The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) recorded approximately 670 projectile movements on Wednesday, marking the highest number since hostilities paused on April 17. UNIFIL also observed increased Israeli military activity, including ground and air operations north of the Litani River. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged all parties to adhere to the cessation of hostilities, emphasizing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected and condemning the loss of civilian lives.
The renewed violence has triggered new waves of displacement, with evacuation orders affecting hundreds of thousands south of the Zahrani River. Collective shelters in Tyre and Saida are reportedly at full capacity. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that families are being forced to flee under “intolerable” conditions.
Israel Cuts Ties with UN Chief Amid Sexual Violence Report Allegations
The UN Spokesperson affirmed that the UN remains open to dialogue with Israel, despite the nation’s decision to “sever all ties” with the Secretary-General’s office. The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced this action in response to Israel’s reported inclusion on a list of state and non-state actors implicated in sexual violence in conflict within the UN chief’s forthcoming annual report to the Security Council. Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon characterized the inclusion, alongside Hamas militants, as a “new low.” The Foreign Ministry described the annex listing as “shameful and absurd,” alleging institutionalized hostility towards Israel by the UN.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric declined to comment on the specific contents of the report but stressed that the Secretary-General’s office remains accessible to all member states. He highlighted the significance of engagement, stating, “I think engaging is always a better solution than disengagement.”
Haiti’s Internal Displacement Crisis Worsens
Internal displacement in Haiti continues to escalate, with nearly 1.5 million people uprooted nationwide as of May. Since December 2025, violence has displaced an additional 95,000 individuals, including over 300,000 in the Port-au-Prince area due to armed clashes in Cité Soleil. Fighting in the Artibonite department is also contributing to displacement, with nearly 80 percent of those forced from their homes now residing outside the capital. The UN migration agency (IOM) reports that while over 165,000 have returned to their communities, conditions remain too unstable for sustainable reintegration.
A majority of displaced families are living with host communities or in precarious situations, placing a strain on limited resources. Urgent needs include food, shelter, healthcare, water, and sanitation. Humanitarian partners are continuing to provide assistance despite ongoing insecurity, access challenges, and funding shortfalls. The $880 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti has only secured 23 percent of its required funding.
UN Experts Raise Concerns Over Severe Prison Overcrowding in France
Independent UN experts focused on torture prevention have urged France to urgently address severe prison overcrowding, cautioning that conditions in some facilities may amount to inhuman or degrading treatment under international law. The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture concluded its inaugural visit to France after inspecting 18 places of detention between May 17 and 23.
“Prison overcrowding is one of the most pressing challenges observed during this visit,” stated Suzanne Jabbour, head of the delegation, adding that it “directly undermines the fundamental rights of prisoners.” The experts called for structural and sustainable reforms and the establishment of a formal mechanism to follow up on recommendations from France’s national prison monitoring body. Jabbour emphasized that “recommendations only matter if they lead to action,” and without state commitment, torture prevention remains unattainable. The Subcommittee will submit a confidential report detailing its findings and recommendations to France and will encourage its public release.
