Consequences of military actions in Gaza. Main news of the day | Monday: Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, Internet UN
Main news of the day in the UN and in the world: Special envoy for Syria held meetings with members of the interim government, the situation in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, the death toll in Gaza exceeded 45 thousand, the 19th Internet Governance Forum.
UN Special Envoy for Syria
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen is in Damascus, where he met with the new administration commander Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Prime Minister of the interim government Mohammed al-Bashir. The Special Envoy briefed them on the results of the international meeting on Syria held on 14 December in Jordan, stressing the need for “an inclusive political transition led and owned by the Syrian people, based on the principles of UN Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).” Pedersen noted the UN’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to the Syrian people.
Humanitarian aid to Ukrainians
The situation in the Donetsk region of Ukraine continues to escalate. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, from 13 to 16 December, intense fighting along the frontline resulted in numerous civilian casualties and serious damage to civilian infrastructure. Local authorities report that more than 1,200 people were forced to flee their homes in search of safety during this period. Today, a humanitarian convoy delivered hygiene kits, medical supplies and personal hygiene products to Liman, located on the frontline. Since the beginning of the year, aid has been provided to almost 25,000 residents of frontline areas of the Donetsk region.
Gaza casualties
More than 45,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip over the past 14 months, according to local authorities. On Monday, UN humanitarian agencies condemned more deadly airstrikes, including one on a school sheltering displaced people. The UN refugee agency UNRWA said the attack on the UN school in Khan Younis killed 13 people and injured 48. The victims said they had received no warning to evacuate. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 14,500 children have been killed in the 14 months of the war in Gaza.
Internet Governance Forum
The 19th Internet Governance Forum has kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a video message to mark the opening of the event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that digital technologies have fundamentally changed the world. According to the Secretary-General, they have enormous potential to accelerate human progress. However, to unlock this potential for all people, precautions and a collaborative approach to technology governance are required, he warned. The UN chief called on countries to work together to ensure the internet is open, free and secure.