Middle East crisis: Live updates for 4 December

People gather at an UNRWA flour distribution point in central Gaza, where hunger and urgent needs persist amid the ongoing conflict. © UNRWA

4 December 2024 - The Middle East crisis continues to deepen, with families in Gaza struggling to secure basic food amid constant displacement, plummeting temperatures, and relentless conflict. Meanwhile, civil war in Syria has reignited, where the status quo has been “radically altered” in recent days, creating an “extremely fluid and dangerous” situation, says the UN Special Envoy there. Violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon are also continuing – we're covering it all live.

Lebanon ceasefire remains fragile, warns UN relief official

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon remains “delicate” and requires sustained international engagement and robust monitoring, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Reza warned on Wednesday.

Following a visit to Nabatieh – in the south of the country – with local authorities and aid partners, Mr. Reza highlighted ongoing violations of the 60-day truce. 

He said a period of stability is essential to ensure the protection of civilians, praising the strong collaboration between the Lebanese Government and aid partners.

“The humanitarian response is evolving with the changing needs on the ground,” he added, noting that around 600,000 internally displaced are beginning to head home.

He warned there will be challenges ahead with so many homes destroyed and infrastructure heavily damaged.

Southern areas like Nabatieh have experienced an “overwhelming level of destruction”, he said, with access to healthcare, water and education still limited.

UN Assembly President calls for dialogue to achieve Middle East peace

Efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East cannot succeed through force or occupation but only through dialogue, mutual recognition, and a commitment to international law, the President of the UN General Assembly said on Tuesday.

Addressing the 193-member body, President Philémon Yang stressed the urgency of realizing the two-State solution, which he called “the only path to lasting peace.”

Mr. Yang described the two-State solution as both a political framework and a moral imperative. “It ensures Palestinians’ right to self-determination while safeguarding Israel’s long-term security, offering both peoples equal rights and human dignity.”

Later, the General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region. It passed with 157 votes in favor, 8 against and 7 abstentions.

Among other points, the resolution called for an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the two-State solution with two states living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, based on pre-1967 lines.

Syria risks grave division and destruction

Syria’s fragile status quo has been “radically altered” by a surge in fighting, creating an “extremely fluid and dangerous” situation, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told the Security Council on Tuesday.

“The country faces a grave risk of further division, which is in no Syrian’s interest,” Mr. Pedersen said, warning of escalating violence and worsening civilian suffering.

He reported that vast territory, including Aleppo – Syria’s second-largest city – has fallen under the control of non-State actors, such as the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and armed opposition groups, placing approximately seven million people in jeopardy.

As opposition forces push closer to Hama, Syrian Government defences are under mounting pressure, and both sides have ramped up attacks. Pro-Government airstrikes have hit civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, while Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has launched drones and rocket barrages. Civilians on both sides have borne the brunt of the violence. – UN News