European Union leaders have demanded "humanitarian corridors and pauses" in Israel's conflict with Hamas, urging aid access for civilians trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip where, according to the United Nations, "nowhere is safe".
More airstrikes have ravaged swathes of Gaza and residents are running out of food, water and other supplies. The bombardment continued as the Israeli military said its troops and tanks briefly entered northern Gaza to prepare for a full-scale incursion since the latest conflict began weeks ago.
Concern is also growing over the regional fallout from the conflict, with Washington warning Iran against "escalation" while striking facilities in Syria.
On Friday, two mysterious objects hit two towns in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, injuring several people.
Israel has carried out strikes on Gaza since Hamas gunmen stormed across the border on Oct 7, killing 1,400 people, in the deadliest attack since Israel's creation.
The Israeli strikes have killed more than 7,000 people, mostly civilians, with growing calls for protection of innocents caught in the conflict.
Late on Thursday, EU leaders called for "continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs".
