The Number of Casualties in Gaza is 'Shockingly Unacceptable': UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the number of casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is "shockingly unacceptable."

"This war is bringing an astonishing and unacceptable number of civilian casualties every day, including women and children. This must stop. I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the Secretary-General's statement reads.

Guterres also expressed deep shock that airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have hit two schools, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people, many of whom were women and children seeking refuge in UN buildings.

The Secretary-General also extended gratitude to the authorities in Qatar for their mediation efforts.