The under-secretary-general also emphasized that Hamas must refrain from any interference with the movement or distribution of humanitarian goods, noting that reconciliation between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which it ousted from Gaza in 2007, would best facilitate relief and recovery activities.

"The people of Gaza have continued to exist in what is effectively a giant open-air prison, without normality or dignity, " he said. "Their lives have been put at risk recklessly by indiscriminate rocket attacks from their midst, which have also killed, injured and traumatized Israeli civilians in Southern Israel. They have now endured a terrifying assault, and must live with its devastating aftermath."

"This is not sustainable or acceptable. It can only lead to more despair, suffering, death and destruction in the coming years, and perhaps fatally undermine the two-state solution we all seek," he added, referring to the roadmap plan for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace.

"It must therefore be in the long term interests of all parties, including Israel, to ease conditions for the people of Gaza, by opening the crossings, facilitating the provision of assistance, and allowing them to live, work and hope again," he said.

Addressing the same council session before it adjourned for consultations, a senior UN refugee official in the region cited the apparent systematic destruction of schools, universities, residential buildings, factories, shops and farms. "Every Gazan projects a sense of having stared death in the face," UNRWA Commissioner General Karen AbuZayd said.

"There is rage against the attackers for often failing top distinguish between military targets and civilians and there is also resentment against the international community for having allowed first the siege and then the war to go on for so long," she added, calling for political action to end the occupation and peacefully resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Meanwhile, the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) reported that all crossings were closed Tuesday as a result of an Israeli soldier being killed.

For its part, the UN Development Program (UNDP) is currently assessing damage and preparing a plan for reconstruction, focusing on rubble removal, agriculture, water and sanitation, while the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is providing essential educational equipment and materials to help restore a sense of normalcy for youngsters. In northern Gaza, UNICEF tents are serving as temporary learning spaces for girls.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2009)