The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the Gaza Strip faced “widespread hunger”, with nearly the entire population in desperate need of food assistance, Reuters reports.

“Supplies of food and water are practically non-existent in Gaza and only a fraction of what is needed is arriving through the borders,” WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement.

“With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation.”