"Israel, the occupying power in Gaza, is obligated to enable us to do our duty," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.

In his daily press conference, Dujarric commented on Israel's desire to take over food distribution in Gaza, saying: "There has been no communication with the United Nations or sharing of a plan in this regard."

He explained that Israel had previously proposed this idea, but he stressed that "UNRWA is the backbone, heart, lung and arm for distributing health, food and humanitarian aid in Gaza."

Dujarric described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "beyond dire."

He pointed out that there was a 35 percent decrease in food distribution compared to last July.

Dujarric pointed out that the main reason for this is the Israeli "evacuation orders" that are issued from time to time.