Civilians in Gaza face 'never-ending humanitarian nightmare': UN chief

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has described the situation in Gaza as “a never-ending humanitarian nightmare for civilians” as he once again reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire.

"Their neighborhoods wiped out. Their loved ones killed. Bombs raining down, while being denied life’s very basics: food, water, medicine, electricity," Guterres said in a video message that was broadcast to the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population in Gaza held in Paris on Thursday.

He also said that the amount of aid trickling in was “a drop in the ocean" and said the international community must step up to protect civilians, urging nations to invest in a $1.2 billion UN humanitarian appeal. “We can help civilians in Gaza see at last, and at the very least, a glimmer of hope – a sign of solidarity – and a signal that the world sees their plight and cares enough to act,” he said.