United Nations 'ready to scale-up operations' in Gaza

The United Nations Secretary General is "appalled by the accelerating breakdown of humanitarian conditions in Gaza", his spokesperson says.

Antonio Guterres "deplores the growing reports of children and adults suffering from malnutrition", Stéphane Dujarric says, adding that the UN stands "ready to scale-up operations" in the Strip.

"Civilians must be protected and respected, and they must never be targeted. The population in Gaza remains gravely undersupplied with the basic necessities of life," Dujarric says in a statement.

"Israel has the obligation to allow and facilitate by all the means at its disposal the humanitarian relief provided by the United Nations and by other humanitarian organizations."

The UN statement also reiterates calls for the "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages".

"The time for a ceasefire is now."