UN deplores 'catastrophic' resumption of Gaza fighting

The United Nations on Friday deplored the resumption of military operations in Gaza, describing the hostilities as "catastrophic" and urging parties to ensure a lasting ceasefire be upheld.

Israeli warplanes resumed bombing Gaza, causing Palestinian civilians to flee for shelter after the collapse of a week-old truce that ran out with no deal to extend it.

"The resumption of hostilities in Gaza is catastrophic," said Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"I urge all parties and states with influence over them to redouble efforts, immediately, to ensure a ceasefire – on humanitarian and human rights grounds."

In a post on X social media platform, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he regretted the resumption of hostilities and hoped a new pause could be established.

"The return to hostilities only shows how important it is to have a true humanitarian ceasefire," he said.

Appealing for a lasting ceasefire, UNICEF described inaction on Gaza "an approval of the killing of children".

"A lasting ceasefire must be implemented," James Elder, spokesperon for UNICEF, told reporters via video link from Gaza.

"Inaction at its core is an approval of the killing of children.... It is reckless to think more attacks on the people of Gaza will lead to anything other than carnage."