The UN Secretary-General has expressed alarm after a drone struck a residential building in the Romanian city of Galați overnight into Friday, reportedly injuring two people.
According to Romanian authorities, the Russian drone entered Romanian airspace before crashing into the roof of an apartment building, sparking a fire on the 10th floor.
The incident marks the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine that a Russian drone has struck a residential building inside a NATO Member State, although multiple drones have reportedly strayed into Romanian airspace on previous occasions since the invasion began in 2022.
"We strongly condemn any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, wherever they occur" said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, speaking to reporters at the regular noon briefing in New York.
Romania's response
Romania has called the incident a serious violation of international law and urged NATO defence pact members to accelerate the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to strengthen its defences.
In response, NATO condemned what it described as Russia's recklessness and pledged to continue bolstering its defences against emerging threats.
Russia has neither confirmed or denied responsibility for the drone, reportedly saying that an "examination" of the aircraft needs to be conducted.
Escalating violence in Lebanon puts lives and historic sites at risk
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon on Friday expressed deep alarm at the intensifying hostilities between Hamas militants and Israeli forces which have led to an "appalling escalation of violence, displacement and human loss."
In a statement , Imran Riza said countless families are being forced to make "impossible choices" in seeking safety.
"The human costs are immense. According to the Ministry of Public Health, at least 31 people including women and children were killed and 40 injured in hostilities on 26 May alone," he added.
Meanwhile, the UN culture agency UNESCO has raised alarm over damage to some of Lebanon's most significant national landmarks as hostilities continue to escalate across the country.
Verified damage has been reported at Chama' Citadel, while strikes were reported near Beaufort Castle - sites protected under international law.
UNESCO also expressed concern for the ancient city of Tyre , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , warning that ongoing violence could lead to further destruction and looting.
The agency stressed that attacks on cultural heritage not only damage irreplaceable history but also deprive communities of shared spaces vital for recovery and social cohesion.
Military activity intensifies
The UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL , continues to report intense military activity. Humanitarian operations are also facing challenges, with strikes damaging key roads used for medical evacuations and aid deliveries.
Repeated evacuation orders have forced many families to flee their homes multiple times, while aid officials warn that civilians remain at increasing risk.
Since fighting intensified in March, the UN World Food Programme ( WFP ) and its partners have distributed more than 11 million meals to people affected by the conflict.
Marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL paid tribute to six peacekeepers killed in the recent hostilities, while mission head Major General Diodato Abagnara reiterated that diplomacy remains the only path toward a lasting ceasefire.
WFP scales up emergency response in Akobo as catastrophic hunger and malnutrition deepen
Turning to South Sudan finally, where the WFP has scaled up its emergency response in Akobo East, delivering vital food and nutrition assistance to hundreds of thousands of people facing catastrophic hunger and malnutrition.
The move follows an uptick in violence in early March which displaced approximately 142,000 people from Akobo County and surrounding areas.
"Our hope is to continue to reach people in need. Sustained safety and security of humanitarians and humanitarian cargo is therefore crucial," said Mutinta Chimuka, WFP Country Director for South Sudan.
According to the latest global famine alert system update from the IPC - see our UN News explainer here - parts of Akobo County are experiencing "catastrophic" levels of hunger with one of four counties at risk of famine if conditions deteriorate.
Food shortage
Meanwhile, severe malnutrition among children under five and breastfeeding mothers is rising sharply.
Since launching its emergency response three weeks ago, WFP has reached more than 60,000 people in Akobo, including 15,000 with emergency food assistance, despite insecurity, damaged infrastructure and seasonal rains.
A 33-truck aid convoy carrying food, nutrition supplies and relief items is expected to arrive this week and may be the last road delivery before heavy rains cut off access.
WFP plans to continue operations through air deliveries, with more than 60 humanitarian flights already supporting the response.
