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News Feeds
Tom McDermott
- Trump Peace Plan Stalled — Two months after the ceasefire, Trump's 20-point plan remains unimplemented with no country committing troops to the proposed international stabilization force. CENTCOM will hold coordination meetings December 16, while plans for a "Board of Peace" have been postponed until early 2026 as Hamas rebuilds its presence.
- Winter Floods Devastate Camps — Heavy rains flooded thousands of tents with an 18-month-old baby dying from exposure as nearly 795,000 displaced people face disease threats from floodwaters mixing with sewage, while Israel maintains severe restrictions on flood mitigation materials.
- UN General Assembly UNRWA Vote — The General Assembly backed a resolution demanding Israel allow unrestricted humanitarian access following the ICJ's October advisory opinion, while Reuters reports the US is considering sanctioning UNRWA.
- Iraq Mission Closure — UN Secretary-General Guterres marked the end of UNAMI in Baghdad after 22 years, with Prime Minister Sudani calling it "the beginning of a new chapter" after Iraq reached "full self-reliance."
- Insurgency Crisis — Islamic State-linked jihadists displaced over 100,000 people in November alone—70,000 of them children—with many fleeing alone after losing parents and arriving traumatized after walking up to six days.
- Rwanda-M23 Offensive — The US accused Rwanda of violating last week's Washington peace agreement after M23 captured Uvira, killing over 400 civilians and displacing 200,000, with Ambassador Waltz warning Rwanda is "leading the region towards increased instability."
- Funding Crisis — Secretary-General Guterres warned the UN faces a "race to bankruptcy" with only 66.2% of 2025 assessments collected, $760 million in arrears threatening to deplete 10% of the 2026 budget, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights $90 million short after cutting 300 jobs.
- US-EU Gaza Rift — Washington and European capitals are fundamentally divided over Gaza stabilization, with Resolution 2803 authorizing a US-backed force while Europeans emphasize humanitarian law.
- Save the Children Withdrawal — Save the Children International will withdraw from UN Country-based Pooled Funds by 2027 to redirect money to local organizations, which currently receive only 8% of humanitarian funding compared to 18% for international NGOs.
- Nicholas Haan Obituary — Nicholas Haan, creator of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system that transformed global famine detection and guides billions in humanitarian funding, died December 2 at age 60.
Myanmar
Hospital airstrike kills dozens - A Myanmar military airstrike late Wednesday killed at least 31 people and wounded 68 at Mrauk U General Hospital in Rakhine state, with the 300-bed facility overflowing with patients as most healthcare services across Rakhine have been suspended. UN human rights chief Volker Türk said such attacks may amount to a war crime.
Sudan
US weapons firm partners with UAE genocide supplier - American defense contractor Anduril announced a joint venture with UAE state-owned EDGE Group, despite EDGE subsidiaries supplying weapons to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces accused of genocide in Darfur. Human Rights Watch documented EDGE armored vehicles and drone technology used by RSF forces responsible for massacres that killed an estimated 60,000 in El Fasher alone.
UNHCR
Former Iraqi president to lead refugee agency - UN Secretary-General António Guterres recommended Barham Salih, Iraq's president from 2018 to 2022, to succeed Filippo Grandi as UN High Commissioner for Refugees when Grandi's term expires December 31. Salih would become the first non-Western head of the Geneva-based agency in nearly half a century, amid a year when UNHCR slashed its 2026 budget by nearly 20 percent.
Mozambique
Islamic State insurgents displace 100,000 - Jihadist attacks in northern Mozambique displaced over 100,000 people in November, including 70,000 children, as Islamic State-linked militants beheaded civilians and burned villages. Many children lost parents and fled alone, sometimes walking five to six days to reach help.
Morocco
UNICEF highlights detention challenges for migrant children - Morocco faces complex child justice challenges regarding detention of children in conflict with the law and unaccompanied migrant children. While Moroccan law prioritizes non-custodial alternatives, child protection centers remain overcrowded with some operating as de facto detention facilities.
Rwanda/DRC
US accuses Rwanda of fueling Congo war - The United States accused Rwanda of leading the region toward increased instability as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. US Ambassador Mike Waltz told the Security Council that roughly 5,000 to 7,000 Rwandan defense forces are fighting alongside M23.
Gaza
Maternal health system decimated - Gaza's health system for mothers and newborns has been decimated by Israeli attacks that destroyed 94 percent of hospitals, driving maternal deaths and miscarriages to three times pre-war levels by late 2024. The UN human rights office reported 1,722 healthcare workers killed as of September 2025.
