UN News Today 02 May 2025 |

Gaza: ‘Worst-case scenario’ unfolds as brutal aid blockade threatens mass starvation

Two months into Israel’s devastating aid blockade of Gaza food has run out and people are fighting over water amid relentless bombing, the UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, said on Friday.

Speaking from Gaza City, OCHA spokesperson Olga Cherevko told journalists in Geneva that since the enclave was in effect sealed off, the “worst-case scenario” is unfolding with supplies exhausted as the conflict rages on.

She noted that a “violent fight” for water was taking place downstairs as she spoke, with people throwing rocks and firing shots at a water truck pulling away.

She recounted a horrifying scene witnessed by a friend of hers in Gaza City:

“He said to me, I saw people burning a few days ago from the explosions and there was no water to save them. We’re ready to resume delivery at scale as soon as the crossings reopen. We stand by our pledge to remain principled and continue relieving people’s suffering, wherever they may be.”

Syria: UN rights investigators warning over worsening sectarian violence

The UN Human Rights Council-appointed team of investigators on Syria has warned that fresh violence in and around the capital Damascus is threatening the country’s already fragile peace.

More than 100 people have reportedly been killed in recent days during clashes with sectarian overtones, including in Suweyda governorate.

The independent investigators say the fighting, combined with ongoing Israeli airstrikes, raises the risk of further civilian harm and deepening fragmentation.

Hate speech and incitement on social media are fuelling tensions, with the Commission urging all sides to stop hostilities and commit to dialogue.

While a local agreement has reportedly been reached between Damascus authorities and community leaders, the interim government remains responsible for protecting civilians.

The Commission of Inquiry on Syria as it’s formally known, also called for credible investigations into alleged abuses, warning that impunity has long fuelled Syria’s conflict before the fall of the Assad regime last December.

Türk warns world not to look away from unbearable suffering in Myanmar

And finally, the UN human rights chief is urging the world not to forget the “unbearable suffering” of people in Myanmar.

Volker Türk issued a stark warning on Friday, condemning ongoing military attacks on civilians, despite a ceasefire declared after the devastating 28 March earthquake.

Since then, at least 243 attacks have reportedly taken place – including 171 airstrikes – killing over 200 civilians.

Most occurred after 2 April, when both the military and opposition forces announced unilateral ceasefires. The military’s renewed truce expired on 30 April and was largely ignored.

Mr. Türk called for a genuine, permanent nationwide ceasefire – and a return to civilian rule.

The earthquake left 3,800 people dead and 6.3 million in urgent need, compounding an already dire humanitarian crisis affecting nearly 20 million people.

Matt Wells, UN News 

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