At the United Nations, counterterrorism officials have warned that Da’esh remains resilient despite sustained global military and political pressure. Vladimir Voronkov, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council that while the group has been territorially defeated in Iraq and Syria, its affiliates continue to pose serious threats, particularly in Africa, which he described as the new epicenter of terrorist activity.
Voronkov noted that Da’esh cells in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and parts of East and Central Africa are expanding their operations, exploiting weak governance, local grievances, and porous borders. He stressed that these affiliates have adapted to shifting international counterterrorism strategies, making use of illicit trade, extortion, and digital propaganda to recruit and finance their activities.
He also underlined that groups such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) remain designated as terrorist organizations, despite attempts to portray themselves differently. Voronkov reminded Council members that HTS, active in northwest Syria, continues to share extremist ideology and violent tactics that threaten both regional and international peace.
The UN official called for renewed cooperation, investment in prevention, and support for states facing the highest risks, warning that without a unified response, terrorism could further destabilize already fragile regions.
By: Inaam Tahhan- UNSC. 8/21/2025
At United Nations Security Council meeting 9983, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, addressed the Council regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on Syria. Serving as President of the Security Council for August 2025, Fu Cong emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the need for all actions to adhere strictly to the principles of the UN Charter. In his remarks, Fu Cong highlighted China’s call for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to respect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through political dialogue and negotiation rather than military escalation. According to Fu Cong, the international community must support efforts that foster inclusive governance and address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. The Ambassador also underscored China’s longstanding foreign policy principles, including non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He urged UNSC members to work collaboratively to create conditions conducive to stability in Syria and the broader Middle East region. Fu Cong’s address reflected China’s commitment to a balanced, diplomatic approach and its desire to play a constructive role in facilitating peace. The meeting served as a reminder of the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict and the critical need for international cooperation.
8/21/2025
Ambassador Qusai Aldahhak has concluded his service at the Syrian Mission to the United Nations after fourteen years of tireless work during one of the most turbulent chapters in Syria’s modern history. His tenure began as the Syrian conflict erupted, a time marked by violence, uncertainty, and immense diplomatic challenges. Throughout these years, Aldahhak stood at the center of international dialogue, carrying the voice of Syria to the world stage.
Representing a nation at war is never an easy task. It requires resilience, patience, and a deep sense of duty. Ambassador Aldahhak shouldered that responsibility with dignity, working under the constant shadow of conflict while striving to defend the rights of the Syrian people. His mission was not only about politics but also about keeping alive the hope of sovereignty and eventual peace.
As Syria’s long struggle moves into a new chapter, the conclusion of Aldahhak’s diplomatic service marks the end of an era. His dedication and perseverance will be remembered as part of Syria’s journey through hardship toward freedom. Today, colleagues and observers alike honor his service, recognizing the sacrifices made in representing his homeland during its most difficult years.
In recent months, world leaders have held several high-level meetings aimed at preventing the escalation of global conflicts into a third world war. Tensions in multiple regions, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the South China Sea, have prompted urgent diplomatic engagement among the United States, European Union, Russia, China, and Middle Eastern powers.
These meetings focus on open communication, conflict de-escalation, and establishing mechanisms for crisis management. Leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels, avoiding provocative military actions, and adhering to international law. In addition, negotiations have addressed critical issues such as nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes, and the security of vital energy and trade routes.
Experts note that the world has reached a delicate moment where miscalculation or miscommunication could have catastrophic consequences. The discussions also underline the need for multilateral cooperation and the role of international institutions in preventing conflicts from spreading.
Although no immediate resolutions have been announced, diplomats insist that dialogue is the most effective tool for maintaining global stability. These ongoing efforts demonstrate that, despite rising tensions, countries remain committed to avoiding large-scale war and protecting millions of lives from the devastating effects of global military confrontation.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - Aug 13, 2025.
Eighty years ago, in the aftermath of two devastating world wars, the international community came together to write a new and hopeful chapter in human history. Out of the lessons of war, the United Nations was born — a symbol of humanity’s shared aspiration for peace, security, and a better future for all.
