The UN has called for a major scale-up in humanitarian aid to Gaza after just five UN aid trucks were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday, following more than two months of blockade.

The Israeli unit COGAT confirmed the trucks carried baby formula and other supplies, adding the IDF would ensure aid does not reach Hamas.

However, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described the delivery as “a drop in the ocean” and urged for much greater access, saying aid must reach civilians urgently.

Hamas officials said Gaza needs at least 500 aid trucks and 50 fuel trucks daily to avoid total collapse of vital services, which have been largely shut since March 2.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said only minimal aid would be allowed to prevent mass starvation, amid international pressure and ongoing military operations.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces struck 160 locations in Gaza, killing 136 people over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 53,475 since the war began on October 7, 2023.