringing 'misery and mayhem.'
Partial funding by Western nations restored to UNRWA for aid in Gaza
Several top donors including Australia, Sweden, Canada, and the E.U. resumed funding contingent on agency reforms.