United Nations

UNRWA aims to open office in Turkey within weeks, Lazzarini says

UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillipe Lazzarini announced that the agency has signed an agreement with the Turkish government to establish the office.

Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, attends a meeting of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, at Oslo City Hall in Oslo, Norway, January 15, 2025.
 US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 5, 2025.

US to withdraw from 66 international organizations deemed 'contrary to US interests'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar meets with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi in first diplomatic visit to Somaliland on January 6, 2026.

African Union calls on Israel to revoke Somaliland recognition amid Sa'ar visit

NOBEL PEACE Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks during a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, a day after the award ceremony, in Oslo, Norway December 11, 2025.

Machado says she is heading back to Venezuela as Trump moves to shape post-Maduro transition


Yemen’s southern upheaval creates new risks, opportunities for Israel - opinion

Territorial shifts in southern Yemen may help Israel counter the Houthis or deepen regional instability.

The South Yemen flag flies as soldiers from the Southern Transitional Council stand guard outside the compound of the Presidential Palace in Aden, Yemen, December 9, 2025.

Cuba is the next domino after Maduro’s fall - opinion

Cuba survives on foreign power; its fate may now be in US hands.

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is escorted, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan. in New York City, US, January 5, 2026.

'Watch out for your soldiers': New banner in Tehran's Palestine Square threatens Israeli, US troops

Last week, US President Donald Trump declared that the United States was "locked and loaded and ready to go" if Iran killed any more protestors, in a post on Truth Social.

Billboard displayed in Tehran's Palestine Square threatening Israeli and US soldiersa, January 4, 2026.

Prof. Halperin-Kaddari: Oct. 7 exposed failure to address sexual violence

Halperin Kaddari, who served 12 years on the UN committee known as CEDAW, said she expected immediate condemnation after reports of sexual violence emerged.

Prof. Halperin Kaddari: Oct. 7 exposed failure to address sexual violence.

Myanmar to free over 6,000 prisoners in Independence Day amnesty amid general election

The junta also reduced sentences by one-sixth nationwide, excluding those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, terrorism, corruption, and arms- or drug-related offenses.

Police officers stand guard at a polling station inside a school ahead of a general election, in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, Myanmar, December 27, 2025.

Somaliland chose peace, the world chose to look away - opinion

In a region scarred by war, one society chose reconciliation. Why does global diplomacy ignore Somaliland?

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

UN, world leaders dismayed by US Venezuela op. and capture of Maduro, label it 'dangerous precedent

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres decried the strikes on Venezuela as a “dangerous precedent," while Argentinian President Javier Milei celebrated the "excellent news."

A man walks past a mural showing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, after US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the US has struck Venezuela and captured Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela January 3, 2026

Somaliland denies trading recognition with Israel for accepting Gazans

Last week, Israel became the first country to recognize the independence of Somaliland, angering international powers who bemoaned the move at the United Nations Security Council.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

'Outrageous and illegal' : UNRWA slams Israel for cutting off its water, comms and electric in Gaza

Israel enacted a law disconnecting UNRWA facilities from utilities and services, while the UN agency warned the move violates international obligations.

 A Palestinian man waits outside of the UNRWA headquarters building in Gaza City on April 6, 2013.

Israel steps in to defend Somaliland recognition move at UN amid concerns over Gaza motives

"It is not a hostile step toward Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity,” said Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Israel makes high-stakes moral, strategic gamble on Somaliland - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaks a taboo, rewards statehood, and secures strategic gains around the Red Sea crossroads.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.