LONDON

Britain expressed concern Monday over the scale of human suffering in the Gaza Strip, saying the humanitarian pause must be kept in place and lead to a lasting ceasefire that brings the war to an end.

Speaking at the UN, Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for the Middle East, said the Working Group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction heard a "clear message" that Israel must uphold international humanitarian law, protect civilians and stop obstructing aid.

He noted that the humanitarian pause in fighting is essential and long overdue.

"This must be kept in place and lead to a lasting ceasefire that brings the war to an end, allows hostages to be freed and ensures aid can get into Gaza without obstruction," he told a high-level conference on a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the UN headquarters in New York.

Falconer said the group clearly rejected the misuse of aid for military or political ends and any attempts at demographic or territorial change.

"The United Nations must be allowed to save lives, to reduce suffering and preserve dignity," he said, mentioning strong support among the group for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

Falconer said the UK is acting "to alleviate suffering," noting that beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, Gaza's recovery needs will be vast.