UN Secretary-General ‘deeply distressed’ by Israeli siege of Gaza announcement

Speaking on Monday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before the hostilities.

He added that the UN has received reports that Israeli missiles have struck health facilities inside Gaza as well as multistoried residential towers and a mosque.

Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by reports of over 500 Palestinians killed in Gaza, over 3,000 injured, as well as over 800 Israelis dead and over 2,500 injured.

He condemned “abhorrent attacks by Hamas and others” against Israeli towns.

“I reiterate my call to immediately cease these attacks and release all hostages.”

“I urge all sides and the relevant parties to allow UN access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza.”

Guterres added that 137,000 people are sheltering in UNRWA facilities.