"EMERGENCY RELIEF"

A top UN official said that in Ukraine, “intensifying Russian attacks on the country’s energy facilities, amidst heavy snow and freezing temperatures, are worsening the dire humanitarian conditions across the country.” UNIFEED

Secretary-General António Guterres said the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) “demonstrates its unique and irreplaceable role by getting funding quickly to people in crisis,” and called for “more donors to step up and expand the donor base.” UNIFEED

Humanitarian Chief Martin Griffiths called for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza for an “indefinite period” in order to “facilitate an unimpeded humanitarian response” and to “give the people of Gaza a breather upon the terrible things that have been put on them on these last few weeks.” He also called “without conditions” for the release of all hostages. UNIFEED

Wrapping up a visit to four countries in southern and eastern Africa ahead of COP 28, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya stressed the United Nations’ commitment to standing with the people and Governments of the region as the climate crisis drives humanitarian needs ever higher. OCHA

In response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the latest escalation with Israel, the UN’s top emergency relief official unveiled a 10-point plan on Wednesday “to rein in the carnage” there. UNTV CH

The UN’s top emergency relief official on Wednesday condemned reported raids on Gaza’s embattled Al-Shifa hospital by the Israeli military, highlighting the need for humanitarian pauses to help deliver lifesaving support to civilians. UNTV CH

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a funding appeal for its programme to respond to the effects of the current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) on the Palestinian labour market. ILO

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said, “what we've seen unfold over the last 26 days in Israel and in the occupied territories is nothing short of what I think I would call a blight on our collective conscience.” UNIFEED

A top UN humanitarian official said, “while much of the international attention is rightly concentrated on the grave events in the Middle East, it is important that we do not lose focus on other crises, particularly the war in Ukraine, which continues to inflict unimaginable levels of suffering.” UNIFEED