The chief of the United Nations’ food programme has warned of a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza and reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Israel’s offensive against Hamas, AFP reports.

“There is famine, full-blown famine in the north and it’s moving its way south,” Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme, said in an interview excerpt published a day ago.

“What we are asking for and what we’ve continually asked for is a ceasefire and the ability to have unfettered access to get in safe … into Gaza — various ports, various gate crossings,” McCain continued.

The World Food Programme is one of the many humanitarian groups trying to get aid into Gaza.