The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday condemned the “continued and widespread” loss of life across Gaza, including Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya.

Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya on Saturday killed dozens, according to the Gazan health ministry.

UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, briefing reporters in New York, said this at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York.

The UN chief called for immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and rescue teams to allow them to continue their lifesaving work.

“The recent attacks that have hit hospitals in North Gaza are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and placing the lives of tens of thousands at grave risk,” he said.

Mr Guterres, however, called for combatants to protect patients and medical staff.

“The violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza by all parties to this conflict are unacceptable. Accountability for any international crimes that have been committed by any party is essential,” Mr Haq said.

He added that the secretary-general reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza.

The UN Human Rights Office earlier expressed growing alarm over Israel’s military operations in northern Gaza, saying that life has become “impossible” for civilians trapped in the north amid repeated orders to move and severely limited access to essential humanitarian supplies.

Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has said that the dire situation in Gaza has left many on the brink of starvation.

It also reported fears among Palestinians that leaving could mean they would never be allowed to return to their homes.

Israeli forces have destroyed homes and schools serving as shelters, leaving many civilians with no refuge as winter approaches.

The suffering has deepened further as hospitals struggle with critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies, and rescue teams report being blocked or attacked while attempting lifesaving operations.

UN Relief Coordination Office urged Israeli authorities to allow immediate access to rescue dozens still trapped under rubble.

“Every minute counts…previously, delayed approvals resulted in rescue teams only recovering dead bodies,” it said in a post on X.

Internet access has been disrupted, and at least three Palestinian journalists have been killed, limiting the flow of information from the region.

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, also condemned the continuing attacks.

(NAN)