��������

NEW YORK: The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution appointing a special representative to support the search for Kuwaiti and third-country nationals missing since Iraq’s 1990 invasion, and to oversee the return of stolen Kuwaiti property, including its national archives.

The council unanimously adopted resolution 2792, tasking the UN secretary-general with appointing a senior representative whose mandate will focus solely on promoting and facilitating progress on the issue.

The move follows concerns that unresolved humanitarian matters may stall after the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq ends its mandate on Dec. 31, 2025.

“The humanitarian importance of allowing families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives cannot be overstated,” the resolution said, stressing the need for continued cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

More than three decades after the Gulf War, Kuwait continues to seek the return of its missing citizens and property, a process that has seen some progress.

The newly appointed representative is expected to work closely with both governments, the ICRC and technical experts to enhance excavation efforts and leverage new forensic and satellite technologies.

The council encouraged member states with relevant capabilities to assist with advanced tools such as DNA analysis, satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar.

It also welcomed recent capacity-building efforts, such as the 2024 workshop in Nicosia hosted by the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, aimed at sharing technological expertise.

Baghdad’s ongoing commitment to regional reconciliation and its role in addressing post-conflict humanitarian issues were acknowledged in the resolution, which encourages Iraq and Kuwait to share their experience with other post-conflict regions.

The secretary-general is requested to report back on progress by March 31, 2026, and every six months thereafter.

The council will review the situation by June 30, 2028, with a final decision on the need for continued UN oversight to be made no later than Dec. 31, 2030.

Should the matter remain unresolved beyond that date, Iraq has committed to continuing its efforts through appropriate channels.

GENEVA: The United Nations voiced grave concerns on Wednesday about food and other supplies running out in northern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were already experiencing famine, after Israel closed the only crossing there last week.
Israel began its long-expected ground assault on Gaza City in the north on Tuesday and is stepping up efforts to empty the city of civilians by opening an additional route southwards.
Hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering in the city and many are reluctant to follow Israel’s orders to move because of the dangers along the way, dire conditions, a lack of food in the southern area, and fear of permanent displacement.
“There are grave concerns over fuel and food stock depletion in a matter of days as there are now no direct aid entry points into northern Gaza and resupply from south to north is increasingly challenging due to mounting road congestion and insecurity,” the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) said in a statement.
The Zikim Crossing was shut on September 12 and no aid groups have been able to import supplies since, it said.
Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Late on Tuesday it said that humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter northern Gaza, without giving details.
Israel controls all access to Gaza and says it allows enough food aid into the enclave, where it has been at war with Palestinian militants Hamas for nearly two years. It accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the militants deny.
A global hunger monitor said last month that Gaza City and surrounding areas were officially suffering from famine and that it was likely to spread.