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This is the text of a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population in Gaza, held in Paris: "President Macron, thank you for organizing this conference. We are here to support the civilians in Gaza.“

Of course, nothing justifies the heinous acts of terror by Hamas in Israel on 7 October, which I utterly condemn. Israelis and others have been brutally killed or kidnapped, and I again call for the unconditional return of all hostages. Now civilians in Gaza - including children and women - face a never-ending humanitarian nightmare.

Their neighborhoods were destroyed. Their loved ones were killed. Bombs are literally raining down while they are denied the basic necessities of life - food, water, medicine, electricity. Some life-saving aid is beginning to flow into Gaza. But let's face it, it's a drop in the ocean. The needs are enormous. We need to step up aid and protection for civilians in Gaza. That means an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

It means ensuring full compliance with international humanitarian law. It means protecting hospitals, UN facilities, shelters and schools. It means unrestricted, secure and sustained access to the delivery and distribution of supplies on a much larger scale, volume and frequency - including fuel. And it means investing in the $1.2 billion humanitarian appeal the UN has just launched to help the people of Gaza. I ask for your support.

Now it is time for concrete action. Together, we can help alleviate this terrible human suffering. We can help the civilians of Gaza to finally see, at the very least, a glimmer of hope - a sign of solidarity - and a signal that the world sees their light and cares enough to act. Thank you.

António Guterres

(UN - press.un.org/JaV)