'Nowhere is safe' for trapped Gaza civilians, says UNRWA

Geneva: A senior UN aid official made a plea on Tuesday for the international community to provide protection for civilians in Gaza, calling it a "test of our humanity".

John Ging, director of operations in Gaza for UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency, also called for a full investigation into allegations that Israeli military forces may have used illegal weapons in their offensive.

He spoke from Gaza by audiolink to reporters in Geneva, as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon headed to the region for a week of talks with leaders aimed at ending the bloodshed.

"Whatever is being done is not sufficient until the guns fall silent. That has to be our measure. And the international community cannot stand as bystanders and watch two parties that have now expressed their intent not to stop," Ging said.