United Nations
Sweden withdraws resolution to avoid abortion vote - Sweden's ambassador withdrew a UN humanitarian assistance resolution Wednesday to prevent a vote on pro-life amendments proposed by the Trump administration that would have excluded abortion as a right. US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta warned the US would continue opposing such language in future resolutions.
Thursday, 11 December 2025
USA
- US votes 'No" - On 10 December the US delegation voted against a resolution on protection of humanitarian and UN personnel, as well as a resolution on strengthening coordination of humanitarian operations. resolutions December 10, calling them "performative" exercises wasting UN resources and citing what they called "radical gender ideology" and terming references to climate change, sexual and reproductive health, and sustainable development goals as a "globalist wish list."
- US considers terrorism sanctions on UNRWA - Options discussed include designating UNRWA a "foreign terrorist organization," which would severely isolate the agency financially. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused UNRWA in October of becoming "a subsidiary of Hamas." State Department official called UNRWA "a corrupt organization with a proven track record of aiding and abetting terrorists" but said no final decisions made.
- UN rejects Israeli claim of "new Gaza border– UN rejected December 10 remarks by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir claiming "yellow line in Gaza represents new border," emphasizing that the UN doesn't recognize any change to territory's internationally accepted boundaries.
- Gaza's Ministry of Health reported three killed and five wounded in past 24 hours, bringing the death toll since October 2023 to 70,369 with 171,069 injured. Teenage boy Zahir Nasser Shamia from Jabalia refugee camp fatally shot by Israeli forces then run over by tank near yellow line.
- Gaza officials reject US humanitarian aid claims – Gaza's Government Media Office rejected December 11 US envoy Mike Waltz's claim that 600 trucks daily entering Gaza since October ceasefire deal, saying no more than 234 trucks per day arrived. Officials said Israel blocking dozens of essential items including basic food, medical supplies and spare parts from entering enclave.
- Infant dies from cold as winter storms flood Gaza camps** – Another infant died from hypothermia in Khan Younis as winter storms battered displacement camps. Civil Defence fielded over 2,500 distress calls in 24 hours from families in waterlogged shelters, and flooding turning into "lakes of mud and sewage."
New fighting in eastern DRC kills 70+, displaces 200,000 – OCHA reported the situation in South Kivu province deteriorated sharply. M23 members entered key city of Uvira December 10. WFP suspended operations across South Kivu, cutting 25,000 from food support. At least 32 schools in Uvira halted classes to shelter displaced families, leaving over 12,000 children without often-only hot daily meal. Nearly 25,000 crossed into Burundi between December 5-8; additional arrivals reported in Rwanda.
Russell launches 2026 appeal citing 34 emergencies – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell launched the 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal December 10 following visits to South Sudan and Sudan.
Australia's Age Verification
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
US threatens ICC sanctions over Trump prosecution – Trump administration demands International Criminal Court amend Rome Statute to guarantee immunity from prosecution for Trump and top officials. Washington also threatens to sanction court if other demands not met, including dropping investigations of Israeli leaders over Gaza war and formally ending Afghanistan probe. US already sanctioned nine ICC officials including judges and prosecutors. Administration official cites "growing concern" ICC will target president, vice president and secretary of war in 2029. Any Rome Statute amendment would require two-thirds approval of 125 member states.
MOZAMBIQUE
Northern Mozambique crisis escalates – Spreading violence and massive displacement in Cabo Delgado province threaten hundreds of thousands amid a funding collapse. Humanitarian organizations warn of deteriorating conditions and call for urgent international action to address the escalating emergency.
LEBANON
UNIFIL marks ceasefire anniversary – One year after the November 27, 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement, UNIFIL reports facilitating Lebanese Armed Forces redeployment to 130 positions, clearing 330 roadblocks, and implementing 450 community projects. Israeli forces remain in five locations inside Lebanese territory despite the agreement, with over 7,800 air violations recorded. UNIFIL facilitated nearly 1,000 humanitarian missions to southern Lebanon.
GAZA
Global order unraveling – The International Court of Justice found Israel in severe violation of international humanitarian law in Gaza, ordering withdrawal within a year. Despite ICJ genocide proceedings and near-unanimous General Assembly support, Israel continues actions resulting in over 350 Palestinian deaths since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire. Security Council Resolution 2803 endorses the Trump Plan, excluding Palestinian participation in shaping Gaza's political future.
UN INNOVATION
Innovation study released – UN System Staff College publishes case study examining innovation efforts across the United Nations. While innovation has been applied to engage external stakeholders, evidence suggests limited embrace as driver of internal reform. Study calls for leadership to shift innovation from dedicated units to practical application across the system for building adaptive, resilient UN.
