Humanitarian disaster in Gaza 'happening in plain sight': UN

WASHINGTON

The UN on Monday voiced concern over the "really dire" situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the humanitarian disaster there is taking place in "plain sight."

"The situation is really, really dire. We're extremely concerned about what may happen over the next few days," Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at his daily press briefing.

"This is not happening behind closed doors. This is happening in plain sight, this humanitarian disaster, and we need all the help that we can get," he said.

Dujarric added that the UN has been taking the initiative to remain side by side with the people of Gaza.

"We're continuing to deliver whatever humanitarian aid we can as safely as possible. This is one of the reasons we have and will continue to push for humanitarian cease-fire," he said.

As the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip entered its 38th day, at least 11,180 Palestinians have been killed, including over 7,700 children and women, and more than 28,200 others have been injured, according to the latest figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave since last month.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is nearly 1,200, according to official figures.