Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
**Programming Note
Good afternoon. Programming note that may be of interest to you: The Secretary-General, António Guterres, will be at the Security Council Stakeout tomorrow, at 9:30 a.m. He will make remarks relating to fallen UN Staff. At 9:45 a.m., he will go to the Trusteeship Council for the Annual Memorial Service to honour United Nations Personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024. And yes, before you ask, he will take a few questions. And then, at noon, I will be joined by Paul Heslop, the senior UN Mine Action Adviser to the Resident Coordinator and United Nations Country Team in Ukraine (UNMAS). He will speak about the issue of mines in Ukraine.
**Senior Personnel Appointment
A senior personnel appointment to share with you today: The Secretary-General is appointing Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. We expect him to take up his position on 24 June. Major General Abagnara succeeds Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of Spain. The Secretary-General extends his sincere gratitude to Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz for his dedication and for his leadership of UNIFIL during one of the mission’s most challenging periods.
Major General Abagnara brings to the position over 36 years of military service, including extensive leadership roles within the Italian Armed Forces. Most recently, he served as Commander and Chair of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, where he oversaw multinational coordination efforts in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
**Occupied Palestinian Territory
Turning to the situation in Gaza: Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator, today urged Israel to open all of the crossings into Gaza, let in life-saving aid at scale from all directions, and lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. He noted that dozens of Gazans were declared dead at hospitals yesterday after Israeli forces said they had opened fire. Mr. Fletcher said this is the outcome of a series of deliberate choices that have systematically deprived 2 million people of the essentials they need to survive.
Meanwhile, our colleagues on the ground tell us the latest figures indicate that in the past three weeks, more than 100,000 people were forced to flee in the governorates of North Gaza and Gaza. Our partners working in health tell us that more medical facilities are suspending their operations. On Monday, the remaining staff and patients at the Indonesian Hospital, in North Gaza, were evacuated. As a result, not a single hospital remains functional in North Gaza.
Today in Gaza City, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Suzanna Tkalec visited Al Ahli hospital, which has sustained multiple attacks since the beginning of the war. Ms. Tkalec heard from staff about the challenges they are facing every day. They stressed that preventable deaths are occurring due to shortages of critical supplies, including antibiotics. The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator called for the protection of health facilities, the unrestricted flow of assistance into Gaza, and support for our work and our partners’ work to deliver at scale to alleviate the suffering of people.
Meanwhile, we and our partners continue to send supplies to Kerem Shalom crossing, where the Israeli authorities scan them before they can enter Gaza. For today, we submitted over 130 pre-cleared truckloads for a second and final Israeli clearance, but only 50 of them — which were carrying flour — were approved to enter the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Our teams on the ground are also working hard to collect supplies from Kerem Shalom and bring them closer to the people who need them inside Gaza. But, these attempts are facing major hurdles. Just yesterday, one attempt was denied access altogether and another one did manage to retrieve just over a dozen truckloads carrying flour. Overall, since the crossing reopened, we’ve been able to collect fewer than 400 truckloads, even though every day we have tried to coordinate access and secure safe routes through the Israeli-militarized zone in the south.
And that denied attempt to access Kerem Shalom was one of the six access denials our teams faced just yesterday across the Gaza Strip, out of a total of 13 attempts. These denials prevented our teams from carrying out interventions as critical as trucking water to those who need it.
Another of yesterday’s six denied access attempts was to retrieve fuel, which is so urgently needed. OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) warns that without immediate access to fuel that is already inside Gaza but located in hard-to-reach areas that are either militarized or subject to displacement orders, more critical services will have to suspend operations soon. And as you know, this afternoon at 4 p.m., the members of the Security Council of the United Nations will meet not far from here to discuss the situation in Gaza.
**Sudan
Turning to Sudan, the conflict-related displacement of people and the spread of cholera continue to increase humanitarian needs across that country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 9,700 people in Khartoum State alone were recently displaced from Al Salha in Um Durman locality due to conflict. Many of them remained within Um Durman, while others moved north to Karrari District, which is still in Khartoum State, but the security situation there is fluid, we are told. In South Kordofan, IOM tells us that more than 9,000 people fled Dibebat town in Al Quoz locality last week due to intense clashes. The situation remains very volatile. At the same time, our IOM colleagues say that about 600 people were displaced from Abu Shouk camp and El Fasher town in North Darfur state just last week.
Most of them sought refuge within El Fasher, while others moved to other localities in North Darfur, including Tawila, where, as we’ve mentioned in recent weeks, we and our partners have been scaling up assistance for new arrivals, despite significant gaps due to shortfalls in resources and challenges in getting partners on the ground in sufficient numbers.