In San Francisco, the Charter of the United Nations was adopted, laying the foundation for modern international relations. China was the first country to sign the UN Charter, marking its deep commitment to global cooperation and working hand in hand with others to promote peace and development.
Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, we reflect on the progress we have made — but we must also confront the challenges that persist. Conflicts continue to erupt, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is falling behind.
This anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but a call to action — to renew our commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, to strengthen multilateralism, and to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world for future generations.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - UNHQ, N.Y - Aug 13, 2025
Ambassador of China to the United Nations is Fu Cong
A grand chapter in human history was written — the United Nations was born, a lesson learned from two world wars, and an aspiration for a better future. In San Francisco, the Charter of the United Nations was adopted, laying the foundation for governing international relations. China was the first country to sign the Charter and has worked hand in hand with others for peace and development.
Eighty years later, conflicts still remain rampant, and the 2030 Agenda is falling behind. We gather to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II.
BY: Inaam Tahhan- UNHQ Aug 13, 2025.
مجموعة الدول الخمس (E5) تدين التوسع العسكري الإسرائيلي في غزة وتدعو إلى وقف فوري لإطلاق النار وتسهيل المساعدات الإنسانية
أدلى السفير صمويل ژبوغار، باسم مجموعة الدول الخمس (الدنمارك، فرنسا، اليونان، سلوفينيا، والمملكة المتحدة)، ببيان قوي أمام مجلس الأمن التابع للأمم المتحدة في 10 أغسطس 2025، أدان فيه قرار الحكومة الإسرائيلية بتوسيع عملياتها العسكرية في قطاع غزة. وأكد أن هذا التصعيد ينطوي على مخاطر جسيمة بانتهاك القانون الدولي الإنساني، ويجب التراجع عنه فورًا لتفادي كارثة إنسانية جديدة.
وأعرب ژبوغار عن قلقه العميق تجاه تداعيات هذا التوسع على المدنيين، مشيرًا إلى أن استمرار العمليات العسكرية يعرض حياة الأبرياء للخطر، بما في ذلك الرهائن المحتجزين. كما حذر من أن المزيد من التصعيد سيؤدي إلى زيادة في التهجير والمعاناة وسقوط مزيد من الضحايا.
وجددت مجموعة الدول الخمس موقفها الرافض لبقاء حماس كطرف مسلح أو حاكم في غزة، داعية إلى أن تتولى السلطة الفلسطينية المسؤولية الكاملة عن الحكم في القطاع، في إطار مسار يؤدي إلى الاستقرار والوحدة الوطنية.
وشدد السفير على ضرورة السماح العاجل بدخول المساعدات الإنسانية دون عوائق، داعيًا إلى رفع القيود المفروضة على عمليات الإغاثة، وضمان وصول آمن ومحايد ومستقل للمنظمات الإنسانية، بما فيها وكالات الأمم المتحدة. كما دعا إلى إزالة العقبات التي تواجه عمل المنظمات غير الحكومية، مثل التأشيرات ومتطلبات التسجيل.
وختم ژبوغار بتأكيد أن الوقت قد حان لوضع حد للحرب المستمرة منذ 22 شهرًا، داعيًا إلى وقف دائم لإطلاق النار، والإفراج غير المشروط عن جميع الرهائن، واستئناف الجهود نحو حل الدولتين كطريق وحيد لتحقيق السلام الدائم في المنطقة.
E5 Condemns Israeli Military Expansion in Gaza – Calls for Urgent Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
Speaking on behalf of the E5 group (Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom), Ambassador Samuel Žbogar delivered a firm statement at the United Nations Security Council on August 10, 2025, condemning the Israeli government's decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. He warned that this escalation risks violating international humanitarian law and must be reversed immediately to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
Žbogar expressed grave concern over the consequences for civilians, emphasizing that renewed military action endangers innocent lives, including those of hostages still held in Gaza. He highlighted the already dire situation, warning that further displacement, suffering, and loss of life would follow if the military campaign continues.
