Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General Travel
– South Sudan
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– West Bank
– Lebanon
– Somalia
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Ukraine
– Haiti
– Human Trafficking/Scam Centres
– International Days
– Financial Contribution
SOUTH SUDAN
Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrived in South Sudan today. He will spend the next five days assessing the situation in the country firsthand and drawing international attention to the acute but largely forgotten humanitarian crisis there.
Mr. Fletcher traveled directly to Malakal in Upper Nile State upon his arrival, meeting with local communities, their leaders, and South Sudanese returnees, hearing firsthand about their needs and the challenges they face amid the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
He is scheduled to visit Jonglei State, where a recent flare-up in conflict has further intensified humanitarian needs.
Throughout the visit, the humanitarian chief will meet with local responders on the frontline.
He will advocate for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, reiterate our urgent calls for support to the humanitarian response and call for coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes of the crisis.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that families continue to live in overcrowded shelters, which pose severe fire and health risks. Families cook, sleep and store their belongings in small spaces and also uses open fire. Since November 2025, our partners have recorded at least 12 fires in these shelters.
In ten days leading up to 17 February, humanitarians provided shelter assistance to 85 families in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis whose shelters were damaged by a fire in Gaza City. Partners have been raising fire safety awareness among displaced families to reduce the risk.
Displaced families need adequate shelter to protect them from the elements and provide more privacy. Our partners working in shelter reiterate the urgent need to move towards more sustainable solutions.
In many areas within Gaza, humanitarian movements still require coordination with Israeli authorities. Of 67 movements coordinated between 12 and 19 February, 43 were approved and nine were denied outright. Eight missions were approved but faced impediments, of which six were fully accomplished. Organizers cancelled seven other missions for operational and security reasons.
Humanitarian partners coordinated the entry of fuel, medical supplies, animal fodder and hygiene kits. Teams also facilitated the medical evacuation of patients through Rafah and Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossings.
Turning to the West Bank, OCHA warns of the continued violence and other coercive practices by Israeli forces and settler communities, resulting in casualties, destruction of property, and displacement.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-20