STORY: UN chief warns against spillover of Israeli-Palestinian conflict
DATELINE: Oct. 12, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:58
LOCATION: UN Headquarters
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of press briefing room
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General

STORYLINE:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned against the spillover of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN Secretary-General
"We must avoid spillover of the conflict. I am concerned about the recent exchange of fire along the Blue Line (between Israel and Lebanon) 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. Civilians must be protected at all times. International humanitarian law must be respected and upheld.
About 220,000 Palestinians are now sheltering in 92 UNRWA (UN Agency for Palestine Refugees) facilities across 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."

Guterres thanked Egypt for its constructive engagement to facilitate humanitarian access through Rafah, the sole crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, and to make the El Arish airport available for critical assistance.

Israel has imposed a "complete siege" of Gaza following Hamas attacks on Israel over the weekend.

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