While details remain limited regarding the cessation of hostilities that began in late February and impacted the Middle East, the Gulf, and beyond, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported a reduction in violence and exchanges of fire in southern Lebanon on Monday. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants had been ongoing in the region.
Southern Lebanon Situation
On the humanitarian front, OCHA indicated that some families are reportedly beginning to return to their homes or are evaluating conditions in southern Lebanon, particularly around Nabatieh. However, OCHA stressed that no large-scale returns have occurred and urged people to wait until it is safe. Local authorities report high occupancy rates in collective shelters as many displaced families await greater clarity on the security situation before deciding to return. The Lebanese Armed Forces and some local authorities have reportedly advised residents against returning to high-risk areas. The UN continues to advocate for civilian protection, safe and voluntary returns, and sustained humanitarian access.
Gaza Faces New Displacement as Insecurity Intensifies
OCHA, the UN relief coordination office, reported that renewed insecurity across Gaza displaced more families over the weekend, intensifying pressure on an already strained humanitarian response. On Friday, an airstrike caused minor damage to the yard of a UN school in Jabalia camp, which was sheltering displaced families. On the same day, dozens of families in eastern Gaza City fled as Israeli troops expanded the “Yellow Line” westward. This line, established in October 2025, marks areas controlled by Israeli forces and has expanded multiple times. UN human rights staff have warned that Palestinians approaching these areas have reportedly been killed. People remaining nearby informed humanitarian teams that worsening insecurity is increasing the pressure to move again. Many newly displaced families reportedly left without tents or belongings and are now sheltering with relatives or friends.
Humanitarian Response Challenges in Gaza
Humanitarian partners have activated a joint UN response mechanism to provide rapid assistance to those affected by sudden displacement. Aid delivery continues to face constraints, with OCHA reporting that the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing remains the sole entry point for approved supplies. Restrictions persist on essential items like power generators and spare parts, although recent negotiations have led to the approval of some additional supplies, including equipment for malnutrition screening.
Somalia Receives Emergency Funding Amid Growing Famine Risk
The UN has released $10 million in emergency funding to help avert worsening hunger and reduce the risk of famine in Somalia, where drought, conflict, and rising prices are exacerbating humanitarian needs. This funding, allocated through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), will support UN agencies and partners in providing food, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection assistance to approximately 640,000 people across nine priority districts. Humanitarian agencies warn that nearly six million people, over 30 percent of Somalia’s population, are expected to face crisis-level food insecurity or worse this year, with 1.9 million in emergency conditions. A plausible risk of famine has been identified in parts of the Bay and Bakool regions, particularly in agropastoral areas.
Aid Shortfall in Somalia
Aid efforts remain severely underfunded, with only 20 percent of the 2026 humanitarian appeal received to date. Since January, only 24 percent of the targeted population has been reached with assistance. Concurrently, higher food and fuel prices, linked to regional instability, have further diminished families’ ability to afford basic necessities.
