UN peace operations, Gaza & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (24 March 2025) | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: - Security Council - Gaza - Occupied Palestinian Territory - Lebanon/Peacekeeping - Lebanon/Humanitarian - Ukraine - Democratic Republic Of The Congo - Sudan - Afghanistan - Libya - Rohingya Refugees - International Days - General Assembly Event - Upcoming Briefings - Noon Briefing Guest SECURITY COUNCIL The Secretary-General spoke to the Security Council this morning during a special session on UN peace operations. He reminded council members that UN peace operations safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate places on earth, adding that they represent a critical tool at the Council’s disposal to maintain international peace and security. At their best, he said, they show how, when the UN comes together to address challenges, the burden is diminished on individual countries. But, Mr. Guterres added that peace operations face serious barriers that demand new approaches. The Secretary-General said that work is now underway to review all forms of peace operations, as requested by Member States in the recently adopted Pact for the Future. He said the review will build on the analysis presented in the New Agenda for Peace and it will be informed by the first comprehensive study of the history of special political missions in the 80 years of this organization and that report which will be released soon. The review will also help inform efforts - through the UN@80 initiative - to find efficiencies and improvements across our work, in light of the continued funding challenges we face as an organization. GAZA In the past week, Israel carried out devastating strikes on Gaza, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians, including United Nations personnel, with no humanitarian aid being allowed to enter the Gaza Strip since early March. As a result, the Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the United Nations’ footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies. The United Nations is not leaving Gaza. We remain committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection. More than three weeks ago, the Israeli Government cut off the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza – which is the longest such suspension since 7 October 2023. Israeli officials have indicated that they intend to continue their military activities in Gaza. Based on the information that is currently available, the strikes hitting a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on 19 March were caused by an Israeli tank shell. The strikes claimed the life of a UN colleague from Bulgaria and left six others – from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the United Kingdom – with severe injuries, some of them life-altering. The location of this UN compound was well known to all the parties to the conflict. I reiterate that all parties to the conflict are bound by international law to protect the inviolability of United Nations premises. Without this, our colleagues face intolerable risks as they work to save the lives of civilians. The Secretary-General strongly condemns these strikes and demands a full, thorough and independent investigation into this incident. All parties must comply fully with international law at all times. Civilians must be respected and they must be protected. The denial of lifesaving aid must end. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. All States must use their leverage to stop the conflict and ensure respect for international law – by applying diplomatic and economic pressure and combating impunity. The Secretary-General renews his urgent call for the restoration of the ceasefire to bring an end to the anguish. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20March%202025


For more information or to watch video on YouTube, click here!