The ever more intense fighting in and around Gaza which in recent days and again this morning involved the shelling and bombing of civilian infrastructure and UN facilities fills me with deep concern. Everything possible must be done to avoid civilian casualties and uphold international humanitarian law.

Both sides are called upon to agree to an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and to return to the path towards negotiating a long‑term ceasefire on the basis of the Egyptian proposal. It is high time for a political solution for Gaza which ensures lasting peace for the people in both Israel and Gaza.