"For nearly 80 days, Israel blocked the entry of life-saving international aid," he said in a statement. "The entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine.

"The Israeli military offensive is intensifying with atrocious levels of death and destruction."

On Thursday, Gaza's health ministry said at least 3,613 people had been killed in the territory since Israel resumed strikes on 18 March, unilaterally ending a two-month ceasefire in its war on Gaza.

This brings the total death toll to 53,762. However, the Gaza government media office's updated toll now stands at more than 61,700, as it includes thousands still trapped under rubble and presumed dead.

Aid began trickling into the Gaza Strip this week for the first time in nearly three months, amid condemnation of the Israeli blockade that has sparked severe shortages of food and medicine and exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis.

But Guterres warned that of almost 400 trucks cleared for entry into Gaza through the Karm Abu Salem crossing, supplies from only 115 have been able to be collected.

"The needs are massive -- and the obstacles are staggering," he said. "Strict quotas are being imposed on the goods we distribute -- along with unnecessary delay procedures."

"Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law," Guterres added. "As the occupying power, it must agree to allow and facilitate the aid that is needed."

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