20 Oct 2023

United Nations warns Middle East on the 'edge of an abyss'

From Checkpoint, 5:11 pm on 20 October 2023

The Middle East is on the "edge of an abyss".

That's the warning from the United Nations. US President Joe Biden is asking for billions of dollars in funding for Ukraine and Israel, telling the American people they cannot give up on peace.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is continuing to spiral as hundreds of vehicles wait to be allowed into Gaza, to bring in vital supplies.

Meanwhile, Israel has indicated that a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent.

And there are fears the conflict could spill over, with warnings by UN agency chief, Philippe Lazzarini that the Middle East is on the 'edge of an abyss.'

Washington Correspondent Nick Harper told Lisa Owen that getting the first 20 aid trucks across the border is a complex operation.