Middle East, Palestine, Lebanon & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (06 May 2026) | United Nations

Highlights:
– Secretary-General Statement/Ted Turner
– Middle East
– Lebanon/Humanitarian
– UNIFIL
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Chad
– Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation
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SECRETARY-GENERAL STATEMENT/TED TURNER

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ted Turner – a visionary whose conviction, generosity and audacious spirit left a lasting imprint on the United Nations and our world.

Ted Turner believed in the United Nations – and in its purpose – at a defining moment. And he invested in that mission.

Ted Turner bet on humanity – and in the process helped strengthen the security of his own country and reinforce our common values.

His $1 billion dollar commitment to the United Nations – and subsequent creation of the United Nations Foundation – represented at the time the largest individual philanthropic gift in modern history.

But it was not just his commitment of resources, his legacy will be his ongoing advocacy for the United Nations and the importance of diplomacy.

Ted Turner never stopped pushing for the world to do better, and to do better through the United Nations.

He helped expand our reach, mobilize partnerships, and drive action on many of the defining challenges of our time – from global health to peace, human rights, and the protection of our planet.

I am deeply grateful for his extraordinary commitment to international problem-solving and his unwavering support for the ideals of the United Nations Charter. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

His legacy endures – as we keep striving for a stronger United Nations and a better world for all.

MIDDLE EAST

Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed the Security Council in closed consultations this morning on the Middle East. She talked about the recent missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

Ms. DiCarlo underscored that from the start of the conflict on 28 February, the Secretary-General has condemned all unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond. He has also stressed that Security Council resolution 2817 must be respected and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East conflict and its consequences, Jean Arnault, is continuing diplomatic consultations in the region.

The United Nations remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at a comprehensive and durable resolution of the conflict.

LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN

Turning to Lebanon, we have seen the reports of the newly issued evacuation orders for a dozen Lebanese areas across South, Nabatieh and Bekaa areas. We note with deep concern these evacuation orders and airstrikes against Lebanese towns, targeting areas both south of the Litani River and far beyond it, including Saida and the West Bekaa. We reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be respected and protected at all times.

This is forcing further displacement of civilians already impacted by months of hostilities. We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the response. The UN Refugee Agency and our partners have reached more than 158,000 displaced people with psychosocial support, dignity kits, cash assistance and other services.

However, significant risks persist, including movement restrictions, psychological distress, lack of documentation and heightened exposure to exploitation, particularly for women and children.

Meanwhile, OCHA reports that as strikes continue, particularly in southern Lebanon, the death toll is rising daily. Overnight, one emergency worker was killed, three others were injured in an Israeli strike in the southern municipality of Kfar Dounine in Nabatieh. Another emergency worker was injured in a subsequent strike in the same area while responding.