On the cholera outbreak, daily cases are falling in Khartoum State, but they are steadily increasing in the north, in River Nile State. In the past two weeks alone, health authorities there have reported more than 180 cumulative cases and four deaths. Most of the cases were concentrated in the localities of Atbara, Barbar and Damar. And of the total cases, 55 were reported to have arrived from other states — including 45 from Khartoum and Um Durman — underscoring the cross-regional spread of the disease. Partners warn that continued displacement, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to safe water are accelerating transmission.
Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues are warning that thousands of displaced people are now returning to Blue Nile State and need urgent assistance. They lack food, they lack clean water, healthcare, shelter and education. Needless to say, that humanitarian organizations are working hard to meet the growing needs of people in Sudan, but insecurity — as we saw with the attack on the World Food Programme (WFP) — access constraints and critical funding shortfalls continue to undermine the response. Once again, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access across borders and conflict lines, the protection of civilians, as well as increased funding so we can scale up.
**South Sudan
Turning South to South Sudan, where our humanitarian colleagues underscore their concerns about the impact of funding cuts on the plight of refugees and returnees to that country. According to our own monitoring as well as data from the Government of South Sudan, over a million human beings, returnees and refugees have fled Sudan into South Sudan since the war started in Sudan in 2023. On arrival, many were helped by IOM to get back to their home areas or to refugee camps, as appropriate.
However, due to funding shortages, these services had to stop on 1 June, raising concerns about people being stranded and overcrowding in transit shelter as people continue to flee the fighting in Sudan. Our colleagues at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that 4 million people have now fled Sudan into neighbouring countries since the start of the war, which is by itself a devastating milestone, given the third year of conflict. In May alone, 15,000 people arrived in the border town of Renk in South Sudan. Yesterday, several hundred refugees and returnees in Renk protested against the stoppage of transportation services.
**Libya
And a note from Libya and from our friend Volker Türk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who today called for the sealing of detention facilities in Libya where human rights violations were found, and for prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigations by the Libyan authorities. Dozens of bodies have been found at both official and unofficial detention centres.
Mr. Türk said the discoveries confirm the long-standing findings by our United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), as well as UN Fact-Finding Mission in Libya, and from various witness accounts, regarding the existence of such sites and the extent of the horrific violations committed in connection with them, including torture and enforced disappearances. Mr. Türk said he was troubled by reports that Libya’s forensic authorities mandated to exhume and identify human remains have yet to be granted access to these sites. He urged the authorities to grant full and unimpeded access to all sites. Mr. Türk also called on the authorities to grant the United Nations access to the sites as part of our mandate to document human rights violations.
**Bangladesh
Turning to Bangladesh to give you a grim update from Cox’s Bazar, where days of intense monsoon rains and high winds have triggered landslides, floods and widespread damage across the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. This has impacted nearly 16,000 people across 17 camps managed by the International Organization for Migration. Our IOM colleagues, in coordination with Bangladeshi authorities and partners, have launched an emergency response to support emergency relocations, rescue and initial damage assessments.
Nearly 5,000 Rohingya refugees have been mobilized through cash-for-work activities to help clear fallen trees, unblock drainage channels and restore access to essential facilities. Teams are also working to prevent further landslides by covering vulnerable slopes with tarpaulin. Emergency shelter distribution is under way. Shelter, water and sanitation facilities are also being assessed and repaired, while hot meals are being provided to displaced families who are sheltering in communal spaces.
**Yemen
I just want to flag that today the Heads of UN Agencies and International NGOs [non-governmental organizations] in Yemen echoed the Secretary-General’s calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the personnel from the UN and other organizations and diplomatic missions who are currently being detained by the Houthis. More online.
**International Day
Today is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. Ending and preventing these grave violations is central to the mandate on children and armed conflict. No money, no quiz, but I'll take a question from Gabriel and then Benno and then Lenka.
**Questions and Answers
Question: Thank you, Steph. In regards to the Security Council meeting this afternoon on Gaza and the draft resolution, what would be the ideal outcome of that meeting for the Secretary-General?
Spokesman: Listen. The ideal outcome for most meetings of the Security Council for the Secretary-General is a strong, unified voice. And on this case, a strong and unified voice on the situation in Gaza, calling for an end to the conflict, for full humanitarian access to the UN and its partners, for the release of the hostages and for us to get back on track to a two-State solution, regardless how distant that dream may currently be. No question from Benno? Okay. Lenka.
Question: Thank you very much, Stéphane. We just received an email that cafeteria is closing downstairs. How much are you planning to save on it, or is there anywhere a breakdown we could actually see, you know, what's the plan? What's the financial plan on closing the cafeteria, making the prices less?
