Tue Oct 01 10:36:18 UTC 2024: ## UN Warns of Dire Consequences in Yemen and Gaza Following Israeli Strikes and Russian Attacks

**New York/Geneva, 10 October 2023** – The UN has issued urgent warnings regarding the potential for dire humanitarian consequences stemming from ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Gaza, and Ukraine.

**Yemen and Gaza:** Following Israeli airstrikes on the crucial Red Sea port of Hudaydah, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed deep concern over the potential disruption of food and fuel imports into Yemen. The war-torn country relies heavily on these imports to sustain its population.

In Gaza, OCHA voiced alarm over the impact of Israel’s continued military offensive on the ability of aid organizations to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. The agency highlighted the risk of flooding and displacement for hundreds of thousands of people, further exacerbating the already dire living conditions.

**Ukraine:** The UN condemned Russian attacks on the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, which damaged a hospital and resulted in casualties. Matthias Schmale, the top UN aid official in Ukraine, strongly urged that health facilities be protected from attacks.

**Algeria:** Independent human rights experts have urged Algerian authorities to overturn the prison sentence handed to poet Djamila Bentouis for supporting the Hirak protest movement. Ms. Bentouis was sentenced to two years in prison and fined for expressing her political views through her songs and poetry. The experts highlighted the importance of freedom of expression and called on Algeria to abide by its international obligations.

The UN continues to monitor the situation in these conflict zones and calls for all parties to prioritize civilian protection and facilitate humanitarian access.

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