The UN chief condemns the attacks and calls on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza
The United Nations’ chief says he’s “deeply distressed” by Israel‘s recent announcement of a complete siege of the Gaza Strip as the death toll from an unprecedented Hamas attack climbs to about 900 Israelis and more than 680 Palestinians dead from retaliatory airstrikes by Israel, BBC reports.
His comments come even as strikes by Israel in response to the deadly Saturday attack continue to pound the Gaza Strip and the military scoured the country’s south for Hamas fighters and guarded breaches in its border fence with tanks.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said authorities would cut electricity to Gaza and block the entry of food and fuel. That order came a day after it was approved by the country’s security cabinet, which had also formally declared a state of war and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for Saturday’s surprise attack.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for both sides to cease their attacks and release any hostages taken amid reports of at least 100 people taken, including soldiers, civilians, and nationals from other countries.
“Let me begin by repeating my utter condemnation of the abhorrent attacks by Hamas and others against Israeli towns and villages in the Gaza periphery,” he said in a press conference before reporters Monday. “I recognize the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people, but nothing can justify these acts of terror and the killing, maiming and abduction of civilians.”
The UN chief said as the conflict continues, there are about 137,000 people that are currently sheltering in UN Relief and Works Agency facilities and that number continues to increase.
