Source The United Nations
Media www.rajawalisiber.com -Statement to the press by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in the Middle East in the Press Briefing Room.
“I have been closely following dramatic events in Israel and Gaza. I will never forget the images of the supercharged cycle of violence and horror. I am in continuous contact with leaders in the region with an immediate focus on several key priorities. We must avoid spillover of the conflict. I am concerned about the recent exchange of fire along the Blue Line and recent reported attacks from Southern Lebanon. I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties — to avoid any further escalation and spillover. I call for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. UN premises and all hospitals, schools and clinics must never be targeted. UN staff are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza and I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the ultimate price. Crucial life-saving supplies – including fuel, food and water — must be allowed into Gaza. We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now. I want to thank Egypt for its constructive engagement to facilitate humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing and to make the El Arish airport available for critical assistance. There is no time to lose. Every moment counts. Thank you.”
Secretary-General António Guterres today (11 Oct) expressed concern over the recent exchange of fire along the Blue Line and recent reported attacks from Southern Lebanon into Israel and stressed that “spillover of the conflict” must be avoided.
The Secretary-General said, “I will never forget the images of the supercharged cycle of violence and horror.”
He appealed to all parties “to avoid any further escalation and spillover” and called “for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.”
Guterres said, “civilians must be protected at all times. International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld.”
He noted that “about 220,000 Palestinians are now sheltering in 92 UNRWA facilities across Gaza” and stressed that “UN premises and all hospitals, schools and clinics must never be targeted.”
The Secretary-General said, “UN staff are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza and I deeply regret that some of my colleagues have already paid the ultimate price.”
Crucial life-saving supplies, he said, “must be allowed into Gaza.”
Guterres thanked Egypt “for its constructive engagement to facilitate humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing and to make the El Arish airport available for critical assistance.”
To conclude, he said, “there is no time to lose. Every moment counts.”