Global Briefs: Gaza aid, Americas lose measles-free status, Brazil tornado

A woman in Gaza carries blankets distributed by UNICEF.

At least 600,000 litres of desperately needed diesel fuel have entered the Gaza Strip in less than a week, UN aid coordinators at OCHA reported.

The fuel is needed to power machinery for critical operations, including water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and rubble clearance. Education, nutrition, and protection work will also be possible thanks to the delivery. Three-quarters of the fuel went to the south and one-quarter to the north, OCHA said.

Since the start of the month, UN partners have provided food assistance to more than a quarter of a million people, distributing two food parcels per household. However, one month after the ceasefire began, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said families in Gaza are still struggling to rebuild their lives.

Northern Crossing Finally Open

Israeli authorities announced the reopening of the crucial Zikim crossing to allow humanitarian cargo into the northern Gaza Strip.

“In recent weeks, we have been repairing the road leading to Zikim inside Gaza in preparation for this reopening, and we are now carrying out the final checks—including for potential explosive hazards,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

Zikim had been closed for two months, and no supplies were entering Gaza directly from the north. As humanitarian efforts scale up, market prices for basic commodities are gradually stabilizing, Mr. Dujarric added.

Americas Lose Measles-Free Status

The Americas have lost their measles-free status after health authorities confirmed that the virus has been circulating in Canada for over a year.

The region—first in the world to eliminate measles twice—has seen a sharp rise in infections, with over 12,000 confirmed cases across ten countries so far this year, mostly in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Twenty-eight people have died, including 23 in Mexico.

Canada’s outbreak began in late 2024 and has spread nationwide, with persistent transmission in several provinces. Most infections have occurred among unvaccinated individuals, with young children most affected.

Health experts warn that falling vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable. Regional coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine stands at just 79%, far below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.

The UN health agency’s regional office, the Pan American Health Organization, called the setback “reversible” if countries strengthen immunization drives and outbreak response. Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, and death.

UN Aids Brazil Tornado Recovery

A UN emergency team is on the ground in southern Brazil helping communities recover from a powerful tornado that struck Rio Bonito do Iguaçu on 7 November, killing seven people and injuring more than 800.

Winds of up to 250 km/h destroyed around 90% of the town’s urban area, flattening homes, schools, and health facilities, and knocking out power and water supplies. Hundreds of families were left homeless, prompting the state government to declare an emergency.

The UN migration agency, IOM, deployed 11 specialists to work with local and federal authorities to coordinate relief, provide temporary housing, and ensure access to social support. IOM said it aims to help families rebuild their lives with dignity while strengthening communities against future disasters.

IOM has also supported recovery efforts in nearby Rio Grande do Sul, where devastating floods last year displaced thousands. The agency emphasized that both disasters highlight the growing threat of extreme weather linked to climate change and the urgent need for stronger preparedness and resilience.

“As extreme weather events become more frequent, our mission is to ensure no one is left behind,” said IOM’s head in Brazil, Paolo Caputo.