Russia on Thursday (Jan 23) reprimanded the head of the UN children's agency Unicef for not providing a "weighty argument for her refusal" to brief the Security Council on children in Gaza — a meeting requested by Russia.

Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last year — roughly one in seven students, the UN children's agency reported Thursday, deploring what it said was an "overlooked" aspect of the climate crisis.

The United Nations Children's Fund says at least 242 million children in 85 countries had their schooling interrupted last year because of heatwaves, cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather.

UNICEF remains steadfast in its commitment to reach every child in Syria with the critical support they need. Committed to delivering hope and opportunities, UNICEF will continue working alongside partners to help rebuild lives and create a future where every child can thrive in safety and dignity.

In a rare moment of cautious optimism, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza on Thursday, emphasizing the plight of children who have borne the brunt of the conflict.

Russia criticized UNICEF's Executive Director Catherine Russell for not briefing the Security Council on children in Gaza, contrasting it with her briefing on Ukraine. UNICEF explained her absence was due to a scheduling conflict at the World Economic Forum.

Gaza Nutrition, water sanitation kits, hygiene kits and items for neonatal care are some of the supplies Unicef has prepared to send into Gaza on 1,300 lorries once the border crossings open under the terms of a ceasefire that starts on Sunday morning,

The United Nations says it’s ready to ramp up the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza after a ceasefire agreement and urged the removal of major security and political obstacles so

UNICEF has warned that hundreds of children in Syria continue to suffer the brutal impact of unexploded ordnance

Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last year -- roughly one in seven students, the UN children's agency reported Thursday, deploring what it said was an "overlooked" aspect of the climate crisis.

Extreme weather disrupted the schooling of about 242 million children in 85 countries last year—roughly one in seven

The ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza is providing a critical window of relief for Palestinians in the war-torn enclave, as UN agencies ramp up the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance.