UN Mission Announces Deployment of 1st Group of Monitors in Libya

A Libyan flag flutters. REUTERS/Costas Baltas/File Photo
A Libyan flag flutters. REUTERS/Costas Baltas/File Photo
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UN Mission Announces Deployment of 1st Group of Monitors in Libya

A Libyan flag flutters. REUTERS/Costas Baltas/File Photo
A Libyan flag flutters. REUTERS/Costas Baltas/File Photo

The UN envoy to Libya, Jan Kubis, has announced the start of the deployment of the first group of UN ceasefire monitors since October 10.

His announcement came in a letter he addressed to the members of the Joint Military Commission (5+5).

In his letter, Kubis affirmed the UN chief’s welcome to the Geneva Agreement on October 8, which stipulates the development of a comprehensive plan for the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces from the country, stressing that the deployment of the first group of monitors is a step that will contribute to creating the conditions for the success of the action plan.

Kubis also mentioned that the monitors will settle in Tripoli during the first period until the arrangements for their deployment in Sirte are completed, and the monitors will work in cooperation with the Joint Commission and the Libyan parties concerned under Security Council Resolution 2570.

Kubis concluded by highlighting the importance of the UN’s support for efforts to implement the action plan, in addition to unifying the military institution to advance the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration tracks, in addition to reforming the security sector in Libya.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said he "trusts that the deployment of an initial team of United Nations ceasefire monitors will contribute to creating the conditions for successful implementation of the action plan."



Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
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Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)

The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world.

The UN health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more.

WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat.

Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah in the country two months ago.

The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday.