UN chief: 'Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded an urgent humanitarian ceasefire as he described Gaza as becoming a "graveyard for children".

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters for the first time since Hamas launched a surprise assault into Israel, Guterres said "hundreds of young boys and girls have been injured from the fighting".

"Ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces and continued bombardment are hitting civilians, hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, churches and UN facilities - including shelters. No one is safe," Guterres told reporters.

"At the same time, Hamas and other militants use civilians as human shields and continue to launch rockets indiscriminately towards Israel.

"The unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour."

The UN chief also used his speech to demand Hamas return dozens of Israeli hostages and paid tribute to 88 UN employees killed by Israel in Gaza.