Senior UN officials on Friday called for urgent aid to victims of Israeli bombings in Lebanon and emphasized the safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz.
During a surprise visit to Lebanon, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced a three-month appeal for 308.3 million U.S. dollars to support victims of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for Guterres.
The appeal is aimed at reaching up to 1 million people, including vulnerable Lebanese, displaced Syrians, Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees from Syria, and migrants. The secretary-general urged both parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire to halt the ongoing civilian suffering.
Guterres met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during the visit.
Separately, Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, issued an urgent call for the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any disruption would push up the cost of food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies, severely affecting the most vulnerable populations.
Earlier this week, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) described the Strait of Hormuz as a “vital passage for global trade,” noting that ship transits had nearly halted. Fuel costs are surging, driving up shipping expenses across supply chains, UNCTAD said.
Fletcher highlighted that without reliable humanitarian supply routes, millions could lose access to essential assistance, including food and medicine, in regions such as East and sub-Saharan Africa, where famine risks are high.
Dujarric also noted that closure of the strait could trigger a significant spike in fertilizer prices, which could impact agriculture alongside energy markets.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that, in the past 24 hours, all but one requested humanitarian movement through the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing into Gaza were denied.
“As a result, the United Nations has been able to collect fuel, but no other supplies,” OCHA said. Items blocked include nearly 50 intensive care unit beds and 170 pallets of medicines, preventing critical support from reaching those in urgent need.