The World Food Programme has warned that “the lack of food and other vital humanitarian supplies entering the Gaza Strip could soon escalate into famine unless immediate action is taken”, Al Jazeera reports.

The UN agency said it reached only 42 per cent of the 1.1 million people targeted for food assistance in October due to a lack of supplies and access.

“North Gaza remains under siege since early October, with humanitarian agencies unable to reach people in need. Urgent international effort is required to allow the delivery of critical assistance and grant humanitarian agencies access to the area,” it added.