New York, United States - October 08, 2024

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon at a press conference on the situation in the Middle East on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said the Middle East is a powder keg with many parties holding the match, and attacks in Lebanon are threatening the entire region.

He said that the Israel Defense Forces recently started incursions across the Blue Line.

Noting the worsening situation in the Middle East, the UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire and irreversible action for a two-state solution.

Shotlist:
UN Headquarters, New York City - Oct 8, 2024:
1. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres walking to podium;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General (ending with shot 3):
"Large-scale Israeli strikes deep into Lebanon, including Beirut, have killed more than 2,000 people over the last year, and 1,500 in just the past two weeks alone. The toll has already surpassed the 2006 war in Lebanon.";
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
3. Various of smoke rising from rubble, residents, damaged buildings, vehicles;
UN Headquarters, New York City - Oct 8, 2024
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General:
"We are on the verge of an all-out war in Lebanon, with already devastating consequences. But there is still time to stop. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.";
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024
5. Various of smoke rising over city;
UN Headquarters, New York City - Oct 8, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General:
"The conflict in the Middle East is getting worse by the hour, and our warnings about the horrific impacts of escalation keep coming to pass. Every air strike, every missile launch, every rocket fired, pushes peace further out of reach and makes the suffering even worse for the millions of civilians caught in the middle.That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and immediate lifesaving aid to all those who desperately need it. That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for irreversible action for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.";
FILE: Central Gaza Strip - Sept 2, 2024
7. Various of destroyed buildings, people walking among rubble;
Gaza Strip - Recent
8. Various of tents, displaced people at refugee camp.

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