UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council yesterday that his organisation still faces “significant obstacles, challenges and constraints” in its operations in Gaza, according to Reuters.

He said the UN, aid groups and the private sector need rapid, safe and unimpeded access to the enclave. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”.

“Visas, permits, and other enabling conditions must be in place quickly to allow a surge of desperately needed relief,” he told the 15-member council. “We require the necessary technical, protective and communications equipment.”

Israel has laid waste to much of Gaza and the pre-war population of 2.3 million people has been displaced multiple times.