Return To: The Security Council
The Security Council Security Council Situation Report 13 November 2024
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. For a more comprehensive background on the issues presented in this update, please refer to the 2024 AMUN Handbook Security Council section. (Editorial Note: This information in this situation report is accurate and up-to-date as of 29 October, 2024).
The Situation in Sudan
The situation in Sudan has escalated. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the beginning of this conflict. In the past week (20 October 2024), hundreds have been killed in the fighting between the Rapid Support Group (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur. Recent updates have the RSF commander Abu Aqleh Keikal defecting to the SAF, the first defection reported in this conflict. The RSF has continued to target civilians with violence, causing massive population displacement, disease and food shortages. Toward the end of October, the RSF attacked numerous villages in the Al Jazirah (also spelled Gezira) state where the RSF were “indiscriminately shooting at civilians and committing sexual violence against women and girls.” The SAF is also using violence against civilians, including the same tactics as the RSF. There have been reports of increased violence and other human rights abuses by the SAF in villages south of the capital city, Khartoum, while fighting against the RSF.
The violence has led to a mass displacement of people; the United Nations estimates more than 11 million. Of those 11 million 2.9 million have left Sudan as refugees. With the latest attacks, an estimated 47,000 people have been displaced with a majority crossing the border into Sudan as refugees. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates more than 14 million people have been displaced with over half being women and children. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that 26 million people face acute hunger, and at least one refugee camp, Zamzam, which hosts 500,000 people, has been officially classified as reaching famine conditions by the Famine Review Committee, an internationally recognized group with expertise on food security and hunger.
Bibliography
Ahmed, Kaamil (28 October 2024). Sudan Militia Accused of Mass Killings and Sexual Violence as Attacks Escalate. The Guardian.
Chothia, Farouk (26 October 2024). New Wave of Mass Killings in Sudan Alarm UN. BBC.
Dahir, Abdi Latif, et al. (26 October 2024). Hundreds Killed in Days as War in Sudan Surges. New York Times.
Fleming, Lucy. (1 August 2024). Big Sudan Camp Pushed into Famine- Experts. BBC.
Mishra, Vibhu (28 October 2024). Sudan Trapped in a ‘nightmare of violence’, UN Chief Tells Security Council. UN News.
Mishra, Vibhu (26 October 2024). Sudan: UN Official Decries Attacks Against Civilians in Al Jazirah State. UN News.
Schlein, Lisa (29 October 2024). Sudan Displacement Crisis Worsens as fighting, hunger, Sexual Violence Escalates. VOA.
Abdelaziz, Khalid (21 October 2024). Sudanese Army Reports First Defection of Senior RSF Commander. Reuters.
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
The Situation in Lebanon
After apparent attacks by Israeli forces against peacekeepers deployed to Lebanon by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 11 through 13 October 2024, the Head of UN Peace Operation stated that, following a closed door meeting of the Security Council, the Security Council expressed a “unanimous expression of support” to UNIFIL. Additionally, the Security Council supported peacekeepers remaining stationed along the “Blue Line,” which marks the border between Lebanon and Israel. Despite the support of the Security Council, UNIFIL has reported further incidents between Israeli forces and peacekeepers, including Israeli forces appearing to shoot at a UNIFIL observation post and an apparent Hezbollah rocket attack wounding 8 peacekeepers. Off the coast of Lebanon, a German warship deployed as part of UNIFIL’s maritime component shot down a drone in accordance with UNIFIL’s mandate. After the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers the Italian government, a major contributor to UNIFIL, expressed support for strengthening UNIFIL’s mandate and presence in Lebanon.
Despite calls for a ceasefire, fighting in Lebanon continues to escalate with more Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks. Analysis by the BBC estimates approximately 3,600 buildings in Lebanon have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in the first two weeks of October; while Hezbollah has deployed larger and more sophisticated rockets targeting the Israeli city of Haifa. On 22 October, an Israeli airstrike near the Rafiq Hariri Hospital in Beirut killed 18 people and caused several nearby buildings to collapse. The Israeli government said the attack was due to Hezbollah activities near the hospital. Separately, the Israeli government claimed the al Sahel hospital in Beirut concealed Hezbollah bunkers. A BBC camera crew visited the al Sahel hospital—including its basements—and saw no indication of bunkers or Hezbollah activities.
On 24 October 2024, an international conference on Lebanon convened by French President Emmanual Macron closed with the announcement that approximately $1 billion for humanitarian aid and funding for security forces in Lebanon had been pledged by the international community. The conference also urged for UNIFIL to be strengthened to “face the new situation” on the ground. The pledged aid is approximately double the needed amount estimated by the United Nations. The pledged military aid, intended to permit Lebanon to recruit more troops and deploy more troops to the south of the country, is a continuation of previously announced European plans to restore peace and security in Lebanon. Despite welcoming the pledged aid, Lebanon’s Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to take stronger action to obtain a ceasefire.
