UN Jan 27th, 2026: UN Warns on Hate as Gaza, Iran, Succession Dominate Briefing

By ATN News Team

UNHQ, New York: The United Nations used its daily briefing Tuesday to deliver a sobering mix of remembrance, alarm and routine crisis updates, while journalists pushed the spokesperson on politically sensitive flashpoints ranging from Gaza access and Iran protests to the race to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres.

Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric opened by noting that Guterres was attending the annual Holocaust memorial ceremony, where he warned that antisemitism is surging worldwide and that hatred “once unleashed, can consume everything.” The Secretary-General cautioned that the Holocaust began not with killing but with words, urging governments and societies to confront hatred before it metastasizes.

The message was reinforced by new data released by UNESCO. A study surveying more than 2,000 teachers across the European Union found that over 77 percent had witnessed antisemitic incidents between students, often linked to conspiracy theories circulating online or within family environments.

Humanitarian crises dominate briefing

Beyond the commemorations, the bulk of the briefing focused on worsening humanitarian conditions across several regions.

In Syria, the UN reported that more than 170,000 people have been displaced since early January amid renewed clashes and severe winter weather. Convoys have begun reaching Qamishli in the northeast, delivering food, clothing and blankets, but displacement sites remain overcrowded and infrastructure damage from storms is cutting off access to coastal areas.

In Gaza, OCHA officials warned that the situation remains “dire” for hundreds of thousands. Health partners have vaccinated over 6,000 children under three in a catch-up campaign, while food assistance is reaching 1.2 million people with flour distributions. The UN said it provides bread daily to about 43 percent of the population, free or heavily subsidized. Still, more than one million people urgently need shelter support, and sustainable solutions remain out of reach.

In South Sudan, violence in Jonglei State has displaced more than 230,000 people since late December. The government has ordered evacuations in three counties ahead of military operations, while flight restrictions have cut off humanitarian air access. Cholera cases are surging, with nearly 1,000 reported infections and at least 29 deaths in Duk County alone.

Other updates included UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo escorting farmers during harvest season, ongoing support for wildfire response in Chile, a $5 million anticipatory funding release for flood preparedness in Niger, and the formal wind-down of the political mission in Iraq.

Journalists probe sensitive political terrain

The question-and-answer session revealed familiar dynamics: persistent probing by correspondents on geopolitical accountability, and careful, disciplined responses from the spokesperson.

On Rafah Crossing, reporters asked whether the return of the last Israeli hostage’s remains would lead to its reopening. Dujarric said the UN had no confirmed information, reiterating the organization’s desire to see the crossing reopened for humanitarian and civilian movement.

On Iran, one journalist cited reports alleging protest death tolls exceeding 30,000 and pressed for stronger public condemnation. Dujarric acknowledged the lack of verified figures but said any confirmed number would be “horrendous,” stressing that those responsible for violence against peaceful protesters must be held accountable. He reiterated the Secretary-General’s concern about excessive use of force and violations of fundamental freedoms.

The questioning grew sharper when Ahmed Fathi of ATN News asked whether the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Iran amounted to intimidation or warmongering. Dujarric responded that the Secretary-General is concerned about military buildup in the Gulf and called for maximum restraint and renewed commitment to dialogue and de-escalation.

On Ukraine, a correspondent asked whether a “just peace” is possible without holding Russian leaders accountable for alleged war crimes. The spokesperson avoided legal judgments but reaffirmed the UN’s call for an end to the war consistent with Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law.

Several journalists attempted to draw Dujarric into commenting on the emerging race to replace Guterres, including repeated questions about IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, the only declared candidate so far. Dujarric declined each time, underscoring that his role is to speak only for the current Secretary-General and not on succession politics.

A room defined by tension and restraint

The tone in the room reflected a familiar UN choreography. Journalists pushed for clearer stances on accountability, access, and power dynamics. The spokesperson responded with carefully measured words, sticking to the official stance while openly acknowledging uncertainty when the facts were unverified. At moments, the exchanges carried flashes of humor — including a brief detour during the “Honour Roll” segment thanking Ireland and Malaysia for paying their dues — but the overall mood was heavy, shaped by war, displacement and political paralysis.

The result was not a dramatic confrontation, but a portrait of an organization navigating between moral urgency and diplomatic caution: determined to keep crises visible, careful not to overstep its mandate, and increasingly aware that its credibility is tested not only by events on the ground but by the questions echoing daily in the briefing room.