UN steps up Gaza winter aid as Gaza faces attacks, CAR patrols expand, 90 mayors back sustainability

The United Nations (UN) and its partners are intensifying preparations in Gaza for the approaching cold and rainy season, even as attacks affecting civilians continue, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday, according to a press release by UN News. Over the past two days, partners recorded multiple airstrikes, as well as shelling, demolition blasts, naval fire and shooting across all of Gaza’s governorates, particularly west of the so-called “yellow line” established by Israeli authorities. Humanitarians brought in additional fuel, plastic tarpaulins, winter clothing, medicines and medical supplies, though OCHA said these items remain insufficient. Deliveries are constrained by underfunding and Israeli restrictions. Parallel updates covered the Central African Republic and a mayors’ forum in Geneva.

Restrictions on humanitarian operations in Gaza include bans on some partners’ activities, limits on imports such as engine oil and spare parts, and restricted access to more than 64 per cent of Gaza’s land. On Tuesday, the UN human rights office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory condemned an Israeli raid on premises in Al Bira, Ramallah. Israeli forces claimed the sites were offices of two Palestinian civil society organizations, Addameer and the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committee. Soldiers confiscated files and equipment and detained a journalist and a former prisoner. The office called for an immediate end to the crackdown on Palestinian civic space.

Central African Republic: joint patrols reinforced in Vakaga

UN peacekeepers and national troops in the Central African Republic are stepping up joint patrols in the Vakaga prefecture, the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA said on Wednesday. On Monday afternoon, peacekeepers from MINUSCA’s Zambian contingent and Central African Armed Forces (FACA) personnel patrolled the main roads in and around Birao. Patrols are also being reinforced in Am-Dafock and several surrounding localities. The aim is to prevent threats against civilians, reassure communities and build trust between security forces and residents amid circulating rumours about the security situation. The patrols are also helping daily life and the local economy.

“When we see the FACA and MINUSCA patrolling together in town, we feel safer. It allows us to carry out our daily activities with greater confidence,” said Amina Alit, a trader at the Birao market. Community leader Ahamat Adam, a member of the local peace committee, said the joint operations alleviate worries about rumours and hoped the patrols would extend to Tiringoulou and Sikikéde. Meanwhile, 90 mayors from 50 countries met at the UN Forum of Mayors in Geneva earlier this week. They renewed commitments to make cities more sustainable. Recommendations were sent to the UN Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management, which opened its latest session on Wednesday.

Mayors commit to sustainable urban development

Established in 2020, the Forum of Mayors connects city, national and global actors to share local solutions for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Commitments cover transportation, green spaces, inclusive planning, affordable housing, heritage protection, and ethical AI in urban services. Mayors noted that fiscal constraints, fragmented governance and limited local capacity hinder implementation. The head of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) said cities are where people experience the major challenges of our time most directly, “from housing and access to essential services to mobility, climate impacts, inequality and disaster risks.” She added that cities are also where solutions are being developed every day.