Spokesman: I will look into this critical issue. But, obviously, you know, these facilities are run by an outside contractor. So, there's also an issue of how much they can… but, yes, do you have another question?
Correspondent: Yes, please. President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy said that the talks in Istanbul are insubstantial, that they are not that important. Of course, I know you don't like commenting on other leaders' comments, but…
Spokesman: Thanks for answering your question.
Question: Yeah. How does the SG see the Istanbul peaceful talks? Does he believe they are crucial or useful? Thank you.
Spokesman: I mean, I think one of your colleagues asked me what we thought of the talks when they were going on, and our position is unchanged. Volodymyr and then Dezhi.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. According to the American Center for the Strategic and International Studies, Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine have reached 1 million. What message would you like to convey to the Russian leadership in light of these senseless deaths and injuries?
Spokesman: The message that we are sending to all of the parties involved in this conflict is what we want to see, which is an end to the war in Ukraine — in line with international law, in line with UN resolutions, in line with the territorial integrity of Ukraine — to end this conflict.
Question: Could I get another question, please? Given the unfeasible conditions Russia put forward in Istanbul, as well as Moscow's subsequent actions and rhetoric, do you see any signs at all that the Russian ruler [Vladimir V.] Putin seeks a ceasefire and peace?
Spokesman: I will leave the analysis of signs to analysts and journalists. Dezhi?
Question: For the past week, I believe we heard quite a lot about the humanitarian operation in Gaza from the UN. You mentioned how many trucks get in and how many have been picked up and how many have been denied. But the ultimate question, I think, is has there been any delivery to the people there from the UN operation so far?
Spokesman: My understanding is that we've had some deliveries. Some of our health centres are continuing to work. Some of our operations continue to work. But a lot of the foodstuff that is travelling on open trucks, as it is required of us, has also been taken by hungry people, because they don't know when the next truck will come. And we've also self-distribution as I've talked about. We've also seen looting by armed men. We saw it at the WFP warehouse. We saw it at the hospital, I think it was in Deir Al-Balah, where medical supplies were looted just hours after they had come. And if you think of the effort that it takes, for our colleagues and the risk they take of driving these supplies in, delivering them to a hospital to where they're needed, and then just for all those supplies to be taken away at gunpoint, it's unconscionable.
Question: GHF [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation] delivered nearly 6 million meals in the past week. That's what they claimed. Why there's such a difference between the UN operation and the GHF?
Spokesman: Well, listen. First of all, whether or not the numbers they’re sharing are correct or not, it's not for me to say. And again, as I've said, I think having more journalists in Gaza to report first hand would be best. But, let's be clear. The Israeli authorities are facilitating one distribution channel and hampering another.
Question: Okay. One last question? Sorry.
Spokesman: One more?
Correspondent: One last. This is definitely the last. Activists, including Greta Thunberg, I think you read this news…
Spokesman: Yeah. I was asked about it. I was asked yesterday. But, you could finish the question.
Question: Okay. So, I just want to know what the reaction from the Secretary-General. Do they think this kind of action is legitimate?
Spokesman: You know, civil society will mobilize around many causes, and it is important that they are kept safe as they mobilize for causes they care about. Sinan then Benno. Sorry. You lost your spot, Benno.
Question: Thank you, Steph. Dezhi asked my question, but a quick follow-up: Does that, like, concern Secretary-General? I mean, the climate activists are sailing to Gaza. I mean, is he concerned for it?
Spokesman: Obviously, we're concerned for a lot of people's safety. We hope whatever they do will be peaceful, and we hope that whatever they're able to do, they do it safely and they're not put in harm's way.
Question: One more, if you don't mind. According to reports, and I think the Pentagon confirmed that the United States is reducing its military presence in Syria. Is that something Secretary-General welcomes? And in addition, does he expect that from every foreign army?
Spokesman: Look, I think it is important that Syria be able to control its own territory, that the interim Government be able to project State presence throughout Syria in a way that protects all Syrian people, including minorities, religious minorities, ethnic minorities, all those who may not feel that they are fully represented. Benno?
Question: Thank you, Steph. Follow-up to the 6 million meals delivered by GHF. You said you don't know if that number is true. Does that mean you think there's reason to doubt the numbers?
Spokesman: I'm just saying, I think, you know, I understand the interest in GHF’s work. I will speak about our work. I will let others analyse and compare their work. But, there is a bit of lack of transparency and questionable accountability in the way they operate.
