Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Good afternoon, everyone.
**Secretary-General/Gaza
I have the following statement, attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza: The Secretary-General was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the death of a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) staff member, when two UN guesthouses in Deir al Balah were hit in strikes. Five other UN personnel were seriously injured. The locations of all UN premises are known to the parties to the conflict, who are bound by international law to protect them and maintain their absolute inviolability.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He underscores that all conflicts must be conducted in a way that ensures civilians are respected and protected. The Secretary-General sends his deepest condolences to the family of the staff member killed. Today’s deadly strike brings the number of UN colleagues killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023 to at least 280.
The incident follows reports from yesterday, which saw the deaths of hundreds, including many children, marking one of the deadliest days in Gaza since late 2023. The Secretary-General stresses the need for the ceasefire to be respected to bring an end to the suffering of the people. Humanitarian aid must reach all people in need. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. He also recalls that international law must be complied with at all times.
**Occupied Palestinian Territory
Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Israeli bombardments continue, resulting in many more deaths — hundreds, according to the local authorities — as well as mass displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Many of the casualties are women and children. This morning, evacuation leaflets were again dropped over Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun in north Gaza, as well as eastern Khan Younis, ordering residents to leave their homes.
The UN and our partners estimate that, due to these evacuation orders, thousands of people have already been displaced. In southern Gaza, humanitarian partners report that families have fled from east to west Khan Younis, seeking shelter with relatives or in open areas. In Rafah, many displaced people have moved toward the Mawasi area and other areas along the coast. In the north, many fleeing Beit Hanoun have sought safety in public and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)-run schools in western Gaza City, while others have found temporary shelter in Beit Lahiya and other neighbourhoods in Gaza Governorate.
Urgent humanitarian needs include food, potable water, clothing and blankets. Reports indicate that some people risked returning to Beit Hanoun this morning to collect personal belongings. The closure of crossings into Gaza for humanitarian and all other supplies is now in its eighteenth day, severely disrupting relief operations and worsening an already catastrophic situation. Our partners working in food security report that distributions of food have been disrupted due to the deteriorating security situation and the proximity of distribution points to evacuation zones.
In addition, about 30 community kitchens providing cooked meals were forced to close yesterday. As of today, kitchens in east Khan Younis and north Gaza are still closed. Education has also been affected, with learning activities in 163 temporary learning spaces suspended, leaving thousands of students without access to education.
And turning to the West Bank, OCHA warns that Israeli operations are expanding into new areas. This morning, Israeli forces raided Ein Beit el Ma refugee camp in Nablus, ordering five families to vacate their homes, which were turned into military zones. The families were instructed not to return for three days. Fearing an extended operation in the camp, about 45 additional families have pre-emptively fled.
**Gaza
The Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Virgina Gamba, and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Mô Bleeker, are gravely concerned by yesterday’s reports of extensive Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip. The Special Advisers say that these developments signal a troubling and dramatic escalation of violence with irreversible consequences. It is essential that the mutual imperatives of the peace process, integrating aspects of prevention and protection are prioritized urgently.
Ms. Gamba and Ms. Bleeker also expressed their deep concern at the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s decision on 2 March to suspend the entry of aid into the territory. They urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, prevent further loss of life and engage in a solid political solution.
**United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
And now, about the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL): A UNIFIL peacekeeper was wounded this morning after stepping on a mine while on an operational activity in the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin. He was immediately evacuated to a nearby UNIFIL facility where he received initial treatment. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Beirut. His condition is stable, and his injuries are not life threatening. This terrible incident highlights the dangers of unexploded ordnance in south Lebanon, UNIFIL has increased its capacity in demining and will continue to do so over the coming months.
Separately, today, UNIFIL peacekeepers also observed seven Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activities north of the Blue Line in violation of resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL reiterates its call for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories so that the Lebanese Armed Forces, with UNIFIL’s support, can deploy in all of south Lebanon. Yesterday, UNIFIL peacekeepers found rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades and other unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches in seven different locations in south Lebanon.
The discoveries were all reported to the Lebanese Army for their action. And as UNIFIL marks the forty-seventh year of its establishment, Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, stated that successfully implementing resolution 1701 (2006) can only be achieved through our joint efforts to prevent escalations, maintain stability, and reinforce state authority in southern Lebanon.
**Secretary-General/Brussels
The Secretary-General is now in Brussels, in Belgium, and he has started his meetings with European Union leaders. Earlier today, he met with Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament. And he is scheduled to meet with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission; Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council; and Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Tomorrow, at the invitation of Antonio Costa, the Secretary-General will take part in a working lunch with the Heads of State and Government of the European Union, at the opening of the European Council. We expect Mr. [António] Guterres and Mr. Costa to do a brief stakeout as they enter the European Union building– and you will be able to watch them live on UN WebTV. While in Brussels, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever.
