The UN food agency has warned that ‘famine is imminent’ in northern Gaza, where an estimated 70% of the population faces catastrophic hunger.

William Bell, Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy, commented: “Children in Gaza are dying of malnutrition and disease with desperate families reportedly eating grass to survive. This is suffering on a scale you couldn’t imagine. Our local partners in Gaza are responding as best they can, under intense pressure, but essential supplies are running perilously low.

“How many more lives will be lost to malnutrition, disease and airstrikes before our political leaders see this is the case?

“To respond at scale, we need unfettered humanitarian access. That means an immediate and permanent ceasefire for which the international community – the UK Government included – must unequivocally demand today.” (Christian Aid)