Question: Okay. And my question is about the liquidity crisis. We all understand that by now you try to cut staff by around 20 per cent, at least in parts of the Organization. And also, we know that the United Nations here in New York doesn't only exist in this building here. You have a lot of adjacent office space, which, obviously, in New York costs a lot of money. Is there plans to abandon these buildings?
Spokesman: We've already, I think, finished the lease in one building. There are three main buildings, and I think we will progressively end the leases in a number of buildings that we rent from, commercial owners in the neighbourhood. Let’s be clear. The 20 per cent [cut], we're talking about posts, right, which is different than staff, because some posts are not occupied.
Question: Do you have actually a breakdown, how many?
Spokesman: No. Because I think all of this is being looked at, and all heads of units and agencies are being asked to propose staff. Efraim?
Question: Sorry, Steph, on the same question. Just to be clear, does the UN have any means to verify or see if 6 million meals have been distributed to the people of Gaza?
Spokesman: No. Okay. Yes, sir?
Question: Thanks so much, Steph. President [Donald J.] Trump says he just had a phone call with President Putin. Does the Secretary-General welcome communication between the two leaders?
Spokesman: I mean, we welcome all dialogue between world leaders, especially between two permanent members of the Security Council. Dezhi, you see, it wasn't your last question.
Question: Sorry. Secretary-General welcomes any talks between the leaders in this?
Spokesman: Yeah.
Question: Then what about him with President Trump?
Spokesman: Well, it's… I think as I've told you, months ago, we put in an offer and until now the contact has not been made.
Question: But he's ready?
Spokesman: The Secretary-General is always ready. He's like a Boy Scout. Pam Falk?
Question: Thank you, Steph. Is there any comment, I know it's Vienna and I know it's IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency], but of the Secretary-General on the upcoming Board of Governors meeting? There's going to be a presentation of the most recent IAEA report on Iran, on a pretty dramatic increase.
Spokesman: We look forward to hearing the IAEA's report. And of course, the Secretary-General has been very supportive of the IAEA's work and has always called on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. Okay. Yes, Sinan?
Question: Just a quick follow-up to Pam's question. Actually, according to New York Times, the USA is proposing a new approach to Iran's nuclear programme. I mean, basically, they asked to produce nuclear fuel outside of Iran while also seeking to prevent Iran from enriching uranium for weapons purposes. So, what's Secretary-General thinks about these proposals?
Spokesman: Well, listen. We're not going to comment on proposals for discussions that we're not directly involved in. I mean, we've we read The New York Times, and let's see what is agreed upon. Yes, Pam? One more.
Question: One more. Maybe not last. Thank you. President Trump sent yesterday, or the White House sent the Office of Management and Budget what's called a rescission list, cuts on US funding to Congress to pass it. And there was an awful lot, much more than expected on the US on the UN cuts. With WHO [World Health Organization], of course, we knew. But UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund], the main budget, any comment?
Spokesman: Yeah. I mean, obviously, we've seen the news, but let's be clear. Voluntary contributions to the UN system are just that — voluntary. Right? While we always encourage Member States to donate generously to our work on human rights, on development, on humanitarian, in the end, Member States will do what they wish. On the issue of assessed contribution, let's also be clear. Member States have an obligation clearly laid out in the Charter to pay their assessed contributions, whether those are to the peacekeeping or to the regular budget.
Question: If those cuts that the rescission list proposes, and of course, it still has to go through Congress, is to DPKO [Department of Peacekeeping Operations] [sic], would that be a violation of the US commitment?
Spokesman: Assessed contributions, whether to the regular budget or to the peacekeeping budgets, are an obligation laid out in the Charter.
Question: And therefore could result in loss of a vote?
Spokesman: Well, I mean, Article 19 is clear, and it applies to every Member State. Sherwin Bryce-Pease, lurking in the back.
Question: Since you didn't have a quiz question for us today, I might have one for you. I was going to do this privately, but you were busy earlier, so it's a public forum where this will have to play itself out. Does 4 June 1995 mean anything to you?
Spokesman: 4 June 1995? I'm trying to think where I was on 4 June 1995. I'd been married for six days.
Question: So, I have a printout from The New York Times announcing your wedding to Ilaria Quadrani and Stéphane Dujarric, 4 June 1995. I've got the printout here for you. And to mark the occasion of you announcing to the world that you are no longer a bachelor and that you are a kept man, we got you a cake to share with your office after this briefing. So, congratulations on your thirtieth wedding anniversary.
Spokesman: Cheers. Thank you. Alright. You've sufficiently embarrassed me. Yeah. Alright. Well, the actual wedding was on the thirtieth. Thank you very much.
Question: Congratulations. And here's the printout for posterity.
Spokesman: Thank you very much. Well done.