UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "silencing the guns" in Gaza in honor of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began Monday. 

Guterres told reporters that Ramadan celebrates "peace, reconciliation and solidarity. Yet even though Ramadan has begun – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza."

"My strongest appeal today is to honor the spirit of Ramadan by silencing the guns – and removing all obstacles to ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid at the speed and massive scale required. At the same time – and in the Ramadan spirit of compassion – I call for the immediate release of all hostages," he said. 

Guterres also renewed an appeal for a Ramadan cessation of hostilities in Sudan, saying fighting there must end for the sake of the Sudanese people who face hunger, horrors and untold hardships. 

"I call on political, religious and community leaders everywhere to do everything in their power to make this holy period a time for empathy, action and peace," he said.

(With input from agencies)