The Situation in Gaza
The conflict in Gaza continues, with the Israeli government increasing military operations in north Gaza. On 2 October, 2024, it was reported that aid shipments into Gaza reached their lowest level for seven months.This was due to new Israeli border restrictions, fighting near the Rafah border crossing in south Gaza and the Israeli government ending a “fast track” agreement with Jordan to facilitate aid transportation. New Israeli evacuation orders in October for northern Gaza prompted concern the Israeli government was implementing the “General’s Plan.” The outlines of the plan envisioned the Israeli government would declare north Gaza a closed military zone after an evacuation order. If implemented, under the plan no humanitarian aid would be allowed into north Gaza and all those remaining would be considered combatants. The Israeli government denied it was considering the “General’s Plan”. The intensity of Israeli military operations in north Gaza—including fighting inside hospitals—and starvation conditions prompted the United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk to warn of a risk of genocide in north Gaza.
On 16 October, 2024, a letter from the government of the United States of America to Israel was leaked to the press. In the letter, the United States warned that unless the Israeli government improves the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days and meets certain targets, military aid to Israel may be cut off due to domestic laws governing military aid. Despite the letter and diplomatic pressure, the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza—in particular north Gaza—remains low. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) reported that in October 2024 only 28 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza each day on average, the lowest number since October 2023. On 28 October 2024, the Israeli parliament—the Knesset—voted to ban UNRWA from Israel and prohibit any contact between Israeli officials and the UNRWA. The law will go into effect in 90 days. The Knesset passed the law despite widespread international opposition and the United Nations warning of “devastating consequences” for Gaza if the ban goes through.
Bibliography
Austria says eight of its UNIFIL troops in Lebanon injured in rocket attack (29 October 2024). Reuters.
Balmer, Crispian (17 October 2024). UNIFIL has vital role, mission must be strengthened, Italy says. Reuters.
Bassam, Laila, et al. (25 October 2024). Israel and Hezbollah trade fire across Lebanon border, Blinken calls for urgent resolution. Reuters.
BBC tours hospital Israel says sits above millions in Hezbollah gold (22 October 2024). BBC News.
Bowen, Jeremy (12 October 2024). Israeli attack on northern Gaza hints at retired general’s ‘surrender or starve’ plan for war. BBC News.
Bryant, Lisa (24 October 2024). Paris donors conference raises millions in humanitarian aid for Lebanon. VOA News.
Casey, Ian, et al. (22 October 2024). Lebanon says 18 killed in Israeli strike near southern Beirut hospital. BBC News.
Corbet, Sylvie (24 October 2024). The Paris conference for Lebanon raises $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian and military support. AP News.
Diamond, Jeremy, et al. (16 October 2024). US suggests military aid to Israel is at risk in letter demanding more aid for Gaza. CNN.
Frankel, Julia (14 October 2024). Netanyahu mulls plan to empty northern Gaza of civilians and cut off aid to those left inside. AP News.
Gauthier-Villars, David, and John Davison (2 October 2024). Food aid to Gaza falls as Israel sets new rule – sources. Reuters.
Gritten, David (25 October 2024). Gaza war’s ‘darkest moment’ unfolding in north, UN says. BBC News.
Gritten, David (21 October 2024). Israel still preventing humanitarian missions to north Gaza, Unrwa says. BBC News.
Hadjicostis, Menelaos (11 October 2024). Southern European leaders want Lebanon’s army to reassert itself in the country’s south. AP News.
Hodari, David, and Erin McLaughlin (16 October 2024). Stern U.S. letter prompts Israel to allow first aid into northern Gaza this month. Will it last?. NBC News.
‘Intolerable’, ‘dangerous precedent’: World condemns Israel’s UNRWA ban (29 October 2024). Al Jazeera.
Lebanon: Security Council offers ‘unanimous support’ to UNIFIL peacekeepers (14 October 2024). UN News.
McKernan, Bethan (27 October 2024) Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 70 as UN chief calls civilians’ plight ‘unbearable’. The Guardian.
More, Rachel (17 October 2024). German warship serving UNIFIL downs drone off Lebanon. Reuters.
Nour, Ahmed, and Erwan Rivault (24 October 2024). Lebanon: Satellite imagery reveals intensity of Israeli bombing. BBC News.
Roth, Andrew (28 October 2024). Israeli parliament votes to ban Unrwa from Israel within 90 days. The Guardian.
Türk says world must act as darkest moment of Gaza conflict unfolds (25 October 2024). UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UNIFIL statement (25 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
NIFIL statement (20 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban (29 October 2024). UN News.
UNRWA Situation Report #145 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (25 October 2024). UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine.
WHO concerned following raid on North Gaza hospital (25 October 2024). UN News.
