“There is a very positive and jubilant atmosphere in Gaza this morning and this has been the case all night. » said Olga Cherevko of the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. “There were people whistling, partying and celebrating.”

Talk to UN News from the devastated enclave, Ms. Cherevko stressed that the immediate humanitarian priorities remain unchanged: “reaching the most vulnerable with the aid we need now in adequate volumes and being able to provide it to those in need… Obviously no humanitarian aid can ever replace peace. This agreement is therefore more important than ever.

UN aid workers have around 170,000 tonnes of food, shelter, medicine and other essential items waiting outside Gaza.

These can be loaded onto trucks and entered the Gaza Strip as soon as a ceasefire is implemented, the aid worker explained, adding that fighting had not stopped as of Thursday morning.

“We look forward to seeing what our role will be in the future and how to get this help quickly and efficiently to people who of course desperately need it.” »

Progress of the American plan

The development follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement Wednesday evening that Israel and Hamas had “signed” the first phase of his 20-point peace plan, following days of intense indirect negotiations in Egypt.

President Trump announced on social media that Hamas had agreed to release all the hostages, later adding that this could happen on Monday.

His comments came at the end of a third day of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Egypt, where in addition to American mediators, representatives from Qatar and Turkey also led the negotiations.

During the Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel that started the war on October 7, 2025, 251 people were taken hostage. Reports indicate that 48 of them are still detained in Gaza and around 20 are still alive.

Other elements of the announced agreement include the withdrawal of Israeli military forces to “an agreed line,” Mr. Trump noted.

In confirming the agreement, Hamas political leaders called on the international community to ensure that Israel respects its terms, which include the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed a “great day for Israel,” ahead of a meeting of his security cabinet Thursday afternoon to approve the first phase of the deal – including an immediate ceasefire that would begin immediately, according to media reports.

Encouragement from Guterres

“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by President Donald J. Trump,” the UN chief said. Antonio Guterres in a statement.

Echoing these comments and welcoming the development, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher echoed his call to “get the hostages out and scale up aid – quickly”.

He added: “Our teams are fully mobilized to move trucks on a large scale and save lives. They need safe access.”

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations agency for the Palestinians, UNRWAdescribed the “tremendous relief” felt by all those affected by the war, which has killed tens of thousands of Gazans, in addition to the nearly 1,200 Israelis murdered by Hamas during its unprecedented attack in southern Israel two years ago.

“The agreement aimed at finally obtaining a ceasefire in #Gaza and freeing the hostages is a huge relief“, Mr Lazzarini said in an online message. “This will bring respite to people who have survived the worst bombings, displacement, loss and heartbreak for two long years. After their terrible ordeal, the Palestinian hostages and detainees will finally reunite with their families. »

WHO is ready: Tedros

Also welcoming the announcement of a deal, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the still “urgent” needs of patients across Gaza and said that the agency “is ready to intensify its work…to support the rehabilitation of the destroyed health system.”

From the United Nations World Food Program (PAM), Executive Director Cindy McCain supported The UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stressed the need to “act NOW” to deliver aid.

“Unrestricted humanitarian access is urgently needed to provide life-saving food and assistance,” she said. “WFP is on the ground and ready to scale up operations, but we must act NOW – there is no time to lose.”

KINGNEWSWIRE / Press release / In a record-breaking edition of the Stralugano Marathon, volunteers from the Dico No alla Droga association, inspired by the humanitarian teachings of L. Ron Hubbard and supported by the Church of Scientology, joined thousands of runners to promote healthy living and drug-free values. Their participation in the Run 4 Charity section transformed sport into a message of prevention and social responsibility, highlighting how community action and education can help build a safer and more resilient Europe.

Say No to Drugs, Yes to Running: Scientologists Join Record-Breaking Stralugano to Promote a Healthy, Drug-Free Lifestyle

Lugano, Switzerland. THE Stralugano This year’s event, one of Switzerland’s most popular sporting events, reached a record number of participants, bringing together thousands of runners from across the region under the banner of community spirit and personal success. Among the participants was the humanitarian association Dictionary No alla Drugwho took part in the section Run 4 Charity in order to reaffirm a message that resonates deeply in today’s society: sport and positive values ​​are powerful alternatives to drug consumption.

