Guterres emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and called on all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law, according to UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

In a press briefing, Dujarric described the situation in Gaza as "deeply disturbing" and reiterated the UN's stance on safeguarding civilian lives amid escalating violence.

Joyce Msuya, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, expressed similar concerns, stating in a post on social media platform X that the suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza shows no sign of ending. She condemned Israel for attacking areas it had previously designated as alleged "safe zones" for civilians, calling for an immediate halt to the violence.

"This brutality must end now. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected," Msuya stressed.

Medical sources in Gaza reported that over 342 civilians have been killed in the ongoing Israeli offensive in the northern Gaza Strip, which has continued for 10 consecutive days. The Israeli forces have also been accused of imposing a policy of starvation to force the displacement of citizens, as part of what some have described as a genocidal war now entering its second year.

The UN continues to monitor the situation and is urging immediate action to prevent further civilian casualties and human suffering in the region. (ILKHA)