As a reminder, on Friday morning, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks in Leuven, where the universities KU Leuven and UC Louvain will jointly award an honorary doctorate to the United Nations. The ceremony will be webcast live on UN WebTV.
**Deputy Secretary-General
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, will travel to Windhoek, the Republic of Namibia, on behalf of the Secretary-General later today to attend the thirty-fifth Independence Anniversary Celebration and the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will become Namibia’s first female President. During her visit, she will meet with the President-elect to continue to strengthen the UN-Namibia relationship. She will also engage with the UN country team to assess progress on the Sustainable Development Goals in Namibia. She will return to New York on Sunday.
**Democratic Republic of the Congo
Turning to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues to protect civilians in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces, where 60 per cent of the force is currently deployed. Our colleagues in the Mission report that over a thousand civilians sought refuge at the Mission base in Fataki, Djugu Territory, where they spent the night after fleeing clashes between the CODECO armed group and a coalition of Ugandan and Congolese armed forces. A patrol has also been deployed in the area to reinforce the protection of civilians. The Mission continues to monitor the situation closely and remains fully committed to supporting peace and stability efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that in North Kivu, dozens of civilians were killed over the past two days during clashes in Walikale Territory. In Ituri Province, authorities reported that clashes yesterday in the town of Fataki displaced more than 5,000 people. Calm has now reportedly returned, but a number of humanitarian partners have suspended their movements in the area.
In South Kivu, our humanitarian partners are struggling to deliver assistance to more than 1 million people in Uvira and Fizi due to ongoing clashes. OCHA said it is particularly urgent to deliver medical supplies in Uvira, where Mpox and cholera continue to spread.
[And I was asked about mediation efforts concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I can say that the Secretary-General is grateful to the Emir for Qatar's mediation between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. He emphasizes that the ceasefire agreed at the EAC-SADC joint summit of 8 February must be observed. We fully support the agreement for continued discussions as envisioned under the Luanda/Nairobi processes. The Secretary-General emphasizes the importance of implementing Security Council resolution 2773 (2025).]
**Sudan
Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that escalating attacks in the cities of Omdurman and Khartoum are putting civilians at grave risk. As fighting intensifies, there are reports that residential areas are increasingly being targeted. Local responders say a drone strike yesterday in the Imtedaad Nasir area of East Khartoum reportedly killed five women and injured several others.
And on Monday evening, several people were reportedly killed by artillery shelling in the Karari area north of Omdurman, with more than 40 others injured, including children. OCHA renews its urgent call for all parties to the conflict to refrain from targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Under international humanitarian law, all sides must take every possible measure to protect civilians and ensure safe passage for those seeking safety and assistance. Meanwhile in North Darfur, armed clashes in and around El Fasher continue to displace thousands of people into Zamzam camp, which is under siege and facing famine — and where resources and services are already critically overstretched. Checkpoints around the camp are blocking civilian movement, further isolating vulnerable people in dire need of assistance.
The situation in Zamzam camp remains catastrophic. Families are struggling to survive, and food, nutrition and medical assistance is urgently needed. Water trucking has been suspended due to security risks, increasing the likelihood of waterborne disease outbreaks. OCHA stresses that immediate humanitarian assistance and access are critical to prevent further loss of life. We continue to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities across Sudan and full, unhindered humanitarian access to ensure life-saving aid reaches those most in need.
**South Sudan
Our colleagues in South Sudan are deeply concerned about the current political tensions and deteriorating security situation, including the aerial bombing of Nasir, Upper Nile State, which is causing civilian casualties. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, warned that the country is poised on the brink of relapse into civil war and is urging all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and immediately address the Nasir tensions through dialogue rather than further military confrontation. Mr. Haysom has also called for an immediate return by the parties to consensus-based decision-making and intensive dialogue to resolve grievances and rebuild trust. He stressed that the parties must de-escalate political tensions now before it is too late. And we will try to have Mr. Haysom speak to you by VTC possibly on Friday.
**Ethiopia
Turning to Ethiopia, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that they are closely monitoring developments in the Tigray region. People there are still recovering from the impact of the recent conflict and hosting more than half a million internally displaced people. We stress the critical importance of preserving the gains made under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and call for its full and sustained implementation as the foundation for lasting peace and stability in Ethiopia. Our colleagues warn that a relapse into conflict would have devastating humanitarian consequences, further undermining fragile recovery efforts and placing additional pressure on already vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, we, along with our humanitarian partners, continue to support the Government-led response.
**Somalia
As you have seen, in a statement issued yesterday, the Secretary-General strongly condemned yesterday’s attack in Somalia targeting a convoy carrying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud which resulted in casualties. He reaffirmed the UN’s full solidarity and support to the people and Government of Somalia in their fight against terrorism and in furthering efforts towards peace and stability.
