New York, 31 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and the militant Hamas.

"International humanitarian law establishes clear rules that cannot be ignored. It is not an a la carte menu and cannot be applied selectively," Guterres said, lamenting the loss of many UN personnel.

"Protection of civilians on both sides is paramount and must be respected at all times," he added.

The UN chief once again called for a humanitarian ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid workers to enter the Gaza Strip at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday. He underlined concerns regarding the expansion of ground operations by the Israeli military, intensified airstrikes, and the ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.

Guterres strongly condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 and stated that the attacks are unjustifiable. He also condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and expressed dismay that two-thirds of those killed in the Gaza Strip are women and children.

Photo: MIA archive