UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations chief has expressed his concerns over intensifying of conflict between Israel and Hamas, Western media reported on Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the escalating fighting included ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces accompanied by intense air strikes.
In a statement he said that civilians have borne the brunt of the current fighting from the very start.
No justification for killing civilians
He went on to say there is no justification for the killing, injuring and abduction of civilians. He also appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas.
The UN top official strongly condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza saying he is dismayed by reports that two-thirds of those who have been killed are women and children.
Guterres warned that the dangerous escalation could go beyond Gaza.
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The 15-member United Nations Security Council has not adopted any resolution on the war in the Middle East, rejecting four drafts.
As fierce fighting intensified on Tuesday, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees has urged the UN body to unite and support a cease-fire.
Filippo Grandi told the Security Council in New York that A humanitarian cease-fire can at least stop this spiral of death.
He added Palestinians do not want to leave Gaza. They want aid to come into Gaza and that should be the top priority.
Earlier some Security Council draft texts had been blocked by the United States because they did not mention Israel’s right to defend itself, while one was rejected by Russia and China because it did not clearly call for a cease-fire.
Hamas-run health ministry has said that at least 8,525 people had been killed in Israeli bombardment including over 3,500 children.
