DHAKA: UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has expressed extreme concern at the situation in Gaza, describing a ceasefire as ‘vital’.

She said the conflict meant 44% of Gaza was a no-go area for Palestinians, and residents were running out of food.

More than 710 Palestinians and 30 Israelis have been killed in the past 16 days of fighting, officials say, reports the BBC.

Israel’s ground operations and air strikes have continued, and more Hamas rockets have been fired into Israel.

Israel launched its military offensive on 8 July with the declared objective of stopping rocket fire from Gaza.

Speaking on Thursday, Valerie Amos said, ‘We have over 118,000 people now who are sheltering in UN schools... people are running out of food. Water is also a serious concern’.

BDST: 1830 HRS, JUL 24, 2014