The spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres has said Israel is continuing to refuse the delivery of aid to the northern Gaza Strip, amid an ongoing Israeli siege and intense bombardment, Al Jazeera reports.

Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference that the majority of UN-led aid missions to northern Gaza trying to reach the besieged areas in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoon and parts of Jabalia had been rejected.

The UN attempted to reach these besieged areas 40 times, of which 38 attempts were denied and two were obstructed.

Dujarric urged Israel to meet the “essential needs” of civilians in the north and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.