**Ukraine
Turning to Ukraine, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that several people were killed and wounded in attacks today and yesterday in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyvi and Sumy. Scores of homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure were also damaged. This is according to authorities and aid workers on the ground. In the Sumy Region, two hospitals were damaged, forcing rescuers to evacuate numerous patients and health workers. Humanitarian organizations mobilized to support those impacted, including by providing materials to repair homes, hygiene items and other vital aid.
**UN Disengagement Observer Force
This morning, the Security Council held closed consultations on the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, briefed the Council members.
**Climate
Our colleagues from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) today released a report which says that human-induced climate change reached new heights in 2024, with some of the consequences being irreversible over hundreds if not thousands of years. The “State of the Climate” report confirmed that 2024 was likely the first calendar year to be more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era. This is the warmest year in the 175-year observational record.
The Secretary-General said that “our planet is issuing more distress signals — but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5°C is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen — seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies — with new National climate plans due this year.” The full report is online.
**Noon Briefing Guest
Tomorrow, we will be joined virtually from Damascus by Adam Abdelmoula, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria. He will brief on the situation in Syria.
**Financial Contributions
And last, we would like to say thank you to our friends in Tallinn and Chișinău for their full payments to the Regular Budget. The payments from Estonia and Moldova bring the number of fully paid-up Member States to 79. Yes. Edie and then Dezhi.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Farhan. A couple of follow-ups. First on the deaths of the UNOPS staffer. Can we get some details on how many people were in these guest houses? Were they all UN employees? Were they international, national staffers? And any more details on what hit that guest houses? Was it a drone? Was it a missile?
Deputy Spokesman: We're still trying to identify what caused that explosion. It was clearly an explosion. We do not know whether it was fired from land, from the sea, from the air. That part is unclear. It is clear that it was an explosive ordinance that was either dropped or fired at the infrastructure and detonated inside the building. And there was some earlier confusion about whether this was some sort of unexploded ordinance. It's clear that it was not unexploded ordinance. The other points in terms of details that I could provide: The premises that were hit today had also been damaged yesterday in strikes. And the location of the building had already been deconflicted with Israel Defense Forces. But, yesterday, there was damage to the premises and that what was happening is that the accommodation, a UNOPS accommodation, was hit at about 11:30 a.m., local time today, while people were trying to examine the damage from the previous night's incident. And as far as I'm aware, a number of the casualties are very serious. I confirmed one death, but there's at least one other person in very critical condition right now. Dezhi?
Question: A follow-up. When you read out this and when I saw the statement from UNOPS, they didn't really specify or confirm who is behind this? Like, from which party? Is it IDF? Is it Hamas? So you have no information?
Deputy Spokesman: I think it is too soon to determine. Like I said, the information we have is that this was an explosive ordinance that was either dropped into the building or fired at the building. It was not a mine or anything like that. It was some form of ordinance being dropped or fired, either by land, sea or air. So, it will need to be further investigated in terms of being able to determine responsibility.
Question: So, if you're talking about responsibility, how would you expect there would be the accountability to hold in such a circumstance? You don't even know who did this?
Deputy Spokesman: I think that will be clearer as it is investigated. I mean, obviously, there were people, including qualified people who can investigate this further. But, unfortunately, some of them are among the casualties, some of them are injured, and others are trying to work with determining whether their colleagues will live. So, there's a lot of confusion, but there are people who have this particular expertise who are available once the problems of the last few hours are dealt with.
Question: So, so sorry. So, let me make it clear. So far, it's too early to say who did this, right?
Deputy Spokesman: I don't want to get ahead of ourselves about that.
Question: Another question. Yesterday, I asked you whether UN will consider the ceasefire deal has been ended. Today, IDF started what they call limited ground operation in Gaza. What's the reaction from the Secretary-General on the latest development?
Deputy Spokesman: The Secretary-General has made it very clear, and you saw the statements he's put out on this, that he wants a return to the ceasefire.
Question: Is that a violation of ceasefire to you?
Deputy Spokesman: Any conflict does not go in conformity with the cessation of hostilities. Gabriel?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. Do you know when we can get the name of the person that was killed?
Deputy Spokesman: Unfortunately, the practice about this, where we unfortunately are too well versed in how this works — and the person's national Government and the person's family members, next of kin will have to be informed. Later on, I assume that there will be some information provided. I also think if you're in touch with the UN Office for Project Services, they will probably provide information when they can.
Question: Thanks, Farhan. And there are two, you said two UN guest houses. People might not know exactly, what that is? Are those UN offices, or are they homes, or can you explain it?
Deputy Spokesman: They’re accommodations for people who are working, and in this case, you know, people who are from outside coming into Gaza to do work.
Question: And are those normally identified with the UN logo or the UN premises?
