World News in Brief: UN humanitarian chief visits South Sudan, shelter fire risks in Gaza, West Bank violence

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator arrived in South Sudan on Friday to visit one of the most under-reported humanitarian crises in the world, as clashes between government and opposition forces continue in Jonglei state. 

Tom Fletcher will focus on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the world’s youngest country and escalating protection risks for both civilians and aid workers. 

On arrival, he headed directly to Malakal in Upper Nile state, meeting with local communities, their leaders, and returnees. He heard firsthand about their needs and the challenges they face amid the ongoing war in neighbouring Sudan. 

Raising awareness 

Mr. Fletcher is scheduled to travel to Jonglei, where a recent flare-up in conflict has further intensified humanitarian needs, displacing roughly 280,000 people, according to authorities. 

He will also use the five-day mission to South Sudan to draw international attention to the worsening humanitarian situation.  

“Throughout the visit, the humanitarian chief will meet with local responders on the frontline,” UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said during his regular briefing in New York.                     

 “He will advocate for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, reiterate our urgent calls for support to the humanitarian response and call for coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes of the crisis.” 

UN News

People navigate a makeshift refugee camp in Gaza.

Gaza: Fire risks mount in shelters 

Humanitarians continue to highlight the need for adequate housing solutions in Gaza, where displaced Palestinian families are still living in overcrowded shelters which pose severe fire risks as well as health risks. 

“Families cook, sleep and store their belongings in small spaces where they also use open fire,” the UN aid coordination office OCHA said, noting that partners have recorded at least 12 fires in shelters since November.  

Over a 10-day period this month, humanitarians provided shelters to 85 families in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis whose shelters were damaged by a fire in Gaza City. 

Aid missions blocked 

Meanwhile, in many areas within the Gaza Strip, humanitarian movements still require coordination with Israeli authorities.  

OCHA said that out of 67 movements coordinated between 12 and 19 February, 43 were approved and nine were denied outright.  

Eight missions were approved but faced impediments although six were fully accomplished, while organizers cancelled seven others for operational or security reasons.  [Were these among the 43 above? If so, how about “Eight of the approved missions faced…”] 

Humanitarian partners coordinated the entry of fuel, medical supplies, animal fodder and hygiene kits, the agency said.  

Teams also facilitated the medical evacuation of patients through two border crossings – the Rafah corridor with Egypt and Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem with Israel.  

West Bank: Guterres calls for probe into killing of Palestinian-American man 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the killing of a Palestinian-American man in the West Bank this week. 

Nasrallah Abu Siam, 19, was shot and beaten in an attack by Israeli settlers in the village of Mukhmas on Wednesday and succumbed to his wounds later that day.  

Three other Palestinians were shot and injured in the same attack.  

“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim,” UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in New York. 

He noted that the family includes journalist Abdelhamid Siam, a member of the press corps at UN Headquarters, and extended condolences to him and the entire family. 

The Secretary-General called for a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable. 

He also urged the Government of Israel to take concrete steps to halt and prevent all acts of violence by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian population, in line with its obligations as the occupying power. 

Violence and attacks continue  

Humanitarians warned of the continued violence and other coercive practices by Israeli forces and settler communities in the West Bank, which have resulted in casualties, destruction of property, and forced displacement.   

Between 3 and 16 February, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians, the UN aid coordination office OCHA reported. This brings the total number this year to nine, including two children.  

Palestinian forces also killed a Palestinian boy in Tammoun while attempting to arrest his father. 

“During the same period, at least 86 Israeli settler attacks were recorded, during which over 60 Palestinians were injured, and some 146 people were displaced,” OCHA said. People in 60 communities also were impacted by the attacks.   

Since January 2023, some 880 Palestinian families – over 4,700 people – have been displaced across the West Bank due to settler attacks and access restrictions.