UN chief condemns violence and calls for de-escalation

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has denounced the violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, saying the international body is "working with all relevant parties to de-escalate the situation urgently."

"He [Guterres] is deeply saddened to learn of increasingly large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and of Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"The Secretary-General’s thoughts are with the families of the victims."

His comments come as Israel continued its air raids on Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 28 poeple - including 10 children - since the bombing began on Monday, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Two Israelis were killed by Hamas rockets, according to Israeli reports.