MOSCOW, November 21. /TASS/. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic, and the current volume of humanitarian aid to the region is clearly not enough, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

"The present-day situation shows how disastrous it can be to follow a path that disregards international law," Lavrov said at a meeting with his counterparts from a number of Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states.

"We are already witnessing catastrophic humanitarian consequences in the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian aid supplies are clearly insufficient and UN humanitarian agencies are sounding the alarm," Lavrov added.

Russia’s top diplomat noted that considering where the conflict in the region stands today, the top priority "is to settle urgent issues, namely agreeing to a ceasefire, resolving the humanitarian issue and freeing hostages."

Tensions in the Middle East flared up again on October 7 after militants from the Palestinian group Hamas launched an incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and launched ground operations in the enclave, also carrying out air strikes on targets in the Strip, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also taking place in the West Bank.