New York - The United Nations on Wednesday expressed concern about the lack of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the increasing violence two months after Israel declared a unilateral end to hostilities.

UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs B Lynn Pascoe said the Middle East is faced with a "worrying situation of impasse and uncertainty."

There has been no breakthrough in the negotiations led by Egypt to work out a permanent ceasefire. More than 100 rockets were fired by Hamas into Israel in the past month, targeting civilian areas. Israel launched 12 airstrikes against Gaza, killing five Palestinians and injuring 30 others.

"We call for an end to all acts of violence, and for respect of international humanitarian law by all parties," Pascoe said in a monthly report to the UN Security Council.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains "intolerable" because the quality and quantity of goods imported into Hamas-held territory are insufficient to meet the needs of the Palestinians, the UN official said.

Pascoe said a weekly average of 727 trucks were allowed to enter Gaza, carrying food and medical supplies. But construction material, spare parts and other industrial goods are almost totally banned. (dpa)