A man-made famine is “tightening its grip” across the Gaza Strip, the head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA warned as he accused Israel of blocking aid deliveries and seeking to end UNRWA’s activities in the enclave, Reuters reports.

“Today, an insidious campaign to end UNRWA’s operations is underway, with serious implications for international peace and security,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told the 15-member UN Security Council.

“Across Gaza, a man-made famine is tightening its grip,” Lazzarini said.

“In the north, infants and young children have begun to die of malnutrition and dehydration. Across the border, food and clean water wait. But UNRWA is denied permission to deliver this aid and save lives.”