Gulf Tensions, Lebanon Fear, Sahel Hunger Spark UN Warning

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reported overnight clashes between the United States and Iran, including claims that Iran targeted Kuwait and Bahrain.

Reports say an Iranian drone and missile attack struck Kuwait’s international airport, killing at least one person and injuring several others. The attack also led to flight delays, suspensions, and diversions.

Calls for restraint

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is urging all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation that could harm ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.

Guterres also strongly condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, saying international law strictly prohibits targeting civilians. He called for the protection of civilians and supported continued mediation efforts, including those led by Pakistan.

Fear and uncertainty in Lebanon

In Lebanon, civilians continue to live in fear amid ongoing clashes in the south between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

UNICEF says there is “total uncertainty” in the country. According to UN officials, around 200,000 people have been displaced from southern Beirut’s suburbs after evacuation orders issued on 1 June.

Footage from Monday showed long lines of vehicles leaving the area as people fled expected strikes on Hezbollah positions.

The crisis has left deep psychological effects, with around 770,000 children reportedly highly distressed due to repeated exposure to violence and displacement.

UNICEF warned that many children are suffering from fear, nightmares, sleeplessness, and emotional trauma, and may face long-term mental health challenges without proper support.

24 million in urgent need across the Sahel

In Africa’s Sahel region, more than 24 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The crisis includes mothers unable to feed their children and children who have been out of school for years.

Violence across the central Sahel, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is driving the situation, with instability spreading into coastal West Africa.

OCHA says armed groups have expanded their reach, displacing communities, shutting down schools and health facilities, and leaving large areas without basic services.