UN voices hope in Mideast ceasefire as civilian needs remain acute

UN humanitarians on Wednesday voiced hope that the Middle East ceasefire could provide much-needed relief to civilians and frontline responders after more than five weeks of deadly hostilities.



The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it hoped the pause in fighting would ease pressure on communities after sustained attacks killed and injured many people and damaged electricity, water, energy and transportation facilities.



OCHA said that in Iran, the United Nations and partners, working alongside national authorities, are continuing to scale up assistance for refugees and others. Priorities include restoring basic services, protecting vulnerable groups, rehabilitating shelters and schools, and delivering critical supplies.