The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the Security Council. Top news of the day | Thursday: Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, Libya UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: the consequences of a possible offensive on Rafah, the restoration of Ukraine will require $486 billion, the escalation of hostilities on both sides of the Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel, a meeting of the Security Council UN on the situation in Libya.
Gaza War
Representatives of the World Food Program (WFP) have warned that many humanitarian organizations will have to suspend their activities if Israel launches a ground operation in Rafah. It is currently home to about 1.5 million people who have been forced to flee their homes due to fighting across the sector. Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) called on all parties to the conflict to ensure humanitarian access to and protection of hospitals, emphasizing that medical facilities must be a safe place for civilians.
Shelling of Ukraine
UN representatives in Ukraine reported another wave of shelling across the country last night and morning, as well as new civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure in several areas. Aid workers are providing support to victims, including providing emergency repair materials. In addition, there were reports of a missile attack on Belgorod in Russia. The UN called for an end to all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Restoration of Ukraine
Rebuilding Ukraine after the devastation caused by the war will require $486 billion over the next 10 years. Experts from the government of Ukraine, the UN, the World Bank and the European Commission came to this conclusion. According to Ukrainian authorities, in 2024 alone the country will need about $15 billion for projects that need to be started immediately. According to the results of the assessment, about 9.5 billion dollars are missing for restoration work this year.
Combat operations in the area ” blue line”
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka on Thursday said she was deeply concerned about the escalation of fighting on both sides of the Blue Line. She noted with regret that there were reports of civilian casualties. Vronetskaya called on all stakeholders to stop the cycle of violence and urgently take security measures in areas along the Blue Line aimed at ending the fighting in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701. She stressed that tens of thousands of internally displaced people have the right to return and rebuild their lives in safety, and that this requires a political solution to the conflict.
Security Council on Libya
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, addressed the Security Council on Thursday and said that 13 years after the revolution, Libyans are still waiting to realize their aspirations for sustainable peace and democracy. He noted that key players in Libya are unwilling to resolve controversial political issues. The Special Representative continues to cooperate with them. So far, according to him, neither side has taken a decisive step, while the parties continue to formulate preconditions for participation in the dialogue, which ultimately leads to maintaining the status quo.