United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he was appalled by the killing and maiming of Palestinians at an aid distribution centre in Gaza.

He said, “I am appalled by reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday.

“It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food.”

Mr Guterres, therefore, called for an immediate and independent investigation, stressing the need to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid.

The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately.

The UN must be allowed to operate in a safe and secure environment under conditions of full respect for humanitarian principles, he said.

The UN chief once again called for a ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages.

At least 31 people were killed and dozens of others seriously injured on Sunday morning when Israeli forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza.

Here, the residents were gathering to receive aid, according to the Gaza-based health authority. 

(Xinhua/NAN)