Israeli bombardment continued for the 18th consecutive day killing 704 in 24 hours and taking the Palestinian death toll to 5,791 with more than 16000 injured on Tuesday.
As per reports, Hamas released two more hostages, however Israel said the fuel will not be allowed into Gaza even if Hamas releases all the hostages.
Reportedly, many hospitals in Gaza have been already closed due to the lack of fuel, electricity and other supplies.
Meanwhile, the UN chief said it was important to recognise the attacks by Hamas “did not happen in a vacuum”.
“The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation,” he told UNSC members.
“They have seen their land steadily devoured by settlements, plagued by violence, their economy stifled, their people displaced and their homes demolished. Their hopes for a political solution to their plight have been vanishing.”
However, Guterres said the grievances of the Palestinians cannot justify the “appalling attacks” by Hamas, and which in turn could not justify the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people”.
“At a crucial moment like this, it is vital to be clear on principles – starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians.”
He also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, adding there are “clear violations” of international humanitarian law in the besieged enclave.
“Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law,” Guterres told a session of the UN Security Council.