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. For a more comprehensive background on the issues presented in this update, please refer to the 2024 AMUN Handbook Security Council section. (Editorial Note: This information in this situation report is accurate and up-to-date as of 29 October, 2024).
The Situation in Sudan
The situation in Sudan has escalated. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the beginning of this conflict. In the past week (20 October 2024), hundreds have been killed in the fighting between the Rapid Support Group (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur. Recent updates have the RSF commander Abu Aqleh Keikal defecting to the SAF, the first defection reported in this conflict. The RSF has continued to target civilians with violence, causing massive population displacement, disease and food shortages. Toward the end of October, the RSF attacked numerous villages in the Al Jazirah (also spelled Gezira) state where the RSF were “indiscriminately shooting at civilians and committing sexual violence against women and girls.” The SAF is also using violence against civilians, including the same tactics as the RSF. There have been reports of increased violence and other human rights abuses by the SAF in villages south of the capital city, Khartoum, while fighting against the RSF.
The violence has led to a mass displacement of people; the United Nations estimates more than 11 million. Of those 11 million 2.9 million have left Sudan as refugees. With the latest attacks, an estimated 47,000 people have been displaced with a majority crossing the border into Sudan as refugees. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates more than 14 million people have been displaced with over half being women and children. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that 26 million people face acute hunger, and at least one refugee camp, Zamzam, which hosts 500,000 people, has been officially classified as reaching famine conditions by the Famine Review Committee, an internationally recognized group with expertise on food security and hunger.
Bibliography
Ahmed, Kaamil (28 October 2024). Sudan Militia Accused of Mass Killings and Sexual Violence as Attacks Escalate. The Guardian.
Chothia, Farouk (26 October 2024). New Wave of Mass Killings in Sudan Alarm UN. BBC.
Dahir, Abdi Latif, et al. (26 October 2024). Hundreds Killed in Days as War in Sudan Surges. New York Times.
Fleming, Lucy. (1 August 2024). Big Sudan Camp Pushed into Famine- Experts. BBC.
Mishra, Vibhu (28 October 2024). Sudan Trapped in a ‘nightmare of violence’, UN Chief Tells Security Council. UN News.
Mishra, Vibhu (26 October 2024). Sudan: UN Official Decries Attacks Against Civilians in Al Jazirah State. UN News.
Schlein, Lisa (29 October 2024). Sudan Displacement Crisis Worsens as fighting, hunger, Sexual Violence Escalates. VOA.
Abdelaziz, Khalid (21 October 2024). Sudanese Army Reports First Defection of Senior RSF Commander. Reuters.
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
The Situation in Lebanon
After apparent attacks by Israeli forces against peacekeepers deployed to Lebanon by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 11 through 13 October 2024, the Head of UN Peace Operation stated that, following a closed door meeting of the Security Council, the Security Council expressed a “unanimous expression of support” to UNIFIL. Additionally, the Security Council supported peacekeepers remaining stationed along the “Blue Line,” which marks the border between Lebanon and Israel. Despite the support of the Security Council, UNIFIL has reported further incidents between Israeli forces and peacekeepers, including Israeli forces appearing to shoot at a UNIFIL observation post and an apparent Hezbollah rocket attack wounding 8 peacekeepers. Off the coast of Lebanon, a German warship deployed as part of UNIFIL’s maritime component shot down a drone in accordance with UNIFIL’s mandate. After the attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers the Italian government, a major contributor to UNIFIL, expressed support for strengthening UNIFIL’s mandate and presence in Lebanon.
Despite calls for a ceasefire, fighting in Lebanon continues to escalate with more Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks. Analysis by the BBC estimates approximately 3,600 buildings in Lebanon have been destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in the first two weeks of October; while Hezbollah has deployed larger and more sophisticated rockets targeting the Israeli city of Haifa. On 22 October, an Israeli airstrike near the Rafiq Hariri Hospital in Beirut killed 18 people and caused several nearby buildings to collapse. The Israeli government said the attack was due to Hezbollah activities near the hospital. Separately, the Israeli government claimed the al Sahel hospital in Beirut concealed Hezbollah bunkers. A BBC camera crew visited the al Sahel hospital—including its basements—and saw no indication of bunkers or Hezbollah activities.
On 24 October 2024, an international conference on Lebanon convened by French President Emmanual Macron closed with the announcement that approximately $1 billion for humanitarian aid and funding for security forces in Lebanon had been pledged by the international community. The conference also urged for UNIFIL to be strengthened to “face the new situation” on the ground. The pledged aid is approximately double the needed amount estimated by the United Nations. The pledged military aid, intended to permit Lebanon to recruit more troops and deploy more troops to the south of the country, is a continuation of previously announced European plans to restore peace and security in Lebanon. Despite welcoming the pledged aid, Lebanon’s Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to take stronger action to obtain a ceasefire.
