Around 20 trucks carrying aid have managed to cross into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt – which the UN said would be a mere drop in the ocean compared with the overwhelming need.

Food, medical supplies and water are running perilously short in the enclave – as Israel continued to launch airstrikes against Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the UK.

The UN chief has led calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire – describing the situation inside Gaza as a “god awful nightmare”.

First aid trucks cross into Gaza through Rafah crossing