Consequences of fighting in Beirut, Lebanon. Top news of the day | Friday: Middle East, women, food prices UN
The main news of the day in the UN and in the world: The Secretary General warned about the danger of uncontrolled escalation in the Middle East, the UNOPS tanker was hit, Anne Hathaway will speak at the UN on the occasion of International Women’s Day, average food prices rose for the first time in five months.
Escalation in the Middle East
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today expressed deep concern about the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East, stressing that “unlawful attacks” are causing enormous suffering to civilians. According to him, such actions pose a serious threat to the global economy, especially to the most vulnerable groups of the population. The Secretary General warned that the situation could get out of control if the escalation continues. He called on the parties to immediately stop hostilities and move on to serious negotiations, emphasizing that the stakes are extremely high.
Strike on UN vessel
The head of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, called for an investigation following the strike yesterday on an agency tanker en route to pick up fuel for humanitarian operations in Gaza. The ship was hit from the sea and was damaged, but no one was injured. The head of UNOPS recalled that humanitarian workers take risks every day to deliver aid to those in need. He called for stable access to fuel in Gaza, noting that it is necessary for the functioning of hospitals, water supply systems, sewerage systems and other important infrastructure.
Women’s Day
An event dedicated to International Women’s Day 2026 will be held on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York. Organizers say the meeting will highlight the strength of women and girls across generations, cultures and social movements. Actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway will speak at the event. Also at UN headquarters will open the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the largest annual forum on gender equality. The session will take place from March 9 to 19.
FAO Index
World food prices showed growth in February for the first time in five months. According to the updated Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) index, increases in prices for wheat, most vegetable oils and some meats outweighed declines in cheese and sugar prices. FAO also provided a preliminary forecast for wheat production in 2026. The global harvest is expected to fall by about three percent to about 810 million tons, while remaining above the average of the past five years.