Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says the air drops "might help" but notes that the "most vulnerable" in Gaza would still struggle to access essential supplies.

Israel has long restricted or completely blocked aid to Gaza on the argument that Hamas steals it to use as a weapon of control over the population.

A joint statement called for an immediate ceasefire and said that "withholding essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable."

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher has demanded that Israel provide evidence for its accusations that staff with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs were affiliated with Palestinian militants Hamas, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Friday.

Israel’s military took journalists on Thursday to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing to show what they claim is humanitarian aid awaiting collection.

US negotiators blamed Hamas for lacking "good faith" while dozens of countries, news outlets, and humanitarian organizations all urged Israel to allow aid into Gaza without delay.

Israel said on Tuesday there were 950 trucks' worth of aid waiting in Gaza - but the agencies accuse Israel of blocking access to it.