Canada has expressed alarm over “horrific deteriorating conditions” in Gaza, the country’s secretary of state for international development has said, Anadolu Agency reports.

“Canada is deeply alarmed by the horrific deteriorating conditions in Gaza and by the increase in civilian deaths, among them children, from starvation.

“The independent Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification issued a report confirming that a famine is occurring in Gaza Governorate and likely to occur in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates in the coming weeks,” Randeep Sarai said in a statement.

Civilians —including men, women, and children—are dying because adequate humanitarian aid is being blocked from reaching Gaza, Sarai added.

Sarai said Canada continues to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and also urged Hamas to release all hostages without delay.