UN Chief - Middle East Situation “growing more dire by the hour“ | United Nations Security Council

Briefing by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. The UN Security Council is meeting at UN Headquarters in New York for what was a scheduled quarterly briefing on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, now given greater urgency by the Hamas attacks of 7 October and the deepening humanitarian crisis as the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues. The UN chief said the situation “is growing more dire by the hour“, repeating his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Mr. Guterres gave what he termed an introduction to the current crisis, saying the situation in the Middle East is “growing more dire by the hour“. “Divisions are splintering societies and tensions threaten to boil over.“, he said. “It is vital to be clear on principles“ he added, starting with the protection of civilians. Secretary-General Guterres underscored the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, “to ease epic suffering, make the delivery of aid easier and safer and facilitate the release of hostages”. He also emphasized that the world cannot lose sight of the only realistic foundation for peace and stability in the Middle East - a two-State solution. “Israelis must see their legitimate need for security materialized and Palestinians must see their legitimate need for an independent State realized, in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements.”