Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas are expected today in Paris. North Korea has launched several cruise missiles. The South Korean army announced it. Iran has launched three military satellites into space
Middle East, storm over UNRWA. Israel: “Out of Gaza after the war”
10:32
UN: UNHCR “Stop the Frost” campaign begins
UNHCR’s new fundraising and awareness campaign “Stop the Frost” kicks off, aimed at protecting and supporting 4.7 million refugees and displaced people living in extreme conditions, without adequate shelter or support, in eight countries devastated by the war, including Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine. For millions of people fleeing conflict and violence, winter represents not only a period of intense cold, but a tangible danger that threatens the lives of tens of thousands of families. From 28 January to 18 February 2024 it will be possible to support the UNHCR campaign by sending a text message or calling the number 45588 from a landline to guarantee interventions such as repairs and thermal insulation of emergency accommodation and the supply of essential goods to protect against frost.
10:20
Germany also suspends its funding to UNRWA
Germany announced in the evening the suspension of funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) until the issue of the possible involvement of some of its employees in the October 7 attack is resolved. “Until this is clarified, Germany, in agreement with other donor countries, will not temporarily give its approval for new resources for UNRWA in Gaza”, announced the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Development, specifying that “for the at the moment there are no pending commitments”.
Rome, a thousand at the pro-Palestine demonstration: “A genocide is taking place in Gaza”
10:15
UN appeal: guarantee the continuity of UNRWA
The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has asked states to “guarantee the continuity” of the Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, after many funding was blocked due to accusations leveled against some members of the organization being involved in the September 7 raids on Israel. “While I understand their concerns, and I too was horrified by these accusations – Guterres said in a statement -, I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their funding to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA operations”.
Tents for displaced Palestinians flooded in Rafah