As the conflict intensifies in Gaza, with risk of spillover to the wider region, the UN Secretary-General on Monday underlined the need to support a $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal to help nearly three million people across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
"The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity," he said, speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York.
He also voiced ongoing grave concern over rising violence and an expansion of the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, stating that "the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is at a boiling point."
'A graveyard for children'
Mr. Guterres highlighted how "the unfolding catastrophe in Gaza makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour," stressing that the protection of civilians is paramount.
"Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children. Hundreds of girls and boys are reportedly being killed or injured every day," he said.
"More journalists have reportedly been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades. More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization."
'Ocean of need'
The humanitarian appeal - launched last week by the UN and partners - will assist the entire population in the Gaza Strip and half a million Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Mr. Guterres said that although some aid is getting into Gaza via the Rafah crossing from Egypt, this "trickle of assistance does not meet the ocean of need."
