UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres:
"While I recognize Israel’s legitimate security concerns, I also remind Israel that military operations must be conducted in strict accordance with international humanitarian law.
Civilians must be respected and protected at all times.
Civilian infrastructure must never be a target.
We already have reports of Israeli missiles striking health facilities inside Gaza as well as multi-storied residential towers and a mosque.
Two UNRWA schools sheltering displaced families in Gaza were also hit.
Some 137,000 people are currently sheltering in UNRWA facilities – with the number increasing as heavy shelling and airstrikes continue.
I am deeply distressed by today’s announcement that Israel will initiate a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, nothing allowed in – no electricity, food, or fuel.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza was extremely dire before these hostilities; now it will only deteriorate exponentially.
Medical equipment, food, fuel and other humanitarian supplies are desperately needed, along with access for humanitarian personnel.
Relief and entry of essential supplies into Gaza must be facilitated – and the UN will continue efforts to provide aid to respond to these needs.
I urge all sides and the relevant parties to allow United Nations access to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians trapped and helpless in the Gaza Strip.
I appeal to the international community to mobilize immediate humanitarian support for this effort."