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15 October 2023, New York

Secretary-General’s statement on the situation in the Middle East

In this dramatic moment, as we are on the verge of the abyss in the Middle East, it is my duty as Secretary-General of the United Nations to make two strong humanitarian appeals.

To Hamas, the hostages must be immediately released without conditions.

To Israel, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid must be granted for humanitarian supplies and workers for the sake of the civilians in Gaza.

Gaza is running out of water, electricity and other essential supplies. The United Nations has stocks available of food, water, non-food items, medical supplies and fuel, located in Egypt, Jordan, the West Bank and Israel. These goods can be dispatched within hours. To ensure delivery, our selfless staff on the ground, along with NGO partners, need to be able to bring these supplies into and throughout Gaza safely, and without impediment to deliver to those in need.

Each one of these two objectives are valid in themselves. They should not become bargaining chips and they must be implemented because it is the right thing to do.

Closed session

13 October 2023, New York

Secretary-General’s brief press encounter following Security Council consultations on the situation in the Middle East

Question: Secretary General, could we get a comment from you on the journalist in southern Lebanon who was struck? There was a Reuters journalist who was killed in southern Lebanon and several journalists from AFP and Al-Jazeera who were injured.

Secretary-General: I want to say how much this demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon.

And I want to pay tribute to the journalists that so many, unfortunately, the largest number ever last year, so many journalists are paying with their lives.

The work they do, to bring truth to everybody in the world and I present to their families my deepest condolences.

Secretary-General’s brief press encounter following Security Council consultations on the situation in the Middle East | United Nations Secretary-General

13 October 2023, New York

Secretary-General's remarks to the press on the situation in the Middle East

Dear representatives of the media. I want to share with you some of the key messages I will share with the Security Council.

The situation in Gaza has reached a dangerous new low.

The horrific terror attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1200 people and injured thousands more last Saturday were followed by intense bombardment of Gaza that has already killed 1800 people, and injured thousands more.

After days of airstrikes, the Israeli Defense Forces have ordered the Palestinians in Gaza City and its surroundings to move to the south of the territory.

Moving more than one million people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation, when the entire territory is under siege, is extremely dangerous –and in some cases, simply not possible.

Hospitals in the south of Gaza are already at capacity and will not be able to accept thousands of new patients from the north.

The health system is on the brink of collapse. Morgues are overflowing; eleven healthcare staff have been killed while on duty; and there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in the past few days.

The entire territory faces a water crisis as infrastructure has been damaged and there is no electricity to power pumps and desalination plants.

Our United Nations staff and our partners are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza.

We mourn for our colleagues who have been killed –a number that is increasing by the day.

I have been in constant contact with the leaders across the region, focusing on ways to reduce suffering and prevent further dangerous escalation in the West Bank or elsewhere in the region, especially in southern Lebanon.

The exchanges of fire across the Blue Line is very worrying. It must stop.

We need immediate humanitarian access throughout Gaza, so that we can get fuel, food and water to everyone in need.

Even wars have rules.

International humanitarian law and human rights law must be respected and upheld; civilians must be protected and also never used as shields.

And all hostages in Gaza must be released immediately.

It is imperative that all parties – and those with influence over them – do everything possible to achieve these steps.

Finally, I want to say something about the hatred that is being stoked by this terrible conflict – across the Middle East and around the world.

Dehumanizing language that incites violence is never accepted.

I call on all leaders to speak out against Antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and hate speech of all kinds.

This is a time for the international community to come together around protecting civilians and finding a lasting solution to this unending cycle of death and destruction.

Thank you.

Secretary-General's remarks to the press on the situation in the Middle East | United Nations Secretary-General

11 October 2023, New York

Press Statement by the Secretary-General regarding the situation in the Middle East

"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.

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 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.

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."