UN airs concerns for civilians as Israel steps up military response in Gaza to deadly Hamas attacks
By JAMEY KEATEN
Associated Press
GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations is expressing growing concerns about humanitarian needs in Palestinian areas as Israel ratchets up a muscular military riposte and lockdown of Gaza after the weekend attack by Hamas militants who killed and kidnapped hundreds of civilians in Israel. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres led the clarion call Monday, putting a focus on civilians in both Israel and Gaza, renewing his condemnation of the fatalities and hostage-takings by Hamas. He also warned of the prospect of more innocent lives lost.