UN spokesperson fields questions on Gaza aid, Syria, Taiwan and Ukraine talks
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Summary
Reporters asked whether Gaza humanitarian funding and crossings are sufficient, about access to northern Syria and concerns over recognition and regional tensions; the UN spokesperson said more aid is getting in but not enough, urged NGO registration, and reiterated calls for dialogue to lower tensions.
In the question‑and‑answer session following the briefing, correspondents pressed the UN spokesperson on a range of operational and diplomatic matters.
On Gaza, a reporter asked about a humanitarian fund that had "shuttered" its Gaza operation; the spokesperson said the UN had not worked with that fund and that its suspension "has no impact on our operations," but added that "there's more aid getting in, but not enough to meet all the needs." The spokesperson repeated calls for more NGOs to be registered and for additional crossings to open to expand deliveries.
Reporters raised Northeast Syria and concerns that recognition of a new government might embolden forces; the spokesperson said issues of recognition are bilateral but stressed that the Syrian government "has a responsibility to protect all of its people" and that agreements between local actors must be upheld.
On an inquiry about a letter from China to the secretary‑general concerning Japan's comment on Taiwan, the spokesperson said such letters are circulated to member states when requested and that the UN would distribute it if it had not already been circulated. The spokesperson said he was not aware of SG contact with China or Japan on that specific matter.
When asked about Ukraine talks and a possible deadline, the spokesperson said the UN had not been briefed on the reported outcome of those Geneva discussions and had no comment on an externally suggested deadline.
Throughout the session, the spokesperson emphasized the limits of UN authority on matters of recognition and bilateral diplomacy while reiterating requests for increased humanitarian access and registration for implementing partners.