Category: English

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 24, 2025 Peace and security

The "Championship of Hope" football tournament concluded in the Gaza Strip. The tournament, organized by the Palestinian Football Association for amputees, aims to support the amputees and confirm their right to participate in official sporting events.

"We are participating in this championship to restore hope to the people after two years of war against our people," said Ali Abu Armana, the project coordinator. "We were supposed to be in Jakarta at this time, representing Palestine in the West Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Costa Rica, but the border crossing closure and the fighting deprived us of that opportunity."

The tournament organisers aim to help thousands affected by the war since the ceasefire was declared in October.

"We remain committed to football and the cause of Gaza's revival," said national team player Abdullah Abu Mukhaimer. "New names will emerge today, as the latest war in Gaza left nearly 60,000 people amputated. We will continue and hope the authorities will pay attention to football."

Farah Youssef, who lost a leg, shared her experience: "I strive to play sports to regain some of my former physical abilities and relive pre-war memories. My message is simple: don't give up, keep going! Despite the injury and the amputation, keep going!"

According to the tournament organizers, the "Championship of Hope" is intended to become a symbol of resilience and the will to live, as well as a sign that sport remains a powerful tool for recovery and unification, even in times of war.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 24, 2025 Peace and security

The world is changing at a "radical pace": technology is advancing rapidly, climate chaos is intensifying, and inequality is growing. These were the words with which the UN Secretary-General opened his speech at the 7th annual African Union-European Union summit in Luanda, Angola.

Expanding the Role of the Global South

The UN chief emphasized that a multipolar world does not in itself guarantee stability: "Today's multipolarity, to be successful, also requires multilateral institutions and multilateral dynamics," Guterres said.

He noted that the partnership between the African Union and the European Union could become the "axis of a new multipolar world" capable of correcting historical mistakes and expanding the participation of countries of the Global South in decision-making on the international stage.

The Secretary-General spoke of the need to reform the global financial architecture. He said the current system is "unfair and inefficient" and "favors rich countries." He called for radical changes, including reducing the debt burden of developing countries.

Africa is rich in renewable energy

Guterres noted that Africa is rich in solar and wind energy, as well as minerals, the demand for which is expected to triple by 2030. He emphasized the need to move away from the old model of commodity exploitation.

"With the right preparation and funding, the renewable energy revolution can expand opportunities for all of Africa," the UN chief said.

Peace and security

He paid special attention to issues of peace and security. The Secretary-General called the war against Ukraine "the most terrible conflict in Europe" in decades, leading to civilian suffering and serious disruption to the global economy.

"In Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo, countless people are experiencing bloodshed and pain," Guterres said.

He reiterated the need to grant African countries permanent membership in the UN Security Council and called for funding for African Union-led peacekeeping operations.

The Secretary-General also recalled that 40 percent of UN members are EU and AU countries, meaning that these two regional powers are capable of becoming the engine of global stability.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 24, 2025 Peace and security

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Monday, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov said the ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect last month, was "generally holding," but the situation remained fragile and under serious threat.

He said recent Israeli airstrikes on densely populated areas had led to numerous victims and destruction, while Palestinian armed groups continue to carry out sporadic attacks on Israeli troops, which also lead to human losses.

"This violence threatens the fragile ceasefire. All parties must exercise maximum restraint and fully comply with their obligations," Alakbarov emphasized.

The Deputy Special Coordinator noted the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United States, as well as the positive role played by the recent adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2803 (2025).

Return of hostages and search for missing persons

Alakbarov noted that the ceasefire brought relief to residents on both sides. Several families in Israel were reunited with relatives previously held in Gaza. Others received the bodies of the dead.

However, the bodies of three hostages have still not been returned, and their families are "living in excruciating uncertainty." A UN representative called for the immediate return of the remains.

He also reported meeting with relatives of missing Gazans, whose fate remains unclear: many may be under rubble or in detention facilities.

Destruction on a catastrophic scale

Alakbarov again warned that, despite the decrease in fighting, the situation in Gaza remains extremely dire. Nearly 80 percent of buildings in the enclave are damaged or destroyed, and many of the 1.7 million displaced people are living in overcrowded shelters without adequate access to water, food, or medical care. The delivery of tents, blankets, and other items is delayed, which is especially alarming as winter approaches.

© UNICEF/M.Nathil

The speaker reported that of the 214,000 tons of humanitarian aid prepared for delivery, only about 24,000 tons had been delivered to Gaza. He called on Israel to expand crossing capacity and expedite the screening of humanitarian aid, as well as to resume NGO registration.

The UN continues to work closely with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre to deliver aid in accordance with humanitarian principles. This collaboration has resulted in increased delivery volumes. Alakbarov also cited the restoration of fiber-optic internet in Gaza as a positive sign.

"The destruction in Gaza—physical, economic, and social—is catastrophic. We cannot limit ourselves to simply meeting immediate material needs. Psychosocial support, restoring social cohesion, and addressing justice are equally important. People need to regain their sense of dignity and hope," he emphasized.

Escalation of violence in the West Bank

Alakbarov expressed deep concern about the sharp increase in violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He stated that settlement expansion continues, and Israeli military operations are causing death and destruction. September saw a record number of settler attacks, with up to eight incidents per day.

The attackers destroy trees, attack Palestinian farmers, set fire to property, and desecrate holy sites. In several cases, he noted, Israeli forces failed to prevent the attacks or were involved in them.

The Deputy Special Coordinator also condemned terrorist attacks by Palestinian groups, stressing the need to bring all perpetrators to justice.

Economic sustainability of Palestine

Alakbarov emphasized that a viable Palestinian economy is key to the recovery of Gaza and stability in the region. He called for an end to unilateral measures that undermine the Palestinian Authority and for an urgent resolution to the crisis in the banking sector.

Concluding his speech, he stated that lasting peace is only possible with a political process leading to a just resolution of the conflict. This requires ending the illegal occupation and implementing the two-state solution.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.