UN rights chief 'horrified' by Israel's attacks on Gaza

The UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, has condemned Israel's massive overnight airstrikes on Gaza, saying he is "horrified" by the escalating violence.

Türk said it was "abundantly clear that there is no military path out of this crisis."

"The only way forward is a political settlement, in line with international law. Israel's resort to yet more military force will only heap further misery upon a Palestinian population already suffering catastrophic conditions," Türk's statement from Geneva said.

He called for all parties to work towards peace and to prevent further suffering of civilians in the region.

According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 400 people had been killed in the Israeli airstrikes by mid-morning on Tuesday. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported recovering 150 bodies and treating 179 injured individuals, including children, so far.

Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed, and emergency services are continuing to tend to victims.

Türk said: "This nightmare must end immediately. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. All those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. The war must end permanently."

UN Secretary General António Guterres was also "shocked" by the attacks, according to a UN spokesperson. Guterres called for the ceasefire to be respected, for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, and for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.