UN to be briefed on Gaza

The United Nations General Assembly is to hold an informal meeting to hear briefings by senior officials on the war in Gaza.

The office of assembly president John Ashe announced today that the 193-member world body will meet in response to a request from Arab nations on Wednesday.

UN members will be briefed by human rights chief Navi Pillay, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees Pierre Krahenbuhl, deputy humanitarian chief Kyung-wha Kang, and special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Robert Serry.

The Arab group has not said whether it plans to circulate a resolution for adoption by the assembly.

The more powerful Security Council has called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but not in a legally-binding resolution.