United Nations, October 12 (RHC)-- UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Wednesday to avoid further escalation following exchanges of fire along the Blue Line and in southern Lebanon as the conflict in Gaza intensifies.

I call on all parties - and those who have influence over them - to avoid further escalation and spillover effects, the UN chief added in remarks to the press.

Guterres regretted the loss of life, particularly of UN staff who, he recalled, are working around the clock to support the people of Gaza. Civilians must be protected at all times; international humanitarian law must be respected and upheld, he said.

Nearly 220,000 Palestinians are now sheltered in 92 facilities of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees throughout Gaza. UN facilities and all hospitals, schools and clinics must never be attacked, he stressed.

Likewise, he added, crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza. "We need rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now," he warned.

The top UN official thanked Egypt for its constructive engagement to facilitate humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing and make El Arish airport available for critical assistance. "There is no time to waste. Every moment counts," he insisted. (Source: Prensa Latina).