U.N. warns Middle East fighting is causing widespread civilian harm and risks wider escalation

Summary

At a U.N. noon briefing, the secretary-general warned that unlawful attacks across the Middle East are causing heavy civilian suffering, displacing tens of thousands and threatening to spread beyond the region; U.N. agencies reported school and health‑care attacks, a hit on a UNOPS fuel tanker bound for Gaza, and mass movements in Lebanon, Iran and Syria.

Stephan, the U.N. moderator, read a statement from the secretary-general on the humanitarian toll of the recent Middle East fighting and warned it “could spiral beyond anyone’s control,” urging an immediate return to serious diplomatic negotiations.

The briefing listed multiple, concurrent humanitarian crises. In Lebanon, widespread displacement orders have forced more than 100,000 people into collective centers, health services in parts of south Beirut were reported evacuated and nonoperational after attacks on 5 March, and U.N. peacekeepers (UNIFIL) have observed strikes toward Israel as well as Israeli air strikes and ground movements across the Blue Line, Stephan said.

In Gaza, Stephan said the Kerem Shalom (Kerem Abu Salem) crossing remained open for the delivery of approved humanitarian supplies while other crossings, including Rafah, remained closed; medical evacuations, rotation of humanitarian staff and returns from abroad were suspended at several crossings. Inside Gaza, partners are prioritizing emergency care, maternal and neonatal services, communicable‑disease management and trauma care, while carefully managing fuel supplies.

Stephan said a UNOPS fuel…

U.N. warns Middle East fighting is causing widespread civilian harm and risks wider escalation

Summary

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