The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee has warned that the situation in northern Gaza is “apocalyptic”, as the area has been under deadly Israeli siege for weeks.

The committee, which brings together 15 UN and humanitarian organizations, said residents were “denied basic aid and life-saving supplies while bombardment and other attacks continue”.

“Hospitals have been almost entirely cut off from supplies and have come under attack, killing patients, destroying vital equipment, and disrupting life-saving services. Health workers and patients have been taken into custody,” it said in a statement.

It called on “all parties fighting in Gaza to protect civilians” and on Israel to “cease its assault on Gaza and on the humanitarians trying to help”.