UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was following the latest exchanges of fire in the Gaza Strip with "deep concern" over the escalating conflict, and "risk of further loss of life."
In a statement released by Secretary-General's Spokesperson, Guterres said that he condemned the civilian loss of life. He said that the deaths of the women and children were "unacceptable and must stop immediately".
"Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations," he said.
Guterres urged all parties to the latest uptick in violence to "exercise maximum restraint" and work towards ending the fighting immediately.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.
