The Red Cross has announced that it plans next month to bring aid to 650,000 Venezuelan people, attempting to push through the blockade imposed by President Nicolas Maduro and alleviate immense suffering.

Francesco Rocca, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said on Friday that his organisation would bring in supplies, handing them out to those most in need.

He insisted that his aid delivery was not partisan, and would be distributed fairly. Mr Maduro's government will only issue help to those with a "carnet de patria" - an agreement swearing allegiance to his government.

Mr Rocca said the Red Cross must be allowed to work without "interference from anyone".

"The distribution has to be neutral," he added.

Mr Maduro has not yet responded to the announcement.

As the Red Cross were unveiling their plan, he was preparing to welcome a plane full of Chinese aid, arriving at the main Caracas airport.