Published on: 2026-04-13
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The development of events in recent days has triggered a new wave of tension in the world. Saturday’s talks between the USA and Iran ended without results. The situation is exacerbated by US plans to block Iranian ports, which could lead to a more widespread escalation and disruptions in global trade. At the same time, the humanitarian crisis deepens: according to the Lebanese authorities, the number of casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes has already exceeded 2,000 people.
Humanitarian catastrophe
Leaders of major humanitarian organizations have expressed extreme concern over what they call a “systematic violation of the rules of war and international humanitarian law” throughout the region. In recent weeks, thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded. Hundreds of thousands of people have left their homes, many of whom have had to save themselves by fleeing repeatedly.
There are also reports of ongoing attacks on medical workers, hospitals, and schools. Large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure leads to basic services becoming inaccessible to the population.
Humanitarian workers are also at risk: cases of humanitarian personnel deaths have been recorded in several countries of the region. UN agencies call on all parties to the conflict to observe international law, ensure the protection of civilians, and hold those responsible for serious violations accountable.
Strait of Hormuz: Global food security under threat
Disruptions in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz threaten not only the energy market but also global food security. This was warned by the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), Maximo Torero.
According to him, the blockage of transport routes can paralyze the transportation of 30–35 percent of the world’s crude oil, about 20 percent of natural gas, essential raw materials for fertilizer production, and a significant share of the most important agricultural materials.
Torrero, in particular, emphasized that delays in fertilizer deliveries could disrupt planting cycles and reduce yields, which will inevitably lead to a surge in food prices in the coming months. Although at the moment the cost of food remains relatively stable thanks to stocks and recent harvests, the situation may change soon.
“If the movement of ships is not restored in the near future,” the expert noted, “in the coming months we will face a drop in crop yields, rising food prices, and an acceleration of global inflation.”
Tragedy in Lebanon: death of a medic in the course of a humanitarian operation
UN Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza expressed deep condolences in connection with the death of a Lebanese Red Cross worker. The incident occurred on Sunday during a humanitarian operation in the south of the country.
I would like to emphasize that I am deeply shocked by what happened, and once again remind: rescuers and medics must remain protected at all times. According to information from the Lebanese Red Cross, the humanitarian team came under direct fire from an Israeli drone while responding to a call in the area of the settlement of Beit Yasoun. As a result of the shelling, one medic was killed, and another was wounded.
Please note; This information is raw content received directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.