Famine is both a risk and quite possibly present in at least some areas of the northern Gaza Strip, a senior US State Department official said, while adding that a scarcity of trucks was an obstacle to getting more aid into the densely populated enclave under Israel siege.

“While we can say with confidence that famine is a significant risk in the south and centre but not present, in the north, it is both a risk and quite possibly is present in at least some areas,” the official told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

The number of trucks distributing aid in south and central Gaza had nearly topped 200 a day, an increase compared to a month ago, but more were needed, the State Department official said.

“You need to address the full nutrition needs of the population of Gaza of all ages. That means more than just that minimal survival level feeding,” the official said, adding that malnutrition, infant newborn and young child mortality was a significant problem that was growing.

“It has to be addressed by additional assistance coming and the right kind of assistance coming in,” he said.