Following a US-Iran agreement announced Sunday, a noticeable reduction in violence has been observed across the Middle East and Gulf region, marking an end to over three months of conflict and the broader threat of war. The UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, which has been stationed in Southern Lebanon for nearly 50 years, has been deployed amidst escalating clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in March.
Decrease in Violations Observed
UN Spokesperson Dujarric reported that the mission recorded 38 violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli forces on Monday, a significant drop from the 83 recorded the previous day. The number of projectiles fired also saw a substantial decrease, falling from 705 to 174 during this period. Of these projectiles, 169 were fired by Israeli forces and 5 by Hezbollah. UNIFIL continues to monitor Israel’s ground activities, including armored vehicle movements and logistical and engineering operations within the mission area.
Humanitarian organizations have noted the cautious return of some displaced families to their communities following the announcement of the US-Iran deal. According to Lebanese authorities, the number of displaced individuals in collective shelters decreased from approximately 134,000 on Friday to 124,000. Additionally, around 2,700 people in the South Governorate reportedly left collective shelters on Monday. Dujarric expressed uncertainty regarding whether these movements represent temporary returns to assess homes and properties or more long-term relocations. “While violence has decreased since Sunday, incidents continue to be reported in southern Lebanon, which directly impacts people’s ability to check on their homes or move around,” he stated, adding that the presence of unexploded ordnance remains a serious concern. The spokesperson reiterated the UN’s call for the protection of civilians and emphasized that returns should be safe, voluntary, informed, and supported by sustainable humanitarian access and assistance for those in need.
Fuel Shortage Cripples Essential Services in Gaza
Humanitarian organizations continue to respond to urgent and emerging needs across the Gaza Strip, but a shortage of fuel, oil, and spare parts is severely restricting essential services, according to a warning from the UN humanitarian agency OCHA. The dwindling supply negatively impacts water production, distribution, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management. However, prioritized fuel allocations have allowed for the continuation of limited operations. Aid partners are intensifying efforts to combat an increase in harmful insect infestations. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is managing pesticide application efforts, while UNICEF and UNRWA are supporting the public through awareness campaigns and community safety measures. In the first two weeks of June, food assistance, including food parcels, high-energy biscuits, and flour, reached approximately 420,000 people, meeting about 75% of the minimum daily calorie requirement.
Meanwhile, efforts to support livelihoods are ongoing. Over 2,200 shepherds received livestock fodder in early June, and more than 1,000 farmers have received conditional cash assistance since late March to help restart crop production across Gaza. Despite ongoing support, humanitarian partners have stressed the immense scale of needs, reiterating calls for sustained access, adequate fuel supply, and increased funding to scale up life-saving assistance.
Rising Debt Costs Squeeze Development Funds: New UN Report
Increasing borrowing costs are leaving many developing countries with less money to invest in schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and climate action, according to a new report released Tuesday by the UN trade body UNCTAD. The report reveals that rising interest payments have reduced the fiscal space for development in 99 developing countries, home to 5.5 billion people, between 2018 and 2024. It highlights how higher external borrowing costs, shorter repayment periods, and persistent risk premiums are increasing pressure on public finances. Key findings from the report include: Developing countries received significantly less external financing in 2024 compared to developed countries. External sources accounted for 11% of investment financing in developing economies, versus 38% in advanced economies. External financing flows to developing countries decreased by 18% between 2014 and 2024, while domestic financing increased by 60%. Africa received only 10% of the total external outflows to developing countries, despite comprising 22% of the developing world’s population, while Asia and the Pacific accounted for over 70%.
As developing countries continue to pay significantly more for external financing than advanced economies, UNCTAD calls for national reforms and stronger international action to reduce financing costs and expand the scale and access of affordable, long-term finance.
