The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, has emphasised the urgent need for political and security frameworks to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In a recent briefing he expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the region, highlighted by recent explosions in Lebanon and rocket fire towards Israel.
Wennesland called on all parties to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation, urging immediate steps for de-escalation.
He stressed that frameworks are essential to address the humanitarian catastrophe, initiate recovery efforts, rebuild Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a political process aimed at ending the occupation and establishing a two-State solution.
He highlighted the importance of facilitating a legitimate Palestinian government capable of reuniting Gaza and the West Bank politically and administratively.
Wennesland pointed out that Palestinian unity is crucial for achieving a just and lasting peace, urging the international community to provide significant support to the Palestinian Authority.
Wennesland also reaffirmed that any progress toward peace must fully recognise the rights of Palestinians to self-determination and sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory while also addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the US after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact.
Families of the 260 people killed when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad a year ago gathered on Friday for prayers and a candlelight tribute to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
Two Ebola-related deaths have been confirmed in a displacement camp in eastern Congo, the UN refugee agency said, with aid workers warning the risk of the disease spreading quickly in crowded refugee sites was high and worrying.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged overnight drone strikes into early Friday, with Ukraine targeting a major oil processing and petrochemical region while Russia attacked railway stations and electrical substations.
Authorities in Afghanistan's western city of Herat arrested at least 30 women, accusing them of violating dress rules imposed by the Taliban government, the UN agency for women's rights said, but added that some were later released.
US President Donald Trump called off plans for renewed military strikes on Iran at the last minute on Thursday, saying negotiations with Tehran had advanced to the highest levels of Iran's leadership and had been approved by a broad coalition of regional powers.
A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison on Friday for charges linked to his ordering an incursion of military drones over North Koreato help create a pretext for his failed December 2024 martial law declaration.
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