UN News Today 24 September 2025 |

Ukraine: Guterres warns of mounting civilian toll, calls to stop attacks

The war in Ukraine has entered one of its deadliest phases yet, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, warning that relentless bombardment is killing civilians in their homes, schools and hospitals.

The UN chief said recent months have seen some of the highest casualties since Russia’s full-scale invasion began:

“The past months have seen some of the highest numbers of civilian casualties since the war began. Overall, more than 14,000 civilians – including hundreds of children – have been killed in Ukraine. Over 36,000 civilians have been injured. These are just the verified numbers. Civilians inside the Russian Federation are also increasingly being affected. Let me be clear: attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law. They must stop now.”

Mr. Guterres called for scaled-up humanitarian support, warning that strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid risk plunging millions into darkness and cold for a fourth winter at war.

Sudan: UN mission urges protection after mosque strike kills dozens in El Fasher

In Sudan, UN investigators have condemned a drone strike that hit a mosque in El Fasher during morning prayers last Friday, reportedly killing at least 75 worshippers, including children.

The attack, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which are besieging the city, also damaged nearby homes.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan said the assault shows “blatant disregard” for international law and warned of grave risks to civilians trapped in the besieged city.

The Mission stressed that places of worship must be sanctuaries, not targets, and urged immediate measures to protect civilians and safeguard Sudan’s cultural and religious heritage.

Last week, Secretary-General António Guterres voiced alarm at the deteriorating situation in El Fasher, where the RSF has tightened its siege for more than 500 days. He called for an immediate halt to the fighting, safe passage for civilians wishing to leave, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces has raged since April 2023, killing thousands and displacing millions. UN officials stress that such attacks may amount to war crimes.

Gaza: UN agencies warn of escalating attacks, mass displacement and famine

In Gaza, UN agencies are warning that civilians are facing escalating attacks, more mass displacement and worsening hunger.

The UN human rights office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OHCHR) says Israel’s military tactics in Gaza City — including strikes on homes and schools — are “inflicting terror” and forcing people to flee.

OCHA, the UN humanitarian affairs office, reports that more than 20,000 people moved south in a single day this week, raising the total displaced since mid-August to more than 320,000.

At the same time, health services are collapsing. A key clinic run by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society was destroyed, injuring staff and cutting off trauma, cancer and mental health care for hundreds of patients.

And the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, says famine conditions have taken hold across Gaza, with more than half a million people starving and 390 deaths confirmed, including 140 children.

Women and girls are particularly at risk, facing unsafe childbirth and rising gender-based violence as essential services disappear. UNFPA is appealing for urgent funding to keep maternity and protection programmes running.

Katy Dartford, UN News