The United Nations has warned that a new Israeli “authorization mechanism” and restrictions on humanitarian aid suppliers would introduce greater control over aid delivery by the regime forces in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the UN said aid organizations already have mechanisms to ensure that aid is not diverted and that they are “ready to deliver assistance to those most in need based on humanitarian principles.”

“Aid delivery into Gaza has for too long been obstructed,” the UN stated.

“Further control over aid operations by a party to the conflict would risk aid not reaching the most vulnerable at a time when it is needed the most.”

The UN warning came after Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz said the regime would not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, confirming that food is being used as a tool of pressure against Hamas.

Katz said no preparations were being made to bring supplies into the strip.

It has been six weeks since Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine and other critical supplies.

Aid agencies say there are concerns of a full-blown famine taking hold across the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Gaza truce deal must include permanent end of war: Hamas

Separately, speaking at a Palestine-related meeting in the Iranian capital, Khaled Qaddoumi, a Hamas representative in Tehran, said any ceasefire agreement will have to include a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Hamas has said it is studying the latest Israeli proposal conveyed to the Palestinian group via Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Prospects for a truce have been complicated further after Katz said the regime forces would stay indefinitely in the seized areas.

Qaddoumi also said, “The word catastrophe is not enough to describe the extremely critical situation in Gaza.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Hamas official said Israel’s bombing is being carried out with a green light from the US and certain Western countries.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk