World News in Brief: Deadly Myanmar strikes as Malaysia begins deportations, new emergency funding released, Gaza and West Bank update
UN condemns deadly Myanmar airstrike killing at least 50, urges accountability, while warning against forced returns as Malaysia begins deportations of Myanmar nationals.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned an airstrike in Myanmar’s Rakhine state that reportedly killed at least 50 people at a busy market in Kyauktaw township on Monday. The attack, carried out by forces from the military junta, occurred around midday when over 200 shops were active, injuring at least 58 others, many critically. Women and children were among the dead, and the toll is expected to rise. Guterres called for those responsible to be held accountable.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the attack as raising serious concerns about respect for international humanitarian law, highlighting ongoing abuses against the Rohingya by both the army and the Arakan Army. The strike occurred hours before Malaysia began implementing a plan to deport 5,000 Myanmar nationals, reportedly under an agreement with Myanmar’s military rulers. Türk urged authorities to halt the process immediately, warning conditions in Myanmar are unsafe for returns.
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher released $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to address El Niño-driven drought in South Sudan, where over 10 million people—two-thirds of the population—already require aid. The funds will support early action to mitigate worsening drought impacts, including food, health, nutrition, protection, water, and sanitation services. In Zimbabwe, $4 million will fund anticipatory measures for food, health, and nutrition support before the drought arrives.
In Chad, $3.6 million will assist 350,000 people in preparing for dry conditions that could exacerbate food insecurity and undermine livelihoods. The funds complement government efforts and support early warning systems, cash assistance, livestock feed, malnutrition screening, disease surveillance, and prevention of gender-based violence. Since the start of the year, anticipatory action funding for drought in seven regions of Chad has reached $8 million.