Samir Chalhoub

Politics and competing narratives can shape how military actions are justified. Is there really a way around international humanitarian law? Let’s break it down by its principles. 🧵

UN Friday on the Strait of Hormuz   “As the conflict in the Middle East unfolds and threatens to intensify, disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months. While the Secretary-General is committed to making every effort to achieve a comprehensive and durable settlement of the conflict, immediate action is essential to mitigate these consequences.   To address these challenges, the Secretary-General has established a dedicated Task Force, led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This Task Force will also include representatives from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Additional entities may be invited to participate as needed. The primary focus of the Task Force is to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.   Drawing inspiration from relevant UN initiatives, including the UN Verification, Inspection and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), and the UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza, this new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz aims to facilitate fertilizer trade, including the movement of related raw materials. The mechanism’s operationalization will be done in close consultation with relevant Member States with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks.   If successful, it would also create confidence among Member States on the diplomatic approach to the conflict and constitute a valuable step towards a wider political settlement.   As part of his broader peacemaking mandate, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, will lead political engagement with relevant Member States, supported by the Task.” @UN_Spokesperson   Further information about the impact of the disruptions around the State of Hormuz can be found here:   fao.org/newsroom/detai…

Another devastating week for humanitarians: three colleagues killed saving lives in Sudan, DRC, Lebanon. We grieve, we demand accountability and the protection that international law demands, and we continue the work in their memory.

I dag står Ukraina og flere land i Midtøsten, inkludert mitt hjemland Libanon, overfor mange lignende omstendigheter. Derfor er det så viktig å være så tett som mulig på menneskene vi jobber for og partnerne vi samarbeider med.

På vei igjen, denne gangen til Ukraina. Med så mye som skjer i verden rundt oss, blir det vanskelig å opprettholde det samme fokuset på flere kriser samtidig.

I find those proud statements that some military action in the current war “has not occurred since World War 2” actually scary. Do we really want to destroy a system of rules (difficult and complicated as they may be) which was set up so that a world war would not happen again?

This is another test for diplomacy and multilateralism, but also for the humanitarian system already under massive strain - one that must somehow maintain the capacity to think, plan, and act at a time when chaos appears to be the new order.

Not withholding the fact that the flexible funding that once enabled such responsiveness precisely for moments like this is no longer available. Can we still be as agile as we need to be? Can we afford not to be?

The situation in the Middle East is both deeply concerning and, frankly, embarrassing. Embarrassing because the international community, despite decades of commitments, tools, and lessons learned, continues to fall short of preventing predictable civilian suffering.

Civilians should never pay the price of military action, their protection is essential. All parties to the conflict should respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians. These truths are universal. #Iran

@weimers A humanitarian here. I respectfully caution against conflating political with humanitarian objectives. In fact, armed conflict remains a principal driver of civilian needs in the region and around the world.

It is a humanitarian intervention, Mr. Bildt. Everyone with a moral compass can see this.

A humanitarian here. I respectfully caution against conflating political with humanitarian objectives. In fact, armed conflict remains a principal driver of civilian needs in the region and around the world.

Such a boost to spend time with these passionate and courageous leaders of the humanitarian community. The headwinds are immense, but their organizations will be saving tens of millions of lives in 2026. Please back them.👇

The benefits of multilateralism under the UN Charter (far) outweigh any perceived drawbacks. Only at UNGA, regardless of size or wealth, do Member States participate as equals, and only there does their vote become the collective voice of the international community.

… with renewed faith and commitment to the treaties and conventions that advance global peace and security, protect humanity in war, and remain central to international relations.

The #UNSC has, of course, had its limitations. The lack of laser-focused diplomacy and the responsible use of voting to prevent and limit the expansion & intensity of armed conflicts will continue to be felt (& remembered) by innocent civilians and aid workers on the frontlines.

Attacks last night on #Kyiv & across #Ukraine reportedly injured 3 children & left millions without heating, water & power. Sub-zero temperatures are another risk to children’s physical & mental health. @UNICEF is further bolstering energy systems to also enable repairs & is working around the clock with local authorities to help keep critical services for children and families running.

Restricting humanitarian action would hit people in need first and risk reversing fragile gains made during the ceasefire. mercycorps.org/press-room/rel…

. @MercyCorps and other members of the @IASCch urge Israeli authorities to revoke their plan to ban many of the international NGOs operating in the oPt. Restricting humanitarian action would hit people in need first and risk reversing fragile gains made during the ceasefire.