UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

He said in a statement, "At this difficult moment, as we stand on the brink of abyss in the Middle East, it is my duty as Secretary-General of the United Nations to make two strong humanitarian appeals."

"For Hamas, the hostages must be released immediately and without conditions; and for Israel, urgent and unimpeded access must be allowed for humanitarian supplies and relief workers for civilians in Gaza," Guterres continued.

The Secretary-General emphasized that "both of these goals are important in themselves. They should not be a bargaining chip."

He explained that the United Nations has available stocks of food, water, non-food items, medical supplies and fuel, located in Egypt, Jordan, the West Bank and Israel. These materials can be sent within hours.

To ensure their delivery, UN staff and partners on the ground must be able to get these supplies into and around Gaza safely and without hindrance to get them to those in need, Guterres said.