Published on: 2026-08-19
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 19, 2026 UN
Top news of the day at the UN and worldwide: the UN chief called on Israel to abandon plans for settlement construction in the West Bank, floods worsen the situation in Sudan, today is World Humanitarian Day, new US sanctions against the ICC.
Settlements on the West Bank
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is alarmed by reports of the establishment of new illegal Israeli outposts, as well as the announcement of tenders for construction in the occupied West Bank. Of particular concern is the settlement project in area E1, the implementation of which would sever territorial continuity between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. Guterres has called on Israel to refrain from any further steps in this direction and to act in accordance with UN resolutions and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
Forced displacement in Sudan
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the escalation of hostilities in Sudan since late 2025 has forced at least 200,000 more people to leave their homes. Devastating seasonal floods are only worsening the humanitarian disaster. The organization also warned that delivering aid to Sudan is complicated by disruptions in global supply chains linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Nevertheless, over the past three days, the IOM has delivered 1,750 tons of cargo to the affected areas.
Humanitarian Aid Day
On August 19, the UN observes World Humanitarian Day. Since the beginning of 2026, 82 humanitarian workers have already died worldwide, 97 have been injured, and 39 have been kidnapped. Speaking via video link from Kyiv to journalists at the UN headquarters in New York, Deputy Secretary-General and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that humanitarian workers are increasingly being attacked. He specifically noted the extensive use of drones in populated areas of Ukraine.
Sanctions against the ICC
The International Criminal Court expressed regret over the US administration’s decision to impose sanctions on ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and Senior Lawyer of the Prosecutor’s Office Abdullaye Seyé. UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced serious concern regarding this decision, as well as the ongoing inclusion of other Court staff in sanctions lists. Although the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are separate entities, the UN regards the ICC as one of the key components of the international criminal justice system.
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