Patients at a hospital in Akobo, South Sudan. Top news of the day | Monday: Middle East, South Sudan, Gaza, women UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: escalation in the Middle East is leading to large-scale population displacement, civilians and aid workers have been ordered to leave the town of Akobo in South Sudan, the closure of the border crossing with Gaza undermines the delivery of humanitarian aid, the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women has started in New York.
The situation in the Middle East
UN agencies reported on Monday large population displacements across the Middle East, as well as soaring food and fuel prices. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in Lebanon alone, almost 700 thousand people were forced to leave their homes. The UN also reports that in the first eight days of the war in Lebanon, 294 people were killed and more than a thousand were injured. Israeli health authorities said about 2,000 people have been injured in Israel since the conflict began. One civilian was killed Monday when a rocket fell in the central part of the country.
Displaced people in South Sudan
The UN is concerned about an order from government forces in South Sudan ordering civilians and aid workers, including UN agencies, to leave the town of Akobo, located in the district of the same name near the border with Ethiopia. Since fighting escalated in December 2025 after opposition forces overran government positions in Jonglei State, Akobo County has become a refuge for many civilians. There are now about 270,000 displaced people there, more than half of them women and children.
Humanitarian assistance in Gaza
Almost all Gaza border checkpoints remain closed, undermining humanitarian operations in the strip, the UN said. Cargo destined for northern Gaza is redirected through the southern Kerem Shalom crossing, which is still the only operational crossing. Because of this, it takes much more time and money to deliver humanitarian aid. Medical evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza has been temporarily suspended.
Women’s rights
The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women kicked off in New York today. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a setback in the field of gender equality. At the same time, he emphasized that women’s movements continue to promote reforms and change society. Guterres called for continued fight for women’s rights. He emphasized that men must play an active role in this process, recalling that societies that achieve gender equality prosper.