'Nowhere safe' for Palestinians in Gaza, UN says

The UN is “extremely alarmed” by the resumption of fighting between Hamas and Israel, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN secretary general Antonio Guterres. 

“The UN continues to appeal to Israeli Forces to avoid further action that would exacerbate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and to spare civilians from more suffering,” the spokesman added.

He said the UN considers "nowhere safe" for Palestinians to flee as the Israeli military "orders them to evacuate" as it expands operations in southern Gaza.

About 80 percent of Gaza's population is now displaced as a result of Israel's bombardment of the besieged enclave. 

The secretary general reiterated the need for “unimpeded and sustained” humanitarian aid flow into Gaza, along with an unconditional ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

The UN is also concerned about rising violence in the occupied West Bank where settler attacks against Palestinians have soared, the spokesman added.