TurkishJournal – By Seda Karakaya and Suraya Yavuz
During today’s press briefing at the United Nations Headquarters, the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson primarily addressed issues concerning Iran, Gaza, and Lim-Pende Prefecture in the Central African Republic. The briefing served as a platform to inform the international community about ongoing developments and UN initiatives, offering insights into the Secretary-General’s viewpoints.
Key points highlighted discussions on humanitarian crises, peacekeeping endeavors, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving global conflicts. The spokesperson stressed the UN’s dedication to fostering dialogue, promoting peace, and providing aid to crisis-affected regions.
The briefing began with strong condemnation from the Secretary-General regarding the attacks on a memorial ceremony in Karmen City, Iran, resulting in over 100 fatalities and numerous injuries. The Secretary-General called for accountability for those responsible and extended condolences to the affected families and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“The Secretary General strongly condemns the attack today on the memorial ceremony in Iran’s Kerman city which reportedly killed more than 100 hundred people and injured many more. The Secretary-General calls for those responsible to be held accountable. The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the people and government of Iran and wishes the injured a speedy recovery”.
The spokesperson further provided updates, indicating the presence of the UN Humanitarian Team in Iran and detailing efforts and statistics from Gaza, highlighting issues such as displaced populations, infectious diseases, lack of hygiene, and the UN’s assistance measures.
Touching upon the recent airstrike on Gaza conducted by the Israel Defence Forces and drawing attention to the fact that five people were killed including a 5-day-old baby, who were sheltering at the EL Amal City Hospital the Spokesperson noted that they are continuing to call for humanitarian ceasefire. She also added that after the strike a team from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and World Health Organization visited the hospital in Khan Younis and that more and more people are in dire need of help:
“Some 14000 internally displaced people were sheltering at the hospital when it was hit. The recent mass displacement across southern Gaza is fuelling disease outbreaks. More than 400.000 cases of infectious diseases have been reported since October 7th. Humanitarian partners continue to address the lack of hygiene and safe drinking water. Since October some 1.4 million people have been reached at least once with some water and sanitation assistance. Nearly 140 sanitation units have also been installed or rehabilitated at shelters for internally displaced people.
Nearly 140 sanitation units have been installed by the UN. Rehabilitated at shelters for internally displaced people and the UN humanitarian partners’ are also providing healthcare at shelters with the help of 150 Medical Teams and they continue to expand access to Primary Health Care Services by increasing the number of medical points serving internally displaced people as fewer than half of the 325 designated shelters to have them.”
Concerning the violent attack in Lim-Pende, Central African Republic, two weeks prior, which claimed the lives of 23 civilians, urgent needs for shelter, food, and medicine were emphasized. The UN’s initial mission involved a visit to express solidarity with the affected area in collaboration with Central African forces.
Lastly, the spokesperson mentioned an upcoming briefing on the global economy, focusing on its outlook and the importance of global cooperation and sound policies for sustainable development goals.
During the Q&A session, the spokesperson faced probing questions predominantly concerning Gaza and the Middle East, which she evaded or answered vaguely. When directly asked about Israel’s Finance Minister’s remarks on encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza, she firmly expressed opposition to forced displacement and advocated for safety and security for all civilians.
Regarding the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief’s suggestion for the international community to impose a solution to Israel’s conflict with Gaza, the spokesperson reiterated the UN’s stance on measures leading to a two-state solution, emphasizing peace and humanity.
She encountered further questions on various topics, responding with uncertainties or promises to follow up later. One specific question regarding the impact of a resolution on Gaza adopted on the 22nd was avoided with a general overview of the ongoing challenges in providing humanitarian aid.
A challenging question came from Abdelhamid Siyam, prompting discomfort as he queried the UN’s stance on a potential violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The spokesperson refrained from directly acknowledging any violation, expressing concern about potential regional escalation instead.
Some of the questions by the media and the answers provided by the Associate Spokesperson were:
Israel’s Finance Minister today reiterated his encouragement to Palestinians to leave Gaza. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on this call?
As a principle, we are against this displacement. That needs to be made very clear. The aim should be for civilians to be safe in Gaza and we are not advocating for mass displacement of the Palestinians out of Gaza. They should be safe in their homes. Every person has a right to be protected. So far 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. They have a right to return.
EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Joseph Borell said that the international community must impose a solution to Israel’s war on Gaza since both sides Are unable to do it themselves. Does the SG agree with the concept that it should be imposed?
We are able to impose very few things. So, we will continue calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.
What has been the practical impact in terms of humanitarian relief for Gaza? Has there been any at all?
The situation is still extremely challenging. This has gone from not being able to deliver the aid to having multiple crises now on the ground. The situation is not improving. Aid is still extremely hard to deliver and this is why we continue to call for humanitarian ceasefire.
Do you see the Israeli attack on targets in Lebanon as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty? And if so, did any UN official condemn the violation of Lebanese sovereignty?
We are concerned about the potential for escalation in the region. We have urged the actors to exercise maximum restraint.
Why don’t Karim Han, Ramila Patel, and Virginia Gamba say anything about what is going on in Gaza?
Just because our officials are not publicly saying things does not mean that they are not working behind the scenes and that they are not communicating on the ground. On our end, we have been very vocal. We work as a whole.
As the briefing concluded, the spokesperson reiterated the UN’s active engagement behind the scenes and stressed the collective voice of the organization, despite not all officials publicly commenting on certain matters.
