Fighting between pro-Qadhafi troops and opposition forces has escalated in north-west Libya, particularly in the areas around Ziltan, Khums, Brega and Misrata and parts of the Nafusa Mountains. Battle lines are constantly shifting: opposition forces have gained control over most of the western mountains and are reportedly advancing towards Tripoli.

Municipal services in many cities have collapsed because of unpaid salaries and fuel shortages. Waste is piling up in the streets, increasing the risk of communicable disease outbreaks at a time when the country's disease surveillance and response system is weak.

The Libyan Government and the interim Transitional National Council have asked the UN Secretary-General for assistance in releasing frozen funds to purchase food and medical supplies for the whole of Libya.