The World Health Organization said Israel provided no explanation for barring its partner organizations from the Strip, where the health-care system has collapsed.

Palestinian health officials called on Wednesday for a humanitarian corridor to three hospitals in northern Gaza that have come close to collapse as Israeli troops have cut off the area during almost two weeks of heavy fighting against Hamas.

Despite Israeli evacuation orders, doctors have stayed with their patients in Jabalia, where fighting has been fierce. The Gaza health ministry reports that Israeli strikes have killed 65 people in the last 24 hours, while U.S. officials have warned Israel to address the growing humanitarian crisis.