Shafaq News- Geneva

The escalating military operations in the region had led to more than 22,000 people killed or injured in Iran and Lebanon, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated on Wednesday, warning of a growing humanitarian impact.

In press remarks, Turk said attacks across Iran have affected 31 provinces, resulting in the deaths of around 1,400 civilians and injuries to more than 20,000 others.

Regarding Lebanon, he noted that more than 1,000 people have been killed within three weeks of Israeli strikes, cautioning that the humanitarian situation risks a “complete collapse.”

Turk also warned that military activity near nuclear facilities poses a dangerous escalation risk, urging all parties to avoid a broader confrontation. He added that the ongoing conflict could push up to 25 million people toward acute hunger, amid disruptions to energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The UN official said the effects of the conflict have extended to Iraq, Syria, and the Palestinian territories, stressing that attacks targeting civilians constitute a clear violation of international law. “The attacks attributed to Iran have affected the security of Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan,” he stressed.

The warning comes as the confrontation between Israel, the United States, and Iran enters its 26th day, while Lebanon continues to witness sustained escalation since early March.

By Luminous Jannamike

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for an urgent moral reset and national unity, urging leaders and citizens alike to confront deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and widening social divisions, as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. 

The goodwill message, issued to mark the end of Ramadan, quickly shifts into a broader national appeal, using the rare alignment of Christian and Muslim fasting periods this year to press for shared responsibility, interfaith solidarity, and a renewed commitment to justice, truth, and the common good at a critical moment for the country.

The call was contained in a statement by the CBCN President, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna.

“Your discipline in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is a powerful witness to faith, self-restraint, and devotion to God, an inspiring example in a world often marked by excess, distraction, and division,” the bishops said.

“This providential convergence highlights our shared commitment to sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God. It reminds us that we are bound together in a common pursuit of peace and righteousness,” they added.

Amid mounting national challenges, the bishops stressed that the moment demands more than passive tolerance, urging Nigerians to move towards active collaboration in rebuilding the country.

“It calls us to move beyond mere coexistence and truly live as brothers and sisters, working side by side to build a nation founded on justice, truth, and mutual respect,” the bishops said.

They added that such renewal must be anchored in enduring values, including sacrifice, solidarity with the poor, forgiveness, and reverence for God, which they described as essential for healing and national renewal.

As Muslims mark the end of Ramadan, the bishops also offered prayers for lasting spiritual impact across the country.

“We pray that the fruits of Ramadan will endure, renewing hearts, purifying intentions, and deepening compassion, while bringing abundant blessings to your families and to our nation.

“May Almighty God bless our nation with unity, protect all who dwell in it, and guide our leaders in the path of righteousness and in the service of the common good,” they added. Vanguard

Statement from Beijing comes as energy supplies from Gulf region remain affected due to the war

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL

China on Wednesday said it would provide Taiwan with “stable and reliable” energy supplies after a possible peaceful reunification.

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, made the remarks regarding risks of disruptions to oil and gas supplies amid the Middle East conflict, according to Xinhua News Agency.

“Peaceful reunification would create significant opportunities for Taiwan's economic and social development and bring tangible benefits to Taiwan compatriots,” Chen said.

China considers Taiwan a “breakaway province,” while Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949.

“After peaceful reunification, cross-Strait connectivity would be fully realized, making it possible to address Taiwan's shortages in electricity, natural gas and crude oil,” Chen added, noting that the mainland “will also ensure that Taiwan residents enjoy more affordable, cleaner and more stable energy supplies.”

Separately, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the administration of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te on Wednesday over comments on Japanese colonization of the island

The Lai administration “brazenly whitewashed Japanese aggression and colonial rule over Taiwan, siding with the lie fabricated by Japanese aggressors,” the ministry said.

Over the weekend, Lai criticized the main opposition Kuomintang for treating Taiwanese people “worse than Japanese colonial rule,” according to Liberty Times.

“This is a grave disregard for history and a disgraceful betrayal of the nation. The bitter and deep memories of blood and tears should not be forgotten or distorted,” said Lin.