Conflict in South Sudan is deepening an existing hunger crisis, pushing 1.2 million people to acute food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up emergency response, aiming to reach over half a million facing catastrophic hunger, but requires $341 million to support 4.2 million people this year. Rising insecurity, including the recent killing of a WFP contractor, severely hampers humanitarian operations. The UN urges all parties to de-escalate violence and ensure unimpeded access for aid.
In Gaza, while relief efforts continue, aid delivery remains critically insufficient. Humanitarians have reached 670,000 people with reduced monthly food rations, hampered by high rejection rates of supplies by Israeli authorities. The UN reiterates that impediments must be urgently lifted to meet massive needs. Partners are providing over 1.7 million meals daily and essential items to over 11,500 households.
The UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, concluded her first official visit to Syria. The envoy discussed strengthening child protection with government representatives and UN partners, acknowledging persistent challenges, particularly for children allegedly linked to armed groups. She stressed that unexploded ordnance and mines remain a significant threat, hindering safe access to essential facilities for children.