Source: UN News: Thursday, January 29, 2026 00:01 AM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed concern over several incidents of shipwrecks and deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea in the last 10 days. On the other hand, the United Nations has reiterated that it is very important to fully implement the arrangements necessary for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Three people have been confirmed dead in Lampedusa, Italy, following a rescue operation to find a boat that ran aground off the coast of Tunisia. Survivors said another boat also sank off the coast at the same time but its whereabouts were unknown. In another incident, at least 51 people are feared dead when another ship sank off the coast of Tobruk, Libya. Complete information about these incidents is not yet available and the UN Migration Agency is trying to collect the data of the dead.IOM The UN agency said that these tragedies have once again demonstrated the devastating consequences that human trafficking networks can have if they continue to operate with impunity. The sinkings occurred during Hurricane Harry, an unusually severe storm in the Mediterranean region. The UN agency noted that smugglers are attempting to transport migrants in unseaworthy, overcrowded boats. Riding is a criminal offence. And deliberately sending people on such a journey in stormy conditions, where there is a certain risk of death, is even more disturbing. Adherence to the ceasefire regime in Gaza is vital UN News In Gaza, many people are forced to live in makeshift camps, where the cold and stormy weather has increased their problems. Their tents often get filled with rain water. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stressed that it is vital that full implementation of the ceasefire arrangements in the Gaza Strip is critical. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to implement other phases of the United States-led ceasefire plan in good faith and without delay. Unimpeded humanitarian access, and continued adherence to international humanitarian law, is vital. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN will continue its support for the full implementation of the agreement on the ground. Meanwhile, the UN welcomed news of the recovery of the body of the last Israeli hostage in Gaza. The UN spokesperson expressed his condolences to the family of Israeli national Ran Gwili. “From day one, the Secretary-General and UN leadership have been calling for the immediate, unconditional release of those held hostage in Gaza.” Ran Gwili was among more than 250 Israeli and foreign nationals taken hostage by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups during attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. 1,250 Israeli and foreign citizens were killed in these attacks.
