Israel has rejected global food security experts’ warnings of famine in parts of northern Gaza where it is fighting Hamas, Reuters reports.

“Unfortunately, the researchers continue to rely on partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests,” the military said in a statement.

The independent Famine Review Committee (FRC) said on Friday in a rare alert that there was a strong likelihood of imminent famine in parts of north Gaza with immediate action required from both sides to ease a catastrophic situation.

Israel’s military said it had increased aid efforts including opening an additional crossing on Friday.