UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that the world body’s ability to deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in Gaza “has been strangled”, Al Jazeera reports.

“No humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza. Meanwhile, at the crossing points, food, medicine and shelter supplies are piling up, and vital equipment is stuck,” Antonio Guterres said.

He explained that Israel — as an occupying power — has obligations under international law to ensure food and medical supplies for the population under occupation.

It must also maintain health services in the occupied territory, he added.

“I want to say a special word about those humanitarian heroes in Gaza. They are under fire and yet doing all they can to follow the path they choose to help people,” Guterres said.

“Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. Unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed.”