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
Sudan
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called for urgent action during her visit to Sudan, where 10 million people are displaced (half of them children) and 30 million require humanitarian assistance. Russell met survivors in Kassala including 16-year-old Nahed who escaped violence that killed her grandfather and uncle, and heard from a boy who fled Al Fasher after armed groups demanded money for safe passage. Fighting around Al Fasher has displaced over 106,000 since late October, with famine declared in parts of Darfur and Kordofan regions, while UNICEF reports more than 200 child reunifications and restored water access for hundreds of thousands despite severe access constraints. Click here for the article
Gaza
- Maternal malnutrition driving infant deaths – Underweight and premature babies are dying in Gaza's depleted hospitals as maternal malnutrition reaches crisis levels, with low birthweight infants surging from 5% pre-war to 15% daily (460 per month) in the three months before the ceasefire. UNICEF reports 165 children have died from malnutrition-related causes during the war, while 8,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women were treated for acute malnutrition in October alone in a population where this condition was virtually nonexistent before October 2023. Israeli access denials averaged nearly seven humanitarian workers blocked daily over seven weeks, with OCHA citing persistent impediments including security issues, customs delays and limited transport routes. Click here for the article
- Allenby crossing to reopen – Israel will reopen the Allenby crossing between Jordan and the West Bank on Wednesday under US pressure, allowing transit of goods and aid between Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza. The crossing was closed in September after a Jordanian truck driver delivering aid to Gaza shot and killed two Israeli soldiers, with new security and screening procedures now implemented. Click here for the article
- Blair dropped from peace board – Arab and Muslim nations objected to former UK PM Tony Blair's involvement in Trump's Gaza "board of peace," leading to his quiet removal from consideration despite Trump previously calling him "a very good man." Blair had been canvassing for a prominent role in Gaza's interim administration through his institute's work with Jared Kushner, but his Iraq war legacy and lacklustre record as Quartet envoy undermined support. Click here for the article
- Israeli surveillance at US coordination base – Israeli operatives are conducting widespread surveillance of US forces and allies at the Civil-Military Coordination Center established to implement Trump's Gaza plan, prompting US commander Lt Gen Patrick Frank to demand recording stop. The CMCC brings together military planners from US, Israel, UK and UAE but comprehensively excludes Palestinians from discussions about Gaza's future. Click here for the article
- Israel claims that the 'yellow line' is "new border" – Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir declared the "yellow line" dividing Gaza under Trump's ceasefire plan is a "new border" for Israel, saying troops will hold positions controlling more than half of Gaza including most agricultural land. This appears to contradict the ceasefire agreement specifying Israel "will not occupy or annex Gaza," while over 2 million Palestinians remain crowded into a coastal zone smaller than Washington DC. Click here for the article
Women Journalists & Activists
Online abuse fuels real-world violence – UN Women reported that over two-thirds of women journalists, rights defenders and activists have experienced online violence, with more than 40% facing real-world attacks linked to digital abuse. The study published Tuesday highlights the dangerous connection between online harassment and physical violence targeting women working in journalism and activism. Click here for the article
Nigeria
Child stunting hits 32% in Ebonyi State – Child stunting rates climbed from 20.6% in 2015 to 25% in 2018 and now 32% in 2024. UNICEF Field Office Chief Juliet Chiluwe emphasized the supplements are vital during the first 1,000 days of a child's life for improving growth, immunity and brain development, with the intervention funded through the Child Nutrition Match Fund where UNICEF matched the state government's ₦150 million investment. Click here for the article
Children & Social media
Social media harms children's focus – A peer-reviewed study of 8,300 US children aged 10-14 found social media use damages concentration levels and may contribute to rising ADHD diagnoses, which increased from 9.5% in 2003-07 to 11.3% in 2020-22. Researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institute found children averaged 1.4 hours daily on social media, with usage steadily increasing from 30 minutes at age nine to 2.5 hours by age 13, while no link was found between ADHD symptoms and video games or TV watching. Click here for the article
DRC
Cholera Crisis - DRC battles worst cholera outbreak in 25 years. UNICEF reported that the country recorded 64,427 cholera cases and 1,888 deaths since January, with children accounting for 14,818 cases and 340 deaths. In one tragic case, 16 of 62 children in Kinshasa orphanage died within days as disease swept through facility. Seventeen of 26 provinces currently affected. Only 43 percent of Congolese have access to basic water services—lowest rate in Africa—and just 15 percent use basic sanitation. "Without additional funds and coordinated action, many more lives could be lost," said UNICEF DRC Representative John Agbor.
