© VPP/M. Ali The impact of El Niño is variable: countries may face droughts, floods, storms and heat waves. Top news of the day | Wednesday: Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, El Niño UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: as a result of an overnight attack on Ukraine, dozens of people were killed and injured, attacks on the Gaza Strip continue, Volker Türk is concerned about the increase in the number of executions in Iran, due to the strengthening El Niño, another 50 million people may face acute hunger.
Strikes on Ukraine
On the night of August 4–5, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a large-scale strike using long-range ballistic missiles and drones, which mainly affected Kyiv and the Kyiv region. This was announced today by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission for Ukraine. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 17 civilians were killed in the attack and another 44 were injured. Mission specialists will visit the affected areas to verify information on the extent of damage caused.
Situation in Gaza
UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov expressed concern about the latest Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, which led to civilian casualties. Despite ongoing attacks, the UN and its partners are providing assistance where possible. Thus, over the past week, humanitarian organizations have provided basic necessities to nine thousand families in Gaza City. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also delivered humanitarian aid to the enclave, including backpacks, which will be distributed to children ahead of the new school year.
Executions in Iran
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed alarm at the sharp increase in the number of executions and death sentences in Iran. According to him, capital punishment is used to intimidate the population and suppress dissent. Since March 19, 2026, at least 56 people have been executed on national security-related charges, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The High Commissioner noted that more than 100 others were at risk of execution on similar charges. He also pointed to the potential for serious violations of the right to a fair trial.
El Niño Event
Due to the intensifying climate phenomenon El Niño, almost 50 million more people in the most vulnerable regions of the planet could face acute hunger in the coming months. The World Food Program (WFP) warned about this on Wednesday. The UN agency is ramping up operations in eight countries where people already live in conditions of poverty, conflict, unemployment and persistent climate shocks. The priority is to prepare for predicted floods, droughts and storms.