Good afternoon. I just wanted to provide a brief update on the troubling and volatile situation in the Middle East.

I have spent much of the day in active dialogue with regional and world leaders – including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Palestinian President Abbas, Egyptian President Sisi, the King of Saudi Arabia, Emir of Qatar the United States Secretary of State Kerry and several others, including the Secretary –General of OIC [Organization of Islamic Conference] and League of Arab States

I am alarmed by the new wave of violence that has engulfed Gaza, southern Israel and the West Bank – including East Jerusalem.

This is one of the most critical tests the region has faced in recent years.

Gaza is on a knife-edge. The deteriorating situation is leading to a downward spiral which could quickly get beyond anyone’s control.

The risk of violence expanding further still is real. Gaza, and the region as a whole, cannot afford another full-blown war.

Again, I firmly condemn the multiple rocket attacks launched from Gaza on Israel. Such attacks are unacceptable and must stop.

I also urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to exercise maximum restraint and to respect international obligations to protect civilians.

I condemn the rising number of civilian lives lost in Gaza.

I commended President Abbas for courageously upholding his commitment to security coordination. This is essential to achieving stability on the ground. President Abbas remains the best partner for peace.

Regional leaders have a vital role to play and I urged President Sisi and others to help facilitate a return to the November 2012 ceasefire agreement.

I shared with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders my condolences and condemnation of the recent attacks on innocent civilians.

The killers must be brought to justice. I also encourage leaders on both sides to do their utmost to end all attacks – including provocations and attacks by Israeli settlers. Extremism in all its forms is fuelling the cycle of violence.

This is a time for justice, not for revenge. It is a time for statesmanship and wisdom.

In my outreach today, the leaders agreed on the urgency of the situation -- and the imperative to resume meaningful negotiations towards a viable two-State solution.

The international community must work with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to restore a political horizon to avert further
escalation.

The United Nations is ready to rapidly respond to emerging humanitarian needs. We are working closely with Palestinian and Israeli authorities and other partners, including the Palestinian Red Crescent.

I also encourage the Government of Egypt to urgently open its crossing for humanitarian purposes to help alleviate the suffering.

I know emotions are running very high. I urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint. Calm must be restored as soon as possible.

The lives of countless innocent civilians and the peace process itself are in the balance.

I know you are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the appointment of a successor to Lakhdar Brahimi. Consultations are still continuing and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement very soon.

Thank you.