Hospitals in Ethiopia's northern region are struggling with shortages of medical personnel, medicines and equipment as renewed fighting and drone attacks disrupt healthcare services, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said insecurity was also restricting ambulance operations and preventing the delivery of essential medical supplies to some affected areas.

His warning came after deadly drone strikes hit the Amhara and Tigray regions over the weekend. Civilians were among those killed in the attacks.

In Amhara, children and a newborn were among the fatalities at a displacement camp, while several people were reportedly killed in a separate attack in the Tigray town of Rama as they tried to obtain food.

Ghebreyesus described the incidents as deeply disturbing, noting that drone attacks and civilian casualties had become increasingly frequent across the country.

Renewed clashes between government forces and rebel groups in Amhara, Tigray and Afar resumed in September, nearly four years after a peace agreement brought an end to the previous major conflict.

The deteriorating security situation has also drawn concern from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who has warned of further escalation and regional destabilization.

Guterres has urged the warring parties to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, halt hostilities and engage in mediation efforts.

Meanwhile, the WHO and its partners are working to deliver additional medical supplies to affected areas.

Ghebreyesus further warned that continued fighting could further restrict access to emergency care, maternal and child health services and treatment for diseases.

He also called for an end to the violence, noting that peace remained the most effective way to protect lives and restore essential services.

(Story compiled with input from wire reports)