Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Israel to allow the World Food Programme (WFP) to work in Gaza, saying food must not be used as a “political tool”, hours after the UN agency ran out of stocks due to a sustained Israeli blockade on supplies, Reuters reports.

“The UN World Food Programme just announced that its food stocks in Gaza have run out because of the Israeli Government’s blockade — food cannot be used as a political tool,” Carney said on X.

“Palestinian civilians must not bear the consequences of Hamas’ terrorist crimes,” Carney said. “The World Food Programme must be allowed to resume its lifesaving work.”

“We will continue to work with our allies towards a permanent ceasefire and the immediate return of all hostages,” Carney added.

The WFP said yesterday it had delivered its last remaining supplies to kitchens providing hot meals in Gaza and that the facilities were expected to run out of food in the coming days.