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Britain has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the “grave” humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, the foreign secretary said.

David Lammy said access to basic services in the enclave was “deteriorating”, with the UN reporting that “hardly any food” had arrived in the past two weeks.

“Israel must ensure that civilians are protected and that routes are open for life-saving aid to pass through,” Lammy said.

“Together with our French and Algerian counterparts, we have today convened an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address this.”

He reminded all parties involved in the conflicts in the Middle East that they were bound by international law, and noted that Britain’s “steadfast support” for Israel’s security had not changed.

“Together with our international partners, we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire so that more humanitarian aid can flow in and the remaining hostages can get out,” he added.

Israel has been widely criticized for not allowing more aid into Gaza since ground operations began last October – requiring lengthy checks at tightly controlled border crossings.

Israel has repeatedly said it allows adequate aid but Hamas is stealing it, while also accusing humanitarian organizations of not doing enough to transport the aid.