The Guardian – UN calls for immediate ceasefire to end ‘epic suffering’ in Gaza

The UN wants an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to end “epic suffering”, says The Guardian. 

Its secretary-general labelled Israel’s bombing and blockade “collective punishment” and claimed international law was being broken. The paper says it has sparked a “fierce row” with Israel. The country’s UN ambassador called Antonio Guterres’ remarks “blood libel”.

The front page carries a picture of 85-year-old Yocheved Lifschitz, one of two hostages released by Hamas on Monday, shaking the hand of one of her captors as she is freed. 

The paper says Ms Lifschitz told the man “Shalom” – a Hebrew word meaning “peace” and often used as a salutation – and later said at a press conference that, after some initial violence, she had been treated with “care” and “gentleness”.