The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, said that "humanity is failing" in the war between Israel and Hamas and called for the protection of civilians.

"Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian workers and goods, must be protected," the United Nations (UN) official said in a statement, quoted by Lusa.

Martin Griffiths, also the United Nations emergency aid coordinator, stressed that "even wars have rules, and those rules must be respected, at all times and by all parties".

"Civilians must be allowed to leave for safer areas. And whether they move or stay, constant care must be taken to spare them. Essential supplies and services and unhindered humanitarian access must be allowed," Griffiths emphasized.

In the same statement, the top UN official expressed his "great concern" that the conflict could spread to Lebanon and urged the countries with influence in the region to stop the escalation of violence and its spread to other places.

"All countries with influence must exert their influence to ensure respect for the rules of war and prevent any further escalation and spillover," Martin Griffiths said in the statement.

According to the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, "the last week has been a test for humanity, and humanity is failing".

Griffiths also referred to the people held captive being treated "humanely" and called for all hostages to be released.

"Civilians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories are suffering a week of utter anguish and devastation. I fear the worst is yet to come," added Martin Griffiths.