Source: United Nations (video statements)
Remarks by Ambassador Samuel Moncada, Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout on the United States.
UN Security Council Votes on UNIFIL Final Extension
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.
Gaza, UNIFIL & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (28 August 2025)
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
Russia on IRAN – Media Stakeout | United Nations
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.
Gaza: Another Deadly Escalation – UN Chief Stakeout | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in Gaza.
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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.
Haiti: People are in a perfect storm of suffering – UN Chief Briefing | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the question concerning Haiti.
Palestine: Situation deteriorates at a level not seen in history – Briefing | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), on the situation in the Middle East.
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The Security Council also heard calls for investigations into recent deadly strikes. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, said an Israeli airstrike on Aug. 10 killed six journalists in Gaza City. He noted the Israel Defense Forces said they were targeting Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who they described as the head of a Hamas cell. He added that on Aug. 25, Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed at least 20 civilians, including medical staff and journalists. “I reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for an independent and impartial investigation into these killings,” Alakbarov said.
Gaza: Famine is now occurring and is projected to expand farther – Briefing | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Briefing by Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the situation in the Middle East.
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“Over half a million people currently face starvation, destitution and death,” a senior UN humanitarian official told the Security Council, warning that this number in Gaza could climb above 640,000 by the end of September.
Joyce Msuya, the UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator also added that at least 132,000 children under five are expected to suffer acute malnutrition between now and mid-2026, with more than 43,000 at risk of death.
Gaza: At UN Security Council, speakers urge action for peace | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The United Nations Security Council today met on the situation in Gaza, with speakers calling for an end to fighting, the release of the hostages and a halt to man-made famine, destruction and death. Among those addressing the Council were senior United Nations officials, a released hostage and the Permanent Observer of the Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the UN.
UNIFIL fully committed | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s mandate is up for renewal by the Security Council at the end of this month. UNIFIL Spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, says that UNIFIL remains committed to supporting stability efforts between Lebanon and Israel and will work based on the outcome of the mandate.