STORY: UN chief calls for immediate action to avert crisis in Middle East
SHOOTING TIME: April 18, 2024
DATELINE: April 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:34
LOCATION: UN Headquarters
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Security Council Chamber
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
3. various of delegates
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
5. various of delegates

STORYLINE:   

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for immediate action to avert a crisis in the Middle East.

The top UN official made the remarks at the Security Council's quarterly open debate on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question." 

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
"The Middle East is on a precipice. Recent days have seen a perilous escalation - in words and deeds. One miscalculation, one miscommunication, one mistake, could lead to the unthinkable -- a full-scale regional conflict that would be devastating for all involved -- and for the rest of the world. The moment of maximum peril must be a time for maximum restraint."

Guterres strongly condemned the large-scale attack launched by Iran on Israel on April 13, underscoring that such acts of aggression violate the UN Charter. He reiterated the importance of respecting the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, as exemplified by his condemnation of the earlier attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
"It is high time to end the bloody cycle of retaliation. It is high time to stop. The international community must work together to prevent any actions that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, with a devastating impact on civilians. Let me be clear: the risks are spiraling on many fronts. We have a shared responsibility to address those risks and pull the region back from the precipice."

Focusing on Gaza, he called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages, describing the situation there as a humanitarian hellscape exacerbated by continuous Israeli military operations. "Ending the hostilities in Gaza would significantly defuse tensions across the region," he said.

The UN chief detailed the dire conditions in Gaza, where severe restrictions on humanitarian aid have left many facing starvation. He noted some progress in aid delivery but stated that the efforts are often hampered by operational and security constraints.

He also addressed the broader regional implications, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to de-escalation and peace. "The international community has a shared responsibility to do everything possible to make this happen," he urged.

In conclusion, Guterres reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting peace efforts and called for all parties to work towards a sustainable, two-state solution that respects international law and UN resolutions.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from UN Headquarters.
(XHTV)