Rainy winter season in Gaza threatens flooding. Top news of the day | Monday: Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, plastic UN
Top news of the day in the UN and around the world: escalation of violence in northwest Syria, more than 7.7 million Ukrainians have received aid this year, conference on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, negotiations on an agreement to combat plastic pollution.
Escalation in Syria
The UN Secretary-General is alarmed by the recent escalation of violence in northwest Syria, his press service said. The UN chief called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He reminded all parties of their obligations under international law and called for an immediate return to the UN-facilitated political process in accordance with resolution 2254. The Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for all parties to actively engage with Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to find a comprehensive solution to end the conflict in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254.
Help for Ukrainians
The UN press service reported, citing humanitarian workers and local authorities, that in frontline areas of Ukraine, between November 29 and December 1, fighting resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools, railways and a gas pipeline. Humanitarian organizations are providing emergency assistance, including hot meals, warm blankets and temporary shelters to ensure people are prepared for harsh winter conditions. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 630 humanitarian agencies provided assistance to 7.7 million people across Ukraine in the first 10 months of this year.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza
Speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General to the participants of the ministerial conference in Cairo, his First Deputy Amina Mohammed appealed to the international community to join efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mohammed said that unimpeded humanitarian access is needed and noted the indispensable role of the UN agency providing assistance to Palestine refugees (UNRWA). She also called for a political solution to the conflict, as well as an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and respect for international law.
Agreement on plastic pollution
Negotiations between representatives of more than 170 countries to conclude a global treaty to combat plastic pollution concluded in Busan, South Korea, last weekend. The participants in the meeting failed to reach an agreement. However, delegates agreed on a new text, which will serve as a starting point for further work. Negotiations will continue next year. The meeting in Busan was already the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution.