The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is demanding that humanitarian aid be allowed to enter northern Gaza in light of the latest findings by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s (IPC) Famine Review Committee, which said famine is likely “imminent” in the area, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement, the IRC said the report, which was published two weeks ago, marked a “sharp and alarming deterioration” since last month’s report, which projected a “tripling” in the number of people facing food shortages in the coming months.

“The worst-case scenario may already be underway: Across Gaza, starvation, malnutrition, and excess mortality due to malnutrition and disease are rapidly increasing. The situation is critical. We have days, not weeks, to take decisive action to alleviate these dire conditions,” the IRC said.

“The Government of Israel must fulfill its obligations to ensure that people across Gaza can access food, medical supplies and other basic necessities needed for the survival of the population. Lives are now hanging in the balance,” the statement added.