World News in Brief: UN urges restraint as Gulf tensions rise, fear and uncertainty in Lebanon, hunger grows in the Sahel
An Iranian drone and missile attack reportedly targeted Kuwait’s international airport killing at least one person and wounded several others, also causing flight suspensions and diversions. Attacks condemned“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any further escalation that risk to undermine the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be fully respected” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.He stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.The Secretary-General condemned all attacks on civilian infrastructure and reiterated that international humanitarian law prohibits targeting civilian objects. Mr. Guterres urged all sides to protect civilians and reaffirmed support for mediation efforts, including those led by Pakistan, calling for constructive engagement in diplomacy.
Fear and uncertainty haunt war-torn communities in LebanonCommunities continue to live in fear in Lebanon, amid ongoing clashes in the south of the country between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli military. In an update from Beirut, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, explained that “total uncertainty” reigns. “In Beruit alone, an estimated 200,000 people were displaced from the southern suburbs following the evacuation order issued by the Israeli Defense Forces on 1 June,” said Stéphane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson.On Monday, videos showed thousands of vehicles queuing to leave the capital’s southern suburbs, following warnings of impending Israeli strikes against Hezbollah strongholds. Scared to stayThe crisis remains unresolved, with people too scared to stay in the Hezbollah stronghold of southern Beirut. Beyond the immediate impact of bombs and airstrikes, the agency says that an estimated 770,000 children in Lebanon are highly distressed from repeated exposure to violence, loss and displacement. “Children and caregivers report symptoms linked to traumatic stress and grief, including extreme fear and worry, nightmares, sleeplessness and feelings of hopelessness,” UNICEF warned. Without adequate mental health and psychosocial support in safe and secure settings, affected children remain at serious risk of developing chronic or lifelong mental health issues.24 million people in the Sahel urgently need aid
