World News in Brief: Civilians at risk in Gaza and West Bank, Duterte to go on trial in ICC, Yemen detainees update

The concerns follow reports that children were killed in northern Gaza after a tent sheltering civilians was hit in a strike. OCHA reiterated that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure “must be protected at all times.”

Despite the insecurity, humanitarian partners continue to deliver food assistance, including in hard-to-reach areas, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

As of Monday, aid groups were serving meals and producing around 230 metric tons of bread daily through a network of more than 120 kitchens, bakeries and community ovens, he added.

Settler violence in West Bank continues to rise

In the occupied West Bank, the situation is also deteriorating.

The UN received reports of rising settler-related violence, including attacks on schools, Mr. Dujarric said. In one incident near Ramallah, a child was reportedly killed when a school came under fire, while another school serving around 60 children was demolished in the Jordan Valley and in the Hebron area.

On April 21, 14-year-old Aws Hamdi Naasan and 35-year-old Jihad Abu Naiem were killed during an attack by Israeli settlers in Al Mughayyir village. 

UN rights office, OHCHR. described the incidents as part of a “growing pattern of unchecked violence” by a militarized settler movement that operates with State shielding.

In a separate attack east of Ramallah, 25-year-old Odeh Awawdeh was shot and killed after settlers entered the village of Deir Dibwan. 

Israeli security forces reportedly raided the town and detained 30 Palestinian men during the clashes, while Israeli media indicated several settlers were also held for questioning. 

The UN warned that the lack of accountability for such attacks continues to fuel instability across the territory.

ICC confirms charges against former Philippine President Duterte

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and committed him to trial charged with crimes against humanity.

In its decision, Pre-Trial Chamber I found “substantial grounds to believe” that Mr. Duterte is responsible for murder and attempted murder under Article 7 of the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty.

The alleged crimes were committed between November 2011 and March 2019 as part of a “widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population” during the country’s anti-drug campaign.

Hundreds of victims to give evidence

The judges based their ruling on evidence presented during hearings in February, as well as submissions from both the prosecution and defence, and victims’ statements.

The case will now be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will determine the next procedural steps and set a timeline.

Under ICC rules, the accused is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair and public trial.

Judges have authorised 539 victims to participate in the case, with legal representatives appointed to present their interests.

UN continues to call for release of detained staff in Yemen

The United Nations continues to work to secure the release of 73 of its staff members in Yemen who have been arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities who control much of the country following years of civil conflict, also known as Ansar Allah.

Some of these personnel have been held for years, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric recalled during a briefing on Thursday to journalists in New York.

He said the senior official leading regional engagement on arbitrary detention was in Oman on Tuesday as part of the UN’s ongoing efforts on the issue.

Muin Shreim held meetings in the capital, Muscat, with Ansar Allah’s Mohammed Abdulsalam, and with Omani officials as well as a number of ambassadors.

Unconditional release

This follows a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with senior officials in Riyadh including the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, and ambassadors representing the UN Security Council’s permanent members.   

The UN staff are being detained alongside personnel from non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, and Mr. Dujarric once again reiterated the UN’s call for their immediate and unconditional release.

“We and our humanitarian partners should never be targeted or detained while carrying out our mandates for the benefit of the people we serve,” he said, noting that “these detentions directly affect millions of Yemenis in need, limiting their access to critical assistance.”