The Situation in Gaza
The conflict in Gaza continues, with the Israeli government increasing military operations in north Gaza. On 2 October, 2024, it was reported that aid shipments into Gaza reached their lowest level for seven months.This was due to new Israeli border restrictions, fighting near the Rafah border crossing in south Gaza and the Israeli government ending a “fast track” agreement with Jordan to facilitate aid transportation. New Israeli evacuation orders in October for northern Gaza prompted concern the Israeli government was implementing the “General’s Plan.” The outlines of the plan envisioned the Israeli government would declare north Gaza a closed military zone after an evacuation order. If implemented, under the plan no humanitarian aid would be allowed into north Gaza and all those remaining would be considered combatants. The Israeli government denied it was considering the “General’s Plan”. The intensity of Israeli military operations in north Gaza—including fighting inside hospitals—and starvation conditions prompted the United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk to warn of a risk of genocide in north Gaza.
On 16 October, 2024, a letter from the government of the United States of America to Israel was leaked to the press. In the letter, the United States warned that unless the Israeli government improves the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days and meets certain targets, military aid to Israel may be cut off due to domestic laws governing military aid. Despite the letter and diplomatic pressure, the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza—in particular north Gaza—remains low. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) reported that in October 2024 only 28 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza each day on average, the lowest number since October 2023. On 28 October 2024, the Israeli parliament—the Knesset—voted to ban UNRWA from Israel and prohibit any contact between Israeli officials and the UNRWA. The law will go into effect in 90 days. The Knesset passed the law despite widespread international opposition and the United Nations warning of “devastating consequences” for Gaza if the ban goes through.
Bibliography
Austria says eight of its UNIFIL troops in Lebanon injured in rocket attack (29 October 2024). Reuters.
Balmer, Crispian (17 October 2024). UNIFIL has vital role, mission must be strengthened, Italy says. Reuters.
Bassam, Laila, et al. (25 October 2024). Israel and Hezbollah trade fire across Lebanon border, Blinken calls for urgent resolution. Reuters.
BBC tours hospital Israel says sits above millions in Hezbollah gold (22 October 2024). BBC News.
Bowen, Jeremy (12 October 2024). Israeli attack on northern Gaza hints at retired general’s ‘surrender or starve’ plan for war. BBC News.
Bryant, Lisa (24 October 2024). Paris donors conference raises millions in humanitarian aid for Lebanon. VOA News.
Casey, Ian, et al. (22 October 2024). Lebanon says 18 killed in Israeli strike near southern Beirut hospital. BBC News.
Corbet, Sylvie (24 October 2024). The Paris conference for Lebanon raises $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian and military support. AP News.
Diamond, Jeremy, et al. (16 October 2024). US suggests military aid to Israel is at risk in letter demanding more aid for Gaza. CNN.
Frankel, Julia (14 October 2024). Netanyahu mulls plan to empty northern Gaza of civilians and cut off aid to those left inside. AP News.
Gauthier-Villars, David, and John Davison (2 October 2024). Food aid to Gaza falls as Israel sets new rule – sources. Reuters.
Gritten, David (25 October 2024). Gaza war’s ‘darkest moment’ unfolding in north, UN says. BBC News.
Gritten, David (21 October 2024). Israel still preventing humanitarian missions to north Gaza, Unrwa says. BBC News.
Hadjicostis, Menelaos (11 October 2024). Southern European leaders want Lebanon’s army to reassert itself in the country’s south. AP News.
Hodari, David, and Erin McLaughlin (16 October 2024). Stern U.S. letter prompts Israel to allow first aid into northern Gaza this month. Will it last?. NBC News.
‘Intolerable’, ‘dangerous precedent’: World condemns Israel’s UNRWA ban (29 October 2024). Al Jazeera.
Lebanon: Security Council offers ‘unanimous support’ to UNIFIL peacekeepers (14 October 2024). UN News.
McKernan, Bethan (27 October 2024) Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 70 as UN chief calls civilians’ plight ‘unbearable’. The Guardian.
More, Rachel (17 October 2024). German warship serving UNIFIL downs drone off Lebanon. Reuters.
Nour, Ahmed, and Erwan Rivault (24 October 2024). Lebanon: Satellite imagery reveals intensity of Israeli bombing. BBC News.
Roth, Andrew (28 October 2024). Israeli parliament votes to ban Unrwa from Israel within 90 days. The Guardian.
Türk says world must act as darkest moment of Gaza conflict unfolds (25 October 2024). UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UNIFIL statement (25 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
NIFIL statement (20 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
UNRWA cannot be replaced, say UN top officials in response to Knesset ban (29 October 2024). UN News.
UNRWA Situation Report #145 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (25 October 2024). UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine.
WHO concerned following raid on North Gaza hospital (25 October 2024). UN News.