Here’s the translation to American English:
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In a critical moment for the Middle East, UN agencies have issued an urgent call for peace and de-escalation following Israel’s recent attack on Iran and the latter’s rapid military response. Concerns are growing, as a prolonged conflict could lead to massive displacement of people, further complicating the already intricate situation of years of war and instability in the region.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has noted that the recent attacks have forced many to flee their homes in Iran and Israel in search of safety. A spokesperson for the agency indicated that population movements are being recorded from places like Tehran, with some opting to cross borders into neighboring countries. Meanwhile, many Israelis are also seeking refuge within the country or even abroad amid the increase in bombings.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “This region has already endured more than enough war, loss, and displacement; we cannot allow another refugee crisis to emerge… too often, the consequences last for generations.” UNHCR has urged neighboring countries to respect the right to asylum and ensure access to humanitarian aid for those affected.
In a broader context, Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have raised the risk of a large-scale confrontation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that this is the third attack on facilities within a week. Although the presence of nuclear material was not confirmed in the latest strike, the IAEA warned about the potential repercussions of such actions.
Simultaneously, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), has described alarming conditions in the enclave. “In Gaza, two million people are starving,” he stated. The aftermath of nearly two years of conflict has resulted in over 55,000 deaths, a large majority of whom are women and children, leaving many survivors in a state of profound trauma.
Lazzarini highlighted that UNRWA, amidst these crises, has been the target of attacks, leading to the deaths of at least 318 of its staff members since the escalation of the conflict began. Despite these challenges, the agency continues to provide essential services, although it faces what it describes as “desperate” financial conditions. Without additional funding, they would be forced to make decisions that would severely impact their operations.
The increasing hostilities between Israel and Iran, coupled with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, present a monumental challenge that requires the immediate and concerted attention of the international community to mitigate the suffering of millions in the region.
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Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