The E5 reaffirmed their position that Hamas must disarm and play no future role in Gaza’s governance. Instead, they advocated for the Palestinian Authority to assume leadership, stressing the need for a unified and legitimate governing body to bring stability to the region.
A key part of Žbogar’s remarks focused on the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access. He called on all parties to lift restrictions on aid delivery, urging that UN agencies and humanitarian organizations be granted safe, impartial, and independent access to affected populations. He also emphasized the importance of removing barriers to NGO operations, including visa and registration obstacles.
Žbogar concluded with a strong appeal for diplomacy over conflict. After nearly two years of war, he said, the time has come for a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a renewed push toward a two-state solution. The E5’s message was clear: military action must give way to negotiation and international cooperation to restore peace and security in Gaza and the wider region.
BY: Inaam Tahhan - UNHQ- Media Stakeout - 8/10/2025
Riyad Mansour (Palestine) on the situation in Gaza -Security Council Media Stakeout
Riyad Mansour (Palestine) on the situation in Gaza -Security Council Media Stakeout Palestinian UN Envoy Riyad Mansour Condemns Massive Israeli Operation in Gaza, Calls for Urgent Peace Efforts United Nations, New York — The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, delivered a powerful statement today in response to what he described as a massive Israeli military operation targeting Gaza City. He warned that the renewed offensive poses a grave threat to civilians and risks triggering even deeper humanitarian catastrophe. Mansour called on the UN Security Council to intervene immediately, urging the international community to pursue peace, not war. “Enough bloodshed. Enough targeting of civilians, women, and children. This cannot be the future we accept,” he said. He emphasized that all families—Palestinian and Israeli, including those of hostages and prisoners—are waiting for peace, not more destruction. “This is a moment for diplomacy, for humanitarian action, for ending the occupation. It is time for peace, not another war plan.” Mansour also appealed for urgent humanitarian aid to reach families trapped in Gaza under siege conditions, warning that continued military action would only deepen suffering and instability.
BY: Inaam Tahhan 8/8/2025
UN Noon Briefing – Statement by Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
New York, United Nations — During today’s noon briefing, Stephanie Tremblay, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, addressed the latest escalation in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the planned new Israeli military invasion, which she warned could lead to further catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
Tremblay emphasized that the people of Gaza are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and a return to peace negotiations, rather than continued military operations.
She also noted that closed-door meetings are currently taking place between several Member States to discuss the unfolding situation. While these meetings will not be broadcast to the public, she confirmed that a draft agenda is being prepared by Nigeria, Turkey, and Indonesia, which will be presented to the Security Council in the coming days.
BY: Maryann Jalaf 8/8/2025
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - Security Council, 9972nd meeting
Israel: 668 Days of Suffering — Demand the Release of Hostages Now
It has been 668 days since innocent civilians were taken hostage, ripped from their lives, and thrown into unthinkable conditions by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Among them: a 24-year-old young man, abducted from the Nova music festival, where joy turned into terror.
He was forced to dig his own grave — a horrific act that reflects the cruelty inflicted upon the hostages and their families every single day.
We must impose maximum pressure on Hamas — politically, diplomatically, and globally — to release all remaining hostages without condition. These are human lives, not bargaining chips.
This is not about politics. It's about basic humanity.
