The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to take immediate and concrete steps to assist the civilians in Gaza, who are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing conflict.

He made the appeal in a video message at the Paris humanitarian conference on Gaza, which was held on Thursday.

Guterres said that the current aid delivery to Gaza was insufficient and inadequate to meet the enormous needs of the population. He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law, and protection of vital facilities such as hospitals and schools. He also stressed the need for secure and unhindered access for humanitarian workers and supplies, including fuel.

He highlighted the importance of supporting the UN humanitarian appeal for Gaza, which seeks $1.2 billion to provide relief and recovery assistance to the people affected by the violence. He said that such support would show solidarity and compassion to the civilians in Gaza, and give them a ray of hope in their desperate situation.

The UN Chief's message at the Paris conference was a clear and strong signal of the urgency and necessity of humanitarian action to alleviate the suffering and protect the rights of the people in Gaza. (ILKHA)