UN Secretary-General Establishes Task Force to Address Humanitarian Needs Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

Kathmandu. Amid escalating conflict in West Asia, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has formed a task force to develop a technical mechanism for meeting humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz region. According to his spokesperson, the ongoing conflict in West Asia has increased the risk that maritime trade passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted, potentially causing serious impacts on humanitarian aid and agricultural production in the coming months.

Secretary-General Guterres affirmed his commitment to continue efforts for a sustainable resolution to the conflict and stated that the task force was formed out of the necessity to immediately address maritime challenges. This task force will seek measures to ensure the security of vessels in the strait.

The goal of the new mechanism is to facilitate the trade of fertilizers and related raw materials. This mechanism will operate in coordination with relevant member states, with full respect for national sovereignty and international legal standards.

Meanwhile, according to international bodies working in the health sector, relief supplies dispatched from Dubai are gradually returning to normal. Concerns are mounting as fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in West Asia.

More than 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, accounting for about one-fifth of the country's total population. Children are particularly affected, with approximately 19,000 children being displaced daily.

The security situation for UN peacekeepers has also been deteriorating. A significant number of attacks have recently been observed in the border areas. The spokesperson urged Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and Israel to halt military operations in Lebanon, as these are most severely affecting civilians.

Violence also continues in the West Bank region. Civilians have lost their lives in some areas, and attacks and damage to residential areas have increased. Thousands of people have been displaced in recent months due to such incidents.

Although relief distribution continues in the Gaza Strip, challenges remain due to access obstructions, supply chain problems, and continuous attacks.