Lebanon/Israel, Lebanon & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (4 May 2026) | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: - Lebanon/Israel - Lebanon/Humanitarian - Occupied Palestinian Territory - Iran/Narges Mohammadi - UNOPS - Syria - Sudan - Ukraine - UNDP report LEBANON/ISRAEL UNIFIL says that today they have facilitated an aid convoy of around 30 trucks to Rmeich along the Blue Line, where approximately 7,000 residents remain. This comes as the situation remains volatile. Over the weekend, UNIFIL observed intensive IDF activity, including extensive airstrikes near a number of villages on the south, as well as continued naval activity off the coast of Naqoura. Furthermore, UNIFIL reported drone activity in its area of operations including Hizbullah-operated drones. On Friday, UNIFIL patrols faced restrictions to their freedom of movement near Al Bayyadah, where Israeli tanks blocked the road. The same day, IDF machine gun fire impacted a UNIFIL position near At-Tiri, in the Bint Jbeil district, with one round striking a vehicle inside the compound. Peacekeepers must never be targeted, and their safety and security must be guaranteed at all times. LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains volatile despite the announced extension of the ceasefire. Yesterday, the Ministry of Health reported 13 people were killed, including at least one child and four women, and 32 injured as a result of strikes in several locations in the southern parts of Lebanon. On Sunday, displacement orders were renewed in 11 villages and towns in Nabatieh, followed by airstrikes, causing new displacement according to local authorities. People continue to be on the move, with reports of some people returning to shelters after attempting to go back to their homes, which in some cases were reportedly inaccessible or destroyed. Authorities estimate that more than 124,000 people are residing in 625 schools and other public buildings being used as collective shelters. Despite growing and deepening humanitarian needs, the Lebanon Flash Appeal remains significantly underfunded. We’ve received only 38 per cent, or $117 million, of the $308 million we need, which is limiting our ability to reach the vulnerable people at scale. OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said on social media that more than six months since the Gaza ceasefire agreement, we continue to work strenuously to help Palestinians in Gaza, but we need sustained access, the protection of civilians, neutrality and partnership. Last week, our partners leading on emergency shelter assistance delivered tents, bedding items and other supplies to nearly 4,500 households. One shelter partner also installed 150 improved emergency shelters in Khan Younis. These shelters are made of plastic sheets and other materials available and aim to provide displaced families with immediate solutions as soon as restricted materials are allowed entry.  On health, concerns remain over skin diseases and other medical issues linked to the presence of pests and rodents. In addition, our partners report that more than 6,600 people need prosthetic and rehabilitation care. That includes thousands of people who have received amputations since October 2023, yet only eight prosthetic technicians are available to respond. Our partners say that one in five amputees is a child, but with severe shortages of specialists and restricted entry of prosthetic materials, it could take five years or more to meet today’s needs. International prosthetic technicians are urgently needed, as well as the unimpeded entry of prosthetics materials, which remain restricted by the Israeli authorities. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-04


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Voting Rights Act & Samuel Alito #lastweektonight

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This episode features: Voting Rights Act & Samuel Alito #lastweektonight

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Gas Station Drugs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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S13 E10: Trump, Supreme Court & Gas Station Drugs: 5/3/26: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

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This episode features: S13 E10: Trump, Supreme Court & Gas Station Drugs: 5/3/26: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

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Nuclear War Prevention Depends on This #disarmament #reality

Young people are engaging with the power of arts and storytelling to communicate the critical impact of nuclear weapons. This initiative - a collaboration between the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Government of #japan - emphasizes the need for youth involvement in achieving a world without nuclear weapons, promoting public awareness through creative methods. By sharing personal narratives and artistic expressions, participants aim to foster peace and global security.


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World Press Freedom Day 2026 - UN Chief's Message | United Nations

Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Press Freedom Day 2026. "People often say that in war, truth is the first casualty. But far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth – not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny. Across the globe, media workers risk censorship, surveillance, legal harassment – and even death. Recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed – often deliberately targeted – in war zones. Eighty-five percent of the crimes committed against journalists go uninvestigated and unpunished: an unacceptable level of impunity. Economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation are also putting press freedom under unprecedented strain. When access to reliable information erodes, mistrust takes root. When public debate is distorted, social cohesion weakens. And when journalism is undermined, crises become far more difficult to prevent and resolve. All freedom depends on press freedom. Without it, there can be no human rights, no sustainable development – and no peace. On this World Press Freedom Day, let us protect the rights of journalists, and build a world where the truth – and truth-tellers – are safe". More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/press-freedom-day


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MAGA influencer Craig Long was arrested this week in Polk county Florida for his role in a sting

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Following student protest, South Carolina State says Pamela Evette will no longer speak

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Republican led states rush to redraw maps after the Supreme Court gutted the voting rights act.

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China: President of the Security Council for the month of May 2026 -Press Conference |United Nations

Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by the time of a planned visit to China by US President Donald Trump, “this issue will be high on the agenda of the bilateral talks” adding that the China-US relations go "far beyond” the Strait. As China assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council for May, Ambassador Cong today (01 May) outlined priorities for the month, including a ministerial-level open debate on 26 May titled “Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The meeting is expected to be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. On the Strait of Hormuz, Ambassador Cong called for its reopening “as quickly as possible,” saying the responsibility lies with both sides. He said Iran should lift restrictions in the Strait, while the United States should end its naval blockade. The Chinese diplomat also expressed concern over recent statements suggesting the US-Iran ceasefire could be temporary and that further military action might be considered. He said the international community should speak out against a resumption of hostilities. Addressing China–US relations, Ambassador Cong said it is in the interest of both countries and the wider international community for the ties to remain “steady, sound and sustainable.” He added that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” are key to the relationship’s development. The Chinese diplomat continued, “the world is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States, it doesn't have to be a zero-sum game between the two countries. He said preparations are underway for what he described as a “historic visit” by the US president, adding that China hopes the visit will take place. At the United Nations, Ambassador Cong said China and the United States have “space to cooperation.” He said, “it is incumbent upon both China and the United States to help maintain the international order and to support the role of the UN and the biggest financial contributors of the organization. And there are a lot of commonalities in the positions in how the UN is run.” He emphasized, “the UN is for all Member States, so no big power should adopt this approach that the interests of that big country should be put above the interests of the entire membership.” Asked about China’s military involvement with Iran, Ambassador Cong said, “there is no military cooperation between China and Iran,” and described allegations to the contrary by some US officials as “false.” He said China sympathizes with the suffering of the Iranian people and supports efforts to bring an end to the fighting. On the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, the Chinese diplomat said China supports the principle of geographical rotation and would welcome the appointment of a woman to the post. Ambassador Cong concluded by reaffirming China’s continued support for the United Nations and for countries of the Global South, saying China’s ability to provide assistance would grow as the country develops.


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International Day of Vesak 2026 - UN Chief's Message | United Nations

Video message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Vesak. "On the Day of Vesak, Buddhists around the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. This year, Vesak comes at a moment when the human family is embroiled in geopolitical tensions, division and conflict. In 2023 I had the honour of visiting the Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal. It reinforced my conviction that the antidote to this turmoil can be found in his timeless teachings of non-violence, compassion and service to others. Guided by the Buddha’s example, let us summon our shared humanity and build the more peaceful and sustainable world all people need and deserve. Happy Vesak Day to all". More info: https://www.un.org/en/observances/vesak-day


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