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Week in Review 3 May 2025

Catch up on this week's must-read stories This week we finally got to interview the dynamic and outspoken head of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, Tom Fletcher. He's spent weeks in Afghanistan using all his diplomatic skills and careful reading of the crisis in international aid, to try and improve the lot of women and girls in particular. The conservation ranged from Marco Rubio to the dangers of aid sector burnout. It's a fascinating read and listen. We reported on the increasing desperation inside Gaza as mass starvation looms but we also featured some under-reported angles thanks to our unique newsgathering capabilities inside the Strip. Our correspondent there brought together three journalists who've got used to working under fire and risking all to tell the story. Earlier this week we highlighted the threat rodents and insect infestations represent as trash piles up and disease outbreaks take hold. Check out Tuesday's extensive live page on the Security Council's meeting on the Middle East for the wider story and in another exclusive interview we heard from a director of UNRWA – the relief agency for Palestine refugees now outlawed by Israel – on the existential threat to classroom studies in the occupied West Bank. Taking you inside the story of the deadly Myanmar earthquake, we heard from one UN analyst who was inside the country when the tremors began on how he rushed to do whatever he could to help survivors. This week the UN launched a new network to help survivors of terror attacks – and on a lighter note altogether, following on from an Arab-flavoured Jazz Day this year centred around Abu Dhabi, UNESCO announced it's heading back home next year to where the musical form arguably came of age in the mid 20th century – Chicago. Read all about it...

Gaza: 'Worst-case scenario' unfolds as brutal aid blockade threatens mass starvation Two months into a devastating aid blockade of Gaza food has run out and people are fighting over water amid relentless bombing, the UN's humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) said on Friday. Read more Peace and Security International aid: 'The money isn't coming back anytime soon', Fletcher warns UN relief chief Tom Fletcher warned on Thursday that the global aid system must undergo a "humanitarian reset", becoming significantly more efficient and exploring new sources of funding, as major donors – including the United States – sharply reduce their contributions. Read more Humanitarian Aid Reporters in Gaza bear witness and suffer tragic consequences "After losing my leg in the war, I returned to photojournalism not just for work, but because I have loved photography since childhood," said Palestinian reporter Sami Shahada. Read more Human Rights Plague of rats and insects provides latest challenge for war-shattered Gazans After suffering almost 18 months of deadly bombardment, displacement and lack of access to basic services, the embattled people of Gaza face yet another challenge: the threat of insects and rodents. Read more Peace and Security Journalism facing new threats from AI and censorship Countries must do everything to ensure that free and independent news reporting can thrive, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday in a message to mark World Press Freedom Day.  Read more Human Rights Anthrax outbreak compounds security crisis in eastern DR Congo An anthrax outbreak is compounding the worsening security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), driving up humanitarian needs and further limiting access to basic services. The escalating crisis is also widening critical gaps in healthcare and protection, amid a broader surge in infectious diseases. Read more Health Jazz takes centre stage in Chicago for 2026 Chicago has been named host city for the 2026 International Jazz Day festivities - coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the event and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Read more Culture and Education UNRWA warns against closure of six schools in East Jerusalem The education of 800 students in occupied East Jerusalem is at risk as Israel moves to close their schools next week, a senior official with the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Wednesday.  Read more Humanitarian Aid First Person: Myanmar aid workers brave conflict and harsh conditions to bring aid to earthquake victims In the aftermath of the huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, life-saving aid efforts led by the UN are being hampered by damaged infrastructure, ongoing armed conflict and global aid funding cuts. Read more Humanitarian Aid MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Guterres tells Security Council two-State solution 'near point of no return' The Security Council met on Tuesday on the situation in the Middle East, where Secretary-General António Guterres told ambassadors that irreversible action must be taken to finally put a two-State solution in place for Israel and Palestine. The discussions took place as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with reports from the UN Palestine refugee relief agency (UNRWA) that children are "going to bed starving" amid the two-month Israeli aid blockade and continuing bombardment. App users can follow coverage here. Read more Peace and Security Ukraine: Ceasefire a critical first step on the road to durable peace The UN political affairs chief underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in Ukraine in a briefing to the Security Council on Tuesday.  Read more Peace and Security UN launches network to support victims and survivors of terrorism A new UN initiative aims to drive collective action to support the rights and needs of people everywhere whose lives have been upended by the continuing threat posed by terrorism.  Read more Peace and Security One in four female genital mutilation cases now carried out by health workers Female genital mutilation (FGM) is becoming less common worldwide, but when it does occur, it is increasingly performed by professional healthcare workers, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday. Read more Women Gaza: UN official warns of 'assault on dignity' as blockade cripples humanitarian response The coming days in Gaza are set to be critical, the UN warned on Saturday, as humanitarian operations are severely curtailed amid an intensifying blockade, escalating violence, and soaring humanitarian needs. Read more Humanitarian Aid

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