Pakistan, Jan. 29 -- Despite a modest increase in humanitarian assistance, the situation in Gaza remains "dire", with children among the hardest hit by shortages of shelter, basic services and education, according to the United Nations.

Briefing reporters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the situation as still "dire" for hundreds of thousands of families across the Strip who remain in urgent need.

UN health partners have expanded basic services in recent days. As part of a catch-up vaccination campaign launched last week, more than 6,000 children under three have now received shots to safeguard against preventable diseases.

On food security, the UN and its partners are providing daily bread rations to at least 4...