UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a statement on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alert, saying it confirms that Gaza is on the “brink of famine”, Al Jazeera reports.

“The facts are in — and they are undeniable. Palestinians in Gaza are enduring a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions. This is not a warning. It is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” he said.

“The trickle of aid must become an ocean. Food, water, medicine, and fuel must flow in waves and without obstruction. This nightmare must end. Ending this worst-case scenario will take the best efforts of all parties now,” he said.

Guterres also reiterated his call for an “immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire”, the immediate and unconditional release of all captives, and full humanitarian access across Gaza.