BY: Inaam Tahhan
1948 -UN Archive
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a persistent and deeply rooted issue in international politics for over 77 years. Since 1948—the year the State of Israel was declared and the first Arab-Israeli war broke out—the United Nations and the global community have grappled with how to resolve the conflict. One of the earliest international attempts to manage the situation was the 1947 UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181), which proposed the division of British Mandate Palestine into two separate states: one Jewish and one Arab, with Jerusalem as an international city. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, viewing it as unjust and as a form of colonial imposition. When Israel declared independence in 1948, neighboring Arab states launched a war, resulting in significant territorial changes and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians—a foundational moment known as the Nakba (catastrophe) in Palestinian memory. Since then, the idea of a two-state solution has remained at the center of peace efforts, though success has repeatedly proven elusive. The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions affirming the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination, notably including UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), which emphasized the "land for peace" principle following the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s marked a significant step toward mutual recognition, with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel acknowledging each other and laying the groundwork for a future Palestinian state. However, violence, settlement expansion, political fragmentation, and shifting regional and global priorities have all undermined the path to peace. In recent years, international consensus on the two-state solution has begun to erode, even as the UN and major powers continue to endorse it in principle. Critics argue that facts on the ground—particularly Israeli settlement growth in the West Bank—have made the two-state solution increasingly unviable. Others believe it remains the only realistic framework for securing peace and justice for both peoples. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to seek recognition of their statehood at the UN and through bilateral relations, while Israel emphasizes security concerns and normalization with neighboring Arab states.
Despite 77 years of efforts, a just and lasting resolution remains elusive. The continued advocacy for a two-state solution reflects both enduring hope and the persistent complexity of the conflict.
BY: Ratibah T.Arb
7/31/2025 UNHQ
UNHCR Mamadou Dian Balde, Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Crisis (From Nairobi)
UNDP Officials Witness Widespread Devastation During Visit to Crisis-Stricken Sudan A recent mission by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to Sudan has revealed the staggering scale of destruction and human suffering caused by the ongoing conflict. As the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate, UNDP officials on the ground have described the situation as one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory. During their visit to affected regions, UNDP teams observed entire communities destroyed by fighting, hospitals burned or abandoned, and critical infrastructure in total collapse. Roads, schools, and water systems have been severely damaged or rendered unusable. In areas such as Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, the UNDP teams met with displaced families who have lost everything and are now living in overcrowded shelters with no access to clean water, food, or healthcare. “The level of destruction is devastating,” said one UNDP representative. “What we are seeing is not just a conflict between armed groups—this is a full-blown collapse of systems that sustain life. Millions of people are in desperate need of assistance.” The conflict, which began in April 2023, has forced more than 10 million people to flee their homes, both internally and across borders. Sudan now faces the world’s largest displacement crisis. UNDP staff reported severe malnutrition among children, widespread trauma, and a total breakdown in social services. Many communities no longer have functioning clinics, schools, or government support. UNDP emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to scale up humanitarian aid and begin planning for long-term recovery and stabilization. Their report highlighted the importance of restoring basic services, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting local governance structures—if and when the security situation allows. In partnership with local organizations and international agencies, UNDP has pledged to continue delivering emergency aid while preparing for the eventual recovery and reconstruction phase. However, without immediate ceasefires and safe humanitarian access, officials warn that the country’s suffering will only deepen. “The people of Sudan cannot wait,” a UNDP official stressed. “They need the world’s support now—to survive today, and to have any hope for rebuilding tomorrow.” The visit serves as a stark reminder that Sudan's crisis is far from over—and that urgent, coordinated global action is essential.
BY: Noreen H. , Aug 1st 2025
NICEF: 25 Children Die Each Day in Gaza Due to War and Hunger.
Gaza: 25 Children Die Each Day Due to War and Hunger, UNICEF Reports Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, the toll on children has reached alarming levels. According to recent reports, an estimated 25 children are dying every single day—either from direct violence or from hunger and preventable diseases caused by the collapse of basic infrastructure. UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have repeatedly sounded the alarm, warning that Gaza is becoming one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a child. Food supplies are critically low, hospitals are overwhelmed or destroyed, and clean water is increasingly unavailable. Many families are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate sanitation, while continued airstrikes and violence have left children traumatized and vulnerable. “The death of even one child is a tragedy. The loss of dozens every day is a moral and humanitarian catastrophe,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. Humanitarian agencies are urgently calling for a sustained ceasefire, unimpeded access for aid, and international efforts to rebuild essential services. Without immediate action, the suffering and loss of young lives will only continue to rise.
BY Maryann Jalaf
Updated 6:00 PM EDT, Aug 1st , 2025