SG; Middle East; Iraq

SG: The SG met with Israeli President Peres in Jerusalem today to encourage dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Speaking to the press with President Peres, he again underlined the need to stop violence and begin dialogue that addresses the root causes of the conflict.  Also in Israel, the SG met with US Secretary of State Kerry to jointly call for a ceasefire. The SG then travelled to Jordan where he spoke with King Abdullah before travelling to Saudi Arabia to continue his efforts toward obtaining a ceasefire.

Middle East: Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Gaza, High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay noted that 74% of those killed so far have been civilians and urged all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law. The session concluded with the adoption of a resolution agreeing to launch an international inquiry into violations that may have been committed during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza (the resolution passed with 29 in favor, 1 against and 17 abstentions).  Meanwhile, yesterday at the Security Council Jordan circulated a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops for consideration. Despite FAA’s ban on US planes flying to or from Israel, former NY Mayor Bloomberg flew to Tel Aviv today to demonstrate “it is safe to fly in and out of Israel.”

Iraq: The SRSG for Iraq briefed the SC today to relay the SG’s latest report demanding that ISIS cease all hostilities and calling on Member States to enforce sanctions and hold all perpetrators accountable.

WFP:WFP began airlifting food for 50,000 displaced people in Syria yesterday as road deliveries have been blocked. Flights to the area will continue for one month to deliver food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance.

Afghanistan: The UN convened in Afghanistan today to discuss best practices during the last six days of auditing in order to strengthen the audit of the presidential run-off election. WHO also completed a post-disaster measles vaccination campaign in the regions affected by flooding earlier this year—320,000 children in five provinces have been vaccinated.

Nigeria: The SG stated that he stands in solidarity with those taking part in vigils today to remember the schoolgirls abducted from their school 100 days ago. The SG continues to call for their immediate release and an end to violence against girls who wish to gain an education.

CERF: Today Valerie Amos announced the allocation of $75 million from CERF to support relief operations in two of the world’s most neglected regions: the West African Sahel and Horn of Africa.

South Sudan:UNMISS reported continued fighting between armed youths and SPLA troops this morning in Nassir. The SG appointed Ellen Margrethe Løj of Denmark as the new Head of the Mission in South Sudan.

Somalia: The SRSG for Somalia condemned the assassination of female Member of the Somali Federal Parliament, Saado Ali Warsame, and expressed concern for the targeting of Somali women engaged in public life.

CAR: Peace talks in Brazzaville were suspended yesterday after the former Seleka rebels failed to attend the second day of the session.