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Gaza: first phase of the ceasefire “must be fully implemented” - UNSCO briefing | United Nations



Security Council briefing by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, on the Middle East. UN senior official for the Middle East Ramiz Alakbarov reiterated that the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza “must be fully implemented,” urging “the parties to urgently reach an agreement on the modalities to implement the next phases.” The Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) spoke to the Council via video link. He noted that since coming into effect last month, the ceasefire has largely held in Gaza. However, recent Israeli airstrikes on populated areas have caused numerous casualties and significant destruction. Palestinian militants in Gaza have also continued sporadic attacks on Israeli soldiers causing fatalities. The Resident Coordinator said that families in Israel have been reunited with their loved ones, who were held hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups under intolerable conditions in Gaza, “but the bodies of three hostages have yet to be returned, with families waiting in agony for that day to come.” “The bodies of the deceased hostages must be returned immediately,” he reiterated. Alakbarov also underscored that all efforts must be made to identify missing Palestinians. These families also deserve closure. The Resident Coordinator highlighted that with the ceasefire largely holding, the United Nations has redoubled efforts to mobilize and scale up humanitarian assistance – “seizing the moment to reach the population wherever they are.” He said, “We must not risk a reversal. The coordinated international effort needs to be expanded, both in the immediate term to consolidate the ceasefire, and over the longer term to realize a more secure and just future for all.” Alakbarov also highlighted that the decisions made now will determine whether the ceasefire endures or unravels, adding that UN resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2803 (2025), and President Trump’s 20-point plan provide that pathway forward. He said, “The United Nations remains committed to seizing this critical opportunity to move from crisis management to conflict resolution,” adding that “all our efforts must be guided by the imperative of establishing a genuine political process that will resolve the Israeli - Palestinian conflict once and for all.” The Resident Coordinator continued, “The New York declaration and initiatives such as the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution can play a vital role. They mobilize political will, investment, and solidarity around a shared political vision.” Turning to developments in Lebanon, Alakbarov reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the parties to “uphold their obligations to maintain the cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.” He also echoed the Secretary-General's call for “an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.”


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Gaza: War-wounded Amputee Football Players in Hope Championship | United Nations



The Hope Championship for Amputee Football in the Gaza Strip is organized by the Palestine Amputee Football Association as part of efforts to support the injured and affirm their continued participation in official sports activities. Most of the players participating in amputee sports teams were injured in wars and military operations over the past years in the Gaza Strip. Player Farah Youssef, said, “My message to those like me: do not give up, keep going. Despite the injury and the amputation, keep going.”


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Ukraine: War is reported to be increasingly affecting civilians - DPPA Briefing | United Nations



Briefing by Kayoko Gotoh, Officer-in-Charge of Europe, Central Asia and Americas Division, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. ----------------------------- The UN political affairs official Kayoko Gotoh reiterated the Secretary-General’s repeated call for “a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as a first step towards a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine.” Kayoko Gotoh at the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations spoke to the Council on the situation in Ukraine. She noted that, at least 26 people, including three children, were reportedly killed in a Russian drone and missile attack on the western city of Ternopil. Dozens more, including children, were reportedly injured. Many remain missing under the rubble. She highlighted that this was one of the war’s deadliest strikes on civilians. Gotoh also noted that the war is reported to be increasingly affecting civilian populations inside the Russian Federation, too. According to Russian authorities, in 2025 Ukrainian drone strikes have killed 392 people, including 22 children, in the Russian Federation and in the areas of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation. She told the Council that the United Nations is not in a position to verify or confirm these reports and figures. The past months have once again highlighted the fragility of nuclear safety and security during an active war, the UN official told the Council. She said, “We commend the work of the IAEA and continue to urge the sides to act responsibly.” “Any nuclear incident would have unimaginable consequences not only for Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but far beyond. Such risk must be avoided at all costs,” Gotoh reiterated. The UN official also said that the international community is encouraged by the resumption of diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire and a search for lasting peace earlier this year. Nearly four years into this war, as the attacks escalate and casualties grow, and calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire increase, such efforts are even more critical, she said. Gotoh urged “concerted and inclusive diplomatic efforts resulting in tangible progress towards a just and lasting peace. The alternative is to risk letting the war prolong, expand and escalate further to even more dangerous levels.”


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Marjorie Taylor Greene is resigning from Congress on January 5, 2026






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Gaza: first phase of the ceasefire “must be fully implemented” - UNSCO briefing | United Nations

Security Council briefing by Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, United Nations Resident and Hu...