Fears over Gaza communications blackout as Israel says Strip has been cut in two

Phone and internet services have been cut off in Gaza for the third time, according to reports.

Head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “very concerned” about the blackout, as well as “heavy bombardment”.

It comes as the Gaza Strip has effectively been cut in two after Israeli forces reached the coastline, the IDF has said.

 Israel army spokesman Jonathan Conricus claimed Israel has shown  “sincere, honest efforts” to evacuate civilians from northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, UN agencies have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, saying that “enough is enough”.

The heads of organisations including UNICEF, the WHO, the World Food Programme – as well as charities such as Save the Children – issued a rare joint statement describing the “horrific” loss on both sides.

Follow i‘s live blog for all the latest updates.