West Bank
The UN said on 23 October that it is "extremely alarmed by the intensifying violence that we're seeing in the occupied West Bank", after an attack near a checkpoint outside Hebron was followed by widespread Israeli closures. UN News reported, citing news reports, that two Israeli soldiers were killed and the two attackers were also killed. The OHCHR spokesperson for the territory called the closures a pattern of collective punishment. The FCDO's Palestine page has not changed since 22 July.
Subsea cables
A White Paper published on 22 October proposes prison sentences of up to 14 years for intentionally damaging undersea cables and pipelines, unlimited fines for ship owners, and penalties for reckless or negligent damage. The announcement cites suspicious Russian activity around undersea infrastructure. The consultation closes on 14 January 2027.
Ukraine
The UN said on 23 October that attacks on energy infrastructure had left half a million people without electricity across several regions. At its briefing on 22 October, the Spokesman said a drone strike the day before had severely damaged a clearly marked humanitarian vehicle in Donetsk region, and that a humanitarian group had suspended evacuations from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. The aid workers were unharmed. The briefing did not say who carried out the strike. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine briefs on Monday 26 October.
Lebanon
At the UN briefing on 22 October, the Spokesman said UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) observed several air strikes across both sectors of their area of operations between 19 and 21 October, and extensive artillery and mortar activity daily, with 80 projectile trajectories recorded on 21 October alone. Drones were observed over UN positions and populated areas, with low-altitude overflights near places including Tyre. The briefing described the activity as Israeli military activity and gave no casualty figures.
DR Congo
The UN said on 23 October that cholera is spreading in eastern DRC, with more than 55,000 suspected cases reported between January and October, including more than 6,300 in Tanganyika province, which has one of the highest death rates. The treatment centre in Kalemie is overwhelmed. The FCDO advises against all travel to Tanganyika and six other provinces.
