Today's top news: Somalia, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Afghanistan, Sudan

#Somalia

UN relief chief visits as hunger surges, funding falls short

Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, began a week-long visit to Somalia yesterday to refocus global attention on the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

Today in Mogadishu, Fletcher visited the Faynus Nutrition and Health Center where malnourished children from dozens of displacement sites are receiving lifesaving treatment. He spoke with caregivers and humanitarian partners operating there.

There are more than 1.8 million children under 5 who are acutely malnourished in Somalia.

Fletcher today also met with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They discussed the recurring severe climate shocks and the United Nations’ strong partnership with the Government.

Somalia is facing climate shocks, conflict, prolonged displacement and economic pressures exacerbated by price hikes linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices have more than doubled, driving up transport costs and the price of basic goods.

In addition, failed rains since late last year have led to widespread livestock deaths, acute water shortages and growing food insecurity across the country. At least 5 million people have been affected, including half a million who have been displaced from their homes.

Already, at least 2 million people are facing acute hunger.

Despite these escalating needs, funding cuts are forcing aid agencies to scale back life-saving programmes. More than 300 health facilities have closed or become non-functional, and mobile health teams have been disbanded, cutting off access to essential care for hundreds of thousands.

The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia remains underfunded at just 14 per cent of the $852 million required.

#Lebanon

Despite ceasefire, returns stall and casualties mount

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the situation in Lebanon remains fragile and volatile, given the insecurity, especially in the south of the country.  

Despite the ceasefire, casualties continue to be reported. According to the Ministry of Public Health, 227 people have been killed and 260 injured since the announcement of the ceasefire on 17 April.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), six hospitals and 46 primary healthcare centres remain closed nationwide, with 149 attacks on healthcare reported.

Many people remain displaced. As of yesterday, nearly 115,000 people are still staying in collective shelters, while many others continue to be on the move. Warnings against moving in designated areas continue to prevent people from returning to their communities in parts of southern Lebanon.

The UN and its humanitarian partners are delivering assistance where possible. Around 130 humanitarian partners are providing cash, shelter support, healthcare, clean water and other support in coordination with the authorities.

Despite reported repairs to key roads and bridges by the Lebanese Armed Forces since 17 April, access restrictions continue to limit people’s ability to return home and to disrupt humanitarian operations.

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza aid grows, but health system still struggling

OCHA reports that humanitarian partners continue to scale up assistance across the Gaza Strip.

Between 20 April and last Sunday, WHO and its partners supported the medical evacuation of 104 patients and over 160 of their companions through the Rafah crossing.

During the same period, health partners provided sexual and reproductive health services to nearly 16,000 women and girls in more than 20 health facilities across all governorates despite ongoing insecurity and access constraints.

Thousands of patients in Gaza remain without access to the treatment they need. Scaling up health services within Gaza remains a top priority, requiring the facilitation of the entry of critical equipment.

Since the declaration of a ceasefire in October, humanitarian partners have supported 92 health service points, but as of Saturday, only 296 of 683 health service points are functioning, and only 23 are fully operational. These include hospitals, field hospitals and primary health‑care centres.

On education, partners report that between 20 April and last Sunday, they distributed nearly 200 kits to support schooling, child recreation and early childhood, benefitting over 13,000 girls and boys. Education partners have also set up more weather-resistant tents, contributing to the scale-up in six learning spaces.

The UN can do more if more crossings are open and operate consistently, Israeli restrictions on critical humanitarian items are lifted, and effective safeguards for aid workers are in place.

In the West Bank, OCHA reports that Israeli forces carried out an 18‑hour operation in and near Qalandiya Camp yesterday, in Jerusalem governorate.

The operation involved large‑scale searches, detentions and movement restrictions, resulting in injuries, property damage and temporary displacement. They also closed existing roadblocks and earth mounds in nearby Kafr ‘Aqab and Ar Ram, leading to the temporary closure of schools and clinics, while access for ambulances was hindered.

This operation is part of a pattern which has resulted in casualties, displacement, damage to civilian property and access restrictions, particularly in refugee camps. OCHA reiterates that civilians must be protected and that access to medical services must be ensured.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support.

#Afghanistan

Deadly border clashes drive displacement

OCHA reports another uptick in cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Over the past two days, humanitarian partners reported further exchange of fire, with multiple airstrikes and mortar shelling into Afghan territory that reportedly impacted parts of the eastern province of Kunar. Officials at a hospital in the city of Asadabad reported at least seven people killed and 79 injured, including 13 women and 32 children.

The strikes also reportedly damaged a wing where students live at a university, a fuel station and a drug rehabilitation centre.

So far, more than 100,000 people have been displaced as a result of the hostilities. The UN and humanitarian partners are on the ground providing support to communities in need. Assessments have been carried out in 45 affected districts, identifying around 115,000 people in need of aid.

OCHA warns that the hostilities put already vulnerable communities at risk, deepening humanitarian needs and civilian suffering. OCHA reiterates that all parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and that civilians must always be protected.

#Sudan

Drone attacks damage Darfur displacement camp

OCHA is alarmed by a drone attack on a displacement site in Central Darfur, Sudan.

According to local sources, yesterday, a drone reportedly struck the Al Himidiya displacement camp in Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur State. The camp hosts an estimated 70,000 people.

According to local medical group Sudan Doctors Network, the attack has reportedly killed five civilians and injured 12 others.

OCHA reiterates that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks directed at civilians and civilian infrastructure and requires all parties to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.