The head of the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees has said aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip are on the rise, but also expressed concerns that sanitary conditions in Gaza could worsen in hot weather.
Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, made the remarks at a news conference on Tuesday.
He said the daily number of trucks entering Gaza reached 316 on Monday.
But UNRWA says more than 500 trucks per day must enter to deliver necessary aid.
Lazzarini also said garbage collection has become a priority in areas where many residents are sheltering. He said there is fear that the areas could see outbreaks of diseases as the warmer season approaches.
About 1.7 million people have been displaced in Gaza, where fighting continues between Israeli forces and Hamas. The enclave faces shortages of food, drinking water and medical supplies as the Israeli military is intensifying the blockade of Gaza.
Israeli forces continued to carry out airstrikes over wide areas in Gaza on Wednesday. Health authorities there say 34,183 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October.
Israel has indicated it will step up its attacks on Gaza, including a possible ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah, fueling concerns that the humanitarian situation could further deteriorate.