Palestine, Syria, Yemen & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (9 February 2026) | United Nations

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: West Bank Occupied Palestinian Territory Syria Yemen Democratic Republic of the Congo Western Sahara South Sudan Sudan Madagascar Haiti Cuba Ukraine Cyprus Honour Roll WEST BANK The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the reported decision of the Israeli security cabinet to authorize a series of administrative and enforcement measures in Areas A and B of the occupied West Bank. He warns that the current trajectory on the ground, including this decision, is eroding the prospect for the two-State solution. He reiterates that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and their associated regime and infrastructure, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law, including​ relevant United Nations resolutions. Such actions, including Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are not only destabilizing but – as recalled by the International Court of Justice – unlawful. The Secretary-General calls on Israel to reverse these measures and on all parties to preserve the only path to lasting peace, a negotiated two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law. OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the UN and partners continue serving hundreds of thousands of meals every day, as well as digital cash and monthly rations, despite persistent impediments.  Also last week, food security partners completed the distribution of animal feed to more than 2,000 herders and farmers over nine days. Meanwhile, our colleagues leading on water, hygiene and sanitation say that Gaza city continues to face a severe shortage of drinking and domestic water. This is despite a recent reopening of the valve on the Gaza city Mekorot supply line from Israel. Only 6,000 cubic metres are reaching people in the city every day, with significant water losses in hard-to-reach areas. To mitigate this shortfall, the UN and our partners have increased water production and trucked deliveries from groundwater wells and private sector desalination plants.  Since late last month, our partners have distributed over 100,000 water jerry cans, over 700,000 bars of soap, over 25,000 hygiene kits, over 400 household latrines, and 250 anti-lice kits across Gaza.  Mine action partners say that, over a week and by last Wednesday, they had conducted over 200 assessments of potential explosive hazards in support of debris removal. That’s in addition to support they provide to secure humanitarian movements and operations. Last week, they also reached over 10,000 children and adults with explosive ordnance risk education. They note this remains a major risk as 33 explosive ordnance incidents have been reported since the ceasefire came into force in October 2025, resulting in nine deaths and 65 injuries.  OCHA adds that restrictions, including limitations on the entry of items listed as “dual use” or non-humanitarian continue to hamper the humanitarian response. Such items include spare parts and certain shelter materials. Also undermining humanitarian operations is the de-registration of some international NGOs and restrictions imposed on UNRWA and other UN agencies.  SYRIA OCHA says that fighting has subsided in Aleppo, Al-Hasakeh and Raqqa following the agreement announced on January 30th. As of February 3rd, nearly 160,000 people are still displaced. While there has been some improvement in humanitarian access, there are still major challenges. Electricity outages continue to disrupt water systems, telecommunications are intermittent, food supply chains are constrained, and schools are still suspended in many areas. Between 25 January and 5 February, our partners facilitated ten inter-agency convoys to Qamishli and Ain al-Arab/Kobani, delivering 154 trucks of life-saving assistance. In total, our partners have reached more than 190,000 people across 83 communities with food, medicine, fuel, winter items and other essential support. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall between Saturday and today has caused severe flooding across parts of Idleb and northern Latakia, affecting more than 5,000 displaced people. Some 1,800 tents were partially damaged and 150 destroyed. Flooding also forced the closure of a local hospital, with patients evacuated and mobile medical teams deployed. Authorities have opened collective shelters and prepared additional housing for families who need it. Our partners are relocating families, repairing shelters and delivering assistance. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-09


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