UN chief Guterres calls Gaza 'hell on earth' for children

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described Gaza as "hell on earth" for children on Thursday, appealing to Israel for rapid and unhindered aid access and telling the UN's General Assembly he would launch an appeal for humanitarian funding, Reuters reported.

The 193-member UN General Assembly met on Thursday to discuss the renewed violence, but no action was expected.

"If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza today," said Guterres, adding that he would launch a full humanitarian appeal for funding as soon as possible.

"The hostilities have caused serious damage to vital civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including roads and electricity lines, contributing to a humanitarian emergency. Crossings into Gaza have been closed and power shortages are affecting water supplies," Guterres added.

Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, urged Israel's military to exercise maximum restraint and Hamas to stop indiscriminate rocket fire.