UN warns of civilian harm in Lebanon, says Gaza needs far more aid to meet urgent needs

Farhan, speaking at a United Nations press briefing, said UNIFIL has reported extensive Israeli Defense Forces activity across its area of operations and observed drone activity reportedly conducted by Hezbollah. He said an UNIFIL convoy was temporarily blocked and that recent Israeli-issued displacement orders called on civilians to evacuate at least 1,000 meters, forcing tens of thousands to flee parts of southern Lebanon since the ceasefire.

The briefing emphasized protection concerns for civilians and health workers. "We underscore that UNIFIL must be able to carry out its mandate without obstruction and that freedom of movement for peacekeepers must be fully respected at all times," Farhan said, and added that attacks affecting medical crews are "particularly alarming." He reported that an ambulance team was struck in Majd Al Salim, resulting in the death of one paramedic and the injury of another.

On Gaza, Farhan said OCHA and partners collected more than 300 pallets of medicines and medical equipment, three truckloads of fodder to support local food production and nearly 450 pallets of hygiene, clothing and ready-to-use food and education supplies. Partners installed 27 specialized tents across five sites to serve as classrooms and completed light rehabilitation of 12 damaged classrooms in Der Albala, enabling about 1,500 students to access improved learning environments.

Farhan warned the scale of need in Gaza remains large. "To put that in context, partners remind us that 93% of school buildings across Gaza need major rehabilitation or reconstruction," he said, and noted that more materials and equipment must be allowed into the territory to meet the need. He also reported that partners provided mental health and psychosocial support to more than 14,000 people last week and that of roughly 2,000 people who have returned to Gaza so far, about 15% have been identified as requiring follow-up support.

The UN called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians and ensure sustained humanitarian access. The briefing did not announce new unilateral operational changes or a timeline for expanded delivery; officials said further progress depends on access and security developments.