UN humanitarian chief calls for restoration of dignity in Gaza, decries Israeli aid restrictions
via Business News2 min read
The UN humanitarian operations chief, Tom Fletcher, stated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, that the population of the Gaza Strip deserves to regain its "dignity" beyond mere survival, criticizing ongoing Israeli impediments to aid distribution. While acknowledging some improvements since the ceasefire on October 10, including an average of one hundred aid trucks entering daily and the resumption of some health services, Fletcher emphasized that these "fragile improvements represent the bare minimum" of what Palestinians need and what international law demands. He stressed that the goal should not be a world where children only survive bombings and have enough calories, but still face hunger, rat bites, homelessness, and lack of schooling. Fletcher, a British national, insisted that silencing weapons is not enough; dignity must be restored, noting that over a third of the population goes to bed hungry every night. He highlighted that Palestinians are deprived of basic necessities like security, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and education, which are expected by families worldwide. He specifically called for the opening of all crossing points into the Gaza Strip and the "immediate lifting of Israeli restrictions" on essential goods. Bushra Khalidi, a humanitarian official from Oxfam, also addressed the Security Council, urging member states to act "urgently, courageously, humanely." She contrasted global football gatherings with Palestinians' basic desire to live, move, return,
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Chiraz Jaziri, a secondary school teacher, was sentenced to a ten-month suspended prison term by the Tunis Court of First Instance on June 17, 2026. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Ministry of Education after Jaziri posted a video on social media alleging a leak of the philosophy exam for the baccalaureate. Her publication caused controversy and confusion among students and parents. Investigations by security and judicial authorities found no actual leak, contradicting her claims. Consequently, Jaziri was charged with disseminating false information that could disrupt public order and undermine the credibility of national exams. In her Facebook video, she had claimed a philosophy exam leak and attempts at fraud via online groups, supporting her accusations with screenshots. Jaziri, who had previously been questioned by the police, maintained that she was acting to defend exam integrity and denounce cheating practices, while rejecting any political instrumentalization of the matter and calling on authorities to intervene.
Must ReadProfessor Slim Laghmani, a university professor of public international law, was elected judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ITLOS for a nine-year term 2026-2035. He was elected in the first round during elections held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, during the 36th meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed this election, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the ministry's creation, seeing it as a mark of confidence from the international community towards Tunisia and a recognition of the country's scientific, legal, and academic expertise. The ministry highlighted that this appointment rewards Laghmani's career, as he is considered one of the most recognized specialists in public international law and the law of the sea at regional and international levels. This election is the result of a diplomatic campaign that began with the support of the African Union for the Tunisian candidacy, followed by bilateral consultations led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with his counterparts. Tunisian permanent missions to the United Nations in New York, the African Union in Addis Ababa, and the United Nations Office in Geneva, as well as Tunisian diplomatic representations abroad, were mobilized to gather broad support. The ministry believes this election will strengthen the representation of Africa and the Arab world within ITLOS, one of the main internat
Tunisia's energy vulnerability is increasing due to declining national production, rising energy dependence, a widening trade deficit, and greater exposure to geopolitical tensions, according to the Ministry of Industry's report for April 2026. The country's energy dependency rate reached nearly 65% by April 2026, up from approximately 60% a year prior, meaning Tunisia now relies on external sources for almost two-thirds of its energy needs. This dependency exceeds 70% when excluding the Algerian gas transit fee. Primary energy resources decreased by 9% to 1.05 million tons of oil equivalent Mtoe by April 2026, with crude oil and condensate production falling by 7%. Most major oil fields experienced declines, such as Ashtart 64%, Gherib 44%, and Franig-Baguel-Tarfa 50%. Daily oil production dropped from 27,330 barrels per day in April 2025 to 25,390 barrels per day in April 2026. While national commercial gas production remained stable, the transit fee for Algerian gas decreased by 32%, leading to an overall 13% reduction in natural gas resources. The report highlights that 98% of this fee was allocated to the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg to meet national electricity needs. This decline in national production is coupled with a 4% increase in primary energy demand by April 2026, with petroleum products and natural gas each accounting for about 50% of national consumption. Road fuel consumption rose by 5%, representing nearly 62% of total petroleum product consumpt