The group, made up of volunteers, friends and supporters, joined the event to show that prevention and awareness can also be achieved through action, unity and enthusiasm. “We invited our members, friends and supporters to run with us, a symbolic but meaningful gesture to highlight our message,” said Dico No alla Droga representatives. “We believe that sport offers a real and constructive alternative to the intoxication provided by drugs, by promoting health, energy and solidarity. »

Among the runners was Simone Leoan internationally renowned ultra-marathon runner known for combining endurance and determination. “Running gives people a natural, lasting feeling of accomplishment,” he said. “When you push your limits and cross the finish line, the reward is real. This is something that no drug can ever replace. »

A global humanitarian movement

Dico No alla Droga (Say no to drugs) is part of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Worldan international non-profit organization supported by members of theChurch of Scientology. Based on the humanitarian principles set out by L. Ron Hubbardthe Church’s social campaigns are rooted in the belief that education, not repression, is the most effective form of prevention.

Mr. Hubbard wrote that “the most destructive element present in our culture today is drugs,” emphasizing that it is only through accurate information that people can make informed and positive choices. Following this principle, the campaign provides free educational materials, brochures and audiovisual resources to schools, youth groups and public institutions. Volunteers organize information stands, conferences and events like this, inspiring people to choose life, health and responsibility.

Across Europe, thousands of volunteers have joined this movement in more than 100 European groups, often combining their personal passions — from athletics to the arts — with public awareness initiatives. In doing so, they illustrate a key idea behind the campaign: personal discipline and self-respect, encouraged through activities such as sport, are natural shields against addiction and despair.

The participation of Dico No alla Droga in the Stralugano is more than a gesture of solidarity; it reflects a proactive model of prevention that engages rather than isolates. By bringing together families, athletes and citizens around a common cause, such initiatives strengthen community ties while giving visibility to a message of hope and empowerment.

The group’s local coordinator explained: “Our goal is not to moralize, but to inform. We want young people to understand the real effects of drugs and to know that they have a choice, a choice that leads to a better and freer life. »

Events like the Stralugano offer a visible and positive framework for this message to take root, where the spirit of competition mixes with compassion and civic responsibility.

A message that resonates with European values

Ivan Arjona-Pelado, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, welcomed this initiative, stating:

“What we see in Lugano is not just a local campaign, but a reflection of a broader European principle: human dignity is enhanced when people are empowered through knowledge and determination. Church of Scientology volunteers show that prevention, education and community engagement can transform lives in powerful ways. This is the essence of social responsibility in action. »

Created under the inspiration of L. Ron Hubbard and supported by the ecclesiastical leader of Scientology, Mr. David Miscavigewith a visionary drive to raise standards to a cutting-edge level of excellence, the “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” campaign has reached hundreds of millions of people across more than 180 countries. Through its educational brochures, translated into dozens of languages, and the widely distributed “The Truth About Drugs” series, the campaign provides young people with factual information about the short- and long-term effects of the most commonly abused substances. The program has received support from educators, law enforcement professionals and community leaders for its effective, non-confrontational approach to prevention.

L’Church of Scientologyfounded by L. Ron Hubbardis dedicated to the betterment of humanity through education, ethics and humanitarian action. Across the European continent, Churches of Scientology, missions and affiliated groups conduct a wide range of community programs covering human rights education, substance abuse prevention, moral literacy and disaster relief. His recognition as charitable and authentic religion continues to grow throughout Europenational courts and public institutions recognizing the social contribution and commitment of the Church to civic values.

This latest development follows the release on Tuesday of two reports claiming that the so-called “renewable energy revolution” is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.

For the first time, renewable energy generates more electricity than coalaccording to a new analysis from Ember, a global think tank working to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Energy change underway

Solar and wind power outpaced growth in global electricity demand in the first half of this year, causing coal and gas to decline slightly compared to the same period in 2024.

This represents “a crucial turning point”, according to Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember.

“Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the growing global appetite for electricity. This marks the start of a shift where clean energy keeps pace with growing demand.“, she said in a press release.

Solar energy success story

In a separate report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that installed renewable energy continues to grow and is expected to double by 2030.

Global renewable energy capacity is expected to increase by 4,600 gigawatts (GW), “roughly equivalent to adding the total power generation capacity of China, the European Union and Japan”, the agency said.

Growth is driven by the rapid rise of solar photovoltaic technology, which converts sunlight into energy. This will account for around 80 percent of the increase, followed by wind, hydro, bioenergy and geothermal.

