© IMO/Ch. Tunai The UN International Maritime Organization, together with shipping companies, is developing a scheme for the safe evacuation of ships and crews caught in the conflict zone. The uncertain situation in the Strait of Hormuz threatens the safety of thousands of sailors Peace and Security
Amid mutual accusations between Iran and the United States over non-compliance with the truce in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, the UN again called on civilian ships to exercise “utmost caution.”
“We are aware of these reports [regarding security threats], but do not have the details. We urge vessels to exercise utmost caution in this area,” said the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is currently reviewing the latest attacks.
According to the UK Navy’s Maritime Coordination Center (UKMTO), on May 4, a tanker was fired upon north of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. and a day earlier, a dry cargo ship was attacked by several boats near the Iranian coast. Other vessels in the area were ordered by radio to leave their moorings.
Since late February, the UKMTO has received reports of at least 41 incidents involving ships in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
On Monday, Iran said it had struck a US warship that was trying to enter the strait, but the United States denied the report. Late Sunday night, President Donald Trump wrote on social media that the United States will help ships that have been there for months leave the strait. a possible scheme for the safe evacuation of ships and crews caught in the conflict zone.
Such an evacuation in the current situation could involve about 800 ships engaged in international shipping, including oil tankers, bulk carriers and container ships carrying energy resources and raw materials. The crew of one ship on average consists of 25 sailors.
Military escorts are “not a solution”
© Unsplash/Planet Volumes Topographic map of the Strait of Hormuz.
“In the event of any escalation of the conflict, all people on board ships of any type in the Persian Gulf region will be at risk,” the IMO warned, citing risks posed by both shelling and potential shortages of food and water on board. About 450 sailors have received assistance, while tens of thousands remain at sea.
The International Maritime Organization also said that escorting civilian ships with warships alone would not solve the problem. The IMO has called for de-escalation and a long-term agreement to ensure safe navigation.
“Extreme instability” in Lebanon
Meanwhile, post-ceasefire instability in Lebanon continues to strain an already strained health system, with periodic armed clashes are impeding the provision of medical care.
According to the latest UN data, the situation remains “extremely fragile,” especially in the southern regions and settlements where displaced persons are trying to return.
The population’s access to medical services is seriously limited. Three hospitals and 41 primary health care centers remain closed, and several others are only partially operational, focusing on emergency care and chronic disease management. materials.
Lebanese health officials warn that complications and deaths will rise sharply if existing problems are not addressed.
Despite access challenges, humanitarian agencies and UN partners continue to scale up support, including tuberculosis screening among displaced people, with more than 750 people screened in recent weeks people.