It said that hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas were taking place in populated areas and "around hospitals", according to BBC.

“An unbearable human tragedy is unfolding in front of our eyes," it said, adding staff were getting calls from people "afraid to open their door for fear of getting killed and pleading to help them reach safety”.

It added that the southern Gaza Strip - where Palestinians are fleeing to escape the fighting - is "not equipped" for the waves of people moving there. The Red Cross said humanitarian aid entering the area was "largely insufficient" and refugees "lack essentials like shelter, food, water, and hygiene."

The situation is "rapidly approaching a humanitarian disaster," it added.