Source: United Nations (video statements)
Highlights:
– Gaza/Israel
– Yemen
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– UNIFIL
– Security Council
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Chad
– Mozambique
– Briefings Tomorrow
GAZA/ISRAEL
The Secretary-General said that two years ago today, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched an abhorrent large-scale terror attack on Israel. On this day, he said, let us remember all those who were killed and suffered horrific violence.
Two years later, Mr. Guterres said, hostages remain captive in Gaza in deplorable conditions, adding that he has met with hostage families and survivors, who shared their unbearable pain with him. He said today, with even greater urgency: Release the hostages, unconditionally and immediately. End the suffering for all. Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, in Israel and the region right now.
He said that the recent proposal by US President Donald J. Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end. A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace.
His full statement is online, as are statements from the Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, the Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, and the UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and many others.
YEMEN
The Spokesman said we issued a statement last night on Yemen, regarding the most recent arbitrary detentions by the Houthis of nine additional UN personnel. Unfortunately, this morning our colleagues in Yemen told us of the detention of one more UN staff. This brings the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen to 54, and this goes back to 2021. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this arbitrary detention of UN personnel, as well as that of our partners, and the ongoing unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control.
These actions hinder our ability to operate in Yemen and to deliver critical assistance to those who need it. And the Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of our personnel in Yemen. As we have been telling you constantly, their whereabouts remain unknown and the Houthi de facto authorities have not permitted any physical access to any of them, despite repeated requests on our part.
The Secretary-General reiterates his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions. They must be respected and they must be protected in accordance with applicable international law.
The premises and assets of the United Nations are inviolable and must be protected at all times, consistent with the Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
We assure our colleagues that we will continue to work tirelessly, and through all available channels, to secure their safe and immediate release, as well as the return of UN agency offices and other assets. The Secretary-General remains steadfast in our commitment to support the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.
SECURITY COUNCIL
This morning the Security Council held a briefing on the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union.
Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative to the African Union, highlighted the strong collaboration between the two organizations, reiterating, as the Secretary-General has said, that “the UN and the African Union have developed a unique partnership, rooted in the principles of complementarity, respect and African ownership – a partnership that has become a cornerstone of multilateralism.
Turning to peace and security challenges on the continent, he said security sector reform and governance remain a key element of the UN-AU partnership, particularly in addressing the root causes of conflict and consolidating peace.
For her part, Martha Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, updated Council members on the implementation of resolution 2719, which was conceived as a means to address a longstanding gap in the African Union’s peace and security architecture to better respond to conflict on the African continent.
She said that as we reflect on the future of peace operations and seek efficiencies, it becomes even more evident that resolution 2719 meets the moment.
The resolution seeks to ensure that we leverage our respective advantages in keeping with the Pact of the Future, the New Agenda for Peace, and Silencing the Guns initiative.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=07%20October%202025