Source: United Nations (video statements)
Highlights:
Iran
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
Afghanistan/Pakistan
Sudan
Ukraine
Resident Coordinator – Costa Rica
EU/UN Strategic Committee on Peace and Security
World Wildlife Day
Rafeeuddin Ahmed
Financial Contribution
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IRAN
Concerning the situation in the Middle East, I can tell you and you will not be surprised, the Secretary-General continues to follow the situation in that region with great concern. He is particularly worried about the multiplication of new fronts.
We are also witnessing an increasing number of civilian casualties and a severe humanitarian impact on the well-being of people throughout the region.
In addition, the continued attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf can have a dramatic impact on the global economy, which is still very dependent on fossil fuel.
The situation is also of particular concern to us along the Blue Line.
Over the past two days, our peacekeepers from UNIFIL have recorded dozens of rockets and missiles fired into Israel claimed by Hizbullah and several airstrikes and incidents of firing from south of the Blue Line from Israel into Lebanon.
This morning, peacekeepers observed Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers crossing North of the Blue Line near Markaba, Adeisse, Kafr Kela in Sector East and Ramyah in Sector West before returning south of the Blue Line from some of these locations.
Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has also been in touch with all concerned actors in Lebanon and Israel to urge both sides to avail of existing diplomatic channels and to avoid a further escalation.
UNIFIL remains in constant contact with both parties, as well as the cessation of hostilities monitoring mechanism. Despite extremely challenging conditions, peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandated tasks, as mandated by resolution 1701 and they will keep reporting developments publicly and to the Security Council.
We call on both sides to exercise restraint and recommit to the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities arrangement of November 2024 as well as Security Council Resolution 1701.
Meanwhile, on the humanitarian side in Lebanon, airstrikes yesterday reportedly caused more than 50 deaths and over 150 injuries. That is what the Ministry of Health in Lebanon is telling us.
Israeli authorities have issued forced displacement orders to people living in more than 100 towns and locations in southern Lebanon, in the Bekaa valley, and in Beirut’s southern suburbs. This is done ahead of anticipated attacks.
Displacement has also increased significantly, with nearly 60,000 people now reported to be in newly opened emergency shelters, and many more people reportedly on the move. This is primarily affecting southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut as well.
Our partners are working with the Lebanese authorities to ensure a coordinated response to the unfolding crisis. This includes providing food, health, water and sanitation support.
More generally, our humanitarian colleagues in Lebanon tell us that falling missile and drone debris, restricted airspace, and active hostilities continue to cause civilian casualties, damage infrastructure, and disrupt essential services.
In Iran, sustained airstrikes since Saturday have reportedly affected more than 1,000 locations, resulting in about 790 deaths and nearly 750 injured. This is according to what local authorities and the Iranian Red Crescent Society are telling us. Some strikes have reportedly hit dense residential areas, and early reports indicate damage to civilian infrastructure.
In Israel, continued airstrikes, also in dense residential neighbourhoods, have reportedly resulted in 10 deaths and dozens of injuries as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
Humanitarian operations across the region are being severely affected by insecurity, supply chain disruptions and airspace closures. The movement of humanitarian personnel remains restricted.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that the Israeli authorities today reopened the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing for the entry of 500,000 litres of fuel and humanitarian assistance that is arriving through Israel and Egypt, and that is welcomed.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-03-03