UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked by the appalling levels of death, injury and destruction” in northern Gaza, where Israel has launched a new attack it says is aimed at preventing the regeneration of Hamas.

A statement from the secretary-general’s spokesman said “repeated efforts” to deliver “essential” humanitarian supplies had been refused by Israeli authorities.

Guterres warns that “widespread devastation and deprivation” as a result of Israel’s offensive “makes living conditions unbearable for the Palestinian population there,” the statement said.

“This conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law,” he continued.

All sides must “respect and protect civilians” and ensure humanitarian efforts are not impeded, Mr Guterres said.