The UN has pressed the Israeli government “as the occupying power in Gaza” to ensure humanitarian organisations can carry out their crucial work, Al Jazeera reports.

At a news conference, spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasised the critical role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, as the “backbone, heart, lungs and arms” of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“We are in constant contact with Israeli counterparts, notably Cogat (the Israeli military’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) on how to improve the system,” Dujarric said. “[The] humanitarian situation in Gaza remains beyond catastrophic.”

Dujarric noted that more than one million people in central and southern Gaza did not receive any food rations in August. An ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicines.