US calls for enhanced Gaza aid efforts from Israel

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Thursday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, underscoring the need for Israel to increase efforts to facilitate aid entry into the area and collaborate with aid organisations on deconfliction measures.

"There has been some measurable progress that we've seen when it comes to humanitarian aid getting into Gaza," Patel told a press briefing.

"But the circumstances within Gaza continue to be dire and more absolutely needs to be done. The crisis that we're seeing demands rapid expansion of these efforts."