Source: United Nations (video statements)
The UN peacekeeping mission which patrols the so-called Blue Line of separation between Israel and Lebanon received the unanimous support of the Security Council on Thursday to extend a final time through 31 December 2026.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Russia’s latest strike in Kyiv damaged the EU delegation building, but all staff are safe. The attack was deadly for civilians — and the EU’s message is clear: our support for Ukraine is unshakeable. Work continues to use Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General/trip Announcement
– Deputy Secretary-General/Chile
– Gaza
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– U.N.I.F.I.L.
– Ukraine/Readout
– Secretary-General/Ukraine
– Ukraine/Humanitarian
– J.C.P.O.A.
– Security Council/Haiti
– SDG Advocates
– Climate Change/Latin America
– Guest Today
GAZA
The Secretary-General, in remarks this morning, said that Israel’s initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signals a new and dangerous phase. Expanded military operations in Gaza City will have devastating consequences, he warned.
Mr. Guterres said that the levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times. Famine is no longer a looming possibility — it is a present-day catastrophe, he added.
The Secretary-General said that starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is deeply concerned about the risk of a looming Israeli offensive on additional parts of Gaza city. Some neighbourhoods have already seen deadly attacks in recent days. OCHA says the impact of a full-blown offensive would be beyond catastrophic – not only for those in the city but for the entire Gaza Strip.
Our colleagues tracking population movements report that about 1,300 people have fled from northern to southern Gaza yesterday and today. That brings the total number of north-south movements since 14 August – the day the offensive on Gaza City was announced – to 20,000. Displacement is also happening within the north itself. Altogether, since 14 August, some 60,000 displacements originating from Gaza City have been recorded.
Across the Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands of families continue to live in overcrowded, undignified and unsafe conditions at displacement sites. Today, the World Food Programme’s Executive Director Cindy McCain called for faster approvals to move supplies into and within Gaza, as well as for safety for people to reach aid, and for humanitarian workers to reach those who need support. Ms. McCain made this statement after visiting the Gaza Strip, where she saw the destruction and desperation firsthand.
With famine now confirmed in Gaza governorate, Ms. McCain called for the right conditions to be put in place so WFP can reinstate its vast network of 200 food distribution points, community kitchens and bakeries.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20August%202025
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Comments to the media by Dmitry Polyanskiy, Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, on the situation on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for Iran.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Do you want to understand EU policies and how they impact you? Welcome to the European Commission official YouTube Channel. You will find the latest news on Key EU policies, real time coverage of big events and in-depth explainers of key decisions that affect our everyday lives.
No jargon, easy to understand information coming directly from the source.
Subscribe to our Channel and engage with us and our community.
Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in Gaza.
—————————————————————————————-
Dear Members of the media,
I am about to brief the Security Council on Haiti.
The humanitarian situation is appalling, but there are faint glimmers of hope.
I will urge the Security Council and the international community to step up for the people of Haiti at this pivotal time.
I also want to say a word about the unfolding tragedy that is Gaza.
Unbelievably, civilians are facing yet another deadly escalation.
Israel’s initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signals a new and dangerous phase.
Expanded military operations in Gaza City will have devastating consequences.
Hundreds of thousands of civilians — already exhausted and traumatized — would be forced to flee yet again, plunging families into even deeper peril.
This must stop.
At the same time, we have seen yet more unconscionable Israeli strikes – including earlier this week at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
One attack was followed by another – killing civilians, including medical personnel and journalists who were carrying out their essential work.
All with the world watching.
I know so many of the reporters here – along with us – have lost dear colleagues.
These attacks are part of an endless catalogue of horrors.
There must be accountability.
Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law.
Hostages taken by Hamas and other groups must be released and the atrocious treatment they have been forced to endure must stop.
Civilians must be protected.
Let’s be clear: The levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times.
Famine is no longer a looming possibility — it is a present-day catastrophe.
People are dying from hunger. Families are being torn apart by displacement and despair. Pregnant women are facing unimaginable risks.
And the systems that sustain life — food, water, healthcare – have been systematically dismantled.
These are the facts on the ground.
And they are the result of deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity.
Israel, as the occupying Power, has clear obligations.
It must ensure the provision of food, water, medicine, and other essentials.
It must agree to and facilitate far greater humanitarian access.
It must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
And it must end the destruction of that which is indispensable for the survival of the civilian population.
The International Court of Justice has given binding provisional measures.
These include the obligation to take all steps to ensure unfettered humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians throughout Gaza — without delay and in full cooperation with the United Nations.
These measures must be implemented — fully and immediately.
The UN and our partners are doing all we can, often at great personal risk. Indeed, 366 UN personnel have tragically been killed.
Day after day, our efforts are being blocked, delayed, and denied.
This is unacceptable.
In the West Bank, the situation is also profoundly alarming.
Military operations, settler violence, demolitions, and discriminatory policies are driving displacement and deepening vulnerability.
The relentless expansion of settlements is fracturing communities and cutting off access to vital resources.
The recent approval of a plan for the construction of thousands of settlements in the E1 area would effectively separate the northern and southern West Bank – an existential threat to the two-state solution.
I repeat: the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been established – and are being maintained — in violation of international law.
Israel must cease such actions and comply with its obligations.
There is no military solution to the conflict.
I appeal once again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare.
Civilians must be protected.
Humanitarian access must be unimpeded.
No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies.
Thank you.
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
VUK TALKS Season 2 Episode 50. In conversation with founders of Sister Fuel – Phomolo Mekgoe and Pholoso Makoloi
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the question concerning Haiti.
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
This webinar provides a high-level overview of the Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness (DiSC) Personality Assessment tool and its application in workplace settings. Attendees learn how DiSC helps identify individual behavioral styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—and fosters better communication, teamwork, and productivity. The presentation explores practical insights into understanding colleagues’ unique preferences and adapting your communication strategies for a more effective workplace. Ideal for managers and team leaders, this session offers actionable strategies to build stronger, more cohesive teams using the proven principles of the DiSC framework.
This webinar was presented by NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on February 4, 2025.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)
Effective leadership communication plays a vital role in promoting meaningful change within an organization. This presentation explores key principles such as “modeling the way”, “inspiring a shared vision”, and “start with why”. Vision-driven communication requires crime laboratory supervisors to utilize various communication tools while they act as a driving force within the organization, leading their teams to success. The goal of this presentation is to expose attendees to proven concepts that will promote employee satisfaction, motivation, and engagement, as the crime laboratory implements positive organizational change.
Webinar presented by NIJ’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence on January 16, 2025.
(Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)
