The United Nations and the crisis in the Middle East

1 May

UNHCR: Middle East crisis ripple effects strain aid efforts beyond region (UNHCR)

30 April

Hormuz crisis strangling global economy, Guterres warns, demanding solutions to end stalemate

© Unsplash/Angus Gray Ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz have dropped by over 90 per cent since the crisis escalated in late February 2026.

The escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could push tens of millions into poverty, trigger a surge in global hunger and even tip the world towards recession, the UN Secretary-General warned on Thursday. (UN News)

Secretary-General’s remarks at Press Stakeout on the Middle East (OSSG)

29 April

Iran: Türk deplores crackdown on dissent, says rights of all Iranians must be respected (OHCHR)
What is life like for women working in Gaza? Doctors, teachers and journalists speak out (UN Women)
New IPC Analysis Shows Conflict Escalation Pushing Nearly a Quarter of Population Into Acute Food Insecurity (UNIC Beirut)

28 April

Hormuz disruption shows why early-warning data matters (UNCTAD)
Statement by ASG Khaled Khiari to at Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian question (DPPA/DPO)
SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Gaza ceasefire is ‘increasingly fragile’, UN warns | UN News (UN News)
Gaza ceasefire ‘increasingly fragile’ as Israeli strikes and armed activities by Hamas and other groups continue, ASG Khiari tells Security Council | DPPA (DPPA/DPO)
UNMAS OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY ANNUAL REPORT 2025 (UNMAS)

27 April

UN / MARITIME SECURITY (UNifeed)
Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Maritime Security (OSSG)

24 April

No safe transit through Strait of Hormuz: IMO Secretary-General (IMO)
Officers of the ILO Committee on maritime labour urge immediate action to protect seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz (ILO)
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – regarding the extension of the cessation of hostilities (OSSG)
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the death of a peacekeeper in Lebanon (OSSG)
UN report on deaths and displacement in Lebanon (OHCHR)
UNIFIL statement on the passing of an Indonesian peacekeeper injured last month (UNIFIL)
Joint News Release – Acute food insecurity and malnutrition remain alarmingly high as crises deepen, UN, EU and partners warn in new report (FAO, IFAD, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and partners)
As Gaza misery continues, shortages in Iran begin to bite (UN News)
Gaza update: WHO, UNMAS (UNOG Newsroom)

23 April

Statement by the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ahead of Palestinian Local Elections (UNSCO)
WFP Middle East Regional Escalation External Situation Report #8, 23 April 2026 (WFP)
Statement by the UN DSC for the Middle East Peace Process Ahead of Palestinian Local Elections (UNSCO)
“Even during labour, I was afraid”: Women in the West Bank give birth under sirens, settler assaults and severe movement restrictions (UNFPA)