**Today's Headlines: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, and Cuba**

Lebanon

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon continue to result in devastating civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction.

Today, massive strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs shortly after over 20 displacement orders were issued. Central Beirut, a densely populated area where many sought refuge, was also hit without prior warning, causing casualties and further displacement. Residents remain in a state of constant fear.

Strikes have intensified in eastern and southern Lebanon, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

As of November 24, the International Organization for Migration recorded nearly 900,000 displaced people in Lebanon since October 2023. The World Food Programme (WFP) has supported over 640,000 people with food and cash assistance this year, including about 500,000 since September 23.

UNICEF, in collaboration with health authorities, has deployed mobile health units to provide urgent care and immunizations, reaching over 240,000 people since September 2024.

OCHA reiterates that all parties must take every precaution to protect civilians and ensure their safety under international humanitarian law.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

OCHA reports that all 41 UN attempts to deliver life-saving aid to besieged areas of North Gaza this month have been blocked by Israeli authorities.

Of these, 37 missions were denied outright, while the remaining four were impeded on the ground, allowing only partial assistance.

North Gaza, under siege for more than 50 days, remains cut off from humanitarian aid amid intense bombardment. Civilians face dire shortages of essentials and are increasingly vulnerable as winter worsens conditions. Recent heavy rains have displaced 7,000 families living in makeshift shelters, causing floods and severe damage to belongings and shelters.

UNICEF is working to deliver 2,500 tarps currently at the Kerem Shalom crossing and an additional 60,000 tarps from Jordan. Security concerns and limited access points continue to hinder these efforts.

OCHA emphasizes that as the occupying power, Israel bears primary responsibility for ensuring public order and safety in Gaza.

Sudan

Humanitarian efforts in Sudan continue despite immense challenges.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering aid to Zamzam camp in North Darfur, where famine was declared four months ago. A second convoy has traveled over 1,400 kilometers and is nearing its destination after navigating conflict zones and armed checkpoints.

In South Kordofan, a WFP convoy is preparing to reach remote areas that have received little aid since the conflict began 19 months ago. Meanwhile, the UN Population Fund has sent additional reproductive health supplies to Kassala and Gedaref to support women and girls fleeing violence.

Families at Zamzam are resorting to eating animal feed to survive, highlighting the dire need for sustained humanitarian support.

Cuba

UN teams in Cuba are providing life-saving assistance in response to Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, as well as two recent earthquakes.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichon, recently visited hurricane-affected areas to assess needs. An updated Plan of Action seeks $78.3 million to address the urgent needs of 930,000 people and support early recovery efforts.

Last week, $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was allocated to the hurricane response, with an additional $100,000 emergency cash grant released for immediate supplies.

OCHA has appealed for increased support and funding to meet the growing needs.......Read More