The UN Security Council will hold a briefing today, Friday, at the request of Algeria, China and Russia, on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue" to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Members will hear a briefing from the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, and another briefing from the Humanitarian Coordinator, Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Muhannad Hadi.