The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned that blocking humanitarian aid, including food, would lead to “an acute hunger crisis”.

Writing on X, Philippe Lazzarini, said “banning aid is a collective punishment for Gaza”, and that Palestinians in the enclave rely on imports from Israel. 

“It’s been three weeks since the Israeli authorities banned the entry of supplies to Gaza. No food, no medicine, no water, no fuel,” said Lazzarini.

“A tight siege longer than what was in place in the first phase of the war. The people of Gaza depend on imports via Israel for their survival. 

“Everyday that passes without the entry of aid means more children go to bed hungry, diseases spread and deprivation deepens.”