UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for immediate halting of Israeli hostilities against the innocent Palestinians.

He made these remarks at the open meeting of the UN Security Council organized by China today [Sunday]. 

António Guterres said rockets and mortars and aerial and artillery bombardments from all sides must be stopped immediately. He said the United Nations is actively engaging all sides towards an immediate ceasefire.

Condemning destruction of media offices in Gaza, António Guterres said journalists must be allowed to work free of fear and harassment. He said status quo at the holy sites must be upheld and respected.

He said the longer this cycle of violence continues, the more challenging it will be to reach that ultimate goal.

The Secretary General said only a negotiated sustainable political solution will end, once and for all, these devastating cycles of violence and lead to a peaceful future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.