Middle East; Iraq; Afghanistan

Middle East: The SG condemned yesterday’s shelling outside of an UNRWA school in Rafah that killed at least 10 Palestinian civilians. The SG stated that the attack violated international humanitarian law and UN shelters must continue to be safe zones and not combat zones. UN Humanitarian officials also expressed concern over the unfolding health disaster in Gaza as the region’s medical facilities are on the verge of collapse due to the three weeks of conflict. OCHA reported that 1,777 Palestinians and 66 Israelis have been killed. Despite Israel’s proposed seven-hour ceasefire for today, Hamas did not agree and the international community continues to call for a ceasefire as parties met in Cairo over the weekend to discuss terms of agreement.

Iraq: The SG expressed alarm over Islamic State forces taking over Sinjar and Tal Afar districts in Iraq. The SRSG for Iraq reported 200,000 displaced civilians in need of food, water, and shelter. The SG called on the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to work together to address the security needs of the country. UNAMI and OCHA continue to work with humanitarian partners to provide supplies to meet the needs of those displaced.

Afghanistan: The audit process for Afghanistan’s Presidential election run-off results continues as the UN called for the full commitment of parties to complete the process without further interruption. An airlift operation was launched to collect ballot boxes in Kabul for auditing under domestic and international observers, UN advisors and media.

Libya: UNSMIL welcomed the meeting of the Council of Representatives as it provides the necessary steps to safeguard the security, safety, unity, and sovereignty of Libya to provide an environment of inclusive political dialogue. UNSMIL continues to condemn the violence in Tripoli and Benghazi and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Ebola: WHO and West African leaders continue to call for contributions from the international community for the $100 million response plan to fight the spread of Ebola as reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 887 out of 1,603 cases. WHO Chief Margaret Chan announced that WHO will convene an Emergency Committee meeting on August 6-7 to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern.” The two US aid workers infected with the virus are to be treated at Emory University Hospital in Georgia.

Africa Summit: Leaders from across the African continent convene this week in D.C. for the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit . The Summit focuses on investment in up-and-coming economies in Africa as well as democracy-building, education and health care. Ambassador Power spoke at the Summit today regarding the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a “new, modern, multilateral network that brings civil society together as an equal partner with government.”

South Asia: OCHA reported that over 100 people were killed by a landslide in India. The Government of India is working to clear debris and recover bodies and OCHA’s Asia Pacific regional office is in close contact with Indian authorities. Heavy South Asian rains caused another landslide in Nepal on Saturday with an expected death toll of 150. The Resident Coordinator is working with humanitarian agencies to prepare a response.