Continued strikes, shelling, and gunfire in residential areas of Gaza have raised serious concerns over civilian safety, according to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA. The warning follows reports that children were killed in northern Gaza after a civilian tent shelter was struck. The agency reiterated that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times. Despite the ongoing insecurity, humanitarian partners are continuing to deliver food assistance, including to hard-to-reach areas. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that as of Monday, aid groups were serving meals and producing approximately 230 metric tons of bread daily through a network of more than 120 kitchens, bakeries, and community ovens.
In the occupied West Bank, the situation is also worsening, with rising reports of settler-related violence, including attacks on schools. According to the UN, a child was reportedly killed near Ramallah when a school came under fire, while another school serving around 60 children was demolished in the Jordan Valley and 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. The UN human rights office, OHCHR, described these incidents as part of a growing pattern of unchecked violence by a militarized settler movement operating with state protection. In a separate incident east of Ramallah, 25-year-old Odeh Awawdeh was shot and killed after settlers entered Deir Dibwan village. Israeli security forces reportedly raided the area and detained 30 Palestinian men, while Israeli media reported that several settlers were also questioned. The UN warned that a lack of accountability for such attacks continues to fuel instability in the region.
Meanwhile, judges at the International Criminal Court have confirmed all charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, committing him to trial on charges of crimes against humanity. The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I found substantial grounds to believe that Duterte is responsible for murder and attempted murder under Article 7 of the Rome Statute. The alleged crimes took place between November 2011 and March 2019 as part of a widespread and systematic campaign during the country’s anti-drug operations. The decision was based on evidence presented during hearings in February, along with submissions from both the prosecution and defence and statements from victims. The case will now move to a Trial Chamber, which will determine the next steps and timeline. Under ICC rules, Duterte is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair and public trial. Judges have authorized 539 victims to participate in the proceedings, with legal representatives appointed to present their interests.
In Yemen, the United Nations continues efforts to secure the release of 73 of its staff members who have been arbitrarily detained by Houthi de facto authorities, also known as Ansar Allah, amid years of civil conflict. Some detainees have reportedly been held for years. Stéphane Dujarric noted that a senior UN official recently visited Oman as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Muin Shreim held meetings in Muscat with Ansar Allah representative Mohammed Abdulsalam, Omani officials, and several ambassadors. This follows a prior visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions were held with senior officials in Riyadh, including Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad Al-Alimi and representatives of UN Security Council permanent members. The detained UN personnel are being held alongside staff from NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions. The UN has reiterated its call for their immediate and unconditional release, stressing that such detentions hinder humanitarian work and limit access to essential assistance for millions of Yemenis in need.
