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MANILA, Philippines -- As Israeli attacks on Gaza entered the 11th day, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said civilians wishing to flee must be allowed to leave the territory as part of their universal right to seek safety in other states.
"Those who are compelled to flee the Gaza Strip should be able to do so and to find safety and security in other countries according to international law," he said in a statement released by the UN office here Wednesday.
Guterres also reminded neighboring states of their responsibility to provide access to safety for those fleeing the ongoing violence.
"I thus urge that all borders and access routes concerned should be kept open and safe, and Palestinians endeavoring to leave Gaza should not be prevented from doing so," he said.
He was reacting to the absence of large-scale movement out of Gaza because of the Israeli blockade. The Philippines is one of the countries with an evacuation plan for its citizens in Gaza that could not be implemented because of the fighting.
Guterres called for strict adherence to humanitarian principles in the ongoing violence in Gaza, including support for civilians provided by the UNHCR's sister organization, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
"It is absolutely imperative that the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian victims of this conflict be facilitated, including access from Egypt and Israel," the high commissioner said.
"We call on the international community and all humanitarian actors to support UNRWA's efforts to help the innocent victims," he added.
The UNHCR has provided some emergency assistance to Egypt's Red Crescent Society in case it is needed for the care of any Palestinians admitted to Egyptian territory. The refugee agency stands ready to deploy an emergency team and equipment to the area as required.
The high commissioner expressed grave concern over the conflict's toll on civilians.
"The heavy casualties suffered by innocent civilians, including many children, are heartbreaking," said Guterres.
"As a humanitarian agency which must deal with the repercussions of violence and persecution worldwide, [the] UNHCR expresses its profound shock and sadness at the suffering and loss of life we are now seeing. I join Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in calling for an immediate cessation of all violence," he added.
The UN estimates that Palestinian deaths have reached 500 and continue to increase. It also estimates that some 2,500 have been injured in the conflict.
