UN deplores 'catastrophic' resumption of Gaza fighting

The United Nations deplored the resumption of conflict in Gaza on Friday (Dec 1), describing the hostilities as "catastrophic" and urging parties to bring about a lasting ceasefire.

The United Nations deplored the resumption of conflict in Gaza on Friday (Dec 1), describing the hostilities as "catastrophic" and urging parties to bring about a lasting ceasefire.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office in Geneva, said the resumption of hostilities meant "hell on Earth has returned to Gaza".

Israeli warplanes resumed bombing Gaza, sending Palestinian civilians fleeing for shelter, after a week-old truce ran out with no deal to extend it.

"The resumption of hostilities in Gaza is catastrophic," said Volker Turk, the UN 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."