Latest news with #StephanieTremblay
Malaysiakini
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
UN: Israeli strikes displace over 737k in Gaza since March
The United Nations (UN) said yesterday that more than 737,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip since an escalation of Israeli attacks in March, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis facing the population, Anadolu Ajansi reported. Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay reported at a news conference that "between July 8 and 15, more than 11,500 people were newly displaced"....
Days of Palestine
5 days ago
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
UN: Over 737,000 Displaced in Gaza Since March
DaysofPal – The United Nations said Thursday that more than 737,000 people have been displaced in Gaza since the latest wave of Israeli attacks began in March, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis across the Strip. Quoting figures from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told reporters that over 11,500 people were newly displaced between July 8 and July 15. 'This brings the total number of displaced since March 18 to more than 737,000 — about 35% of Gaza's population,' she said. 'And over the past 21 months, nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced — most of them multiple times.' Tremblay noted that Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours hit locations sheltering displaced civilians, resulting in casualties and further exacerbating the situation. While humanitarian needs continue to soar, she said that only minimal aid is making it into Gaza. She welcomed the first delivery of benzene in over 135 days as 'a small but significant step,' given its importance for operating ambulances and essential services — but stressed that 'it's not enough.' Tremblay also addressed an Israeli airstrike on Gaza's Holy Family Church, condemning the attack on a house of worship that had been serving as a shelter. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she said, 'strongly condemns today's reports of an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, a place of worship and a sanctuary for civilians.' 'Attacks on religious sites are unacceptable,' she added. 'People seeking refuge must be protected — not targeted.' She once again reiterated the UN's call for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to respect civilian life and allow unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. In response to a question from Anadolu about reports that Israel has transferred administrative control of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to a settler council, Tremblay said the UN had not reviewed the report but emphasized: 'We always call for the protection of all religious sites.' Earlier this week, Israeli media reported that Tel Aviv had removed the Hebron municipality's authority over the mosque — also known as the Tomb of the Patriarchs — and handed it to a settler-run body. The mosque, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recent move marks the most significant change to its status since 1994, when the site was divided under the recommendations of the Shamgar Commission, following the massacre of 29 Palestinian worshippers by extremist settler Baruch Goldstein. Currently, 63% of the site is allocated to Jewish worshippers and 37% to Muslims. The mosque lies in Hebron's Old City, in an area under full Israeli military control, where around 400 settlers live under the protection of 1,500 Israeli soldiers. Shortlink for this post:
Malaysiakini
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
UN: Israeli strikes displace over 737k in Gaza since March
The United Nations (UN) said yesterday that more than 737,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip since an escalation of Israeli attacks in March, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis facing the population, Anadolu Ajansi reported. Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay reported at a news conference that "between July 8 and 15, more than 11,500 people were newly displaced"....
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Violence Spurs Displacement In Syria, Israeli Forces Cross The Blue Line In Lebanon, Mall Fire Kills Dozens In Iraq
17 July 2025 As of Thursday, nearly 2,000 families have been displaced from violence-affected areas in Sweida governate and are currently sheltering in a dozen collective sites. Many are unable to return home due to damage, looting or destruction of their homes. The health systems in Sweida and neighbouring Dar'a governorate remain under critical strain, operating without power and facing severe supply shortages. Reports also suggest that at least two doctors were killed in the recent clashes, and some armed groups have occupied health facilities, putting patients and staff at risk. Mobilisation amid constrained access The UN and its partners are mobilising humanitarian assistance as security allows and working with authorities to facilitate access. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched 35 trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions, but many remain undelivered because of constrained access. 'We urge all parties to protect people caught up in the violence, including by allowing them to move freely to seek safety and medical assistance,' said Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stephanie Tremblay at Thursday's daily press briefing in New York. She also stressed that security forces must respect applicable international law, norms and standards throughout their operations. Lebanon: UN peacekeepers observe unauthorised Israeli activities Ms. Tremblay also reported that peacekeepers at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue to observe Israeli military activities in its area of operations. On 16 July, Israeli soldiers crossed north of the Blue Line to conduct military exercises. UNIFIL peacekeepers have also heard several explosions, including one on 17 July near the Mission Headquarters in Naqoura. The 'blue helmets' have additionally discovered unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches at one site, rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar rounds and ammunition boxes. Commitment to Lebanon In response to recent observations the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, met with the Lebanese Army's South Litani Sector Commander Brigadier General Nicolas Tabet in Tyre on 17 July. 'Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert and General Abagnara underlined our commitment to supporting the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, including strengthening State authority and helping restore stability in southern Lebanon,' Ms. Tremblay said. As part of UNIFIL's support, peacekeepers trained with Lebanese Armed Forces personnel in Tyre on 16 July, enhancing the operational competency of the Lebanese Army personnel. Fire in Iraqi shopping mall The United Nations has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a tragic fire in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut on Wednesday. According to news reports, the fire tore through the shopping centre – which opened only a week ago – leaving at least 61 people dead. 'We express our strong solidarity with the people of Wasit Governorate in this profound loss,' Ms. Tremblay said. She also emphasised that the UN and its partners are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to help mitigate the tragedy's impact.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Guterres Deplores Israeli Strike On Gaza Church
17 July 2025 Three people were killed and at least 10 others were injured in the bombing of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, according to media reports. Stephanie Tremblay, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General, noted that the church was both a place of worship and a sanctuary for civilians. 'Attacks on places of worship are unacceptable. People seeking shelter must be respected and protected, not hit by strikes,' she said during the daily media briefing from New York. 'Too many lives have already been lost,' she added, before stressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Strikes continue amid widespread displacement Meanwhile, Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours have hit sites hosting displaced Palestinians, some of whom were injured and killed. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 11,500 people in Gaza were newly displaced between 8-15 July. Overall, more than 737,000 people have been uprooted since the latest escalation of hostilities on 18 March, or roughly 35 per cent of the population Furthermore, nearly everyone in Gaza has been displaced, in many cases multiple times, since the war began in October 2023. Ms. Tremblay reminded journalists that most housing in Gaza is flattened or otherwise unhabitable and families are staying in the open because the UN has not been allowed to bring in tents and other shelter materials since early March. Mediterranean swimming ban She also highlighted a 'worrying development' as humanitarians report that many displaced people are wary of bathing in the Mediterranean Sea after Israeli reinstated a ban prohibiting swimming and fishing. 'OCHA says that for many, the sea has been their only option to wash, as there is barely any functioning water infrastructure and almost no fuel to pump water, a much-needed outlet in the hot weather in Gaza,' she explained. More fuel needed Humanitarians also continue to report that the amount of fuel Israel is allowing into Gaza is still nowhere enough to keep life-saving services operating and shutdowns are a real risk. Ms. Tremblay mentioned 'a small but important step' that occurred on Thursday, as the UN was finally allowed to bring in some benzene – used to power ambulances and other critical services - for the first time in more than 135 days. 'That's in addition to the limited amounts of diesel allowed over the past week. But it's not enough,' she said. 'We are calling for more fuel – both benzene and diesel – to come in regularly. And the ban on shelter materials needs to be lifted immediately. Lives depend on both.'