Deputy Spokesman: I believe so. But, the basic point is that those sides were specifically deconflicted with Israel Defense Forces.
Question: And so just to clarify that, Israel has the GPS coordinates of all UN homes or offices in Gaza?
Deputy Spokesman: They have all of the information they need, so that those sites are deconflicted — in other words, spared from any attack. Abdelhamid, and then we'll go to Volodymyr. Yeah, and then and then Stefano.
Question: The first question, Farhan. Following your briefing, what happened in Gaza and what's happening in the West Bank, is there any other name to what has happened than that Israel is attempting to completely obliterate the Palestinian people as a whole?
Deputy Spokesman: That's the sort of analysis that I leave it to journalists to provide. What we're doing is providing as many facts as we can. What's your other question?
Question: My second question, the statement issued by Ms. Gamba, Ms. Bleeker, they put it in the title, alarmed by escalation of violence in Gaza. Is that escalation violence only? Violence? Is that what you call with Israeli attack with that massive power, and you call it violence?
Deputy Spokesman: Abdelhamid, with respect, you are free as a reporter to use whatever words you wish to use, just as the professional diplomats at the United Nations are free to use the words that they use. Okay. Volodymyr?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. We could see that Russia has rejected President [Donald J.] Trump's proposal for an immediate full ceasefire in Ukraine and instead put forward some sort of childish demands that Ukraine cannot defend itself, which contradicts the UN Charter provision on self-defence. How would you react to this [Vladimir V.] Putin's conditions?
Deputy Spokesman: I think I'll leave my answer at where I put it yesterday, in terms of welcoming the fact that there is dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation on these issues. Obviously, there are certain things, such as the need to protect the safety of shipping and the Black Sea that are in conformity with some of the Secretary-General's aims. But his overall aims, as you are well aware, is for a peace in line with the United Nations Charter, with the principles of territorial integrity, and with the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Stefano?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. In Istanbul, the mayor of Istanbul has been arrested. His name is Ekrem Imamoglu and about a hundred people being arrested. Do you have any reaction about this? Because there are some concern that this is a political motivated arrest.
Deputy Spokesman: All I can say is that, from the information we have, we certainly hope that the normal rules for due process will be followed and that this will go in accordance with the laws of Türkiye.
Question: And then another question. I don't know, if it was asked before, I mean, the days before, but there is any reaction from the UN, what's happening with the closing of — here in this country — of Voice of America and Radio Liberty? I mean, they had that very important function. There been a reaction from the UN or not?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, we certainly want all the voices of journalists to be able to express all of their various viewpoints. In terms of the decision-making behind this on the part of the US Government, you know, I wouldn't get involved into that, but we want to make sure that, however it is achieved, that diversity of journalistic voices can continue to operate. Edie?
Question: Thank you, Farhan. A couple of follow-ups. First, you said that the guest houses were for basically people who don't live in Gaza. So, can we assume that those who were there and were hurt and were either non-Palestinian or foreigners?
Deputy Spokesman: I wouldn't want to make too much of an assumption about all of the people who were involved in this particular incident, whether they were national or international. I do believe that the person who has died so far is an international staff member.
Question: And you said that there was a team investigating what happened the day before at the guest houses today. Can we assume that at least some of those team, that team were hurt?
Deputy Spokesman: Yes. That is the case.
Question: And on a completely different subject — on Mr. Khiari's briefing to the Council on UNDOF, can we get a little more substantive readout about what he told the Council about the situation on the Israeli-Syrian border, where UNDOF is?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, it was in consultations, but, certainly, it's in line with the reporting that the Secretary-General has been providing, including on the work being done by UNDOF. And so it has to do in recent months with the violations of UNDOF's area of separation by the various groups. Gabriel and then Amelie.
Question: Thanks, Farhan. Just a quick one. Just to follow-up on Gaza. So, your assessment that this was an attack specifically and not an accident, correct?
Deputy Spokesman: I think it's early enough that I do not want to speculate on what the reasoning is for what happened. As it is right now, we're trying to make sure, first, we have the clear details about what it was that happened before we go on further to understand why it happened the way it did. I would also refer you to the fact that UNOPS has put out remarks on this, including by their Executive Director, and I would refer you to what he said. Amelie?
Question: Yes. Hi. Faran. Sorry for my connection issues. I hope I didn't miss much. Just a follow-up on Gaza. You mentioned one UNOPS dead and five injured, including one seriously injured. But, there was reports earlier about the second person dead, not directly working, as a UN staff. Do you confirm the second death?
Deputy Spokesman: I do not. That… Although the information I have has been somewhat upsetting, that person is still for now alive. Inshallah, I hope that person will continue to live. Although, right now, the situation has been very difficult in recent hours. And with that, I wish you all a good afternoon.