Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the multiple missiles and drones launched on the United Arab Emirates on Monday, which the United Arab Emirates blames on Iran.
The strikes reportedly injured three people and sparked a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah’s oil industrial zone.
The incident comes amid a series of maritime attacks in and around the critical shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from any action likely to aggravate tensions,” said Mr. Dujarric, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path.
IMO: concerns persist
The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is monitoring developments in the region, continues to express concerns about the plight of seafarers and commercial vessels.
Natasha Brown, the agency’s communications manager, highlighted the growing risks as many ships remain stuck: “De-escalation, alongside a long-term agreement ensuring freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers, is the only way forward,” she said.
IMO remains in contact with all parties and has prepared evacuation plans, which can only be implemented once adequate security guarantees are in place.
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee adopted a resolution on Monday condemning strikes against commercial ships in the region, warning of serious environmental risks from continued hostilities.
Gaza: ‘Staggering’ health needs as aid restrictions continue
Civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory continue to come under fire as airstrikes and exchanges of fire hit residential areas, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday.
Last week, according to humanitarian partners, the number of security incidents was the highest since the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Humanitarian facilities came under fire in two separate incidents: an airstrike hit near a UN warehouse and relief vehicles were damaged by stone throwing.
Restrictions and disruptions
At the same time, restrictions on the entry of motor oil, spare parts, rubble-clearing machines and other essential items into Gaza are having serious consequences on the provision of essential services.
OCHA said vehicles and generators are breaking down beyond repair, leading to disruptions in food distribution, water trucking, ambulance services and the delivery of school supplies and medical items.
Generator failures also affect hospitals, including intensive care units.
“As armored vehicles become increasingly worn out, aid workers face increasing risks as they strive to reach people in need,” the UN agency said.
“Staggering” health needs
Humanitarian partners working in the health sector said the scale of unmet needs in Gaza “remains staggering” as thousands of patients rely on life-saving services beyond what the system can provide.
They are deploying emergency medical personnel to try to shore up the beleaguered health system.
Skills gap threatens to leave workers behind
Most adults lack the training needed to cope with today’s rapidly changing job market.
A report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) published Tuesday, Lifelong learning and skills for the futurereveals that only 16 percent of working-age adults participate in formal training.
As technology and artificial intelligence reshape the economy, the ILO warns that without inclusive learning, inequalities will widen.
Access is very uneven. While half of full-time workers receive support, those in informal jobs or with less education are often excluded, deepening divisions within and between countries.
Changing demands
Employers are increasingly looking for a combination of digital skills alongside communication, teamwork and problem-solving – qualities that make up more than half of in-demand skills in some regions.
Investment remains low. In many high-income countries, 34 percent spend less than 1 percent of their education budget on adult learning, compared to 63 percent in low-income countries.
“Lifelong learning is the bridge between today’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo. He stressed that prioritizing learning is essential to ensure that no part of the global workforce is left behind.