One year after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, residents trickle back to war-ravaged border towns with 60 percent of homes in Metula damaged by rocket fire. Israel continues striking southern Lebanon several times weekly targeting what it claims are Hezbollah sites, with at least 127 civilians killed since ceasefire including children. UN special rapporteur Morris Tidball-Binz said strikes amount to war crimes. Hezbollah refuses to disarm until Israel fully withdraws from Lebanese territory. Israeli officials say about 55,000 of 64,000 evacuated residents have returned, though many towns remain largely empty.
First direct Israel-Lebanon talks in 40 years — Israel and Lebanon held first direct public diplomatic talks in decades on December 3, with civilian envoys joining military officers on ceasefire monitoring committee along the Blue Line border. US-brokered meeting focused on economic cooperation in southern Lebanon reconstruction, with long-term vision to establish "Trump economic zone" along border.
Lebanese army arrests six after gunmen attack UN peacekeepers in south — The Lebanese army said six suspects have been detained after an attack by gunmen on a UN peacekeeping patrol in southern Lebanon as tensions rise ahead of a visit by a UN Security Council delegation.
Israeli police raid UNRWA East Jerusalem headquarters — Israeli police forcibly entered UNRWA's East Jerusalem compound in Sheikh Jarrah, seizing furniture and IT equipment while replacing UN flag with Israeli flag. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini condemned raid as "blatant disregard of Israel's obligation as UN Member State to protect & respect inviolability of UN premises." Compound has been inactive since Israel formally banned UNRWA from operating on its territory in January 2025. US Ambassador Mike Waltz reiterated the November statement that UNRWA will play no role in Gaza reconstruction, calling it "a subsidiary of Hamas."
UN cuts aid appeal by half amid funding crisis — The United Nations slashed its 2026 humanitarian appeal to $23 billion (with overall goal of $33 billion for 135 million people) after receiving only $12 billion of its $47 billion 2025 request—the lowest funding level in a decade. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the "highly prioritized appeal" based on "excruciating life-and-death choices" would help 87 million people in crisis zones but acknowledged 240 million need assistance. Fletcher noted "the world spent $2.7 trillion on defense last year—on guns and arms. And I'm asking for just over 1% of that." The 2026 plan includes $4.1 billion for Gaza, $2.9 billion for Sudan, and $2.8 billion for Syria's regional response.
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Gaza
- UN General Assembly extends UNRWA mandate— The General Assembly voted to renew UNRWA's mandate for Palestinian refugees by three years despite Israeli opposition. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini saluted the overwhelming vote, stating it reflects broad global solidarity with Palestine refugees as the agency continues operations serving millions across the Middle East.
- Gaza receives only 16% of agreed cooking gas supplies— Israel has permitted just 104 of 660 agreed gas trucks into Gaza since the ceasefire, leaving 2.4 million residents facing severe shortages. Only 252,000 of 470,000 registered households have received their allocated 8 kilograms of gas, threatening hospitals, bakeries, and homes as distribution cycles extend to three months due to systematic Israeli restrictions.
Yemen
UNICEF relocates main office from Sana'a to Aden— The UN Children's Fund announced the relocation of its primary Yemen office from Houthi-controlled Sana'a to the interim capital Aden. The move reflects growing challenges faced by international organizations in Houthi-held areas. Houthi authorities continue to hold at least 54 UN staff and have condemned 18 of them to death. Despite the shift of the country office to Aden and the security challenges in Houthi held areas, UNICEF emphasizes programs will continue nationwide.
Afghanistan
UN urges Taliban to lift ban on female aid workers— The UN calls for reversal of restrictions preventing Afghan women from working in humanitarian operations. The ban is now 3 months old and has extended to preventing any female workers from entering UN offices.
Lebanon
UN team assesses border monitoring options— United Nations personnel are examining mechanisms for monitoring Lebanon's border with Syria following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The assessment focuses on preventing weapons smuggling and ensuring compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as UNIFIL's mandate expires at the end of 2026, with Lebanese officials requesting a follow-up force.
Uganda MICS
Uganda launches first comprehensive child welfare survey— UNICEF and Uganda Bureau of Statistics unveiled a groundbreaking national survey examining child poverty, protection, health, and education outcomes across the country's 45 million population, nearly half under age 18. The $2 million Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey will collect household-by-household data on health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and disability to inform policy decisions affecting Uganda's 20 million children.
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