‘A a better future for all”

In response to this news, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres tweeted that “the future of clean energy is no longer a distant promise – it is here”.

He urged the international community to “seize this historic opportunity and accelerate the global transition towards a better future for all.”

Reports echo findings of Secretary-General’s report Moment of Opportunity Report, published in July.

They also reflect messages from world leaders present at his Climate Summit organized last month during the high-level week as part of the preparations for the COP30 Conference in Brazil in November.

However, the UN chief continued to emphasize that although progress has been made, the energy transition is not yet fast enough or fair enough.

Therefore, efforts must be intensified if the world is to achieve the goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as stated in the report. Paris Agreement on climate change.

The increase in displacement at the end of September marks a turning point in the conflict – now entering its eighth year – with more than 100,000 people already uprooted by 2025.

Violence in Cabo Delgado began in 2017, led by armed groups known locally as al-Shabaab – unrelated to the Somali Islamist militia of the same name. The conflict has evolved into a complex crisis compounded by the effects of repeated cyclones, floods and droughts that have devastated livelihoods.

For the first time since the start of hostilities, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado were directly affected and more than 1.3 million people were displaced – several times.

“Families are reaching their limits”, Xavier Creach, head of UNHCR in Mozambique, noting that some who once hosted displaced people are now fleeing themselves.

Civilians continue to be targeted, with reports of killings, kidnappings and sexual violence, while children are at risk of forcible recruitment.

Women and girls most at risk

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable when fetching water or firewood, and people with disabilities or the elderly often cannot escape violence. Many are traumatized and urgently need psychosocial support, added Mr. Créach.

Violence has sharply intensified this year, with more than 500 incidents recorded through August – even surpassing 2022 peaks – including raids, kidnappings and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.

The health system under siege

The humanitarian consequences have been compounded by the collapse of health services in the north.

According to the response led by the World Health Organization, around 60 percent of facilities in the worst-affected districts are not functioning due to insecurity, looting and displacement of staff.

Essential services such as maternity care, HIV treatment and emergency response have been severely disrupted.

In Mocímboa da Praia, the only hospital is operating with less than 10 percent of its staff – for most of the volunteers who fight to keep emergency rooms and maternity wards open.

Humanitarian groups warn that disease risks are increasing, with cases of malaria and cholera expected to increase with the start of the rainy season.

Serious funding gap

The health sector’s annual response plan is only 11 percent funded for this year, leaving stocks of essential medicines extremely low.

UNHCR also faces serious funding gaps. It received only $66 million of the $352 million required for its operations in Mozambique this year.leaving response capacity “strained as needs increase”.

At least 24 people were killed and more than 45 injured on Monday when bombs were dropped on civilians attending a religious festival in Chaung-U township in the Sagaing region, according to media reports.

Witnesses said a “motorized paraglider” was used to drop two explosives on crowds gathered to mark a national holiday.

“This tragic incident, if confirmed, would add to a worrying series of indiscriminate attacks affecting civilians across the country,» UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Wednesday.

“The indiscriminate use of airborne munitions is unacceptable. All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”

Sharp increase in airstrikes

Sagaing was one of the regions hardest hit by the conflict that erupted after the February 2021 military coup, which saw the ouster of the elected government and the arrest of key leaders, including President Win Myint and State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The region also suffered heavy damage during an earthquake earlier this year, exacerbating humanitarian needs.

According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), Sagaing recorded the highest number of airstrikes and civilian deaths in the entire country. Between March 28 and May 31, 2025 alone, more than 108 airstrikes were reported there, killing at least 89 people.

The OHCHR said Myanmar’s military is increasingly relying on air power, including new paramotor tactics capable of carrying 120mm mortar rounds, to strike “civilian-inhabited and quake-affected areas”, despite announcing temporary ceasefires in April and May to allow post-quake relief operations.

Deliberate targeting of civilians

The report, released in September, documented at least 6,764 civilian deaths and more than 29,000 political arrests since the coup. Nearly half of all verified civilian deaths between April 2024 and May 2025 were due to air attacks – with Sagaing, Mandalay and Shan among the worst affected.

It also cited the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including markets, schools, homes, places of worship and camps for internally displaced persons.

“Atrocities such as extrajudicial killings, mutilations and widespread destruction of property have been documented, as well as the use of airstrikes with no discernible military objective. raising serious concerns about war crimes“, said OHCHR.