United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Hamas' attacks "did not occur in a vacuum," as the Palestinians have been subjected to a "suffocating occupation" for 56 years.

He added that the suffering of the Palestinians does not justify the horrific Hamas attacks, and those attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinians.

Guterres warned before a Security Council session at Tor Wendland on Tuesday that the war in Gaza could spread throughout the region. He pointed out that at least 35 United Nations employees were killed as a result of the bombing of Gaza.

He said he was deeply concerned about "the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza."

He added: "At a crucial moment like this, we must be clear about the principles, starting with the basic principle of respect and protection of civilians."

He called for a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip, speaking of “clear violations of international humanitarian law,” at a UN Security Council session to discuss the war on the Gaza Strip.

He said: "In order to alleviate this enormous suffering, facilitate the guaranteed distribution of aid, and facilitate the release of hostages, I reiterate my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

Guterres expressed "deep concern about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we see in Gaza," adding, "Let us be clear: every party to any armed conflict is not above international humanitarian law."

He stressed that "nothing justifies the mass killing taking place in Gaza." "We cannot lose sight of the realistic basis for peace and stability, which is the two-state solution."

Guterres urged the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza after three convoys entered during the past days through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. However, international organizations confirm that this amount does not compare to the growing needs of the Gaza Strip’s population of 2.4 million people.

Guterres said: The aid that has entered so far "is just a drop in the ocean of needs. In addition, the United Nations fuel stocks in Gaza will run out within days. This will be another disaster."