UN chief Antonio Guterres has said Gazans are being subjected to an “intolerable level of suffering” following the most intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since a fragile ceasefire took effect, AFP reports.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a situation in which we have an intolerable level of suffering for the Palestinian people, with the air raids that killed hundreds of people,” Guterres told reporters at the UN in Geneva.

“We have humanitarian aid still blocked.”

Guterres said it was the role of the United Nations to have the international community pressing for three “essential” points to be followed by Israel and Hamas.

“First, for the ceasefire to be fully respected. Second, for humanitarian aid to have access to Gaza in an unimpeded way. And third, for the unconditional release of hostages,” said Guterres.

“And we will not give up on these objectives.”